[rouxroux]

I also saw this on another forum long ago and it really made me think:

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a 10-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 could'nt do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the dog at their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron & Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the 4-year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as if 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 tht 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 explaination.

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 four-year old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."


Scott, I don't know how many times I've read that, but it still gets me every time. I dearly miss all the great dogs I've had and known over the years, and I truly believe the memories of them have made me a better person. Rest easy Lucy, you were truly loved.