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From A Friend

B

Bill Bonham

Guest

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.'
So live like a dog:

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.
 
Hi Bill

What a great story, its a shame more of us can't think and
Live Like A Dog

The trouble today is people don't think enough about others

Jackie
 
Hello there, what a wonderful story, that should be on the front page of all
the Sunday papers tomorrow instead of the rubbish they put on about sex
etc it might make people think a bit more of how they treat other folk.
nearly everyone you meet these days seems full of anger, bitterness and
have no time at all for other people, old or young, GOM Bernard
 
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