Recently people have told me, “you’ll get over it, 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 in “just a dog”. Some of my proudest moments have been 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 shared 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 into the future.
So for me and people 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 human".
So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog", just smile.... because they “just don’t understand”.
text by Richard Biby
photo - Justus (Winter - Feb 2008)
That is a great text. I'm so sorry Justus is gone. He will be in your memory and with that he will always be around. Mine, his name was Filou, has been around and present in my fondest memories since 12 years. It will never go away, and he will always be the best "just a dog" if ever known....
Hope you are alright!
Posted by: Antje Kastnee | 11 January 2010 at 07:38 PM