Dogs Don't Live Long Enough

[Guest whiz]

Sorry for your loss mate I know how you feel I've had dogs all my life. I've got Seven at the moment yes I'm mad feel like Ceasar Milan sometimes. 4 springers 2 daschund s and a Lhasa Apso the last three don't really count use to there size.

Andy

[Guest MarkB]

That's why I won't have pets, they have to be loved like family and it hurts just as much when they die, my parents used to breed show dogs, it used to wipe me out as a kid when the pups were sold off. Plus over the last few years I have become allergic to dogs ( throat closes up) so I have a perfect excuse not to own one. Thoughts are with you and the mrs rich.

[richardm6994]

Swmbo here, thanks for all your messages and kind words.

[Bob Tucker]

Hiya,

Lost our Irish setter a few years back, still havent been able to bring ourselves to get another,

but my son's Harvey keeps us amused...

 

I've read the following a few times since....brings a bit of a lump to the throat, but well written.

 

 

 

Rudyard Kipling

His Apologies

1932

Master, this is Thy Servant. He is rising eight weeks old.

He is mainly Head and Tummy. His legs are uncontrolled.

But Thou hast forgiven his ugliness, and settled him on Thy knee...

Art Thou content with Thy Servant? He is very comfy with Thee.

 

Master, behold a Sinner! He hath committed a wrong.

He hath defiled Thy Premises through being kept in too long.

Wherefore his nose has been rubbed in the dirt, and his self-respect has been bruised.

Master, pardon Thy Sinner, and see he is properly loosed.

 

Master-again Thy Sinner! This that was once Thy Shoe,

He has found and taken and carried aside, as fitting matter to chew.

Now there is neither blacking nor tongue, and the Housemaid has us in tow.

Master, remember Thy Servant is young, and tell her to let him go!

 

Master, extol Thy Servant, he has met a most Worthy Foe!

There has been fighting all over the Shop – and into the Shop also!

Till cruel umbrellas parted the strife (or I might have been choking him yet),

But Thy Servant has had the Time of his Life – and now shall we call on the vet?

 

Master, behold Thy Servant! Strange children came to play,

And because they fought to caress him, Thy Servant wentedst away.

But now that the Little Beasts have gone, he has returned to see

(Brushed – with his Sunday collar on) what they left over from tea.

 

Master, pity Thy Servant! He is deaf and three parts blind.

He cannot catch Thy Commandments. He cannot read Thy Mind.

Oh, leave him not to his loneliness; nor make him that kitten's scorn.

He hath had none other God than Thee since the year that he was born.

 

Lord, look down on Thy Servant! Bad things have come to pass.

There is no heat in the midday sun, nor health in the wayside grass.

His bones are full of an old disease – his torments run and increase.

Lord, make haste with Thy Lightnings and grant him a quick release!

[Guest mower man]

They weave their way into your heart and when its time for them to go it breaks completly ,my sympathy you have lost a mate an entertianer and part of your heart ,but look on the bright side you may find another!! mower man

[Guest Sharky]

I remembered seeing this a few weeks ago and it says it all! My old border collie Finn is 13 now and showing her age, we will be devastated when her time comes, but this little story may perhaps help take some of the sting out of it. . .

 

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old). I don't usually forward emails, but this one is so truthful. -Diane

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 homeAs 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!