Poem 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 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 makes 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 people 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 woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog",

just smile -- because they "just don't understand.

Share this lovely poem with anyone and everyone who needs to hear it!

signed,

a Dog-O-Holic mom who knows it's not 'just a dog', it's family