The purpose of a dog

[14inches]

The purpose
Of a dog!
Read all the way to the end.
It is worth it!



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 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, 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!