Published: May 16, 2008 09:50 pm         

An old dog can teach humans new tricks

Inside Out

When I wrote a column about bunny wisdom a few weeks back, a friend who’s a passionate dog lover reminded me dogs can teach humans a few good lessons as well.

A touching e-mail she sent me proves the point.

A veterinarian had to deliver the sad news to a family that their 10-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker had cancer. After discussing options with the family, the consensus was euthanasia. Belker’s age and the advanced stage of the cancer made his survival unlikely, and treatment would involve a long, painful process with virtually no quality of life for the dog.

The owners felt their 6-year-old son was emotionally able to handle being present with his family when the procedure was done.

Shane petted Belker and spoke with him calmly as the dog drifted peacefully away.

The family stayed in the room a while, sharing their grief and lamenting the fact animals’ lives are so much shorter than those of humans.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up and said, “I know why! People are born so they can learn how to live a good life — loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs are born knowing that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

The e-mail summed up the moral of the story by saying, “Remember, if a dog were your teacher, you would learn things like:

- Live simply, love generously and care deeply — always.

- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them and embrace them like you haven’t seen them for years. Let them know you are truly glad to see them, even if they only left you a few hours ago.

- Run, romp and play daily with those you love. Don’t take for granted you will have them tomorrow.

- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk with someone you love.

- Never pretend to be something you’re not.

- Some bones should just stay buried.

- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and let your presence give them comfort.

- Begin each day as though you have never lived before.

- Look for something new in every routine thing you do.

- The best way to get more affection is to give more.

Well, I’ll have to admit, maybe dogs do know as much as bunnies. Maybe that’s why it’s often easier to love pets than people.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com