This was sent to me via email so I’m guessing it’s done a lot of email rounds but it’s too good not to share here too.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!!!
I’m participating in Wordless Wednesday today. I know this is SO not wordless, but it’s so worth it!
Lena says
Such a beautiful story! Just shared with all the dog lovers at work. Lena xx
Jen says
I know, isn’t it gorgeous, and so true.
Tamara says
I agree with you so worth not being wordless today
Jen says
Thank you, I do take some liberties.
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts says
Gorgeous photos!! I love not so wordless wednesdays – as you always need a good story to go with a picture that doesn’t explain much!!!
Beautiful!
Twitchy says
Man! Old dogs. Loved that. Mine turned 16 last week, vet says we have a few months left. She’s not unlike your beautiful photo, much greyer. I guessed the end of the story differently, I thought the boy might say that though we do love our dog, the dog unconditionally loves us so much, that they must leave us before we leave them. That is what I’m going to be trying to remember. :’)
Jen says
Aw, some sad times for you ahead saying goodbye to your dog. But I guess you’ve got all those great memories. I’m so glad I’ve had my dog as long as I have and I look forward to having her around for some time yet – as long as she’ll have us anyway.