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 phases 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 human."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."
Authored by Richard A. Biby
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Wes Smith
July 23, 2012 at 10:09 am
I can actually relate to both sides. I've seen some owners where I felt like reminding them it was a pet not a person, or to point out "that isn't a dog, that's just a real ugly cat"… but then I also have fond memories of good times I've had with dogs — walks in the forest, walking along the beach, camping, a faithful companion… and also a sad memory of being a child and holding my mangled dog while dad when to get the rifle to end his suffering.
Wes Smith
July 23, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for posting this Ken, while sitting here working I'm still thinking of good times with dogs over the years. Playing in the snow with a Siberian Husky. Cross country skiing with a Husky/Malamute mix. Remembering how friendly and tolerant that dog was… putting up with my cat kneading its claws into it before going to sleep on top of it. Watching it yawn and the cat stick its head in the dogs mouth to scratch against its teeth, and the dog patiently holding its mouth open. Good memories. I miss having a dog.