# "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 an… ## Thread In General · started by JessicaRabbit · 11 replies - **Category:** [General](https://nihonken.org/community/c/general) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## JessicaRabbit (admin) · 2009-01-05T20:56:41.000Z 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." Sandra Dee Adopted Shepherd Mix, Born May 2004 ## Sabrina · 2009-01-05T21:15:54.000Z : ) So True : ) ## Saya · 2009-01-05T23:15:12.000Z Very nice brought a tear to my eye thanks for posting this. ## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2009-01-05T23:21:44.000Z That was beautiful. ## baanton · 2009-01-05T23:39:09.000Z Thanks Jessica! This really expresses the joy and companionship our furry friends bring to us! Thanks for sharing! ## tobyshiba · 2009-01-06T00:24:51.000Z aww. That is very beautiful. ## santuzza · 2009-01-06T02:43:32.000Z Loved it. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-01-06T12:25:36.000Z :)) ## sunyata · 2009-01-06T16:06:34.000Z Very heart-warming. :) Thanks for sharing. ## Kirbysmom · 2009-01-06T16:56:23.000Z That brought tears to my eyes!! Thank you for sharing that. ## Kirbysmom · 2009-01-06T16:57:21.000Z A Dog's Prayer By Beth Norman Harris Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. ## Kirbysmom · 2009-01-06T17:00:25.000Z Ten Commandments of Dogs 1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years - any separation from you will be very painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment...You have your work, your friends, your entertainment... I HAVE ONLY YOU! 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you're speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it. 7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hands but I choose NOT to bite YOU. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old and weak. 9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old. 10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember that I love you. -- Author Unknown --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)