Not Just a Dog

The original author of this is unknown, but for all of you who consider your dog more than a dog, I hope you enjoy this.

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 man or just as woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they
"just don't understand."