"Just A Dog"

I came across this hanging in my vet's office and just had to share; The author is unknown. 

"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, time spent, or costs involved for, "Just a dog". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog". Many hours have passed with my only company being, "Just a dog", and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by, "Just a dog". In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. 

If you too, think its "Just a dog" you will probably understand phrases like, "Just a friend", "Just a Surprise", 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 into the future. 

For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog". It's 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 is good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. 

I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog". It's 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", smile, because they "Just don't understand. 

- Author Unknown -