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."
Author Unknown
Copyright © 2000-2005 Helena Normark/Graphic Garden®.