Why Dogs Don't Live Longer Than People

[cec]

This was sent to me and I thought that some of you might like it.


Why Dogs Don't Live Longer Than People

Being a veterinarian, I was 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 there
were no miracles left 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 the four-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. 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."

Live simply. Love joyously and generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave
the rest to God.

[irish_blue69]

This is so true. All of the dogs that I have had in my lifetime loved me unconditionally no matter what I did.

[conlor]

This is nice! It's true. Even when people mistreat their dogs, they still love them. Though they don't deserve it!

[JudyLynne]

Dogs are peoples best friends who are loyal, protective and a whole lot of unconditional love.