'Just a Dog'

[jules77]

Just wanted to share..........

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

[boxtops]

It works the same with "it's only a cat"......

[marval]

I like that, it is not just a dog.

[wolf63]

Frankie and Princess Merlin are my best friends and my 'babies' I love them so much that I tell everybody about them. They just happen to be cats - but that is okay by me. If they are willing to have a human as a friend then I feel honoured.

[wolf63]

Another one that annoys me - if an animal dies someone always says "they are just like a member of the family" They ARE a member of the family.

[paddywak]

We've always had dogs even as a kid and every time we lost a dog and eventually got a new one it would be agreed that things would be different this time, the new dog would be allowed on the bed, the chairs etc. The new rules never seemed to last more then a week by then the furry friend crept into the family

[ttfn]

I know what you mean, paddy. They don't creep into the family, but into the heart :)

[askyourgran]

I was very upset when we had to have our cat put down, he was 12 years old, quite old, but I still miss him. Just a cat he may have been, but to me he was my friend.

[supersuezy24]

It annoys me when people say that "Ah sure it's only a dog".

My dog Bobby was attacked by another dog early this afternoon and has to stay in the vets overnight, For a little while we did not know if he would be coming home but I am just off the phone to the vet who has informed me that he is coming on great and will be allowed home tomorrow. I am so so glad he will be okay. I was in tears earlier, he's a part of the family too not just a dog.

Sorry for going on..just happy now that my furry little friend will be home tomorrow :)

[ganesh]

Isn't it sad that our cats and dogs live for such a relatively short time.I have tried to say to myself that it is 'just a dog' or 'just a cat' when I have lost one,but we all know as pet owners that it's not true.I wailed when my little 19 year old cat died and it was a long time ago now and I still feel sad when I think of him.You can feel emotional about animals as well as people and I think it's only people who have never had pets that will say it's 'just..'. We have room in our hearts to love both,surely.

[ttfn]

Suezy - so pleased it is good news about Bobby. Make sure you report the attack to the police. Give Bobby a kiss from me tomoz xxx

[askyourgran]

Oh suezy I'm sorry to hear about Bobby, hope he recovers OK. My neighbour's little Yorkie was attacked by a Staffie in the local Park a few weeks ago, she was terrified he wouldn't recover, (a few puncture wounds) but OK now.

[supersuezy24]

Will do ttfn xx
Just want him home and i'll be happy xx

[Ratty2E]

Hope you get the little one home and on the mend soon Suezy. As for 'it's just a dog' you want to try having rats as family members. They may be small and not around for very long but I love them as much as I love my dogs and a bit more than some of the humans I happen to be related to.

[supersuezy24]

Thank you askyourgran and rattyratgirl. I was in bits crying earlier having to leave him in the vets but I know it's the best place for him when he is not well. My poor mam got such a shock. He's a little trooper.

[pussnboots]

I have always had....just a dog...and....just a cat, but loved them all dearly and still shed a tear when I think of them, they're all gone now but the pleasure they gave me was priceless.

[micmak]

My cat was killed by a greyhound. When a neighbour said its just a cat Mrs MM said you're an unfeeling old git and threw her shoe at him.

[welshlibranr]

lost my little mate nearly two years ago now, said never going to go through that pain ever again!...Hurt so much!.......he was 13 years old, had him since he was 12 weeks, I was devastated, and said no more dogs for me!.......here we are nearly two years on, I was so lonely!....so now we have Callie, she is gorgeous!....11 weeks old, a chocolate roan cocker spaniel!.....we love her to bits!.....looking forward to walks on the beach!...

[boxtops]

Good for Mrs M, micmak - it's far more than just a cat. We have to through all the grieving processes, our cats become our confidantes, our comfort, and we become theirs. I am sure the same applies to dogs too.

[albaqwerty]

I didn't want mine, but she's here. Straight into my heart and has been for 6 years. She's now 7 and I want her around for many years. She's just a dog, no, she's not. She will never be just a dog. (No-one told her she was supposed to be one anyway)

[micmak]

Since it happened Box, us and the neighbour don't speak. We can live with that. Mrs MM loved that cat to bits, more than me I reckon. He was such a personality, in the bad weather rather than go outside he would use the toilet. Truly I kid you not. He didn't flush it though