Being a vet, I had been called to examine a 10 year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dogs owners, Ron and 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 and told the family that nothing more could be done for him, so offered to perform euthanasia for the dog in their home.
As we made the arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six year old Shane to observe the procedure as they felt he might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat, as Belker's family surrounded him. Young Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time. I wondered if he knew what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's situation without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a long while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal's 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 had never heard a more comforting explanation. It changed the way I try to 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 ?"
Shane continued, " Well dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
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Quotes
RandomI decided to share some of my favorite quotes with you peeps. If any of you have any quotes you would like me too add and dedicate too you, feel free to put them in the comments. Even if I don't know you, and your not a follower of mine, put them in...
