Toby- the Bad Butt Agility Dog!

Something for all you dog lovers..........JUST A DOGFrom 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 a dog'.It's 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', smile....because they 'just don't understand'.- Author Unknown -