A Dog's Purpose

[2 DA GILLS]

I received this "story" in an e-mail and thought I would share.

"A 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. 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 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.""

[fishnhooks]

How true..how true. Thanks for sharing that. Makes a person sad and smile all at the same time. The 4 year old handled that a heck of a lot better than I would have.

"hooks"

[BLACKJACK]

That is the great thing about dogs, unconditional love.

[fiskyknut]

2 Da Gills, Thanks for that. Today is a day I've dreaded for months, Our 13 yo Brittney 'Rusty' has taken a turn for the worse and I have the Vet coming in a couple of hours. My wife has taken the day off from work and we are giving him our love, as he gave all of his for those 13 great years. Your post brought a little smile to my wifes sad and teary face, Thanks.

I'm really gonna miss that old boy Rusty.

fiskyknut

[2 DA GILLS]

fiskyknut

I am sorry to hear about your lose. After reading that e-mail I knew I had to share it here. I have had 2 dogs pass during my life and I had a hard time with both.

I am glad that the message could bring even a little smile at such a hard time.