Just a dog

[avalen]

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 travelled, 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 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 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.

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 "just a woman."

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

~Unknown Author~

I know this has been around the internet many times but I just
thought it was good enough to share again.

[VickieP]

Thanks Ava, it's much more than "just a story"!

[retiredhappy]

Especially true for those of us who live alone. Thanks

[BarbaraRose]

That is SO true! With any animal in our lives! I spent a ton of money on my last cat, Snuffy, who was chronically ill, and heard the same thing. "Why would you spend all that money on "just a cat"? because he was my best friend and buddy! Some of my ferrets have gotten me thru some tough times and severe depression. To me they are my "therapets". Growing up, my kitty was the only one I could talk to in my abusive childhood, who listened and seemed to understand and not judge me or criticize me. Pets are silent furry angels from Heaven.
I feel sorry for people who do not understand this and have not experienced the unconditional love and joy a pet can bestow. They are truly missing out on a great thing. I love this quote, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened".

[Ladyhawk]

My "just a cat" and "just a dog" have brought me much more happiness and much less grief than my "just a dumba$$ boyfriends"

[Colliemom]

Amen to that. Best of company, couldn't ask for a better "friend" who is with you through thick and thin, does't care what you look like in the morning or anytime for that matter. Asks so very little but gives so much, is always by your side, understands your pain, sometimes drives you nuts, is better behaved than kids can be, loves to go for walks and doesn't cmplain about how long or where are we going, makes you aware of your surroundings, and loves to go for rides without "are we there yet". So whats "money" compred to all that love. And we can't take it with us anyway. And when their time on this earth, which is short anyway, comes along, rduces us to a pile of mush.

[JanetA]

I agree w/ all these gals especially LADY HAWK! A dog is much more loyal than a dumba$$ man!

Thanks for the smile,, lady hawk!

love ya,, Ava~!