JUST A DOG

My friend, Jan, sent this to me recently. The author is unknown, but I would like to know the person who wrote this and just what their dog or dogs were like. There are those of us who like dogs and those that like cats....not that I don't like cats....but to me, a dog has it "all over a cat". They definitely are a little more work, but they're worth it. I told myself that at 4:11 am today when my puppy was up and ready to eat and play....so here is what the unknown author wrote....it certainly speaks to me.

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, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog." Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog," and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog." In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it"s "Just a dog," 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 makes me a better person. Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog." It's an embodiment of all of 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 people can understand it's not "Just a dog." It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or a woman."

So, the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand." ~

(Thanks to dogs I've known in my life: Buttons, Ricochet, Touche, Sachet, Gigi, Sam, Charlie Chan, Adolf, Max and my new pal, Boomer).

Thanks for sharing, Jan!