Question: Why do dogs live shorter than humans?
Here is the answer:
As a veterinarian, I was called to examine a 13-year-old dog named Batuta. The family was hoping for a miracle.
I examined Batuta and found that he was dying of cancer and there was nothing I could do...
Batuta was surrounded by his family. The little boy Pedro looked so calm, petting the dog for the last time, and I wondered if he understood what was happening. Within minutes, Batuta peacefully fell into a sleep from which he would never wake up.
The little boy seemed to accept it without difficulty. I heard the mother ask, "Why are dogs' lives shorter than humans'?"
Pedro said, "I know why."
The little boy's explanation changed my outlook on life.
He said, "People come into the world to learn how to live a good life, like loving others all the time and being a good person, right?! Since dogs are born knowing how to do all this, they don't need to live as long as we do. Do you understand?"
The moral of the story:
If a dog were your teacher, you would learn things like:
When your loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never miss an opportunity to go for a walk.
Let the experience of fresh air and wind on your face be pure ecstasy!
Take naps, rest.
Stretch well before getting up.
Run, jump and play every day.
Avoid "biting" when a simple growl would suffice.
In very hot weather, drink plenty of water and lie down in the shade of a leafy tree.
When you are happy, dance by moving your whole body.
Enjoy the simple things, like a long walk.
Be faithful.
Never pretend to be something you are not. Be authentic!
If what you want is "buried", look for it, persist until you find it.
And never forget:
When someone is having a bad day, stay quiet, sit next to them and gently let them know that you are there.
