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

[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."

[quirky3]

That is so beautiful, and so true. I love the phrase "May I always try to be the person my dog thinks I am"

[sandybill2]

Beautiful! I understand what it means to have a family member and friend who always is happy to see you. So trusting, so loving and always there when you need them. We loved our Maxie Dog so much and still think about him and miss him after all these years.

[Jhooman]

Thank you your eloquent post. We have "just a Yorkie" who follows me about the house, constantly making sure I'm okay. The other "just a Yorkie" is attached to the husbands hip. They are our little creatures that keep us grounded. We too our grateful for the love they give us and hopefully we are good stewards to them in return.

Originally Posted by sandybill2

Beautiful! I understand what it means to have a family member and friend who always is happy to see you. So trusting, so loving and always there when you need them. We loved our Maxie Dog so much and still think about him and miss him after all these years.

Sandy I too have dogs that have passed and we still miss them .We always get another one and probably will always have one. However in our time of grief in the past someone gave me a link to something called the rainbow bridge.Here is that link

http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm

[Bonny]

We love dogs. We had dogs all of our lives.
I love this 10 Canine Commandments. It always brings tears to my eyes.
You might have to save it to make it bigger.

[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by Bonny

We love dogs. We had dogs all of our lives.
I love this 10 Canine Commandments. It always brings tears to my eyes.
You might have to save it to make it bigger.

Attachment 815

Cried, as usual. Then I went to pet my two babies...Gertie, the doxie and Tilda the Australian Cattle Dog.

[2BNTV]

DOG spelled backwards is GOD.

[natickdan]

Well said and very good timing for us.

Our "just a dog" has been a part of our family for almost 13 years and over the past week, we have shed many tears because we have to put our family dog down this week.

Anyone who doesn't understand what we get from "just a dog", has never had the benefit of having a pet. Just as some people shouldn't have children, there are some people who shouldn't have pets.

Just a dog lover..... From Natick, MA

Originally Posted by natickdan

Well said and very good timing for us.

Our "just a dog" has been a part of our family for almost 13 years and over the past week, we have shed many tears because we have to put our family dog down this week.

Anyone who doesn't understand what we get from "just a dog", has never had the benefit of having a pet. Just as some people shouldn't have children, there are some people who shouldn't have pets.

Just a dog lover..... From Natick, MA

Sorry for your loss Dan.I feel your pain.Read this it may help.I know it has helped me in the past.


Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by natickdan

Well said and very good timing for us.

Our "just a dog" has been a part of our family for almost 13 years and over the past week, we have shed many tears because we have to put our family dog down this week.

Anyone who doesn't understand what we get from "just a dog", has never had the benefit of having a pet. Just as some people shouldn't have children, there are some people who shouldn't have pets.

Just a dog lover..... From Natick, MA

So sorry for your loss...I know the pain. I hope after you have your grieving time you will be blessed with another wonderful bundle of fur. Can not imagine life with a dog...

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by natickdan

Well said and very good timing for us.

Our "just a dog" has been a part of our family for almost 13 years and over the past week, we have shed many tears because we have to put our family dog down this week.

Anyone who doesn't understand what we get from "just a dog", has never had the benefit of having a pet. Just as some people shouldn't have children, there are some people who shouldn't have pets.

Just a dog lover..... From Natick, MA

So sorry to hear this. I had to put my last kitty down last November due to cancer. I'm still not over it.

[Debfrommaine]

Well said and so true......

[sandybill2]

Thank you Boxosfan for Rainbow Poem. Beautiful. So sorry Natickdan for your loss. It does get better but you will never forget your wonderful family member/loyal friend. I'm sure you have so many wonderful memories --some of which will make you laugh again. I know we do.