s.com/ 
A puppy buyer sent this article to me and I wanted to
share with some of you that can really relate to the
message.
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 phases 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."
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
