From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money to spend on 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 will help to make
me a better person.
For me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all my
hopes for the future,
cherished memories of the past, and the experience
of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and helps to redirect my thoughts
away
from 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."