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, 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 "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the
day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then 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 make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long
walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
but 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 they can understand that it's
not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman" or "just a man".
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog"
just smile - because they "just don't understand."
Author Unknown