WHY  DOGS LIVE LESS THAN HUMANS ? ANSWER OF 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."�

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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!