Team Member Name

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 man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog"

just smile...

because they are "just a human," and don't understand.

by Richard Biby

[Note to reader... The dog in the photograph is named Ginger, and she was adopted into a good home in Baytown.]