I was having a hard time trying to figure out what would be an appropriate blog for Christmas Eve when Helen Yancy sent me the following.  I’ve seen it before and at this point the author has sadly become anonymous, although if anybody knows who wrote it I’m happy to give him or her credit.

It’s sappy and there will be those critics who will say it doesn’t really belong on this kind of blog.   On the other hand, Molly the Wonder Dog keeps me company every day, has been going to work with me for the last four years and if you follow the logic of the six year old who’s quoted, there’s a lot we can learn from the canine member of the family!

The last line totally sums up my good wishes to all my readers, friends, business associates, facebook friends and followers on Twitter:  Enjoy every moment of every day!   Thank you for your support and best wishes for the happiest and healthiest holiday season!

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                        Happy Holidays from Skip and Molly the Wonder Dog

 

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.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!