Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Live Like a Dog

I recently saw a cute movie, Made of Honor, where the lead fellow (the maid of honor for his best friend’s wedding) would always stop and talk to dogs to tell them, even though he’d never seen them before, he loved them, but he couldn’t tell the love of his life (his best friend who is getting married, and not to him) that he loved her.

I’ve often wondered, considered, and observed myself with my animals (and most animals). I am always happy to see them (unless of course, they did something naughty), and greet them with joy and enthusiasm. “Molly! How’s my pretty Molly today?” “Pearl! Hi Pearl! Where’ve you been? I’ve missed you.” And always give them a pat, a smile and a loving hug.

I am genuinely happy to see them.

On the other hand, with my people, it’s not the same. I’m quiet and reserved. They are lucky if they get a hello and a smile, especially my own family. What's with that? Gotta try to work on that.

Just think, to be that enthusiastic with all people. My mom was somewhat like that—and everybody loved her! Gee, would you think? Mr. Man’s somewhat like that too. I like that.

So this morning, I open a forwarded email with the following message… I had seen this before, and found it poignantly true, but wasn’t considering it when I was writing yesterday.
So to reinforce the message…





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.



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.”

Then the email went on with these wonderful words of dog wisdom…




  • So live like a dog:

  • Live simply.

  • Love generously.

  • Care deeply.

  • Speak kindly.


Remember, if a dog were 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/one you're not.

  • If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. (Not sure about this one?

  • When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

  • ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY…

  • I challenge us all to START NOW!
    Hooray for today!

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