As adults, we try to protect children from hurt and sadness and pain. So, when this 6-year-old boy was forced to say goodbye to his pet dog, his parents were there to offer their support.
But, sometimes, children have a way of understanding things far better than anybody else. And the little boy said something so beautiful and so profound that his parents, nor the vet, would never forget it.
And we don't think we will either.
Get your tissues ready - we have a feeling this one may bring a tear to your eye...
"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 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 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.
"He said, 'People are born so that they 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.'"
That was the most beautiful thing we've ever read. Ever.