Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. 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.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Six-year-old Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while afterwards, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane piped up, 'I know why.' 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.'
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.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- 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.
- Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
