A Dog's Purpose

judy · 02-23-2008, 08:41 AM

Since we're pretty much all dog owners, I thought you'd enjoy this.

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

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. 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.

Tink · 02-23-2008, 09:27 AM

Thanks for sharing Judy!
All very true!

katcarasella · 02-23-2008, 09:29 AM

Thanks Judy,
It's not bad enough that I miss my furbutts so much that I'm avoiding YT while I'm out here, but now I have to be careful what I read here.

I'm literally sitting here crying like a baby

You got me good Judy

I'll get you back when you you least suspect it.

Hugs, Kathy

judy · 02-23-2008, 09:31 AM

Oh, poor Kathy! I'm sending you a big hug.

Gina · 02-23-2008, 01:42 PM

aww sad but true.

Janet · 02-23-2008, 05:43 PM

I rec'd that in an email once and loved it. What is it they say? 'Out of the mouths of babes.' So true.

DianaB · 02-24-2008, 09:38 PM

Awwww, that's so sweet. Children can say the most wonderful things! Dogs are so special. I just love the way that Reuger greets me when I get home. Even if I've just left and had to come back because I forgotten something he still greets me the same wonderful way!!!

Janet · 02-25-2008, 08:59 AM

I know Diana...they always are so happy when we come home. They never hold a grudge.

Marilyn · 02-25-2008, 02:47 PM

What bothers me is that every morning Zoe follows me to the door when I leave and looks at me like I'm deserting her. When I come home, though, we have a party!!!

Yes, out of the mouths of babes!!

judy · 02-26-2008, 03:56 PM

I get the "yorkie dance of joy" when I come home. I don't even take off my coat - I just sit down on the floor and let them share their joy with me. Not a bad way to spend 10 minutes, let me tell you!

Forgivenmom5 · 02-26-2008, 06:46 PM

That is so great. When I am really feeling bad my Chipper lays right with me and follows me everytime I get up. It's amazing how they know how you feel.

yorkiemalt · 02-28-2008, 07:01 AM

what a touching story!

AngieDoogles · 02-28-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianaB

Awwww, that's so sweet. Children can say the most wonderful things! Dogs are so special. I just love the way that Reuger greets me when I get home. Even if I've just left and had to come back because I forgotten something he still greets me the same wonderful way!!!

That is so true Diana. My two are really everything to me. I don't know what I'd do without them. I'm worried about my Marty right now, but hopefully we'll get good news soon.

AngieDoogles · 02-28-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judy

I get the "yorkie dance of joy" when I come home. I don't even take off my coat - I just sit down on the floor and let them share their joy with me. Not a bad way to spend 10 minutes, let me tell you!

HAHAHA! Judy, I do the EXACT same thing. It is one of the highlights of my day. It's hilarious because they can't decide if they want to love on me or Brendon first so they run frantically between the two of us for quite some time before they settle down and let us really hug them!

Too cute...

DianaB · 02-28-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngieDoogles

....... I'm worried about my Marty right now, but hopefully we'll get good news soon.

Ok, I'm out of the loop on this one........so what's wrong with Marty? I haven't heard anything about this.

02-23-2008, 08:41 AM	#1
judy Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver, NY Posts: 8,097	A Dog's Purpose Since we're pretty much all dog owners, I thought you'd enjoy this. A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old) 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. 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. __________________ *Judy*

02-23-2008, 09:27 AM	#2
Tink Donating 4WT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Rural Wisconsin Posts: 3,707	Thanks for sharing Judy! All very true! __________________ 'A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.' England 's Prime Minister Tony Blair'

02-23-2008, 09:29 AM	#3
katcarasella KAT'S KRAZY KORNER Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 3,031	Just what I needed!!!! Thanks Judy, It's not bad enough that I miss my furbutts so much that I'm avoiding YT while I'm out here, but now I have to be careful what I read here. I'm literally sitting here crying like a baby You got me good Judy I'll get you back when you you least suspect it. Hugs, Kathy __________________ A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should. Kat

02-23-2008, 09:31 AM	#4
judy Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver, NY Posts: 8,097	Oh, poor Kathy! I'm sending you a big hug. __________________ *Judy*

02-23-2008, 05:43 PM	#6
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,624	I rec'd that in an email once and loved it. What is it they say? 'Out of the mouths of babes.' So true. __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

02-23-2008, 01:42 PM	#5
Gina Donating 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,025	aww sad but true.

02-24-2008, 09:38 PM	#7
DianaB Moderator Donating 4WT 13K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 16,069	Awwww, that's so sweet. Children can say the most wonderful things! Dogs are so special. I just love the way that Reuger greets me when I get home. Even if I've just left and had to come back because I forgotten something he still greets me the same wonderful way!!! __________________ ´¨) ¸.•´¸.•´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Diana Baker ✞ You and I are friends....... Always remember that if you fall I will pick you up...... After I stop laughing!!!

02-25-2008, 08:59 AM	#8
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,624	I know Diana...they always are so happy when we come home. They never hold a grudge. __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

02-25-2008, 02:47 PM	#9
Marilyn Donating 4WT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 4,907	What bothers me is that every morning Zoe follows me to the door when I leave and looks at me like I'm deserting her. When I come home, though, we have a party!!! Yes, out of the mouths of babes!! __________________ Marilyn If anyone would like a free Bible Study CD or book entitled "Searching for Truth", PM me with your mailing address and I'll send you one. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32

02-26-2008, 03:56 PM	#10
judy Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver, NY Posts: 8,097	I get the "yorkie dance of joy" when I come home. I don't even take off my coat - I just sit down on the floor and let them share their joy with me. Not a bad way to spend 10 minutes, let me tell you! __________________ *Judy*

02-26-2008, 06:46 PM	#11
Forgivenmom5 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,409	That is so great. When I am really feeling bad my Chipper lays right with me and follows me everytime I get up. It's amazing how they know how you feel. __________________ ~Debbie~

02-28-2008, 07:01 AM	#12
yorkiemalt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 193	what a touching story!

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