LEARNING FROM SHANE

The veterinarian 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. When he examined Belker, he found he was dying of cancer.

He 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 the arrangements were made, Ron and Lisa decided it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.

The next day Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. The family 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.” 

He said, “Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life – loving everybody and being nice.”

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

Have you ever heard an explanation as comforting as this one?

From the mouths and hearts of babes, come God inspired answers.

– author unknown