I am told that love is stronger than strong walls,
and this gives me hope.
Each time I’m kind and gentle and encouraging,
each time I try to understand because I care,
someone’s heart may begin to grow wings.
With that power to touch someone into feeling
I may be able to breathe life into them.
I’m guided and encouraged by knowing that.
and this gives me hope.
Each time I’m kind and gentle and encouraging,
each time I try to understand because I care,
someone’s heart may begin to grow wings.
With that power to touch someone into feeling
I may be able to breathe life into them.
I’m guided and encouraged by knowing that.
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 we couldn't do anything 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 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.
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 we couldn't do anything 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 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.
| Ain't but three things in this world that's worth a solitary dime, But old dogs and children - and watermelon wine. Old dogs care about you . . . even when you make mistakes. God bless little children . . . while they're still to young to hate. 2 From a child – to your inner child |
| 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. |
If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home,
always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity
to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air
and the 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 simple 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're happy,
dance around
and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy
of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend
to be something you're 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. 1
When loved ones come home,
always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity
to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air
and the 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 simple 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're happy,
dance around
and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy
of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend
to be something you're 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. 1
Acknowledgements:
[1] -A Dog’s Purpose -from a 4-year-old (out of the mouths of babes) ~Unknown
[2] -Old Dogs And Children And Watermelon Wine ~Tom T. Hall (Adapted)
Media: On The Wings Of A Dove
Contributed by Leslie Aquillard
[1] -A Dog’s Purpose -from a 4-year-old (out of the mouths of babes) ~Unknown
[2] -Old Dogs And Children And Watermelon Wine ~Tom T. Hall (Adapted)
Media: On The Wings Of A Dove
Contributed by Leslie Aquillard
To submit comments, requests or materials,
contact me at outreach@dawncoveabbey.org
contact me at outreach@dawncoveabbey.org
I gladly welcome all article, haiku, humour and poem contributions
For empowerment workshops, seminars and lectures, see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
For empowerment workshops, seminars and lectures, see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
Visit our sister website Stella Maris Community
- for prayer requests and more HERE
- for prayer requests and more HERE
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MorningStar Inspiration from Dawn Cove Abbey
Article, haiku, humour and poem contributions are welcomed, and gratefully received
Layout Design and Presentation Crafted by KT+
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MorningStar Inspiration from Dawn Cove Abbey
Article, haiku, humour and poem contributions are welcomed, and gratefully received
Layout Design and Presentation Crafted by KT+
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