As I was looking at my little dog Skooter the other day, I got to thinking, he's getting along in years. He's 9 so that makes him 63 in human years. (he's about to catch up with me). I keep wondering what I will ever do without him He is such a little buddy. We love him to death.

I heard a little story that I thought had such a good moral to it, I wanted to share it with my readers.

There was a veterinarian and he was called to examine a 10 year old dog. The dog's owners and their little boy were all very attached to this dog and were hoping for a miracle.

The doctor examined the dog and found he was dying of cancer. He told the family that he couldn't do anything for the dog and offered to put him to sleep.

They made arrangements and the couple thought it would be good for their little 6 year old boy to observe the procedure and felt he might learn something from the experience.

The arrangements were made and they noticed the little boy seemed very calm about it all while he petting his dog for the last time. The doctor wondered if he really understood what was going on. Within a few minutes of giving the dog the shot, he slipped away peacefully.

The little boy seemed to accept his dog dying without any difficulty or confusion. They sat together for a while after the dog's death wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

The little boy had been listening quietly and then said, "I know why.."

They all turned to him and what came out of his mouth stunned them all. The doctor said he had never heard a more comforting explanation.

The boy 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?"

Then he continued, "Well, dog already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

That should change the way we try and live our lives. I know I will certainly try harder.

We should live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things 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.

* 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

* 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

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!