[Lola LaRue]

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 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 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 enjoyment 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".

This is what I send everyone that tells me that Lola is "just a dog."