From my vet friend’s wife…
Dog's Purpose? (From a 6-year-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 that 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 that 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 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. It has changed the way I try to 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 as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
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 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 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!
True, we had a couple other chores to take care of, but little time for just fun stuff. However, the rhododendron were in full bloom, and they were awesome. 
In many cases, they lined the roads, towered over us and there was no place to pull over to take a picture. 
Plus, it was actually dark under there! It seemed strange to have the flash pop up when it was a sunny day, so it made for a lot of contrast in the pictures. However, I knew I would not have a chance to get back for a cloudy day shot.
So, after the visit with Aunt Kay, I really needed some place soothing for a little moment or two. We went home, packed a sandwich, and headed down to the creek at Rockport. This creek empties in the Lehigh River.
In years past we have hiked up (or down) to a waterfall, but, not this year. The old bod just would not do it. So, I took a few shots of my favorite creek and some of the rhododenrdons near it. First, the creek - this year, with little water,
and a couple years ago with lots of water. The trickle and the torrent!
Higher up the creek, near the bridge... 
One of the things I also love to see is how fern and even trees grow out of the rocks.
Shoot! I have trouble getting fern to live in pots!
One morning we took a quick run down into Hickory Run. Another quickie on this Total Quickie Trip. sigh. This is in Hickory Run. 
The water this year was so low, there was NO water to drive thru this year.
I have never seen it dry before. It is unusual to see little "islands" in the pools above the falls. 
But the reflection of the rhododendron was nice even in the shallow water.
And why, you might ask, Why was this trip so fast? Hadji is diabetic, as some of you might remember... and HAS to eat a LOT of certain foods... and does not do well under stress. 
He lost 8 oz. while we were gone - Monday to Friday. That is a lot for a little cat. I am glad to say, it took only 3 days to put it back on him. He came home and ate and ate and drank and drank! No, it is not a Spoiled thing - it is his LIFE!
