Since there are many dog owners on the list, I recieved this message from my aunt. She is 88 years young and a new computer user. My brother bought her a notebook and she loves the internet and email.
> Subject: A Dog's Purpose
>
>
> 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 ng 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. Persevere.
>
> When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
> sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
> Subject: A Dog's Purpose
>
>
> 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 ng 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. Persevere.
>
> When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
> sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
