Someone sent this to me. I thought it was really sweet. I thought I'd share.

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 to 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''.


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!

That was awesome! Of course I got teary eyed!

*sniffle* I gotta go give my dog a hug...

That's one of my favorites. Still get stiffly every time I read it. I'm such a baby when it comes to sad things about dogs!

That is so true, we humans forget about thoose things way too often. That are the things lif eis really about, not money etc.

What a sweet story. I want to go give Libby a hug now.
Thank you for sharing it.

Awww - glad I didnt' read this at work! Hugging dogs now.

these need a do not read at work warning! thanks for sharing, need tissue....

lol, I as a man try not to cry.. but I almost teared, very sweet.

I just had to put my old lady down (she was 13 and had cancer) so of course I cried. I miss her so much. I wish I had thought that way when it happened.

Very sweet!

Someone told me to get the book, 'A dog's purpose'.
She said it was a quick read, but a very good book.

So I did...and it was a GREAT book!

I'd be happy to pass it along to anyone who wants to read it....just PM me your address....first come, first serve.

Sorry, I should have included the tissue warning. I just love the part about what we could learn from a dog

I agree with Claudia. I read that book and I LOVED IT! It is such a heartwarming book that will have you laughing, crying, and giving your doggie lots of hugs. It is a great book.