Sharing a beautiful email I received:
> A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> 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.''
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> 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.
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> 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,
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> ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
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> Live simply.
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> Love generously.
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> Care deeply.
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> Speak kindly.
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> Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
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> When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
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> Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
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> Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
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> Take naps.
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> Stretch before rising.
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> Run, romp, and play daily.
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> Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
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> Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
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> On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
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> On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
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> When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
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> Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
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> Be loyal.
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> Never pretend to be something you're not.
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> If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
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> When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
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> ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
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