I don’t know if there is really such thing as coincidence. I think there is a whole lot more to it than that! I don’t know how it all works, but I am thankful that someone is watching over me, and that guardian angels surround me when I need them… even if they’re the kind of angels without wings.
Take today, for instance. It’s not a big thing, but it has to be more than a coincidence. I was having a day with a lot of stress coming at me from several directions… probably my own self induced being the biggest problem! I stopped to check my e-mail. An e-mail from my husband! That’s always good! What?? A forward? Oh well, I will read it. And so I read it, and just felt like I had to share it with the world! It hit me to the core, that I needed to take a lesson from my friendly 4-legged friends. And so I share it with you in case you have some lessons to learn from our canine friends. I also had to share the picture above with you. I received it from one of my “families.” This is Katie… Life is truly a journey!
A Dog’s Purpose
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound 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.
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
.
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
