A Dog's life

I received this email today from a dear friend and just had to share it with you all. We have a "Staffbrador", (a 1 yr old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Labrador cross) called Linus and he is completely bonkers. He drives me mad, jumps up to steal any food that is left on the table or counter top, occassionally has an accident on the floor and leaves dog hair and chewed up bits all over the floor. We all adore him and he thinks he is a baby, albeit a naughty one. I cried when I read the e-mail and maybe it will help me to remember to just enjoy our puppy and not get cross with him so much.

"A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-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. 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!