Pet Loss
I want to share this article "Just a Dog," by Richard Biby, with everyone. Every time when I read it, it makes me miss the dogs who are gone, and cherish the ones I have with me even more.
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 man or
woman." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile --
because
they "just don't understand."
"Just a Dog" by Richard Biby, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma