*just a dog*

{our vet's office posted a quote similar to this (i added "wo" to the front of the "man" part) 

on facebook yesterday...

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 phases
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.
 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 phrase "just a dog."
just smile, because they "just don't understand."

...it got me thinking...my sweet Noah turns 13 this June and just the thought of it brings tears to my eyes. my youngest, Arden will be 8 in September. my dogs mean the world to me. through thick and thin...they have been there for me to lift me up with their wagging tails and sweet smooches...more so now then ever. i feel blessed to have not only my true love, but two loving creatures that God created and i feel honored to be able to take care of them and give them my love back.}

{to me, they are not "just a dog"...they are my family.}

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