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What if humans were more
like pets.
(Someone sent me this, so I thought I
would share it with you)
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! |
