I found this on-line and it made me think how many times people who love their dogs must hear,  "it's just a dog" ....I know I have many times. 

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, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog." Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog." and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog." In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "Just a dog," 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 makes me a better person. Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future.
For me and folks like me, its not "Just a dog." It's 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 people can understand it's not "Just a dog." It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "Just a man or woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand."
Author Unknown

Thank you for this.  I loved it!!  Puts things completely into perspective.

I used to have a very very stressful job.  My dogs would go to mum's while I was at work.  Mum always wanted to take them for another walk before I got home but I insisted she didn't.  I insisted she didn't because that hour after work was so special.  It gave me time to unwind, enjoy the remainder of the day - and most importantly - spend time playing (and chatting!) with my wonderful friends.  It didnt matter if there was a hurricane blowing; a rain or snow storm - my walk at 6pm was the most wonderful part of my day.

Some people see dog walking as a chore.  I see it as a fabulous way to meet people, keep fit and be with my dogs.

THanks again
Kingdom

This is very true, i have many people that tell me my dogs are "just dogs".

But they dont understand what "just a dog" can do for someone . this has lightened up my day :)

liked that a lot. i'm guessing most of the folk on this forum hear that a lot!

I am crying - what a wonderful post - My "just a friend" makes me the person I am today, we are out for hours everyday and have so much fun in life - my "just a dog" also brings so much joy to others, as therapy dog twice a week in a mental health unit - I have friends who are not dog lovers and will never understand what they bring into our lives.

That is so true ...
That hour after work  when I sneak off by myself with "just a Dog" for company is so precious helping me deal with the stresses of the day ... Getting away with "just a dog" made me a better Mother, I walked instead of shouting, A better wife, because I walked instead of arguing, a better daughter because me and "just a dog" popped in for coffee more than if it was "JUST ME"...I was checking up i was out walking with "just the dog".
"just a dog" looked out for my kids and "just a dog" is the reason on Sundays we still all meet up and spend quality time together.

Fab- Raising a glass to "Just a dog!" Cheers!

LOvely :) I am lucky to spend most of my day with my dogs.....I Love it :)

I love your post.  It totally sums up how a true dog lover feels.  Sadly, there are many, many ignorant people that will never know the true joy of owning dogs.  Well, its their loss!

> JUST A DOG
>

What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing. x

i loved it! remined me of why my 'just a dog' is so important to me. I had always admired the chinese crested and i always said one day when.... the kids are older, ive got more time, ive got more money etc etc etc etc then very suddenly i lost someone really close to me whose death was so sudden. I then decided life was to short and i got the 'just a dog' i had wanted for so long. She helped me with my grief and she makes me laugh every day, she reminds me whats important and makes me value every day. I secretly smile everytime i hear 'she's just a dog' x

I love it - and love walking with them - and talking to them as I go - dont care if people think Im strange - its better than walking them and always on mobiles or listening to mp3.  They are there when you need love the most - my best friends

Made me smile...I've worked in the voluntary sector for 20 years and not a day goes by but I hear someone say, "Oh, I'm only a volunteer." I then remind them that the value of unpaid work in the UK is 130% greater than the wealth produced by country's entire manufacturing industry (OECD, 1998) and we would grind to a halt very rapidly without their fantastic work.

If I said my dogs were everything to me my sons might be a bit hurt, but it's close enough to the truth--I'm just lucky to have four to love, two are dogs and two are humans. Come to think of it, all the time my sons were growing up at home I always thohgt of them as very exotic pets, nothing like as straightforward as dogs. :-)

I read this yesterday morning, but was crying to much to post.  Yesterday was my "just a dogs" birthday.  Joy was so good to us, and I miss her, and to read this yesterday, just reinforced that it isnt silly to miss "just a dog".  Thank you.