My friend Gene from Epworth just sent me this and i thought it was worth putting up here!! I am thinking it is a good way to live your life….what do you think? Thanks Gene!
A DOG ‘ S PURPOSE ( FROM A SIX 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
