Just a dog

[Roland]

I saw this on another board, and thought it was very well written and so true.
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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."

Written by an unknown Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
From the Therapy Dog Inc. News Magazine

[zefi]

That is so sad, and SO true. I hate it when people say they're 'just dogs'. They aren't just dogs to me. They're my family. I also hate it when people say things like 'well they aren't human, humans come first'. Well obviously they do, they have to, thats how society works, but to me they're as important as any other member of my family, more so than some!

The most amazing feeling I ever had was when I first held Scooter in my hands the day I got him. I took him home and held him and stared at this tiny little black puppy with amazement and suddenly I felt 'I am no longer alone. I have my own family'. Having my own family in my dogs made me so much stronger in knowing who I was and what I wanted.

[Roland]

For me it was that mix of udder love, and overwhelming fear, that now I was responsable for all the needs and well being of another living creature, and that this little ball of fluff, loved me so much he'd do anything for me too. I find myself doing things for him I never thought I'd do. Poops Ooops Pukes and Eye-Oocky's. Waking up early because he needs to go to the park, or rushing home because he's been alone too long. You can't compair how you love a pet to how you love a person, to me it's just too different. Although I now understand when people say " the more people I meet the more I love my dog" 

[zefi]

Yep. I rush home too!