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 understandphrases 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 awayfrom 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."
by Richard Biby