A six-year-old boy moved a vet to tears after he explained why he thinks dogs live such short lives compared to humans. The young boy, named Shane, was left emotional after attending a vet appointment with his parents, Ron and Lisa, after the family's 10-year-old Irish wolfhound, Belker, started acting out of sorts.
While the family were hoping for a "miracle", they were saddened to learn their dog was dying of cancer. Recalling the incident, the vet said: "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."
When carrying out the procedure, the vet wondered whether Shane understood what was happening as he "seemed so calm" about it all.
"Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away," he added. "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 six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long'."
The young boy's words have recently resurfaced on Reddit and have brought great comfort to those suffering the loss of a pet.
One user said: "My dog is 19-years-old, and we'll probably have to put him down soon.
"He knew how to love everyone and be nice ages ago, but I think he stayed so long so that I wouldn't have to deal with his passing.
"And he really likes getting people food, that too."
While another user added: "I had to say goodbye to my best friend last week and this little boy's explanation has brought me so much comfort.
"It was his time. I didn't want him to suffer in pain. He taught me so much during his time with me and I hope everybody gets the chance to feel a dog's love."
A third user said: "I can't think of a better explanation! Thanks so much for sharing. And yes, tears here too."
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