Belker (English)

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 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 their four year old son to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something form 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. 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, “Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody and being nice, right?”

The four year old continued, “Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay here as long as people do.”

(Author unknown)

(German translation here)

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Taken from the book “Fragile Tears: Stories & Guidance for Youth on the Passing Away of Beloved Animal Companions” by Alan Blain Cunningham. The book is available here.