[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

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 makes 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".
-- Author Unknown

So beautifully put. That describes all of our "just a dog" dogs. When my husband had his neck and back surgery, one of our dogs was at his side the entire time he was down. If he was asleep..they were there, sitting in his chair...they were there. When I was experiencing some really terrible side effects of cancer medication (excruiating pain in my hands, wrist and fingers) and was lying there in tears, I realized hubby was not home, neighbors could not hear me, so I let out the loudest scream I could...just to get the pain and frustration out. Two of the dogs came running, jumped on the bed and started licking my face. They most certainly are not "just a dog."