Why dogs don't live longer than people

[LuvsInk]

WHY DOGS DON'T LIVE LONGER THAN PEOPLE

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 there were no miracles left 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
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 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. 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. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much