-IT'S JUST A DOG-

   From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's "just a dog." or,

 "That's alot of money for "just a dog." 

 They don't know the distance travelled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog".

   Some of my proudest moments have come 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 makes me a better person.

   Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into 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 enjoyment 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".

             -Anonymous-