got this in an email. don't know who wrote it

"A DOG'S LIFE---FROM THE EYES OF A 4 YR. OLD" 

      Being a veterinarian, I 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.

       I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told  the family we couldn't do anything 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.

     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 really 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."

      Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God.