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.  

Very dusty in here today. And I need to go hug my dog.

Bama, that truly made me feel good.  Will be doing some cutting and pasting of that story.  Thank you for that one.

Wow, that's cool.

Thanks.

Wisdom of a child is amazing

My twelve year old Airedale is getting close to her time.  Thanks for the story; it helps put things in perspective.

Funny how kids give the simplest yet best answers to questions that we adults would mull over for hours.  Innocence is beautiful.  

Great story, thanks a lot for posting it

nice story...one I'm going to share with my girlfriend.

thanks

That's a readers digest-esque story but warm nonetheless.

You know when you get something in your eye trying to use the 'puter?  Hate when that happens.

.

We had to put our best friend to sleep back in October and I am still trying to figure out why we live longer than they do......it doesn't seem fair.

The kid is right.  

"I wish I could be half the person my dog thinks I am...."
ETA:  Thanks for sharing that, it helps.

ETA, pt. II:  Need to get another Amber Bock.

damn allergies

Quoted: Very dusty in here today. And I need to go hug my dog.

You should.. I do more times a day than I can count.

Out of the mouths of babes