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
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 woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog"
just smile...
because they "just don't understand."
Unknown Author
This beautiful poem was sent to me by a lovely, dear friend, when we were fighting to save the life of J.J. who suffered a spleenic torsion. Had it not been for the wonderful staff at Iowa State University Veterinary Hospital he would certainly have died. It helped to know friends understood and the poem said it best! Thanks, Heather!
November 1, 2007
This page was last updated: November 4, 2007
