How many times have we all heard this phrase, “It’s just a dog…”. I took this peom, originally believed to be written by Richard Biby and included it with a puppy photo of Lola.
It reads,
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 travelled, 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 aobut 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 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 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.”
Our dogs, Lola and Rio are our lives and this poem couldn’t be any more fitting.
Have you read these posts?
5 Indoor Activities to do with your dog
10 Signs You Should Not Adopt a Pit Bull
Link up to Dachshund Nola and Sugar The Golden Retriever to share your Black & White Sunday.
I’ve read this before and it is just wonderful. Thank you for sharing it today. And the photo of puppy Lola is dear. Happy B&W Sunday.
I love it! I have seen it before as well but had to dig a little to find out who wrote it. Thanks for stopping by!
I love this poem. It’s one of my all time favorites. Thanks for sharing it.
Lola is a stunning dog!
Thanks so much, Marquie!
This has to be one of my favorite pieces of writing. Thanks for sharing it! (Tail wags to Lola!)
Hi Jen! I’m in love with it as well 🙂
Many Times and LOVE that poem. Created one too (Golden version) … http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/2010/05/200th-post-not-just-dog/
Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Hi there! Love your version, too! Thanks for saying hi 🙂
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Christina!
What a great photo and poem!
I love it! Thanks, Rachel
I just love this poem and I tell Boomer and Dottie all the time that they are “my little every things.”
Awe! It’s true – they are our everything!!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Today, I had to hep my 16yr old dachshund over the rainbow bridge. This made me think of all those comments I too have heard. He wasn’t just a dog but my heart and best friend. Thank you for such encouraging words on one of the saddest days of my life. I’ll miss Kobe forever
Thanks for the comment, Teresa. They hold such a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, Kobe.
Hello! I am curious how you formed the black and white picture with Lola and the poem.
That is one of my favorite poems and I wanted to do the same thing with my dog in the background but did not know how or what program. If you could let me know that would be wonderful.
Thanks so much,
Lindsay
Try Canva.com!