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".

I'm sorry your friend said that. I know just were you are coming from. The poem said it all. BEAUTIFUL! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Ohmygosh I LOVE this poem. Thanks so much for sharing it. I get those sorts of comments all the time from my friends. That poem really embodies my sentiments.

That poem was beautiful!! Thanks for sharing and now you know that your "dog" is a better friend to you!!

Beautiful Poem :love:
Our "dogs" are really our children, I know most of us feel that way!

Well said!
 

I too have heard those hurtful comments from time to time. Dog lovers know all to well that no two dogs are alike, and that each one is a gift with his/her own little personality. As my sister often says, "They are just little people in fur coats". They deserve to have as much love given to them as they give, but too bad we humans don't often see the beauty in that. I often find myself wanting to spend more time with my dogs than I do most humans because I know they truly appreciate all that I do for them.
As the saying goes, " I wish I were half the person my dog thinks I am." The next time someone says to you "it's just a dog", consider yourself blessed that you see your dog's true value, and pity the person who said it to you because they can't.;)

sorry that you were hurt but what you friend says...mine says it all the time...but i don't bother me because i know exactly what they do for me...hehe...

that poem said it all!

My family and friends all say that!! It's just a dog! It is really getting to me recently coz I want to get another yorkie and they are freaking out.

Their reasoning is that I am young and that I shouldn't saddle myself with so much responsibility.

Oh well, I like dogs (am allergic, but not to yorkies!! How cool is that!) and I like responsibility. I just wish I didn't care what they say. But thank you for the poem... it greatly reassured me!! I say: Each to his own. They don't have to agree with me or feel as I do. That is not going to change how I feel.

I run my own doggy playcare and I have that poem posted on my web site.
There are just people in the world that won't ever "get it".
Keep being a good yorkie mom and don't let it get to ya:D

I get that sometimes, but I simply reply, Yes, she is just a dog, but she loves me unconditionally, she gives me great pleasure and joy, she never dumps a guilt trip on me and when I leave her to spend time with you she never says, "Oh she's just a person." :eek::p

My family knows how I am and doesn't say much any more and luckily most of my friends are animal lovers too...because basically they make the best friends!! :D

Hurtful
 

I hear that from my Mom. She is an animal hater. Which I find pretty weird. Everytime I mention something about Bella, she always says, "it's a dog. Well I don't think she is just a dog, she is like a tiny, furry person:aimeeyork, with the best personality. This upsets me but by now I should be used to it.:mad:

I love that response! Perfect! I have friends that are by no means animal haters but just do not have the desire to have a dog (or any animals). They do understand what mine mean to me and were by my side with complete understanding when I had to put my toy poodle of 16 years down. Maybe they didn't understand completely but still sympathized. Not everyone understands and the poem says it perfectly.

i love it.. i must print that out and save it,, thankyou

Thanks for posting that! Deegan is adorable by the way!!

The poem says it all! Thanks for sharing it. Some people just don't understand. :cool: