Just a Dog

[Rural mystic]

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 travelled, 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 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 its' not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man" or "just a woman."

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

~Unknown Author~

 

[Rural mystic]

The above poem may have been previously posted but just in case there may be some here who haven't read it.

 

[Texas Carol]

Tim, I've never heard this, many thanks for posting it, wonderful & true words.

 

[ChrisRN]

Beautiful! Tim, thank you so much for sharing this!

 

[Bruno and Gidget]

Thanks for sharing. Love it!

 

[2BullyMama]

Very nice.... never read that before -- thanks for posting it

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

Wow! I loved that. And have never read it. I've heard those words though.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Davidh]

Thanks for sharing that,and it's so true, if I have to explain, they wouldn't understand. Plus they aren't just a dog, they are family.

 

[cali baker]

Quite beautiful. I'm going to have to print this one out and hang it in my office. Thank you for sharing it with us!

 

[kev122573]

Love it. Thanks for posting

 

[Twice]

I've heard "it was just a dog" more times than I can count. I think it's sad that some people just don't understand.

 

[nycbullymama]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Petra]

Awwwww, so beautiful and true<3

 

[LillyNBruin]

I've also never read that before. Thanks for posting. It's their loss if some people think 'its just a dog'

 

[Baconator]