tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096651395674371202.post126661778044475738..comments2023-09-20T06:15:54.256-04:00Comments on Sam's Bagels: Dinner at Salsa Grill This Friday!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10369846811944555214noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096651395674371202.post-50502658605411007822008-03-10T21:12:00.000-04:002008-03-10T21:12:00.000-04:00Subject: Dog Story and Good Life Advice Being a ve...Subject: Dog Story and Good Life Advice<BR/> <BR/>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.<BR/>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.<BR/> <BR/>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.<BR/> <BR/>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.<BR/> <BR/>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.<BR/> <BR/>Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why'.<BR/> <BR/>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?'<BR/> <BR/>The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long'.<BR/> <BR/>Live simply.<BR/>Love generously.<BR/>Care deeply.<BR/>Speak kindly.<BR/> <BR/>Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:<BR/> <BR/>* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.<BR/>* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.<BR/>* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.<BR/>* Take naps.<BR/>* Stretch before rising.<BR/>* Run, romp, and play daily.<BR/>* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.<BR/>* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.<BR/>* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.<BR/>* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.<BR/>* When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.<BR/>* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.<BR/>* Be loyal.<BR/>* Never pretend to be something you're not.<BR/>* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.<BR/>* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com