I’m sure every day most of us get forwarded dog-related emails that have been forwarded over and over. Some we’ve seen before, some are new to us. The one about Faith the 2-legged dog always brings a smile to my face no matter how many times people forward it to me. Tonight, I came home from late-night classes, weary, achy, and tired from driving in drifting snow, and stressed from slippery roads. I sat down to my computer and found this forwarded email from a friend, the mom of Nova’s mastiff friend Annie. I thought it was worth sharing. My apologies to those who have seen it before, I never have.
(cut and paste)
“Just A Dog”
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 just as woman.”
So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog” just smile… because they
“just don’t understand.”
(end cut and paste)
Each one of us Tripawd pawrents have at some point in our journey come across people with this “just a dog” attitude. Over the course of Nova’s 15-month journey (thus far…. wow…. I can’t believe tomorrow is her 15-month ampuversary already) I have come across many people who are incredulous at the lengths I go to to love, nurture, and protect my dogs. More than one person has told me that in their next life they want to come back as one of my dogs. It’s funny, sure, and yes it’s a complement, but it makes me a little sad that there are plenty of dog owners out there with that “Just a Dog” attitude. Every dog deserves a pawrent like us.
That is what makes coming to Tripawds so special. It’s my refuge. Every pawrent in this entire community “gets” the fact that it’s not “Just a Dog”. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all being here.
As I walked into the house tonight at 10:30 pm, my entire family was asleep. But my precious dogs got up from their comatose, couch-potato state (as they always do without fail) to greet me. We went out for a few moments to jump in the snow. As sedentary as Nova is, she was dancing around the yard, like she was celebrating the fact that Mommy was finally home. Now I guarantee you, I will never see my husband or my sons celebrating my arrival in this manner! As I write this, my big goofy Nova is burying her big ‘ol head in my lap demanding ear scratches and licking the tears of joy from my face. She knows how loved she is. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Happy 15-month ampuversary, my sweet Nova. You will never be “Just a Dog” to me.
By: maximutt on February 10, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Just beautiful. Congratulations Nova! 15 months is quite an accomplishment! Keep fighting the good fight, and give your Mom plenty of slobbery wet kisses!!
By: maggie on February 11, 2010 at 9:13 am
That was beautiful!! Tears coming down my face.. Yes – I totally agree…that is what is special about Tripawds home – because we all “get” that it isn’t “just a dog” in our minds!
Congratulations Nova on 15 months!
Tracy, Maggie’s Mom
By: rubyaz on February 11, 2010 at 10:24 am
That was beautiful, thank you for sharing. My dogs are so much a part of my family. I feel sorry for people that think ” it’s just a dog” they miss out on so much.
Hoppy 15 months Queen Nova, you are my HERO.
Jo Ann & Tasha
By: Tazzie on February 11, 2010 at 10:44 am
You just convinced me that my pup is (was) “just a dog”, but that is a truly wonderful thing to be.
Congratulations on your upcoming 15 month Party Nova!
By: jakesmom on February 11, 2010 at 11:49 am
Thank you for sharing the “Just a Dog” post… It was beautiful and I agree with it 100%%!!
Happy 15 month ampuversary to beautiful Nova!!!
Angel Jake’s Mom
By: romeo2 on February 11, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Happy 15th Ampuversary Queen Nova. You are amazing! We loved your bday pics too!
We loved your “Just a Dog” post. I feel people who have never experienced the love of a dog (and never truly loved and cared for a dog) are people who have a part of their heart that’s never opened up. What lucky Tripawd parents we are!
Congrats to both of you Sue and Nova.
Eve and Romeo
By: Cherry on February 11, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Happy 15th month ampuversary Queen Nova. Your longevity is truly outstanding, but then you are blessed with a wonderful family. . . or is it you bless them.
Spirit Cherry’s Dad
By: anyemery on February 11, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Happy 15 month ampuversary, Nova! You are such an inspiration to us!
I loved your post. When I was growing up my family always referred to our wonderful golden, Christy, as “just a dog”… and then we would all laugh because we knew she was anything but! We are all blessed to have such wonderful dogs in our lives – they really bring out the best in all of us.
We hope you’ll get lots of treats tomorrow, Nova!
Holly and Holly’s mom
By: jerry on February 11, 2010 at 8:55 pm
“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.”
So true! No dog is ever “just a dog” to us. How can anyone look into the eyes of such a wise creature and think something like that?
What a sweet post. You, and all the other Tripawd pawrents, are our refuge as well.
We are thinking of Nova and wishing her another incredible ampuversary. She truly is a rock star in this world. We love you Nova!
By: jack crowder on February 11, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Thank you so much for your post, it’s beautiful and very timely.
I had a Border Collie trainer tell me, “I am so blessed to be able to pet a dog, everyday”
That works for me!
By: Kami (Mackenzie's Mom) on February 11, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Congratulations on Nova’s 15 month ampuversary! She is a true inspiration! “Just a dog” is so beautiful and your post is so touching. It all rings so true. There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a dog…after all that we’ve been through with our tripawds’ battles, I still wouldn’t trade any of this in for the world.
By: gineej on February 12, 2010 at 11:13 am
Oh my goodness Nova…..15 months….how exciting and what a wonderful reason to get lots of treats from Mommy. You are a grand dame and a Tripawd hero!!
By: Peyton's Path on February 12, 2010 at 7:45 pm
You said everything perfectly! I love that there are many other people in the world that love their dogs as much as I love mine. The fact is I would do anything for them. They are children in my eyes and many people can’t understand that.
I have never seen that email and I am glad you posted it! It brought tears to my eyes.
Stay strong and keep spoiling the kids!!!! Happy Ampuversary Nova!
XOXO