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Dogs
And What They Can Teach You
I have always been very busy, and apart from briefly having a
rabbit and several tropical fish, I've never actually had any domestic pets.
Apart from the fact my autistic son is terrified of animals which invade his
space without being invited, I personally find them too much of a tie.
If you want to anywhere the majority need quite a bit of looking after. Most,
though not all require exercise, are renowned for losing their hair and smell.
However, I know many people who consider their pets an integral part of the
family and either take them on holiday with them or get house sitters in whilst
they are away.
When I lived "abroad" that was a good opportunity for single
contractors as it meant they could spend a few days in a "family home"
rather than in the company provided "bachelor accommodation".
I understand also, that parents are equally useful as pet sitters as they are
baby sitters, but for those pet owners who are unable to find suitable surrogate
keepers, the only answer is the kennels. That's if you can afford them as they
don't come cheap. I've heard people complain the cost for the pet was almost as
much as the actual holiday, and they spent most of their time away wondering if
everything was okay.
Also of course there are the food and vet bills to consider. Having a pet
certainly isn't cheap and requires a lot of time and effort, but I appreciate
some people wouldn't be without them. They can be good company and I can think
of one woman who claims to think more of her dog than her husband. She says it
is always pleased to see her and never lets her down.
I suppose she has a point and I thought of her this morning when I received this
e-mail. I've no idea if it's true or whether some one just made it up as a nice
story but it did make me think so I thought I'd pass it on.
A Dog's Purpose (from 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 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 than animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly piped up, "I know why".
Startled, we all turned to him and 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
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.
Jean Shaw writes articles and is the author of I'm Not Naughty - I'm Autistic,
Autism, Amalgam and Me and Mercury Poisoning - It's Not In Our Heads Any More.
See http://www.jeanshaw.com
Visit her blog at http://jeanshaw.blogspot.com
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