Lessons from a dog and a child

[realFedUp]

http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2008/02/another-kind-of-purpose-driven-life.html
Rev. Susan Russell

(Read the whole story at Susan's site of a veterinarian who euthanized a
family's pet dog in their home and their son was present)

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."

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Lessons we can learn from a dog

(Which would also make an excellent list for a Lenten Discipline!)

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

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.

[realFedUp]

1. How are you spending your Lent? nt

[wolfgangmo]

2. great story

I believe the same about my cats too. They are as gentle and giving as I only wish I was.

[yellerpup]

3. Nice to see the piece attributed.

I received this as an e-mail accompanied by adorable doggy photos. Kind of miss the photos, but the sentiment is unbeatable.

[applegrove]

4. Sweet post.

[Wilms]

5. John Hiatt: Friend of Mine

Friend of mine
Has gone away
Like a light from yesterday
Lost in space
Somewhere they say
This friend of mine

He could sing
Like a child
A mother's dream
So sweet and mild
Or big and mean
Loud and wild
This friend of mine

His voice is still
Like the night
Rustling winds
Of angel's flight
Take him home
To the light
This friend of mine

This friend of mine

--John Hiatt

[roguevalley]

6. lovely. all lovely, this.