Just a Dog

(Posted by a member from DobermanTalk Forums, then which I personalized for what our dogs mean to our family, Thank You)

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."

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Some of my finest moments have come about with

"just a dog."

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Many hours have passed and my only company was 

"just a dog,"

and not once did I feel slighted.

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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.

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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."

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“Just a dog” loves me unconditionally and keeps

a caring, watchful eye on me like no human could.

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"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence 

of friendship, love, trust, humor and pure joy.

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"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and 

patience that make me a better person and

diverts thoughts away from myself and the

worries of the day.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, 

take long walks and look forward to those special moments.

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So for me and other dog lovers 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.

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I hope that someday they can understand that

it's not "just a dog"

but it’s what gives me humanity and keeps

me from being "just a man."

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So the next time you hear the phrase

"just a dog."

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