4.30.2010

April 30, 2010

White Dog spent the day mourning the sudden loss of Charlie, one of her first blog follower friends, who died of renal failure yesterday. She has searched for an explanation of why he was taken so suddenly and has shed tears for the heartbreaking pain his mom is feeling at his loss. The best reason we found is this story, circulating on Facebook and which we now share in tribute to her wonderful friend...and in consolation to his family:

"A DOG'S PURPOSE (from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian I had been called to examine a 10-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's family, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and 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 sick dog in their home. As we made arrangements, the parents told me they wanted Shane to be a part of the procedure as they felt he would learn something important from the experience.

The next day, I felt a 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 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 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 of 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."

Dogs teach us to: Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Always run to greet loved ones when they return home. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and 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 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 are 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 are 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!"

Farewell, Charlie. Run with endless energy, free of pain on the other side of the Bridge. Watch over your mom and be there to greet her when it is her time to cross. We will miss but never forget you because our memories are rich with your stories and our hearts filled with your gentle patient love.

7 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Another pawesome post...

As I've mentioned in mine fur Saturday, we were so touched by all the kind words pawed to Charlie's Mom - they made us leaky...

It was such a shokhk to see that news early this am...

Thanks fur sharing this!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Teddy Bear said...

Such a beautiful tribute! Mommy is starting to cry again. He will definitely be missed.

Love,
Teddy Bear

Maxie said...

Dear Siku and Siku's Mom,

Thank you for this wonderful tribute. I have been checking the comments posted on Charlie's blog and have been touched at the outpouring of support.

Thank you for being a friend. I find solace in the fact that we have friends who care and understand the loss we are feeling.

Dogs are really amazing and Charlie was proof of that. Im just really really sorry I was not able to spend a lot of years with him. Its the little things that really get me. This morning, I was packing up his things, saw his hairbrush and remembered how much he loved to be groomed. Then, I realized I will never be able to that anymore. I cried again for the nth time since yesterday.

Irene

Remington said...

I am so sorry to hear about your friend....your words are beautiful! Thank you for sharing....

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We didn't know Charlie, but we were saddened to hear of his passing, and at such a young age. We sent our good thoughts to his family. So sad.

We have the same problem here with food. If it isn't eaten when the bowls go down, the bowls have to be taken away because some pups like to eat everything they can find and others like to eat when they want - tough call to make.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

That is such a lovely tribute to Charlie and so very true. Mum is saying out of the mouths of babes..Hugs GJ xx

Sagira said...

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. That is always so sad to hear.