Friday, July 25, 2008

Why Dogs Don't Live as Long as Humans




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!

{This was sent to me via email. This story is not my own.}

13 comments:

  1. Out of the mouths of babes! We have cats at our house, but we love all pets. There is no greater example on earth of unconditional love.
    This post...well done!

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  2. Now I'm gonna cry Jamie!! How sweet is this to hear. I'm kissing my new puppy as I'm wiping my tears. They do love us so easy and our time with them is so short sometimes. Thanks for posting this story. I lost a best friend last year and I still cry for him.
    Wanda

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  3. Hi Jamie! That is such a touching story! Thanks for sharing it with us! Great blog! Lisa :)

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  4. Jamie~ I just stumbled onto your blog and have had such a blast reading it! The baby was asleep and Jordan was losing brain cells in front of the X Box and I read and read! I have enjoyed it so much!! I have been thinking of blogging for a long time! I think you have inspired me!! Hope you are doing well.

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  5. Aww thanks you guys!! I cried when I read it too! It is so true!

    Hey Angie!!! Another blogger is born!! YIPEE!!


    Thanks again!

    ~ Jamie

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  6. Awww how sweet! That just makes me cry!! So touching! I came across your blog from Tonya's. I've had so much fun reading it!
    Wonderful blog!
    Shay

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  7. Oh my gosh that was touching....how beautiful. God bless you for your service to God's creatures.

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  8. Jamie....you made me cry!!! This is so wonderful..what a great life lesson...so glad I stopped by this morning.

    have a wonderful day,
    Doreen

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  9. What a Beautiful way to see the world...if we could only see what children see, what a Wonderful world it would be...Very touching Jamie, Thanks for sharing.

    ~Linda

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  10. how touching .... how true!



    that could be phils twin!

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  11. Jamie...sniff-sniff...That is such a great story! I love that American Bully Boy! What ever happened to him? Do your neighbors still have him? Hugs, Starla & Phil :)

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  12. Excellent blog, and so very true. My mom had to put down the family beagle yesterday because she had congestive heart failure and had taken a turn for the worst. I left home in March to join the Air Force, and she was doing perfectly fine.

    Though Bailey was a family pet, she was most attached to me, just as I was attached to her, and I was really hoping she could hang on just a bit longer until I came home on leave. It was really upsetting to find out she had to be put down, but I understand that it was her time and I know she is doing much better now.

    Thank you for those heartfelt words, they made my day.

    ~Syan

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  13. It is indeed very comforting to accept this child's explanation. Sometimes G-D sends messages in mysterious ways, and I wouldn't be surprised if this child is living proof of this.
    I am devastated over the death of my 16 year old sheltie. She was my world and I miss her so very much. It's been 6 weeks today and pain is still so very strong.
    Thanks for your comforting words.
    Lucy

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