"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." 
 
 
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body... but rather to skid in broadside... thoroughly used up... totally worn out... and loudly proclaiming.... 
 
"WOW! What a Hell of a Ride!" 
 
Written by Richard Biby of Broken Arrow, OK.