I wanted to post this where so many dog owners would be sure to see it. This was sent to me by a friend who had to put her 2 dogs down not so long ago. I have had some beautiful ones be a part of my life for many years and I can so relate to what is written here. I thought many would enjoy this as much as I did reading it. I consider it a beautiful tribute to a special furbaby:
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old's perspective)
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 their six-year-old son Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though he 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:
1 - When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2 - Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
3 - Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
4 - Take naps.
5 - Stretch before rising.
6 - Run, romp, and play daily.
7 - Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
8 - Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
9 - On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
10 - On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
11 - When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
12 - Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
13 - Be loyal.
14 - Never pretend to be something you're not.
15 - If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
16 - When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
* ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Full Version: A Dog
Love to see that they are people with high wisdom in the world, you are one of them, thanks, Buster and Jorge.
Thanks Judy for putting that lesson sheet out for all to learn from. As soon as I read it, I copied it and sent it to all of my co-workers..........These all the lessons in a nutshell that Goliath brought into my life. My goal from the very start of each new day is to work toward making a difference wherever I go. The next time I get all tongue tied in trying to express to another what dogs can teach us if we let them, I will pull the lesson list you posted from my pocket and hand it to them.
Thanks for bringing such a wondrous and profound list of lessons so full of wisdom.
Beth
Thanks for bringing such a wondrous and profound list of lessons so full of wisdom.
Beth
QUOTE (LoveThem @ May 27 2008, 09:25 PM) 
I wanted to post this where so many dog owners would be sure to see it. This was sent to me by a friend who had to put her 2 dogs down not so long ago. I have had some beautiful ones be a part of my life for many years and I can so relate to what is written here. I thought many would enjoy this as much as I did reading it. I consider it a beautiful tribute to a special furbaby:
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old's perspective)
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 their six-year-old son Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though he 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:
1 - When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2 - Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
3 - Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
4 - Take naps.
5 - Stretch before rising.
6 - Run, romp, and play daily.
7 - Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
8 - Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
9 - On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
10 - On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
11 - When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
12 - Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
13 - Be loyal.
14 - Never pretend to be something you're not.
15 - If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
16 - When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
* ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old's perspective)
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 their six-year-old son Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though he 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:
1 - When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2 - Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
3 - Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
4 - Take naps.
5 - Stretch before rising.
6 - Run, romp, and play daily.
7 - Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
8 - Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
9 - On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
10 - On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
11 - When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
12 - Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
13 - Be loyal.
14 - Never pretend to be something you're not.
15 - If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
16 - When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
* ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Thanks LoveThem, that was so interesting, God Bless Buster and Jorge.
Members of our forum family have recently lost 2 very special canine babies......Buster and Candy.
Hopefully this beautiful story about a dog's purpose will help soothe some of the pain.
Take Care Jorge and Hal......your babies are angels now.
If wishes could lead to miracles I would wish we all had our very special ones back for a lot longer.
Hugs to all our special babies and love...lots of love
Hopefully this beautiful story about a dog's purpose will help soothe some of the pain.
Take Care Jorge and Hal......your babies are angels now.
If wishes could lead to miracles I would wish we all had our very special ones back for a lot longer.
Hugs to all our special babies and love...lots of love
{{{{{Love Them}}}}} Thank you so much for this message and I'd like to say something to Buster and Candy if you don't mind?
Most precious Buster and Candy, you are so sorely missed and your loved one's hearts are breaking. They are grief stricken and your leaving has left such a void in their lives. Would you please give them all a kiss and whisper to them how beautiful it is at The Rainbow Bridge where you both are now, that you're both young, healthy, happy and playing with lots of friends as you wait until that One Sweet Day when you'll both be once again reunited with your human loved ones. They really need to know you're okay so will you please send them your whispered message? Buster and Candy, they will hear your whispers because a breath away is not far at all to where you are. HUGS!!!
Love Them, if I were to talk about all the wonderful doggies that have enriched my life with joy, it would take me writing a novel. I kid you not. Each and every one of my own doggies as well as those I've rescued have been so special, each with different personalties, talents and more. They all share one attribute though. Unconditional Love! And they all express that love every chance they get. What a Treasure and downright Priceless!
Doggies love you so much that they don't mind when you call them up at all hours to chat even when they're exhausted and sleeping. And I have proof. Lookie.
Okay, so I may have gone a bit too far. #Giggle!# But, nevertheless, it is true that they are always there for you at any hour to give you love, comfort, joy, to protect you, show you compassion and kiss you lots and lots.
I rescued Buddy dog almost 8 years ago from abuse and neglect, took him to the Vet for exam, shots and neuter then began my search for his perfect loving home. Guess what? Yep, you guessed. He's still here, wags his tail so much, jumps and dances with joy. I never had to train him to sit, shake hands, lie down, stay and so forth. He already knew how.
Well, I'm rambling again. Doncha just hate it when that happens. #Wink!# Love Them, Thank you again so much for sharing and Many Bright Blessings to You and Everyone!
Always,
Angel xoxoxox
Most precious Buster and Candy, you are so sorely missed and your loved one's hearts are breaking. They are grief stricken and your leaving has left such a void in their lives. Would you please give them all a kiss and whisper to them how beautiful it is at The Rainbow Bridge where you both are now, that you're both young, healthy, happy and playing with lots of friends as you wait until that One Sweet Day when you'll both be once again reunited with your human loved ones. They really need to know you're okay so will you please send them your whispered message? Buster and Candy, they will hear your whispers because a breath away is not far at all to where you are. HUGS!!!
Love Them, if I were to talk about all the wonderful doggies that have enriched my life with joy, it would take me writing a novel. I kid you not. Each and every one of my own doggies as well as those I've rescued have been so special, each with different personalties, talents and more. They all share one attribute though. Unconditional Love! And they all express that love every chance they get. What a Treasure and downright Priceless!
Doggies love you so much that they don't mind when you call them up at all hours to chat even when they're exhausted and sleeping. And I have proof. Lookie.
Okay, so I may have gone a bit too far. #Giggle!# But, nevertheless, it is true that they are always there for you at any hour to give you love, comfort, joy, to protect you, show you compassion and kiss you lots and lots.
I rescued Buddy dog almost 8 years ago from abuse and neglect, took him to the Vet for exam, shots and neuter then began my search for his perfect loving home. Guess what? Yep, you guessed. He's still here, wags his tail so much, jumps and dances with joy. I never had to train him to sit, shake hands, lie down, stay and so forth. He already knew how.
Well, I'm rambling again. Doncha just hate it when that happens. #Wink!# Love Them, Thank you again so much for sharing and Many Bright Blessings to You and Everyone!
Always,
Angel xoxoxox
Yep, they really are always there for us with their unconditional love.
Lookie at how all the fur kid doggie expressions and poses match perfectly with every line James Taylor sings in this song. 
In all doggies, You've Got a Friend!
Please Click on the Smiling Pooch. 
"You've Got a Friend"
When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand and nothing, whoa nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest night.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. All ya got to do is call. And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. You've got a friend!
If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds and that old north wind should begin to blow, keep your head together and call my name out loud, now!
Soon I'll be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am I'll come running, oh yes I will, to see you again. Winter, spring, summer or fall. All ya got to do is call. And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold. They'll hurt you and desert you. Well, they'll take your soul if you let them. Oh yeah, but don't you let them.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running to see you again. Oh babe, don't you know that Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. Hey now, all you've got to do is call. Lord, I'll be there! Yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend, yeah.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Oh yeah, yeah! You've got a Friend!
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. All ya got to do is call. And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. You've got a friend!
If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds and that old north wind should begin to blow, keep your head together and call my name out loud, now!
Soon I'll be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am I'll come running, oh yes I will, to see you again. Winter, spring, summer or fall. All ya got to do is call. And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold. They'll hurt you and desert you. Well, they'll take your soul if you let them. Oh yeah, but don't you let them.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running to see you again. Oh babe, don't you know that Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. Hey now, all you've got to do is call. Lord, I'll be there! Yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend, yeah.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Oh yeah, yeah! You've got a Friend!
Thanks to all who stopped by to read this. Having such a best friend myself for over 10 years and more than one time....the feeling reading this meant something special and I wanted to share it, especially as these babies are a big part of everything here also.
I hope new people enjoy this also.
Judy
I hope new people enjoy this also.
Judy
That was such a sweet post and made me teary.
I recently read about a family with a young boy who lost their dog and thought seeing this story topic might help.
Judy
Judy
QUOTE (LoveThem @ Nov 25 2008, 05:29 PM)
I recently read about a family with a young boy who lost their dog and thought seeing this story topic might help.
Judy
Judy
Thank you very much that really touched me and I am starting to feel a lot better.
I am glad such a beautiful story touched so many. Today I read in D&D a reference to this story and thought I would bring it up to the top to be easier to find...to help both old and new members who have lost a dog.
Judy
Judy
thank youj so much Judy, i might share this with my kids, it makes me feel a bit more positive after having our 14yr old "Buddy" dog put to sleep last Wednesday.
You're welcome, PetMum...I'm sorry I didn't see your reply earlier.
I think this story is timeless and also so many of us truly understand it and there is a comfort here.
Take Care...I'm sorry about "Buddy". I am glad you did have 14 years with this boy. You are a good and caring parent and I know he is watching over you and your family..an Angel can watch forever!
Judy
I think this story is timeless and also so many of us truly understand it and there is a comfort here.
Take Care...I'm sorry about "Buddy". I am glad you did have 14 years with this boy. You are a good and caring parent and I know he is watching over you and your family..an Angel can watch forever!
Judy
My youngest son is "emotionally challenged" in that he does not want to hug or be hugged. We have wondered and have had him tested for autism, but we have been told that he is just "shy". During the last four months when we had to struggle with keeping Bitsy Bug going, and having to agonize over the decision of having her put down, my son connected to her in a way that he has never done with any other creature! He cried the day we were sitting in the Vet's waiting room, and after the traumatic experience of having to let my little girl go, my son came up to me, wrapped his arms around me, and hugged me warmly, telling me that "it will be alright." Then, when we did get another dog, he attached to her immediately! Was it right to include him in the "final moments" of Bitsy's precious life? Yes, I think so!
Andy
Andy
"wow" Andy that's an incredible story....our beloved companions truly are gifts from God. Thank you, thank you so much for sharing that with us.
You have been truly blessed with you your youngest son indeed. Interestingly enough my eldest daughter who is nearly 13yrs has always been like that too (not wanting to be touched) & she too is gifted where animals are concerned, it's just amazing to see her with animals they love her & she just knows how to get thru to them. I call her our "animal whisperer".
thank you again Andy for sharing that truly wonderful experience that came from such deep grief.
You are a good parent.
You have been truly blessed with you your youngest son indeed. Interestingly enough my eldest daughter who is nearly 13yrs has always been like that too (not wanting to be touched) & she too is gifted where animals are concerned, it's just amazing to see her with animals they love her & she just knows how to get thru to them. I call her our "animal whisperer".
thank you again Andy for sharing that truly wonderful experience that came from such deep grief.
You are a good parent.
Thank you, Andy, for sharing your story. I know what you said will give hope to others.
What a precious boy you have!
Judy
What a precious boy you have!
Judy
Hi, Andy --
What a beautiful story about your son. Whenever I hear something like this, I think of one of my favorite Emily Dickinson quotes:
"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell."
You can confide anything in a dog, and it will be safe. Only lucky kids (and adults, too!) get to understand that.
- Michelle
What a beautiful story about your son. Whenever I hear something like this, I think of one of my favorite Emily Dickinson quotes:
"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell."
You can confide anything in a dog, and it will be safe. Only lucky kids (and adults, too!) get to understand that.
- Michelle
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