A Dog's Purpose (story by a veterinarian):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
today is the next step in the journey......paw
Thanks for sharing that with us Michael! How are you doing?
Peace be with you!
Ann
Thanks Michael,truly a blessing thinking of how "simple" things can really be.We can certainly complicate the most simple things huh? Hope you are well.peace mike
MIKE F
Awesome read.
Living a happy, joyous, and free life by embracing the mind, body, and spirit.
Hey Clinton,good to see ya man!.hope things going well for you,know you could probably use a "big chillout" from school.Thanks for you support when im either in the"valley" or on the"mountain!" Have a grat weekend!
Thanks guy's, I thought it was sweet myself. A friend that i went to school with and also worked for her father in my teenage years until my late twenties, sent it to me in an E-mail. we just recently made contact with one another and corresponding regularly. Just to add a little insight we are both very much attracted to one another, we have been sending pictures back and forth, as well as confiding to each other emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. by the way she still looks hot.. and after sending her a recent pic of myself told me that she was impressed after living as hard as i did , that i was in pretty good shape for my mid 40's, still have most of my hair, a little receded but still there and have all my teeth, in good shape as well. I am a little nervous, because i have not dated in over three years and they were one night stands plus i was getting high at the time.. in fact never really dated sober i told her about my past and my addictions etc.. she is happy to see me come back to life and remembers when i was active.. she also said that i was different , in a good way, much calmer. I have no expectations that are unrealistic, besides she lives in Florida, she want's me to visit her in January when she has time off from work. i know long distant relationships are very hard but we are taking it very slow and just talking about it as a possibility. i have to admit i feel like a school boy, she's excited as well.. any thoughts or feed back on dating after my first year? I have prayed on it,, just thought i would add you guy's to my spiritual advisement panel and bounce it off of you, since GOD works through people.
P.S.
My sponsor relapsed recently and i can't get a hold of him , so i would like to have you guy's as a fill in until i find another, if you don't mind..I value your opinion's
thanks for listening..
Hey Michael
I also am sorry to hear about your sponsor,although relapse is part of some peoples recovery it still hurts to watch it>As far as your relationship goes just always remember(and im sure you do) your recovery must always remain first.You are a man after my own model ,as I never do anything before I have prayed on it.Being a knucklehead I dont always get out of the way though..For all the pain we have had in our"lives" it is a blessing to get some "joy" Although we do say not to form a relationship in your first year,we as individuals have to know how we are "working the process"faltering,searching for the golden ring or whatever.If you think about 'working the program; it is all about relationships anyway!!New people you meet,people in meetings,etc..I am a firm believer in the"therapuetic value of one addict helping another is without parallel,so we are definitely hear for you.Continue to be honest,if you are living the process,you;ll see yourself coming and know you need to reach out if things start showing up.Let us know how its going.Remember what we say 'WE DIDNT BECOME ADDICTED OVERNITE SO "EASY DOES IT" wish you peace mike.........