Why I Want to Be like My Dog when I Grow Up

There is a story going around the internet about a little boy and his dog. Actually the dog was a little older than the boy, but basically they grew up together. When Scrufty the pooch got sick, the whole family brought him into the vet hoping for a miracle, or just an everyday diagnosis of something that could be fixed. But the vet found the dog was dying of cancer. There was nothing that could be done for him. When the doctor offered to perform a euthanasia procedure at their home, the parents agreed. They said they wanted their six year old boy Shane to be there too. They hoped it would be a learning experience for him.

The vet was a little concerned that Shane wouldn't really understand the finality of what was happening, and would be upset later when he figured it out. But on the scheduled day, the family surrounded the beloved dog, and Shane was very serene. He was petting the dog and talking to him, telling him not to be scared. Soon, Scrufty drifted off to sleep peacefully, for the last time.

The vet stayed with the family for a little while, talking. He mentioned that it was a mystery why our faithful pets have such short lives, compared to our human lives. Shane looked thoughtful. Then he said, "I bet I know why." Everyone looked at him kindly, thinking how can a six year old understand death? Shane said "People have to learn how to live a good life, right? They have to learn to be nice, and to love people." His Mom and Dad had tears in their eyes and the vet said "That's right son." Shane said "But dogs already know how to do all that. So they don't have to stay as long."

If you have a faithful loving pet, you know just what Shane was talking about. Pets don't have to learn how to love us unconditionally, loyally, and without reservation.They don't have to learn to enjoy the people they love. In fact if dogs could give us some pointers about living a good life, they might say:

When somebody you love comes home, always run to greet them.

Take lots of naps.

Soak up all the attention and love you can get.

Stretch before you get up.

Never pass up the chance to take a joy ride.

Be nice to others. Let them throw your ball for you.

Enjoy the wind in your fur, and the sun on your face.

Ask to be scratched behind your ears whenever possible.

If anybody tries to hurt your family, bark and make a lot of noise.

Don't bother biting when a simple growl will do.

Prance around in the snow, and stick your nose in it.

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.

Wag your entire body when you're really happy.

Delight in long walks.

Be loyal.

Never put on airs, just be who you are.

Go after what you want even if you have to dig for it.

If somebody is feeling bad, just be quiet, stay close by and nuzzle them gently.

Source: Anonymous email.