In dedication to our many loved ones: Past, Present, and Future
“Just a Dog” was written by Richard Biby of Broken Arrow, OK. “Just a dog” was first published in the monthly publication of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. As a former NAVHDA judge, Mr Biby contributes to the Verstile Hunting Dog Federation.
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, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.” Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog” and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by, “Just a dog.” In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.
If you too think it’s “Just a dog” you will probably understand phrases like, “Just a friend”, “Just a sunrise”, or “Just a promise. “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. For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s 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 people can understand it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man or woman.”
So, the next time you hear the phrase, “Just a dog,” smile. Why? Because they “Just don’t understand.”
February 24th, 2009 on 12:20 am
I’m here to congrats you; What a nice blog home you’ve goot. I like your personal style and Sueblimely has done a great theme adopt work too
February 24th, 2009 on 11:49 am
‘Just a’ is such a ‘discount’…I’ve been lucky to meet and live someone who has introduced me animals as personalities and friends. I now realise (where I didn’t really before) that our pets are unique individuals that depend on us and that ‘relate’ to us in ways they only know how. i now have two friend of 7 years – Harvey Wallbanger and Willy Swizzle – two Siamese cats, and….a labrador puppy is on the way. I’m sure ‘kid-set’ 2 will love ‘em
Rock on with the new Maryannaville!!
February 25th, 2009 on 7:47 am
Mary Ann, your page looks great. I like the shades of red and your new headers. Hope to be looking at them for 99 years! Sue engineered a lovely makeover.
I’ll add you to my blogroll.
“Just a Dog” is poignant and can apply to human nature in so many ways. We’re all too easily dismissive of anything we don’t understand. Which of course, reveals all the things we don’t understand!
Happy to see you, Lady!
March 7th, 2009 on 10:38 am
Wow! I had no idea! Shame on me for not have been here for such a while! Girl, times FLY nowadays, so many things to keep up with and so many thing that constantly is on my (very long) TO-DO list. Phew.
Congrats! You’re looking wonderfully good girl – and Sueblimely did a great job.
Nothing is “just a dog”, everything counts in my book!
((hugs))