I saw this poem on the Victoria Adoptables website at http://www.victoriaadoptables.com/. I love it. Thought it would be okay to share since the author is unknown. C(I'm going to keep copies to give to people I know who tell me "It's just a dog".
'JUST A DOG'
Dog shooting days are common on the Iskut Reserve, and sadly, the dogs killed are healthy
Posted By: Dianne Sellin
In Response To: Dogs in NWT community treated by Dr. Ken Seaman (Char Olson)
Wonderful news that 82 Canadians vets are donating their time to help spay and neuter dogs on Reserves. This is a difficult issue and one close to my heart. I have contacted CAAT and would be so thrilled if they would consider helping the dogs on the Iskut Reserve, which is remote and is located on the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy 37, 8 hours north of Smithers and 5 hours south of the Yukon border. There are no local vets and no animal shelters nearby. Dog shooting days are common, and sadly, the dogs killed are healthy. I hope CAAT can help this Reserve.
"Just a Dog" was written by Richard Biby
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 human."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog," just smile, because they "just don't understand."
Date: Friday, 13 October 2006, at 10:35 p.m.