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 the 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 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.”