"It's just a Dog"

Over the past month I've had to explain my story of Ron passing away last month to at least a few dozen people. I've gotten mixed responses just as I did when we decided to have his two eye surgeries. People looked at me like I had two heads to even think twice about spending money to get a surgery (let alone, two) for a dog. So many people have told me..."he's just a dog" or "you'll get over it eventually" and my favorite, "oh that's nothing, wait until you have kids". Well until that time comes, Zoe and Ron are my kids and I would bend over backward to do anything for them. They've been my best friends and some of the best company I've had in years. They've gotten me through three deployments and would never judge me. I read somewhere that dogs are the only thing that can love you more than themselves and that couldn't be anymore of the truth. I came across this poem tonight and immediately thought of Ron...

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 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 makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will wake up 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 its' not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man" or "just a woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog,"
just smile, because they "just don't understand."

-Anonymous