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Walking the Fence Line
Bonnie Bird

Penny

Posted Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 12:52 AM
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  • I have two little ones and a big one that are my children. They are my life, love unconditional and they love curling up at my feet at night. My heart breaks knowing that one day I will lose them one by one. But while are still with me I can love them with that same unconditional love.

    -- Posted by gizmo3 on Sat, Mar 26, 2011, at 10:00 AM
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    Bonnie I had to put my Lab of 9 1/2 down Sept 09 and it sure wasn't easy for me watching him laying there on the floor watching me and he knew I couldn't do anymore to help him so I walked away while they give him the shot. He now sits in my living room in a sealed wooded box that my daughter got done for me so he will always be here with me. Anyway this looks like a good place to share an e-mail with you and your readers.

    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 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.''

    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.

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Tue, Mar 29, 2011, at 3:21 PM
  • Yes, that is so true.

    -- Posted by KH Gal on Wed, Mar 30, 2011, at 8:53 AM
  • Thank You Bonnie Life would not be the same without a dog......... I am owned by little dogs, they are my baby's since I don't have any little kids at home.

    Joe I loved your Poem, very nice and so true

    -- Posted by MsMarylin on Wed, Mar 30, 2011, at 9:14 AM
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    Great story Bonnie..... it brings back memories of so many great friends. I blogged on Rufus's passing a year ago.

    Those that don't know the feeling of being loved by a loyal aniimal are missing such a special bond.

    thanks for sharing your story of Penny.

    Jessie

    -- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Apr 4, 2011, at 9:34 AM
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