I want to share with you a story told by a veterinarian. You may have seen it before. It's been all over social media, but I think it bears repeating.
A couple and their little boy brought a 10-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker to the vet, hoping for a miracle. After examination, the vet found Belker to be dying of cancer. He sadly told the family he couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As they made arrangements, the couple thought it would be good for their six-year-old son, Shane, to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, the vet felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that the vet wondered if the boy understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition, and they all sat together for a while 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, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned the vet, who had never heard a more comforting explanation.
Shane 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.
If a dog was your teacher, you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
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.
The Bottom Line?
If dogs can love us unconditionally, why can’t we love each other in the same way? Wouldn’t the world be a better place?
A couple and their little boy brought a 10-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker to the vet, hoping for a miracle. After examination, the vet found Belker to be dying of cancer. He sadly told the family he couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As they made arrangements, the couple thought it would be good for their six-year-old son, Shane, to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, the vet felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that the vet wondered if the boy understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition, and they all sat together for a while 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, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned the vet, who had never heard a more comforting explanation.
Shane 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.
If a dog was your teacher, you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
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.
The Bottom Line?
If dogs can love us unconditionally, why can’t we love each other in the same way? Wouldn’t the world be a better place?
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