She examined Macree and found he was dying of cancer. She told the family there were no miracles left for Macree, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As they made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told the doctor 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, the doctor felt that familiar catch in her throat as Macree’s family surrounded her. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that she wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Macree slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Macree's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
As they sat together for a while after Macree'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, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned them. They had 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.
