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 and 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.

That's very cute. I think he's right, in alot of ways.

That story gave me a lump in my throat and misted up my eyes.
What a thoughtful and wise boy Shane is. Some times it is the little ones that have something to teach us all.

I can see why it had an impact on you. 'From the mouth of babes'
I might add, they sound like a very special family too.
Thanks for sharing such a tender story.

That is a wonderful explanation. Kids are much wiser than we give them credit for sometimes. Off to find the Puffs Plus now... Sounds like Belker did a good job teaching his boy.

I don't remember if I could have handled it that good at 6 yrs old to long ago to remember what I was like, but I can say the 6-yr old handled it better than I will when that time comes.

Hope I can be that strong.

I think the 6 year old is on to something.

Giant tortoises are among the longest-lived animals in the world. They are also very slow moving, dull witted and have a small brain.

Perhaps their extremely long lifespan is to give them a chance to learn how to love and be nice to everyone.

Good morning all.

A very nice way to start the day. Shane. A child.

I am reminded of this quote: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Requiescat in pace Belker.

You know, its like because young children have yet to be fully corrupted by the "values" of our culture, they have not yet forgotten such truths. Dog have less complicated Egos than we, I think they remain closer to God and are messengers to remind of us of the same.

I have seen young children frightened, horrified to witnessing the death of a pet, a "person" in their eyes. A childs capacity for empathy with "suffering" is so limited, fortunately most little children haven't endured much suffering, the concept of suffering so much a parent will cause death is not something easily grasped.
You have to be careful exposing kids, IM view. I have had numerous aged 10-14 yr old boys faint at the side of a chute where calves were being castrated.
Life gets plenty hard plenty fast. Some stuff can wait IMO, I would do some things differently given the chance.

My father died when I was 4 and I've always had a pretty inspiring picture of God because of what my mom told me when I asked if he was ever coming back.

She said, No honey, he's not. God needed your Daddy more than we do right now and he only takes the very best.

I think children are very much inspired by their parents and the path they guide them on.