Michigan Search and Rescue Articles

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“Just a dog”

By Richard Biby

             People have said to me from time to time things like “lighten up, it’s just a dog” or “that’s a lot of money for just a dog”.  They say to me 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 the only company I had 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. 

             For those of you who do not understand the whys and wherefores of “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 in me 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.  So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog”, just smile, because they - - -“just don’t understand”.

Just a thought,

Richard Biby