Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money just for a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of a dog gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you may not understand phrases Like "truest friend", "unconditional love" or "constant companion". 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 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" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. A dog brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself or the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the very thing that gives me humanity and prevents me from being "just a man"

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" ... just smile and know that it's because... they "just don't understand."

Written by an unnamed Veterinarian ~

(From the Therapy Dog Inc. News Magazine)