In memoriam

 

"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 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 will understand that it's not "just a dog" but
the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man."

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


---Versatile Hunting Dog Magazine, February 2006