We all know the great Super Bowl commercial with the puppy and his friends, the Clydesdales. So why are dogs so wonderful? It reminds me of a story told by a veterinarian about a young boy who had to witness the family dog being put to sleep. Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolf Hound named Belker. The dogs owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldnt 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 Belkers 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 Belkers transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belkers 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. Id 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 six-year old continued, Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they dont have to stay as long.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 16:40:44 +0000
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