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

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

by Richard Biby

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