Patches Mom

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.”

doberdeer

What a true statement. I just wish they could stay a little longer. Hugs to my "fur kids" waiting at the bridge, and all of their friends.

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Cheryl


In our hearts forever.

jhowell

WOW instant tears here. How beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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StarlightDobe

Thanks for sharing that, my dad had sent me that after we lost our baby, Mysti, and it brought tears to my eyes, as it did again when I read it here.

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There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. - Bernard Williams

R.I.P. Mysti 1/25/02-10/21/10

Sinister

That brought tears.. How true.

SpecialK

Tears here too :'( Why do I torture myself by reading these posts? It is so amazing though how children and dogs seem to know things that we as adults tend to forget.

DreamValley

Wonderful story... and so smart boy!

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"A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than
his owner can express with his tongue in hours"