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A Dog's Purpose...I Had To Pass This Along

By
Real Estate Agent with Allison James Elite CA. DRE 01501699

Wake Up Project's photo.   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.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...

~ Source: Ultima National Resources, LLC

Comments (17)

Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

What a sweet story. :)  We love our Sophie (age 8...or 56ish in people years).

Jul 18, 2015 04:44 AM
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

Wow, what a great thing to say in a time like that. Seeing a dog go is one of the hardest saddest things I've seen multiple times. That 6 year old handles it better then I do.

Jul 18, 2015 04:52 AM
Chris B Johnson REALTOR®
Allison James Elite - Moorpark, CA
5 Star Rated REALTOR® Quality, Not Quantity

Sonja Patterson , Stefan Winter If you are an avid reader, you should definitely get the book, "A Dogs Purpose"    

Jul 18, 2015 05:40 AM
Blanca Barajas
Winter Group - Las Vegas, NV

How sweet, dogs always bring that little something to your life.

Jul 18, 2015 08:50 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Chris - Very nice and touching life experience. Belker left us peacefully.

Jul 18, 2015 01:48 PM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Chris B Johnson I love this story.  Thank you for sharing it.

Jul 21, 2015 08:30 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Chris B Johnson ~ this story made me cry, it was so touching. As the "mother" of a 14+ year old dog, I know the time will come soon and I'm dreading it. But it's also nice to know that the end can be very peaceful.

Jul 21, 2015 10:59 PM
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Well said Chris. Great philosophy. Chris B Johnson 

To my friend Nina Nina Hollander , I had this experience 2 years ago with my old girl of 15 years - we did a lot together. Good thing to be prepared and to be realistic. When it's time, it's time. Don't prolong it.

Jul 21, 2015 11:51 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Richard Baxinet/MBA ~ hi Richard, I know whereof you speak, as we had to make that decision for our Max about 5 years ago. But that was a quick decision after he broke his knee and hip and the doctor said it wasn't repairable and he'd be in pain for the rest of his life. He was 11 then. It was very hard. The difference now is we have a much older dog in good health, but you still know the time is coming.

Jul 22, 2015 12:00 AM
Raul Rodriguez
Covenant Partners Realty - San Antonio, TX
Looking out for the client's interest and not my p

That is a fantastic story. It reminded me of the end of verse 6 in Isaiah 11...and a little child will lead them.

Jul 22, 2015 12:04 AM
Chris B Johnson REALTOR®
Allison James Elite - Moorpark, CA
5 Star Rated REALTOR® Quality, Not Quantity

Nina Hollander , Richard Bazinet /MBA , Raul Rodriguez , If you are an avid reader, you should definitely get the book, "A Dogs Purpose"    

Jul 22, 2015 12:29 AM
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Read the book Chris. I finally understood. 

Jul 22, 2015 01:23 AM
Chris B Johnson REALTOR®
Allison James Elite - Moorpark, CA
5 Star Rated REALTOR® Quality, Not Quantity

Richard Bazinet /MBA , my wife and daughters still reference the book, I got a little misty eyed too!

Jul 22, 2015 01:26 AM
Linda Metallo DiBenardo
RE/MAX Impact, Lockport, Illinois - Lockport, IL

Dogs are smart, we can learn much from their behavior.  Beautiful story Chris.

Jul 22, 2015 04:25 AM
Chris B Johnson REALTOR®
Allison James Elite - Moorpark, CA
5 Star Rated REALTOR® Quality, Not Quantity

Linda Metallo DiBenardo  Thank you Linda!

Jul 22, 2015 04:44 AM
Anonymous
Susan Nichols

I read the story on Facebook, this morning..and while I love all animals, most especially cats...the story took me a step off the path..to the wise little boy..and his touching on how we humans may take a moment and soak...thank you

Sep 11, 2015 12:32 AM
#16
Chris B Johnson REALTOR®
Allison James Elite - Moorpark, CA
5 Star Rated REALTOR® Quality, Not Quantity

Thank you Susan

Sep 11, 2015 03:45 AM