Something to think about...

This was sent to me by my sister, and I thought I would share it with you.

A Dog's Purpose?
> (from a 6-year-old).
>
> 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.  It has
> changed the way I try to live.
>
> 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.''
>
>
>
> 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.
>
> 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 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.
>
>
>
> There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and
> people who create it.
>
> You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad,
> and focus on the good.
>
> So, love the people who treat you right.
> Think good thoughts for the ones who don't.
> Life is too short to be anything but happy.
> Falling down is part of LIFE...
> Getting back up is LIVING...
>
>
>