Sunday, January 18, 2009

My Sunday Blessings

Whether people have "real" children or not....they often treat their fur babies the same way! I thought these were too cute not to pass on, and that perhaps they would be a blessing for you too!
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound 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.
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.'
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
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.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

And a final gift...for you!

18 comments:

Mama Wheaton said...

Those are great words to live by. Was that a skunk in the one photo?

Anonymous said...

The pictures, the words, it's all perfect Sunday material! Thanks Jeannie!

Anonymous said...

So sweet. Wonderful post :)

Kristina P. said...

Too funny!

The Wife O Riley said...

That is a wonderful post for a Sunday! And the picture of the dogs in the bathtub is priceless!

Ter said...

lol love the pet photos. The dog falling asleep with a ball in his mouth is so something my dog would do!! She has to play right til the end!

Unknown said...

AMEN . Love the pooch all buckeled up like a 3 year old.

LadyStyx said...

awwwww Amazing when such words of wisdom come from a child's mouth...

intrepidideas said...

Thanks for the inspiration.... I Absolutely loved the dog pictures...

Cassie said...

I love it! That is a wonderful explanation about the length of a dog's life. My dog is getting old, and it is going to be hard when he leaves someday.

I love the picture of the dog with the seat belt on!

Mary said...

The pix were adorable...and the story made me cry! I thank God everyday for my angels (past & present) in furry coats.

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Just making sure that you saw that the swap partners were posted.

Lesley said...

this totally made my day and made me go hug my puppies....

Anonymous said...

Jeannie, I love your posts! That pic of the dog in the carseat is awesome!

And I'm apparantly way too emotional being on and off progesterone bc the story under the pictures brought tears to my eyes! :*)

Shan G said...

Kids are always smarter than we give them credit for.

Great post!

Eve said...

Those were ADORABLE (and very funny)!

Vickie said...

I love the dog photos. So funny and sweet.

Kids can make so many things better! What a great story.

I love the picture underneath the story. Not only do I love your ramblings, but the pictures you post are great.

ChicagoLady said...

I've seen the pictures and the story before, but you can always rely on kids to get right to the heart of a matter. I think we should all live our lives more like a dog. We'd have a lot more fun, that's for sure!