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.”

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.”
“Musings” by Richard Biby, Contributing
Editor, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Roca (C) 2006