I got this from a friend today and it speaks for itself!! Enjoy

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 four-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 life --
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

The four-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. Leave the
rest to God.


I wonder ....

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff 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.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

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

Ok Dammit... You made me tear up with that... curse you...

Reminds me of my boy Max.. He went before his time. He was an amazing dog for the short time we knew him...

Thanks for sharing that...

Thanks Joni, that was wonderful.

Well That broke my English reserve, I feel quite tearful! I am now going to take my mad working cocker spaniel out for a run and stop sitting reading this site!

Oh joni, .... tears all over the place! got to go hug my Pugs now..........

*sniffle*

Crying at work again...ugghhhh! But thank you...it was a beautiful story...sniff, sniff

Thanks Joni - My secretary just had to put her 12 YO furbaby down yesterday.... I've been trying to find something to send her. This is it.

My maltese is going to be 13 next week.... that hit a little close to home for me.

**sniff sniff** Today is so dark! A girl that works with me was sent home from work last week, 23 weeks into her pregnancy for bed rest. She had to have emergency C section last night and the baby only lived an hour. Boo hoo!! Can we talk something positive?? I am bawling over here!!

Any good WI's today?

That was sweet Joni...

I feel the same way about my beautiful blue-eyed Himalyan kitty...She makes me smile everyday...she has a soul...I know it!!

Thanks Joni XOXO

Joni--now I can't wait to get home to my babies!! And I'll have to put Boo back in my avatar. I am printing this and putting it on the fridge--such a great way to live!!

Okay--now a funny for Friday.

A Dog's Diary
6:00am - At last! I Go Pee! My favorite thing!
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
6:00 pm - They're home! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre
little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.
I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. *******s!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously ******ed. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

OMG Lea Ann - hysterical!

and scarily....true!

to cute Lea Ann...... I love it.

I am a dog fan, and have an adorable little ****su Maltese Cross. She is just like one of the kids.

The great thing about dogs - they are always happy to see you - they dont care if you had a bad day, or what else is going on. As far as they are concerned - we are perfect.

Lea Ann - How did you get my cat's diary? Did I mention we nicknamed him Satan?