The UK is described as “a nation of dog lovers”, and dogs are commonly referred to as “man’s best friend”. There are an estimated 12 million dogs in Britain, which statistic would seem to support these sayings. And guess what? Apparently 3 million of our adored canines live right here in Wales!
So here’s a poignant little gem (not a shaggy dog story) but a true account that will tug at the heart-strings of dog lovers everywhere.
A vet was called to examine a ten-year-old Welsh Spaniel named Dylan. The dog’s owners, Dai, his wife Lowri and their little boy Ioan needed a miracle; Dylan, after all, was one of the family.
The vet found the old dog was dying and told the sad three that he couldn’t do anything to save Dylan, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure in their home.
Dai and Lowri told him they thought it would be good for six-year-old Ioan to be with his pet through-out – they felt the boy might learn something from being there.
Even the vet had a catch in his throat as the loving family surrounded their pet. Ioan seemed calm, gently petting the old dog for the last time. Did he understand what was happening? Within a few minutes Dylan had slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept the big dog’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Dylan’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are so much shorter than human lives.
Ioan , who had been quietly listening suddenly piped up “I know why.”
Startled, they turned to him, and his next words really stunned them as he shared his very own comforting explanation, obviously drawn from his personal life experience with his pet.
“People are born so that they can learn how to live good lives, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, aren’t they?” he said.
The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do all that, so they don’t have to stay around as long.”
Profound isn’t it?
And if a dog were our teacher maybe we would learn things like:-
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Allow fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Let people get close to you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
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 joy of a long walk.
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 and cwtch up gently.
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Act kindly.
And if you own a loyal and much- loved pooch keep showing your appreciation…give him an extra pat, a new toy or a long walk- — for sure he’s worth it!
