I stumbled upon a story about a dog named Belker and a little six-year-old boy and what happened when it was time for Belker to leave them. This small boy’s perspective on the life of a dog is both unexpected and beautiful. It will truly change the way you think about the death of a pet forever.
Belker and Shane
“A veterinarian…was 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. This heartfelt story is one that struck us. And, we felt it was worthy to share with you and family, too.Dr. Right examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.
He told the family they couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As they made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told Dr. Right they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt that Shane might learn something from the experience.The next day, Dr. Right felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that he wondered if Shane 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.
They all 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, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned them all. Dr. Right admitted that he’s never heard a more comforting explanation.
“It has changed the way I try and live,” he said. Shane 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.'”
So beautiful, and so very true. There is a lot to be learned from the life of a dog.
