A Dog's Purpose

My friend Div emailed me the following story this morning. Its a good story to share.

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. 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.'

I believe its true too. We are here on earth for a purpose. And we are to learn all that we have to learn before we go home. As humans, we get side-tracked along the way and sometimes fill our hearts with a lot of rage. We are only allowed home when we have learnt our lessons and repent.

Doggies on the other hand have hearts of gold. Their hearts are mighty big and will forgive and forget. They give love unconditionally. They give all the time with no ill intentions or ask for anything in return. Maybe just a pat on the head or a hug or maybe just a bit of playtime with you. I think i'll be a dog in my next life, if there's such a choice :D

Thanks again Div! For sharing the story with me.