It's "Just a Dog"

[PattyInAK]

Found this essay in The Dachshund Lovers Newsletter --

"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 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." 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."

[Rich]

Thanks, Patty,

I've sent this along to some lovers of other breeds here in my office.

[Dackelrich]

 :scratch: Luth is having a hard time understanding how this applies to him--he doesn't consider himself to be a dog; by default, he does not consider me to be a dog owner.

Ich bin nicht ein Hund, ich bin ein Dachsund!!     <<Trans.>>  I am not a dog.  I am a Dachshund!!  --Luth

[Dottiesdoxies]

My dogs are people too!  They say they aren't owned by anyone!  But that writing is just so true!  I really enjoyed reading it!  George, Grace and Meeko agree with you Luth.....lol

[Mike]

Thanks, Patty.  So very true.  (Just when I could come here and not get blurred vision thinking about Toby....)