Foo - A Dog's Purpose...

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

For all you dog lovers:

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.

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!

It has been a very long night... Maggie finally got to go for that ride in her new trailer despite the rain.

She is supposed to be curled up behind my knees right now so that she can suck all the warmth out of my body.

Or standing on my chest with her little stump a tail wagging with that look that says, you better take me out or I'll pee on the floor".

But I rode home alone in the rain, and despite the lack of a little passenger it felt as if I was carrying the weight of the world behind me.

She started having breathing troubles last night so I wrapped her up in her favourite wool blankets and took her to the vet... the x-rays showed cancer in her lungs.

Terminal.

So as I held her in my arms I called the girl to let her know what was about to happen.

And then I held Mags in my arms as the doctor administered the needle and felt the life drain from her little body, her ragged breathing stopped, and it does give me a little solace that she is at peace.

Goodnight my sweet Maggie... you taught us a lot about love.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/maggiesandy3.JPG

Apparently... the only time a man is allowed to cry is when his children are born, if they suffer a compound fracture, or when they lose their dog.

I'm so sorry man. :(

EDIT: I just gave my dogs some extra love and hugs.

She used to gather up all the stuffies and guard them like they were her own babies...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/maggiemom.jpg

So sorry to hear. I balled like a baby when I had to put down our first mastiff. He also had a cancer, but his started in one of the bones in his front right leg. We lost him far too early, he was only 5.

Keith, what a beautiful story about Shane and Belker ~ a lesson to always remember.

I'm sorry for the loss of your Maggie but I'm not sorry that she had you as her daddy...or your girls as her sister. I'm not sorry that she was part of your life, to enrich your life experiences. I'm not sorry that she was there to witness all that your family has gone through together, the changes, the joys, the running around in circles, the hugs, laughter and the tears...and be a part of.

...or that a dog's purpose is to love...

:hug:

I'm gonna give Miss Ada some extra love today. And the kitties too.

Well that one brought tears to my eyes. I'm very sorry for your loss. Was she a rat terrier by any chance? She was beautiful and looked very happy.

Maggie hated cats... unless they were kittens.

Kittens... not so fond of her though.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/maggieleo1.JPG

Sorry for your loss Keith, but thanks for sharing that with us. Tears are rolling as I type this.

Maggie was a Miniature Pinscher, born in the United States nearly 13 years ago (her birthday is in October).

The practice of docking their tails and ears had stopped here but was still going on in the U.S.

I adopted her when her old owner (a very nice lady) could no longer keep her because of a new working schedule... you can'y leave a min Pin alone all day and expect them to not go crazy.

In our house she always had someone to keep her company, people to cuddle with, cats to herd, and a little sister who is looking very sad and forlorn right now.

Maggie was the only dog Bijoux wanted to play with... but Maggie was always serious about patrolling the house and making sure every dog that walked by knew this was HER yard.

But she was never aggressive towards other dogs (aside from barking) and treated every new person like they were a long lost friend.

She really loved The Girl... and the feeling was mutual.

She was my dog until they met.

:)

Sorry for the loss. Remember the good times.

And who is gonna guard the bikes ?

Shih Tzus have absolutely no intimidation factor whatsoever.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/yukiandmags.jpg

I need to lie down for a bit... thanks for all the good thoughts.

Am so gonna miss this girl... and her little hugs.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/meandmags.jpg

I'm very sorry for your loss.

I tell that story to everyone when I hear they've lost a pet. I think it's absolutely true.

I'm crying as I type this. I'll give my two dogs some extra love tonight in honor of Maggie.

So sorry to hear about Maggie.

Somehow, your story reminds me of a question a little girl in our neighborhood asked me. She said that it still hurt when she thought about Squeaker, a dog she'd lost 6 months earlier. She wanted to know when the pain would go away. I told her it never does. A great dog touches you forever.

I love my dogs, cats, etc. and it is heart breaking when they pass away.
I am sorry for your loss. :(

Sooner or later they break your heart. Sorry about your loss, man. She was a beautiful little dog.

My condolences, Keith.

So sorry Keith - I still miss my dear "friends" after they are gone.

A few years back my brother in law committed suicide. It was a bad time for all. In the middle of all the drama, his dog, a beautiful old German Shephard (whom I also loved), got sick. Well actually he was old and had been sick for a long time. I think he held in there for my brother-in-law; always the family's protector. After his master passed, Louis knew it was his time as well. The dignity the dog displayed when his time came (we had him put down) was inspiring. It was almost like him saying "OK now it's time to move on with our own lives..."

Our critters are so precious to us for good reason.

Take care.

And who is gonna guard the bikes ?

Shih Tzus have absolutely no intimidation factor whatsoever.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/yukiandmags.jpg

Sorry to hear about Maggie. :(

Shih-tzus may not prevent your bike from being stolen, but they'll sure let you know when someone is looking at it. :)

:(

My condolences. Its hard to lose loved ones.

It's so hard to lose a dog. My heart goes out to you. :(

EDIT: If I type any more on this subject, I'll start crying.

Oh man. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you had a great life together.

I'm so sorry to hear this my friend. Losing a dog is the one thing that can push me over the line from being just a wee bit emotional to a full on, life-sized, runny nosed, blubbering mess.

Maggie looks like she was a sweetheart. And a well-loved sweetheart at that. The pain will probably never pass, but may it get easier soon.

Maggie was a Miniature Pinscher, born in the United States nearly 13 years ago (her birthday is in October).

The practice of docking their tails and ears had stopped here but was still going on in the U.S.

I adopted her when her old owner (a very nice lady) could no longer keep her because of a new working schedule... you can'y leave a min Pin alone all day and expect them to not go crazy.

In our house she always had someone to keep her company, people to cuddle with, cats to herd, and a little sister who is looking very sad and forlorn right now.

Maggie was the only dog Bijoux wanted to play with... but Maggie was always serious about patrolling the house and making sure every dog that walked by knew this was HER yard.

But she was never aggressive towards other dogs (aside from barking) and treated every new person like they were a long lost friend.

She really loved The Girl... and the feeling was mutual.

She was my dog until they met.

:)

Thank you for the insightfull story neighbor and glad to hear the mutt is"Merican":thumb:

Apparently... the only time a man is allowed to cry is when his children are born, if they suffer a compound fracture, or when they lose their dog.
I was unaware of the allowance for a compound fracture (and am not sure if I totally agree). But that's definitely true for the dog. Otherwise, you gotta wonder if the guy has a soul.

Sorry for your loss.

I'm sorry for your loss Sixty Fiver. MinPins are a riot and bring out the rebellion in a person. Keep up the good fight as Maggie would have wanted. My Blinky likes to dig the deepest holes in the backyard. He's getting extra loving (as if he needs it, he's always chasing something) and table scraps tonight.
Ernest

I'm sorry, Keith. She was a beautiful dog.

Mini pins are such lovely little dogs, my sister-in-law has one and I just want to steal her. It's true, we do treat our dogs better than our SOs, in some cases. I'm sure she had a wonderful life with you.

Wow, sorry, Sixty. There's no truer, less demanding friend then your dog. They pretty much define the term "unconditional love". We're all better off for the time we have with them, that's for sure. Got to go let my big oaf of a lab in now. Might spot him an extra Milk Bone tonight, just for the heck of it.

I read some write up on dogs by some evolutionary biologist going on about how dogs don't have emotions, they just want the food.

**** that guy.


My dog likes the packs of bologna I buy specifically for him, don't get me wrong, but I also know he would be by my side if I was living in a dumpster somewhere. If I could find a girl who loved me half as much it would be happily ever after.

Mini pins are such lovely little dogs, my sister-in-law has one and I just want to steal her. It's true, we do treat our dogs better than our SOs, in some cases. I'm sure she had a wonderful life with you.

Min Pins are headstrong, bossy, and conniving (almost cat like) and will take over your home if you let them... it took a lot of work to get Maggie to become the wonderful little dog she was as she came with a lot of bad habits but underneath all that... she was full of love.

Min Pins are headstrong, bossy, and conniving (almost cat like) and will take over your home if you let them... it took a lot of work to get Maggie to become the wonderful little dog she was as she came with a lot of bad habits but underneath all that... she was full of love.

Oh yes, they do not play well with other animals, have limited patience with little children and have no appetite control. The mini pin I know is like an oversized football with legs. But she loves sitting on your lap and will fall asleep instantly, and you know if anyone comes in or out of the house.

I would get a dog - I love Labs - but we are renting a small house with no fence, and it would be cruel to have a lovely big dog inside all day while we're at work. But mini pins are just the right size for city living and not as evil as some Shih Tzus I have encountered. (apologies to all Shih Tzu owners, but this one bit me! After he jumped up on my lap, ostensibly to be petted.)

One of my dogs wasn't doing well last night and is worse this morning. He's old, at least 11. I have a vet appointment for him at 11 o'clock and I'm sitting here stressing out. Please, God, let this not be serious. I'm not ready to lose him.

She loved her girls and they loved her... and they knew that if Maggie was a person she would be like... 100 years old.

We talked about this because you know that one day this day will come and you will have to do what is right.

And because she gave us so much love for the last 7 years we owed her this, to save her from what have been a slow and painful end as there was no treatment save for confinement to a oxygen enriched kennel.

When I went to get her she looked at me through the glass and put her head down between her paws and was wagging that little nub of a tail, she gave me one of her hugs and a little kiss when I picked her up... she probably thought I was taking her home.

And then her breathing got hard again and it almost seemed as if she wanted to be put back in the kennel... she was such a smart dog.

So I held her in my arms and she snuggled close and then in just a moment, she was gone.

We put a candle in the window last night so she could find her way home and the house is quiet without it's little guardian... but her spirit is here.

And we have a very sad Shih Tzu... I joke about her being dumb but she has a good little heart and misses her sister.

We all keep looking for her when we come in the door...

...And we have a very sad Shih Tzu... I joke about her being dumb but she has a good little heart and misses her sister...

They are anything but dumb. Ours have many of the same attributes you ascribed to min pins. Very feisty, and want to have things their way, but fuzzy bundles of love.

Odds say it will be years from now when ours part from us, but I know how emotional we will be when that day eventually comes.

...So I held her in my arms and she snuggled close and then in just a moment, she was gone.

We put a candle in the window last night so she could find her way home and the house is quiet without it's little guardian... but her spirit is here.

Sixty Fiver, thank you for this very moving tribute to Maggie. In your original post you talked about the purpose of life--to learn as much as much as we can about being a good 'person' by loving others and being loved. This memorial to her shows that she served her purpose well, teaching you and your family as much as she could in her time here. And maybe she learned some things too.

I am VERY relieved to say that my dog wasn't very sick. He had a pinched nerve in his neck. He's now on steroids and a muscle relaxant and already doing better.