A friend sent this in an email to me and I thought I would share. I really like it.

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 phases like "just a friend," "just love," 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. Amen to that!

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."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile, because
they "just don't understand."


Versatile Hunting Dog Magazine, February 2006