For Those That Think “it’s Just A Dog”

[DaveM]

I thought this was worth sharing

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, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.” Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog,” and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog.” In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “Just a dog,” 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 makes me a better person. Because of “Just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s 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 people can understand it’s not “Just the dog.” It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man” or “Just a woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “Just a dog,” smile, because they “just don’t understand.”

-Author Unknown

 

[Rocky]

I haven't had a dog for over 60 years, but have fond memories of the collie I had as a kid growing up.
My daughter has a dog that is doted on worse than a spoiled child

She and the big tom cat are fast friends.

 

[CarlS]

I had dogs and cats most of my life. However, I have not had a dog since I had to put Dakota down.

 

[gumpt1oo]

To be honest, I have more affection for dogs than I do most people! We have had 4 bearded collies during the 29yrs we have been married and it is heart breaking when that dreadful day comes to say goodbye. We only have Barney left now, and he is 13yr old and starting to suffer with arthritis, so I am dreading the inevitable.
Rocky that is a fantastic photo, it has brightened up my day!

 

[CarlS]

Steve, I know exactly what you are saying. Dakota was my dog and he "adopted" my late son. I was heart broken when his time came.

 

[DaveM]

To be honest, I have more affection for dogs than I do most people! We have had 4 bearded collies during the 29yrs we have been married and it is heart breaking when that dreadful day comes to say goodbye. We only have Barney left now, and he is 13yr old and starting to suffer with arthritis, so I am dreading the inevitable.
Rocky that is a fantastic photo, it has brightened up my day!

Steve when our two we still alive the one had a hip issue and we put him on Arthro-Ease and he was like a new dog. It does take a month or two before you see any results but well worth the wait.

 

[Gromit]

I don't know. My furrykids are very special, spoilt rotten and loved to bits and pieces. It's never 'just a dog' or 'just a cat' to me.

 

[CarlS]

Hear! Hear!

 

[shanered6]

Ye love my dogs they even come on holiday with us !

 

[CarlS]

Nice pic, Shane. Lovely. We have both our dog and our cat with us in Ontario.

 

[Handlebar]

His name was Mick. I found Mick and his sister Shadow running loose in the woods while looking for acreage to buy. It was fall of 1998 I

remember because my oldest boy had just started college. They were severely underweight and had no collars. It was appeared to be just under a year old as their adult teeth were just about finished coming in. I already had two dogs at the time but I couldn't leave them so I ended up putting them in my Tahoe and taking them to the Shelter. The shelter was closed so I ended up taking them home. They were bright dogs and new their names by the end of that first day. Neither my Wife or I wanted to see them split up after what they had been through. We couldn't find anyone willing to take them both, so as you have probably already guessed, we kept them. Shadow passed away from Lymphoma at only eight years of age in Feb of 2006, less than two months after I had just lost my Sister Carol to cancer. Mick seemed like we'd have him forever, never sick a day in his life. Sturdy and strong until the last few months of his life. I just lost Mick on March 22nd of this year at the age of 17 and 1/2 years of age. Some people would say he was just a stray, but I still miss him everyday. You couldn't ask for a better dog.

 

[Handlebar]

In my last post Mick was 10 years old in the first picture and 15 years old in the second. I'm going to post another picture of Mick with our Yellow Lab, Brutus, who is currently about 5 1/2 years old and is laying at my feet sleeping as I write this.

 

[gumpt1oo]

His name was Mick. I found Mick and his sister Shadow running loose in the woods while looking for acreage to buy. It was fall of 1998 I View attachment 33880 View attachment 33881 remember because my oldest boy had just started college. They were severely underweight and had no collars. It was appeared to be just under a year old as their adult teeth were just about finished coming in. I already had two dogs at the time but I couldn't leave them so I ended up putting them in my Tahoe and taking them to the Shelter. The shelter was closed so I ended up taking them home. They were bright dogs and new their names by the end of that first day. Neither my Wife or I wanted to see them split up after what they had been through. We couldn't find anyone willing to take them both, so as you have probably already guessed, we kept them. Shadow passed away from Lymphoma at only eight years of age in Feb of 2006, less than two months after I had just lost my Sister Carol to cancer. Mick seemed like we'd have him forever, never sick a day in his life. Sturdy and strong until the last few months of his life. I just lost Mick on March 22nd of this year at the age of 17 and 1/2 years of age. Some people would say he was just a stray, but I still miss him everyday. You couldn't ask for a better dog.

Good for you Robert for keeping them! It is very hard when they pass, but just be proud of the fact that you gave them a happy life together.

 

[Handlebar]

Good for you Robert for keeping them! It is very hard when they pass, but just be proud of the fact that you gave them a happy life together.

Mick and Shadow were never any trouble, for what little we did for them, we got so much more in return. I still catch myself looking over at one of his favorite spots and expecting to see him there. The day they found their way into our life was a very lucky day for us.

 

[triumph david]

Dogs and cats are one of the most important parts of life certainly more important than some people.