Tammy found this and I thought I would send this out to Phoebe's family [bare with the typing]

Why dogs don't live as long as people.

Being a Veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.The dogs owners

Ron, Lisa and Shane were very attached and were hoping for a miracle.

I examined him and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles for Belker, and offered to perform

the euthanasia procedure for there dog in there home. As we made the arrangements , Ron and Lisa thought it would be good for there4year old Shane to be present ,they felt he might learn something from this and maybe bring some closure for him as well.

The next day I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belkers family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting his friend for the last time.

I really wondered if he understood what was about to happen. With in minutes Belker slipped into a deep sleep and was gone. Shane seemed to be fine

and still so calm We sat together for a while wondering a loud why animals lives are so much shorter than ours.

Shane who had been listening quietly finally piped up and said:" I know why". Startled we all turned to him and what he said stunned all of us

It was such a 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? well dogs already

know how to do that ,so they don't have to stay so long.

Live simply, love geneerously,care deeply, speak kindly.

Phoebe truly did all that and more,  Jodie I hope  your family enjoyed this.