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 travelled, 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 people 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
human." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, Because they "just don't understand."

Everytime someone says to me "He's just a dog", I tell them "You're just an idiot" (unless it's someone I respect eg. my parents)

My opinion is a contrast to many others. Many people the more attached a person is to an animal, the more primitive that person is. But my opinion is the total opposite.

I agree with all the things you have said, colcol, well done. But I don't agree with one thing. I don't look forward to the future. The future holds the death of my dog, friends, and worst, change.

I am now a year 12 student, but I feel as if it was yesterday I was getting my hands smudged in paint. Time flies so quickly that it's insane.

Col col I couldn't agree more. I now know the joy of walking in the rain, jumping in the mud and (for those not PC you will know what I mean) sticking your head out a window and letting the wind blow in your face.

Hi ColCol, I was talking to Denise tonight about something along the same line of "Just a Dog" & she read this to me. It is so very very true & very fitting for things in my life right now. I know I would go to the ends of the earth for my "Just a Dog".