St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals, called them ‘brothers and sisters’ because all creatures come from the same source, and are therefore members of one family. It is said that his love for animals was so strong that he even preached sermons to them.
When we had to send Buddy ‘over the rainbow bridge’ two years ago, and Tebi this September, we took comfort in learning about “A Dog’s Purpose” that was sent to us by a dear friend. We take joy in sharing it with you.
A Dog’s Purpose (from a 6-year-old)
As a veterinarian I had been called to examine a 10-year-old Irish Wolf Hound named Belker. The dog’s owners and their 6-year-old son, Shane, were very attached to Belker and hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure in their home. As we made arrangements the parents told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe and 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 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 they can learn 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.” Remember—if a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like: When loved ones come home always run to greet them. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Author unknown KWH edited for clarity.
St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals, called them ‘brothers and sisters’ because all creatures come from the same source, and are therefore members of one family. It is said that his love for animals was so strong that he even preached sermons to them.
When we had to send Buddy ‘over the rainbow bridge’ two years ago, and Tebi this September, we took comfort in learning about “A Dog’s Purpose” that was sent to us by a dear friend. We take joy in sharing it with you.
A Dog’s Purpose (from a 6-year-old)
As a veterinarian I had been called to examine a 10-year-old Irish Wolf Hound named Belker. The dog’s owners and their 6-year-old son, Shane, were very attached to Belker and hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure in their home. As we made arrangements the parents told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe and 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 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 they can learn 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.” Remember—if a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like: When loved ones come home always run to greet them. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Author unknown KWH edited for clarity.