Just a Dog (black, costs, ears, normal)

[Ringo1]

I apologize if this has been posted before. I saw it today on another board and it rang true for me. Especially since I have been hearing similar comments when I mention that Lucy might need to see a specialist in another state.

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
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 woman/man."
~
Anonymous
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[vanee]

That's beautiful.

[Driller1]

Thank you!!!

[MAK802]

I have one of these "just a dogs." He's currently snoring by my side and is the love of my life. Those that never experienced the true love a dog can bring have not fully lived.

[Ynot]

Love it! For me, it's x 4! Can't imagine my life without 'em!

[Alaskapat528]

Thank you for posting that. ALL of my dogs have been "just dogs" and I'm thankful I have/had each and everyone of them. Funny, but I would bet when "just a dog/s" look/s at their owner they never for one second think he/she is "just a person."

[latetotheparty]

i had not seen this before......

oh, so true, though....

thank you!!

[Niftybergin]

Yep.

It was just a dog who was my steady companion when I was going through a suicidal depression.
Just a dog who helped me recover from that depression by giving me something to love and take care of, and something to feel good about myself for as I saw what a good parent I could be to him. It was just a dog who helped me regain my self-esteem and reclaim my life.

It was just a dog who was my steady companion when I got divorced after an abusive marriage, and my just a dog never once told me that I wasn't doing it right, wasn't good enough, wasn't pretty enough, wasn't self-disciplined enough, wasn't ambitious enough. He just looked at me with his pretty blue eyes and told me every day that he loved me and trusted me...completely.

And for 8 years, it's been just a dog who has brought me laughter and joy and licked my hand when I was weepy, who has given me purpose and a sense of responsibility, who has given my day structure and forced me to break out of my normal tendency to isolate. Which means it's been just a dog who has helped to make (and keep!) me healthy and happy.

So to other people he may be just a dog, but to me he is so, so much more: he's a gift.

[Isilme]

Thats lovely Ringo1, I have never read that before. Good luck with Lucy. I hope everything works out!

[ZSP]

That piece has always been on of my favorites. Thanks for the reminder.