last update: 02/25/2017
Agility, Obedience, Rally, Nosework
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 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 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 woman.” So the
next time you hear the phrases “just a dog.” just smile, because they “just
don’t understand.”
                                                                                  ~Author unknown
Chelslyn Run
Home of the von Ball Shelties (and 1 Collie)
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