If you happen to be a dog lover, then you are somebody that has a soft spot in your heart for everything that canines do for us. Quite honestly, having a dog in the family is one of the best things that we could have in life and it continues to be a part of our lives, from that moment forward. The unfortunate reality for many of us, however, is the fact that we have to say goodbye to far too many pets during our lifetime. In the following story, a young boy explains that situation to us with wisdom that is far beyond his years.
Global (29 June 2018) – A veterinarian had a touching moment when he went to the Belker family home to put their dog down. The family huddled around their beloved pet as he slipped away and crossed over the rainbow bridge. This is the story he shared about the Belker family and their thoughtful son.
The post has gone viral, and people are loving Shane’s explanation about dog’s shorter lives. Take a read below.
Little boy beautifully explains why dogs have shorter lives than humans
Here’s the surprising answer of a 6-year-old child.
“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 they made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told the vet that 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, the vet felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that the vet 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. They all sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that dogs’ lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”
Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned the vet. He had never heard a more comforting explanation. He says that it changed the way he will try and live.
“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 for as long as we do.”
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When your 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 faithful.
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.
That’s the secret of happiness that we can learn from a good dog.
