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, 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
won't 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.  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 man or woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog",
just smile -- because they "just don't understand."
 
-- Author Unknown