 Just a dog...
I was talking to a friend of mine tonight. One that I had always considered to be a good friend. We know so much about one another - the good & the bad. But I never really knew that she didn't know me as well as I thought because when I told her I had to pick up Deegan from day care after work her reply was: "You take him to day care?? You waste too much money on him, it's just a dog."
I was offended by that comment... I really thought she knew me better than that and even though she didn't agree, I thought she'd be a bit more supportive or understanding. Afterall, I didn't judge her every time she went and got some sort of plastic surgery done. I was there taking care of her afterwards and taking her to her follow up app'ts. I was just a little hurt, that she would say that to me. Then I found this poem a few minutes ago...
Just A Dog
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". |