“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 and live.
He said, “People are born so they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” He 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.
*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 gentle.
Blessings ~ my teachers: Abigail von Rotten the Terror ~ Grandma Grace ~ Sadie Hawkins ~ Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent ~ Sophie Lauren Butterball ~ Bandit ~ Jake ~ and all the others whom we’ve loved dearly and who have gone ahead ~
vicki says
Sandra/ you understand the soul of your animals– I know you love and cherish your four legged friends-
This is a lovely story.
Vicki
Patrice says
Great post! The dogs know. Have a good weekend!
John Gray says
I lost my bulldog recently and the vet was a real sweetie
thank you for that post it moved me
dori says
I read this after having this afternoon a wonderful long walk with my dog and a friend of mine and her dog and two dogs, who have lost their owner by being not welcome and not really loved. They all are so true and thankful and brave. Thank you for this post!
KathyB. says
Sandra, as I sit here with one of the most loving, faithful, and adoring dogs I have ever had & loved, I can appreciate this post.Dogs really do put us to shame in those departments, don't they?
The words of the young boy are so true.
Karen says
My dad shared this with me, too…we all love our furry family members…this story is definitely a keeper to reread for a reminder!
Such simple yet profound wisdom we can learn from all God's creatures…great and small….
Chatty Crone says
I have read that before myself and it is so true! lol I love my dog too. sandie
LindaSue says
AMEN if only I could be the woman my dogs think I am! I could use a couple more dogs right now (not really – would be too much of a good thing – I'm writing that to reassure Conan the Destroyer and Zoe Girl their position in the pack is secure)As always – we are like minded – which can be a very good thing (for us) and a risky thing for other people! Love to you dear Sandra – and all your furfaced friends!
Dawn @ Dawnings says
Brilliant post, Sandra. I'm sharing on facebook for all my dog-loving, wanting-to-get-the-most-out-of-life friends.
Pam says
Just beautiful Sandra. Thank you. ♥
Lynne says
Wonderful . . . Perfect . . .
✤ Live simply
✤ Love generously
✤ Care deeply
✤ Speak kindly
Why can't it be this way . . .Loved this Sandra, had seen it before and "the truth of the words" as meaningful this time, as then.
Beautiful . . .
Karen and Gerard says
I like this too–dogs are great!
Catherine says
Oh Sandra how utterly delightful!! What a great book indeed. x0x0x
Jane and Lance Hattatt says
Hello Sandra:
This is such a tender excerpt from the book and does indeed turn one's thinking about life and death on its head.
Yes, we do have so much to learn from animals and from Nature in general but, sadly, in our busy lives we do not, perhaps, take sufficient time or trouble to really notice. Still, this post is a pertinent reminder for us all to do just this. Happy Tuesday, dearest Sandra!
Timi says
It's a beautiful story, Sandra!!! Thank you very much !!!
madebymum says
Thanks for this post we have a new puppy who we love so much. Prior to that we had 3 wonderful dogs who are sadly no longer with us. They lived life to the full as does our new puppy enjoying the simple but important things.
Ginny says
I LOVE this!! And I could also add to be loyal to one Lord and master, and wait for him and follow him.
Karen says
Wonderful post, Sandra… if only I were the awesome person my dog thinks I am 🙂
..but I am trying…
Pom Pom says
How sweet, Sandra! I can tell you cherish your pets.