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.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Steve Parsons

480-993-9797

http://www.familydobes.com

http://www.dobetalk.com