Learning Lessons From Dogs

[debris4spike]

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 tr! ansition 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, i! f 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!

Comments

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

What a sweet story!

[debris4spike]

It was wonderful - pity we all have to grow up and lose that innocent truth.

[hexebusterjaxon.livejournal.com]

"Avoid biting when a simple growl will do" - I love that one!!

[debris4spike]

There was a great list if thoughts that dogs seem to live by.

[jerusha]

Out of the mouths of babes...

[debris4spike]

... Such a pity we all have to grow up!

[ezagaaikwe.livejournal.com]

Well, that made me cry. But in a good way. Thanks, Deb.

[debris4spike]

I know exactly what you mean - that was my reaction.

[illuminanted.livejournal.com]

Awww, that was too adorable and sweet and... true! Dog really can teach us these kind of stuffs if only more people will listen...

[debris4spike]

So true ... Dogs are wonderful creatures - so full of love and forgiveness - we could learn so much.

[strikske.livejournal.com]

What a moving story. The list is so true, we should all try to live by it. Enjoy Life to the Fullest and be Kind to Others. New Years resolution.

[debris4spike]

Yes, the story was moving - but those doggy-thoughts are true - we really would do ourselves a favour to try and remember them.

[sarian71]

That little boy's wisdom made me all teary eyed.

[debris4spike]

I so agree - that's why I just had to share with my friends.

Poinant to see Rafu's picture again - *hugs*

[larabeckinsale.livejournal.com]

That is really beautiful. *sigh*

[debris4spike]

It is truly very special

[cordykitten]

Awe :))
Good but sad.

PS - mind if I snag again? At the moment I find a lot of Christmas stories but not much else.

[debris4spike]

Yes - do snag - it is just such a poinant story, isn't it?

[spikesdeb.livejournal.com]

*bawls* That made me sob; I'm sitting up in bed with a spaniel by my feet, one on the pillow next to me and one on the floor. During the night they'll all end up on the bed snuggling up to me and I'll feel safe and secure. They mean the world to me. Their simple view of life makes it impossible to be unhappy when you get a cold, wet nose nudging at your hand - even if you're annoyed at the interruption to start with, it won't be long before you're smiling and kissing a doggy nose :) Why yes, I am obsessed with my dogs - how can you tell? I'm off to cuddle all three of them now and count my blessings :) Thanks for sharing.

[debris4spike]

Yep, crying with you.

Saying goodbye to my four-legged loved ones has been the hardest things I have done - their unconditional love and forgiveness has been amazing.

[lupina78.livejournal.com]

This is probably the most touching and comforting thing I´ve ever read. And I´m not ashamed to say that I had tears in my eyes while reading it.
I put this entry to my memories. There lies so much truth within those words.
Thank you for sharing!

[debris4spike]

It was just such an amazing story, wasn't it, Andy?

Yes, it needs to be re-read from time to time to help us focus on those important things of life.