Reader's Ink discussion

How can the purposes that the dog had to fulfill compare to our own life’s purposes?

Bailey didn't know what his purposes were, in my opinion until very close to the end. When he put it together why he had to learn this so he could do this, and so forth with each step/phase in his life. I sat there and sobbed. It was so moving to me. I reflected on my own life, and there are many times I should have met my maker but he has sent me back to learn something, to help someone else, or any of a number of reasons. Three years ago yesterday my husband and I were in a horrible car accident, and he fell asleep at the wheel, and rolled the car front to back three times, leaving us upside down. I had more broken bones and bloody spots than I'll ever even know. I was in ICU, the Hospital, and Rehabilitation, and was away from home for 6 weeks. I was unconscious for about 15 days, and, and by divine intervention within just a few minutes there were some rescue people who were on holiday driving by, and they saw our car upside down, with glass and debris everywhere and stopped and called for an ambulance for my husband and a helicopter for me. It was very very severe. I should have died that day. My heart stopped several times over the next few days, and I slept through the whole thing. So relating it to Bailey he had several life experiences, and he did get to live his over and over and learn and live from each one. So what is my life purpose, still think about it, but I know that I have taught people the value of fighting to live, the value of having faith in our Savior and relying on Him to give us strength and power to endure the difficult times we have. When Bailey was at first a pup, and his Sister, Hungry, and all of them were there together, they were learning about life skills. We, too, learn about life skills with each experience and challenge we face. This was a delightful way to propose this concept to us the reader.

The dog was so keen on fulfilling whatever role he needed to in order to please the people he was around. For the most part, it wasn't about him, but others. Something I think I should strive for more in my life- not about me, but about reaching out to others and fulfilling a role they need me for.

I agree the book promoted a sense of "selflessness" in the dog(s). If only we could all implant a bit more of that each day the world would be a better place. However it also showed the importance of loyalty, agression, submission, etc at different times. The purpose of each incarnations slightly changed with each situation...maybe our lives need that same type of evolution as we age and grow.

It was interesting that Bailey kept thinking his journey was "done"- that he had served his purpose in various incarnations, so he was confused when he kept being reborn. I know I tend to believe I know what's best for my life, so when things don't go as I think they will, I wonder what's going on. But ultimately I believe there is a larger purpose to all of our lives that we don't even always know, and we can't tie a bow on our own lives and say "all done!" because we have no idea what may be coming next.

I think to a certain extent caring for and experiencing the loyalty and love of an animal make people more purpose driven. Not all of us, but some. I know for me I have living things with feelings to come home to who need me...and sometimes that is what makes a crappy day better.

Meghan, I like your last comment. I've been working outside pulling weeds, and cleaning my back yard all morning. One of the most endearing times is when my Frisco comes out and plays, rolls in the grass or rocks, takes naps, rolls up against me, and keeps me company while I'm working. It's a very companionable time for us both. Neither of us are out to entertain the other, but just the comfort of being together. As husband and wife, there are times too when we just want to be together without having to entertain the other, just the comfort of being together.

I, TOO, LIKE EVERYONE'S RESPONSES ON THIS. I AGREE WITH JULIE, MEGAN, AND EMILY ABOUT HOW OUR LIVES AND "PURPOSES" ARE ENHANCED BY OUR FURRY FRIENDS. THE OLDER I GET, THE MORE I SEEM TO JUST RUN INTO PURPOSES FOR MY EXISTENCE. PERHAPS IT'S SIMPLY BECAUSE I'M MORE AWARE THAN I USED TO BE WHEN I CAN ACTUALLY BE PURPOSEFUL. MAYBE THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO BAILEY/BUDDY.

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed everyone's comments on this book (in this thread and others) - since I couldn't get the book off the hold list in time, I'm glad I could at least read the discussion.