Why Dogs Don't Live Longer Than People

Being a veterinarian, I was called to examine a ten year old Irish
Wolfhound named Beaker.  The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Beaker and they were hoping for a miracle.  I examined Beaker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family there were no miracles left for Beaker, 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 the 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 Beaker'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, Beaker slipped peacefully away.  The little boy seemed to accept Beaker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.  We sat together for a while after Beaker'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 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.

~copied~