Deep thought of the day

[bigredsmoker]

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-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 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.

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!

[Mr Walleye]

Boy is there a lesson for humans!  8)

Thanks for sharing

Mike

[Wildcat]

Real nice.  ;)

[Ontrack]

I just gave my dog a hug after reading that...

[NePaSmoKer]

Thats real nice bigredsmoker

I lost my suzi last may. 15 yr old mini schitzu. She was my baby.   :'(  But she sent me my kiki pup so i wouldnt get lonely.



nepas

PS TY for sharing with us.

[Tiny Tim]

Eyes got a little misty during the first part....like NePa, I also recently lost a very good friend who just happened to be furry.

[bigredsmoker]

TinyTim, I noticed you are in western Iowa, Anywhere near Omaha?

[Tiny Tim]

About an hour to an hour and a half Northeast of there....get down there on occasion...usually go to Sioux City when the urge to hit a city gets me though.  Been due for a trip that way though.

[bigredsmoker]

My wife has family in Alta and Storm lake, so I am familiar with the area you are from. Lots of windmills up there.

[Tiny Tim]

Yeah, gettin' to be more all the time...about 10-15 miles East of my hometown (can see them on my daily sales call drive), there's a bunch of new ones that went up last year (I think, maybe 2 years ago).  Supposed to be a good crop of them coming in right around here (within 2 mile radius) too.

Your pic looks sort of familiar...you wouldn't happen to be a NAPA store owner - employee - Manufacturer Rep, would you?

[bigredsmoker]

No, nothing like that. Been a native of Omaha my whole life.

[Consiglieri]

Appreciate the insight.  Wish I was that wise now (let alone at 6).

I think we'll need to add a dog to the family prett soon.

[Wildcat]

There is nothing like an affectionet pet.  I like birds, cats, and dogs.  Dogs are my favorite because as a general rule they are more predictable and provide more than just affection.  Some of them can hunt, alert you when someone enters your property, and some of them can dig a really nice hole to bury your smoked liver in.  :D

[HCT]

My boys have helped my through some really tough times, to the point that I was totally absorbed in myself and problems going on. They were always there for me, by my side. I can't imagine life without any of them. The bonds we have are undescribable. Color me crazy but excluding my kids and grandkids I'll take them over any human.   

[bigredsmoker]

I think we will be adding a second black lab to our household in the spring. I have a almost 11 year old female now. I had to put my male down acouple of years ago at age 10. He had stomach cancer and stopped eating. Couldn't bear to see him wasting away. It was a very sad day around our house. My daughter wa just 5 and really had a hard time with it. She would be OK and then at bedtime she would be crying and say she missed Buddy. She still says that sometimes, but knows he is in doggy heaven and better off. Now I'm all choked up again. Will have to get that puppy soon to bring the puppy attitude back to the family!!

Terry