“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn’t a dog.” ….. Charles M. Schulz

We are a family who has always had a dog as part of the package. And we have been blessed with very loyal, healthy dogs who were always an important part of the family. The dog we have now, pictured in this post, was a rescue we found at a shelter. She is part Australian Cattle and part Beagle. Because of her breed she is most happy when the family is all together in one place. When we first got her she would nudge us with her nose to try and “herd” us in to a group. She is the center of attention for my daughter and always a source of happiness for the rest of the family. So if you too are a dog lover I thought you might enjoy this email I received:

A LITTLE BOY AND HIS IRISH WOLFHOUND

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 as they felt that 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.” 

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.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good, so, love the people who treat you right.

Blue Enjoying A Stretch!

How has a pet made your life better? Tell me below.