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A Dog’s Purpose

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.”

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.

- Author unknown.

Beautiful! I wish that we could all go to the DOGS. Imagine??

What a wonderful story - thank you for sharing! Seems like a good time to go give my dog a nice belly rub

This gave me a lump in my throat, as I’m sure it would to any animal lover. Children are so wise. A beautiful article.

THIS IS SO TRUE.THANKS FOR POSTING IT. IF WE COULD ONLY LIVE A SIMPLE LIFE AND LEARN TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALY LIKE OUR PETS DO

Beautiful sentiment from the little boy. It is true we could learn a lot from watching our pets.
Great site.

This was a perfect “Stumple” for me. I felt so peaceful by its emotional, understandable, and poetic admiration regarding dogs that I too feel. They offer so many inspiring qualities that we can’t help but see and giggle about. Thank you for your post and congratulations on raising a compassionate and loving son.

I have a 16 year old half German Shepard/hale Golden Retriever. She is so full of life. She is my best friend and deserves to live as long as she wants. She will let me know when she can’t do it any more but for now she loves life and I love her and spoil her rotten.

Very touching. Maybe I’ll try doing this. I might get weird looks for stopping to lie on your back on the grass, though.

Dogs are born with the two traits that we have to work towards, patience and forgiveness. God bless them.

this is beautiful… and being a dog lover myself i totally relate to this…thanks for sharing this with us…

That was wonderful.
I live in Kolkata, eastern India.
I love dogs. I love all animals, but especially dogs.

I don’t even care enough to know what a dog is….

Thank you for posting this experience as sometimes it is hard to relate when you are dealing with family challenges.

That was such a great story. I miss having a dog in my life. Such a calming influence. The simple things in life people, enjoy the simple things in life.

That’s a pretty cool story, and it’s sweet to see how pets and people can get so much from one another’s company and companionship. I liked the list of lessons from dogs at the end too, although I think they left a few obvious ones out, like… if you’re gonna poop outside, do it on the neighbor’s lawn, and eat anything that seems remotely edible since you can puke it up later if it turns out it wasn’t so good. This includes potentially the poop on the neighbor’s lawn (yours or someone else’s).

Cheers all and Dog Bless!

I find it hard to believe this piece of sentimental crap was written by a vet. Speaking as a vet myself, I would hope all my colleagues around the world had a rational, scientific approach to their careers.

Certainly the bit before the picture could be construed as perhaps fact, and something quite sweet at that. but the bs after the picture is what has my goat

Jon, why can’t you just be happy that someone posted this, instead of being so negative, and telling us all that your life sucks?

“If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all”

Learn it.

To be completely honest, you are the type of people that make me think that humanity is going down hill, because you can’t just be happy that someone thought this. You have to belittle them to make yourself feel better.

I actually liked the part after the picture more, because it’s simple things that can make your life more enjoyable, and break the mundane thing that we call “everyday life.”

This is a wonderful story. Brought tears in my eyes. Thank you.

Its a way to get away with sentiment and be in a suitable place to do it. People are not paying attention to thier innerness. When a little dog story comes up we all run to it. like me!

This is seriously lame. Not only is this child praised for mis-interpreting death, but he’s also rewarded for attributing human thoughts and motivations to a non-human animal–an act which is dangerous at worst and delusional at best.

Don’t mistake a Hallmark moment for truth.

I can’t believe this schmaltzy story choked me up. Thanks a lot.

I love my boyfriend who sent me this story Thank you for sharing
Love

i personally never really cared for dogs…but the guidance you can get from this story could make everybody a better person…especially the people above who had to throw their negative opinions in just cuz nobody really cares what they have to say in their life…they feel like they have to trash on people who do have people that care and make sense… obviously the author didnt mean to just lay in the the grass at random to soak up the sun…or hang out of a car window and enjoy the wind in your face… its open for interpretation… its going to mean something different to everyone…so there is no reason to be so negative and ruin everyone elses thoughts on it gentlemen… if you dont like something…push it aside and move on…nobody cares for your negative opinions..

anyways, as soon as i read this i favorited/ sent it to some friends and family/ and i revisit it often. so thanks to the person that wrote it for taking the time out of their day to share this with us.

Amen, Michael.

I live in Québec, Canada. I love animals, especially dogs, cats and horses. I liked the story, it is full of love and profound. I understand what it feels to loose an animal we love and that young boy’s talk is so true.

I am grateful.