[Spirited] Dog Gone

Dog's Purpose, from a 4-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 four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They >> felt >> 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. >> >> >> 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 four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do >>>> that, >> so they don't have to stay as long." >> >> >> >> >> Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff 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. >> >> Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. >> >> 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.