a dog's purpose.

you know, normally i delete forwards as soon as i get them, but this one i just lolololoooove. if you've read my profile, you know that my husband & i believe that you can learn a heap from dogs. well, i got this email from my coworker & it is too darn sweet NOT to read. ennnnnjoy what comes out of the mouths of babes! :)

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A DOG'S PURPOSE

(from a 6-year-old boy)

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.''

SO.

live simply. love generously. care deeply. speak kindly.

REMEMBER IF A DOG WAS A TEACHER, YOU WOULD LEARN THINGS LIKE.

.when a loved one comes home, always run to greet them.

.never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

.allow the experience of fresh air & wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

.take naps.

.stretch before rising.

.run, romp & play daily.

.thrive on attention & 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 & lie under a shady tree.

.when you're happy, dance around & 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 & nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

***sidenote, has anyone seen boo the dog? if not, google it NOWSIES! your heart is going to melt***

oosh & goosh,

j