The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
> Read this one slowly and carefully, &learn its valuable lesson. > > ------------------------------- > > A Dog's Purpose > > 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. > > Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. > > 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. > > Be always grateful for each new day and for the blessing you have. > > ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! - That's what dogs teach us. >
I have a Black Lab who is with me 24/7. They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame one time in their life. If you own a dog you are guaranteed 15 minutes of fame "everyday". You can leave the house and be gone to the grocery store for 10 minutes, and when you return your dog makes you feel like you have been gone for a month. RLC
Irish, I loved this, thank you so much, Im going to print it and save it. I have two dogs and I can really say I love them. A shitzu named Luca, and a shitzu, Poodle mix, named Trina. They are teaching me. Thank you again, Luv, Bettina
We have several dogs & love all of them. They know when you are down & are a great comfort. We have a German Shepherd, a Black Lab, a Golden Retriever mix, a wolf, & 3 wolf/shepherd hybrids that just turned a year old. They are a handful, but I wouldn't know what to do without them.
Thanks for sharing this. I had read it before and you are correct...we can learn alot from it.
We are a 3 dog family...2 schnauzers and a scottie. In the last few eyars we have had to put down a 17 year old, a 16 year old and a 13 year old. (all schnauzers) Just imagining a child could have such wisdom at a time like that is amazing.
My dogs give me unconditional love. If I am having a tough time, they sense it and lay close tome.
Thanks for sharing this! If an angel is a messenger of god (as I've heard) then I have concluded that all natural things are reflections of god, most assuredly animals. Their love is so pure & clear. I use animals as a barmoneter, as my mother always taught me if our dog reacts badly to someone, they have a negative intent. I find my cats to be excellent for this too, as they are a little more trepadatious. I am always watching my animals & listening to their subtle clues.
Also, I know kids are better at accepting life in general, they haven't learned to be all fearful yet. Thanks for allowing us to be in on such a poignant moment. I have had to put down animals, giving them their dignity & peace, it is very bittersweet. It seems harder to deal with the natural deaths than these b/c we are taking action & intervening.
Much love to you! -k
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Light, Love, Peace, Blessings & Healing to Us All. God's Will Be Done. Amen.
I absolutely loved your message and story. How amazing it is for such a child to learn so much about life and understand some meaning of life and love as he did. How smart that little boy was, and so insightful even for me (a grown up)!
I am also an animal love which as you have read, many of your replies are from great animal lovers . Yea!
Right now I have a bichon and 2 cats. I had 2 other cats and my one baby Chelsea, died 2 yrs ago on Valentines Day. The unconditional love and attention from a CAT was a true blessing. She was always by my side esp when I was hurting either physically or mentally. She is my angel cat and I am blessed by having had her be a part of my life. The other animals, my bichon and the cats , are so perceptive and give such unconditional love that sometimes I just cry tears of joy over the fact that I have been so blessed by having my multiple babies.
