Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.”  They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.”  Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.”

Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog,” and not once have I felt slighted.  Some of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog.”  In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think its “Just a dog,” you will probably understand phrases like “Just a friend,” “Just a sunrise,” or “Just a promise.”  “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.  “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.  Because of “Just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.”  It’s an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.  “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it’s not “Just a dog.”  It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man or woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “Just a dog,” smile, because they “Just Don’t Understand”.

– Author Unknown

 

I know many dog people have already read this. It has been passed through email for sometime.  But I like it-so here it is.

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4 Comments

  1. So very, very true. thanks for sharing :).

  2. Yep. Every time I see it I'm reminded of some moron I met when I had just learned that my standard poodle had bladder cancer and the guy wondered why I didn't just put him down immediately. Uh. Because they might be able to cure it (sadly, they couldn't, but we didn't know that at the time), because he's not in pain, because I'll fight for his life as hard as I'd fight for the life of my husband or myself. 'Just a dog' indeed.

    -Dr. Liz (the girls are napping by the fire, confident that they are not 'just dogs' but beloved members of our family)

  3. Such a great post. I hadn't seen this yet, so I'm glad you shared it.

    We often get incredulous looks when we talk to friends/family about Gus and his importance in our lives. Many of them fall into the "Just Don't Understand".

    The one thing I love the most about joining the dog blogging community is being surrounded by so many people whose dogs are such a bit part of their family!

    P.S. Gus just recently won a martingale collar. We're excited to try it out!

  4. I never look at my Grand Dogs as "that", I find myself looking for those sweet eyes that say "Hey Grannie"! ( Even when they are very upset and worried) Or when they say Hey Grannie! Love Ya- :Are you gonna give me that treat? ..cause I got things to do! Each of my Grand dogs have their own special personalities- Just like my human daughter- She thinks I have forgot about her since the girls came along- but what all I did was just open my heart a little more to include the sweetest hounds on the planet!!
    Sweetest Bella and That Daisy Girl!!
    love ALL my girls-Grannie

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