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
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 human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile,
because they "just don't understand."

Author Richard A. Biby

Feel free to contact by email or text/call 269-202-8665.