I have received this before, but this time, I
received it from a wonderful friend of mine, and
decided that there may be some of you who have
not read it.

It is such a good lesson!

"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. 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.
* Always be grateful for each new day and for the
blessing you have."

"ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!"

As I said, wonderful lessons from our furry friends.

Take care of your dog while you can by feeding him a
natural diet.

Sandra