YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO BE A HORRIBLE WARNING! )

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 the 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. 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.”

“Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.”

“Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his neck,”These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.”

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?”

“Sure,” said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle.

“Here, Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dollyfollowed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others,doing its best to catch up…

“I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt.

The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.”

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. “How much?” asked the little boy. “No charge,” answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love.”

The world is full of people who need someone who understands.

I stood by your bed last night.
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying
You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly
As you brushed away a tear.
“it’s me, I haven’t left you,
I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast.
I watched you pour your tea.
You were thinking of the many times
Your hand reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today.
Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more

I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house,
As you fumbled for your key.
I gently put a paw on you,
I smiled and said “it’s me.”

You looked so very tired
And sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
That I was standing there.

It’s possible for me
To be so near you everyday,
To say to you with certainty
“I never went away”.

You sat there very quietly then smiled
I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening
I was very close to you.

The day is over…I smile
And watch you yawning
And say “goodnight, god bless,
I’ll see you in the morning”.

And when the time is right
For you to cross the brief divide
I’ll rush across to greet you
And we’ll stand side by side.

I have so many things to show you
There is so much for you to see
Be patient, live your journey out…
Then come and be with me.

Author unknown

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.”

Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog.” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”

Versatile Hunting Dog Magazine, February 2006