Being a veterinarian, I had
been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound 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..
- 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.
- 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! |
