Not sure where this came from, so if you can identify the author, please let me know.  Thanks to friend-of-the-blogger, Wendy, for sending this to me.

From time to time, people tell me “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “That’s a lot o money for just a dog.”  They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.”  Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog,” and not once have I felt slighted.  Some of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog.”  In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “Just a dog,” 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.

For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.”  It’s an embodiment of all the hopes an 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 people can understand it’s not “Just a dog.”  It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a woman.”

OK, now be honest – how many of you have a tear in your eyes after reading this?

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!