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."

Written by an unknown
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
From the Therapy Dog Inc. News Magazine