Hi everyone - received this from a friend, thought you might enjoy it!
Blessings - Lin
As 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 the four-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; 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 four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Hey Lin, I have read this before, and no matter how many times I read it, it brings tears to my eyes. I truly believe dogs exhibit dedication, love and loyalty that some of us as humans never understand or get to share in. Dogs are truly special in that way and I am so glad that I get to share it with my 2 nuts each and every day!
That makes such sense! As Sattie said, I too am humbled by dogs and feel that they pocess understanding and love deeper than lots of humans will ever know. I feel blessed to have one in my life.
I have always been obsessed with every animal in general. But have a passion for Dogs. I want to one day live in a big house on a farm and have like 6 dogs and horse!....tthat'd be the life.
I've often thought it would be wonderful if people were as intelligent as animals..
They hold no grudges, kill only to survive, respect each other's territory, don't envy, don't gossip, and raise their young with discipline so they can learn to care for themselves. Wouldn't it be great if the human race had that much sense!
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siggy by Chicoluver The wind of anger blows out the lamp of intelligence.
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Dogs are unconditional LOVE!
