A Dog's Purpose

These words were passed on to me from a very dear one, and while part of it I remember reading in the past with the forwarded emails, this one also had new parts in it for me as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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. 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!