Sunday, December 23, 2018

"Just a Dog"

Just a dog?

                   Robert with a couple of dogs, and a wild hog, caught and tied live

“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 and 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 rides 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.





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."




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



No comments: