[Princes mom]

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 woman".

So the next time you hear the phrase
"just a dog"
just smile, because they
"just don't understand".

(Author unknown)