Judy in Texas 150 Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 This email is making the rounds. Thought some of you might enjoy it. 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! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stefa70 205 Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 :rofl2: :rofl2: >:D ;D :heart: Love it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
doodlebug....Cherie 461 Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Pass the tissues please. We just put down one of chihuahuas (Buster) last September. Thank God 6 year olds can put it all in perspective. :rofl2: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Judy in Texas 150 Posted March 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 My 17 year old beagle Dora has back issues and has trouble getting up to a standing position. Her back right leg is so weak. She's also on meds for congestive heart failure. I was about ready to "make the decision" last week; but, she's doing better now. We went camping last week end and she seemed to enjoy herself. She smiled, wagged her tail and perked her ears up. I hate to see her in pain and I don't want to use the cost of the medication as a reason to put her down. She's a good old dog. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
doodlebug....Cherie 461 Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 My 17 year old beagle Dora has back issues and has trouble getting up to a standing position. Her back right leg is so weak. She's also on meds for congestive heart failure. I was about ready to "make the decision" last week; but, she's doing better now. We went camping last week end and she seemed to enjoy herself. She smiled, wagged her tail and perked her ears up. I hate to see her in pain and I don't want to use the cost of the medication as a reason to put her down. She's a good old dog.I know what you are going through Judy. Buster had congestive heart failure, he was only 6. The vet said it was genetic and a breeding issue. The breeder said it wasn't. However my friend also had 2 chihuahuas from the same breeder with the same problem.Having him put down was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. He was the best dog in the world. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 I refuse to read the original post. Or should I say, I can't read the original post. Our little guy means the world to us and I can't imagine the time when he's no longer with us. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caveat lector 181 Posted March 20, 2011 Report Share Posted March 20, 2011 Because of all the qualities enumerated above, my pup gets treated like royalty. Bought a TT in large part just so Zeus could vacation with us. I keep a supply of healthy treats around, because he's always happy to see me come home (no matter how lousy my day was). He always wants to protect me from strangers when we go for a walk. It never fails to make me giggle. Oh ya, forgot to mention, he's a 20 pound pile of fur, and I'm a 6 foot 290 pound powerlifter. :D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
polkadotsuitcase 12 Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 Aw, so very sweet! My beloved furbabies passed away within a year of each other, and it's still painful to think about all these years later (can't bring myself to add up how long it's been). Such great friends... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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