Story from a Vet
I read this on a site I belong to for Funeral Celebrants.
I thought it was pretty cool. Hope you like it too.
What a story 💙
WHY DOGS LIVE LESS THAN HUMAN
Here's the surprising answer of a 6 year old child.
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 six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
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 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 dogs' 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. It has changed the way I try and live.
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 six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay for as long as we do.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
• When your 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 to be pure Ecstasy.
• 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 faithful.
• 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.
That's the secret of happiness that we can learn from a good dog.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Pet Sitting Available
Hello Everyone
Thank you for looking at my profile.
I am a local mum who is mature, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. I have a 6 year-old, our pet cats are called Ruby and Iggy. I work as a Teacher Aide when I'm not pet-sitting.
I have been pet-sitting since December of 2022, I love animals. I am motivated to provide a friendly and genuine service for my customers and build positive relationships between clients of the human kind and the four-legged kind :D.
I am patient and caring, eager to work with all animals and breeds, and willing to walk animals in their normal environments. My skills include attention to detail, orderly and organised.
I live in Hastings but am willing to travel locally.
Pay rates for one animal (additional animals can be discussed)
Services:
One home visit per day NZD $20
Two home visits per day NZD $25
The duties I can offer are:
*Home visits (while you are away)
*Feed, water, and walk animals according to schedule and feeding times.
*Can mix food, liquid formulas, medications, etc. according to the instructions.
*Happy to groom pets if needed.
*Happy to clean animal's habitats
*Keep a safe environment for the pets in my care.
*Report to owners on how your beloved pets are doing.
*Examine and observe animals to detect illness, disease or injury signs.
Please feel free to contact me and ask questions or queries.
I look forward to hearing from you.
DOG WALKING AVAILABLE WITH PET SITTING.
Need a pet sitter? Check out my profile on Pawshake: www.pawshake.co.nz...
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