Just a dog.
From time to time people tell me “chill out, it’s just a dog” or “it’s a lot of money just for a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time invested, or the costs incurred by “just a dog”.
Some of my proudest moments have occurred with “just a dog.”
Many hours have passed being my only company “just a dog”, but not for one moment did I feel despised. Some of my saddest moments have been because of “just a dog,” and on those gray days, the gentle touch of “just a Dog” gave me comfort and the reason to get through the day.
If you also think “it’s just a dog”, then you’ll 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.
For “just a dog” I will get up early, take long walks and look forward 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 memories of the past, and the absolute joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out the good in me and takes my thoughts away from myself and daily worries.
I hope one day they can understand that it’s not “just a dog”, but the one 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 get it”.
“Just A Dog,” by Richard A. Animals.
“Master bedroom,” (1965) Andre
Rupert certainly had a rough day. His faithful dog Caleb, a fourteen-year-old Labrador, had to be put down. It seems that time had caught up with the old fellow and his organs were failing. Sadly, the veterinarian could do nothing to stop the fatal decline and recommended immediate euthanasia. So it was done. And at the end of the day, a grief-stricken Rupert lay down his head to sleep.
In his sleep, Rupert was comforted by one of God’s angels, who exclaimed to the saddened soul that Caleb was well and very happy sitting at the side of the Lord. With despondency in his voice, Rupert professed that he would be sad without his companion and asked the angel why God had given dogs such a brief life.
The aura around the angel brightened as he softly answered Rupert, “My child, your own soul came to God’s Earth to learn of unconditional love, and how it can bring you the blessings of a good life. But dogs already love unconditionally. They have no lessons to learn, but only lessons to impart. And Caleb has done so with you now. You know that in your heart. So his need here is complete.”
Just as the angel began to fade from his dream, Rupert remarked, “I will miss him dearly. Without him, I’m not sure how I’ll live.”
“Rupert!” the angel quickly replied. “Have you learned nothing from him? You’ll live just as Caleb lived. You’ll give love deeply. You’ll expect and appreciate being loved by others. You’ll live brave, yet kind, and have a humble and simple existence. Yes, you’ll live as sweet Caleb did, Rupert. You’ll live life like a dog.”
What our souls can learn from our faithful companions:
~ Love unconditionally.
~ Be forever faithful and loyal.
~ Never pretend to be someone you’re not.
~ When your loved one comes home, run to greet them with joy.
~ Appreciate attention from others and let their touch thrill you.
~ If what you want is buried, don’t stop digging until you find it.
~ Find peace in the simple joy of a long walk.
~ Take every opportunity to go for a joyride.
~ Let the fresh air and wind in your face be pure bliss.
~ When you’re happy, dance and wag your entire body.
~ Run, romp, and play every day.
~ Delight in taking naps.
~ Stretch before rising.
~ On warm days, just lie back for a while in the grass.
~ On hot days, lie back for a while under a shady tree.
~ Never bite when a purposeful growl will suffice.
And most importantly,
~ When someone you love is having a bad day, sit close, be silent, and gently nuzzle them.
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Why not do your best now to live life like a dog?