Lessons We Can Learn From Dogs
This post has nothing to with ships, or writing, or humor. It’s the
Rascal 1987-2004 RIP
text of an email forwarded to me by a reader, and very much in the category of ‘things that interest me.’ I don’t know the veterinarian describing this incident. I suspect his name was lost as this message ping-ponged about the internet. Profound apologies if you’ve seen this before, but I read it for the first time a few days ago. I found it moving, and thought you might as well. Thanks to Virgil Carey for sharing it.
A Dog’s Wisdom
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 to 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.”
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.
*****
There comes a time in life
When you walk away from all the drama
And people who create it
You surround yourself with people who make you laugh
You forget the bad and focus on the good
So, love the people who treat you right
Think good thoughts for the ones who don’t
Life is too short to be anything but happy
Falling down is part of LIFE
But getting back up is LIVING.
I just love this post! I haven’t seen this before so thanks for passing it on.
Thanks too for the information and advice you put in your post on Susan Kiernan-Lewis’ blog. That was just the sort of thing I felt, in a very vague sort of way, could be done and making the Internet work to for your benefit.
Have noted your points down for when I’ve finished revising my first novel (adventure).
Dear Prue,
Thanks for the kind words on this post, but I’m really just passing it one. The unknown vet (and of course, the little boy) are the guys we all owe a debt of gratitude. Regarding the advice on Susan’s blog, you’re most welcome. I figure we can’t all make the same mistakes, so experience shared is experience multiplied.
Dear Mr. McDermott,
Yesterday I finished reading Deadly Coast. Congratulations, you did it again, another ace another hole in one. At this rate you will be at the top of the best writers of adventure novels in no time. I really enjoyed the read and thank you. Let me know when your next novel is coming out. Jim
Dear Jim,
Thanks for the kind words. Your lips to God’s ears.
And rest assured you’re on my email notification list.
Just finished reading your first novel and immediately bought your second one. That is the highest endorsement anyone could give. As someone who has worked the engine room as well as the bridge,your descriptions of events as well as attitudes brought back old memories.
Dear Pete,
Thanks for both the comment and the compliment. I hope Deadly Coast lives up to your expectations. I’ve spent some time in both departments as well, though my 3M license is unsullied by a single day’s experience.