Why Dogs Don’t Live As Long As Humans – Explaned By a 6 Year Old

This story Melt My heart  so I wanted to share it. enjoy.

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!

16 thoughts on “Why Dogs Don’t Live As Long As Humans – Explaned By a 6 Year Old

  1. As for my self I am doing exactly what the beautiful child is saying about love and being nice to people of any country,I find that I get a lot of friends and I get the good feeling about myself.It’s a blessing!!!!Life is all about being happy here on earth!

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  2. I just wanted to say well done on this blog and a quick heads up that it went VIRAL over on Google Plus with the post I did for this hitting a viewing audience of just over 2.6 million people so well done. Please do check it out and look at the stats yourself–> https://plus.google.com/u/0/111554675602464825364/posts/3XJgAczSkeb P.S. that post was also “What’s Hot?” on the web all last night! Once again well done and keep up the good work.

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  3. Love this story. As they say….”Out of the mouths of Babes!” I would very much like to share this story with a friend of mine who lost her dog to Cancer last night and had to put him down. I’d like to say that their child will be as understanding as the one in the story. But unfortunately, that isn’t the case. May I have your permission to share this on FB with her?

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  4. This was directed to my e-omail by google+ what makes this so great is that our dog (lady) died March 1. It was very comforting.

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  5. It’s been a few years since the first time I read this post. As I look at my Lab, Sr. Ruby (21/2 yrs.), I often think about what this young boy said. it brings such a feeling of a peaceful calm. I’m thinking that this happens when a truth is lovingly spoken. How privileged are we to stand beside such a joyful generous spirit.
    Jack and his human partner is quite a Facebook attraction. Judging by the many comments, Jack has brought a smile to thousands of followers.
    Jack passed away over this weekend and I may post this along with my condolences. I’m sure it will bring some comfort to those with a hurting heart.

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