i hadnt heard this one--i really liked it  

> 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
> there were no miracles left 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 the four-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.
>  
> 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."
>  
> Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest
> to God.

That was a great read. I've never seen that before.
Very cool, thank you for sharing.

Have to agree with SP1, *sniff*

That was precious, D-C.
<goes off to hug her mutt, Bourbon>

awwww I wanna hug my puppy too now

I have something in my eye....



Damn, chickensoup books