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!
