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 human."
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the
future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
I Rescued A Human Today
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
To: God, From: THe Dog
Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?
Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?
Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the
stingray and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding
around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the
"Chrysler Beagle"? Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him,
is he still a bad dog? Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand
signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent IDs, electromagnetic energy fields and Frisbee
flight paths. What do humans understand?
Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.
Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?
Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog.1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc. just because I like the way they smell.3. The litter box is not a cookie jar.4. The sofa is not a ”face towel.” 5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff. 6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet. 7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello." 8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table. 9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house—not after. 10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt. 11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch. 12. The cat is not a squeaky toy so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.
P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?
He's Just My Dog - Gene Hilto
Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags.
The Life of A Puppy
This morning, I woke up & kissed my dad's head. I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed. "The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great." Then I thought about breakfast," I hope it's not late." Mom took me outside, we walked for a while. This never fails to make Mama smile. I sniffed of everything, that we did pass, I ate something weird - it gave me gas. I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true. He gave me so many great things to chew. Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care. What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear. That obedience book, was sort of yummy. Though
it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy. I threw up a bit, but that was all right, When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight. I made streamers of T. P., while running at full speed. Mom is pretty quick but I was still in the lead. I flew under the bed, and Mom flew past, She stopped-shook her head, and breathed, "You're too fast." Mama later phoned Daddy, and said, "It was frightening!" That afternoon, she was sure I'd pooped lightning. She'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord, She thought I was mad, but I was just bored. When Mama had enough, couldn't take anymore, That's when my tushy got shoved out the door. I love it inside, but outside is best. Lay in the cool grass, and had a good rest.
That didn't last long, there was too much to do -Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe. I found an old bone, and scratched at a flea, I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree. I barked at the kids, when they got off the bus. I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss. I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind. I barked and I barked, till Mom yelled "Come in!" The sun dipped in the west - soon Daddy would come! I sure love my Daddy: We always have fun. I barked at my Daddy, then turned on my charms, I woo-wooed,"Hello", then jumped in his arms. Sitting under the table - it's so hard to wait. Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate. I raced through the house, and scattered my toys, Ricocheted off the furniture, and made lots of noise. Mom found her purse - the one I abused. Daddy let loose a chuckle. Mom asked "Amused?" I cowered down low, I must be in trouble. Dad said, "Wasn't my boy, it must be his double!" Mom turned off the TV, and said "Time for bed." Dad said "Let's go boy," and patted my head. I got in my spot, between Mom and Dad, I thought 'bout my day and what fun I had. Mama kicked out my bone from under the covers below. Then let loose a sigh - a sigh deep and low. She gave me a kiss, and snuggled me tight, And whispered so softly, "my darling goodnight."
1. "To err is human--to forgive, canine." --Unknown
2. "Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend." --Corey Ford
3. "Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."--Agnes Sligh Turnbul l
4. "Dogs got personality. Personality goes a long way." --the character Jules in Pulp Fiction
5. "The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." --Charles de Gaulle
6. "Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." --Mark Twain
7. "To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." --Milan Kundera
8. "I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." --John Steinbeck
9. "If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them." --Phil Pastoret
10. "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." --Roger Caras
11. You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'" -- Dave Barry
12. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."-- Mark Twain
Aussie Dictionary
LEASH: A strap that attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go.
DOG BED: Any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room
DROOL: A liquid that, when combined with sad eyes, forces humans to give you their food. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and get drool on the human.
SNIFF: A social custom used to greet other dogs, similar to the human exchange of business cards. GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread. BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards. The person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.
DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person wants them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction or lying down.
THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly and following at their heels.
WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes and old candy wrappers. It is important to evenly distribute its contents throughout the house before your person comes home. BATH: If you find something especially good to roll in, humans get jealous and they use this degrading form of torture to get even. Be sure to shake only when next to a person or a piece of furniture.
LEAN: Every good dog's response to the command "sit!" especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.
BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the regular bump doesn't get the attention you require...especially effective when combined with the sniff. See above.
CHILDREN: Short humans of optimal petting height. Standing close to one assures some good petting. When running, they are good to chase. If they fall down, they are comfortable to sit on. LOVE: A feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.
Great Dog Quotes
A Dog's Soul - Charles Baudelaire
Every dog must have a soul somewhere deep inside. Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride. Where he decides the good and bad, The wrong way from the right. And where his judgment carefully Is hidden from our sight. A dog must have a secret place where every thought abides, A sort of close acquaintance that He trusts in and confides. And when accused unjustly for himself, he cannot speak, Rebuked, He finds within his soul the comfort he must seek. He'll love, tho'he is unloved, And he'll serve tho'badly used, And one
kind word will wipe away The times when he's abused. Although' his heart may break in two his love will still be whole, because God gave to every dog An understanding Soul! How often have I not smiled and been touched as I contemplated these four-footed Philosophers, these obliging, obedient, devoted slaves, that the republican dictionary might well describe as unofficial, if the Republic, far too concerned with the happiness of men, could find a little time to treat with respect the honor of dogs! And many times I have thought that somewhere (who knows after all?) there may be a special paradise for the good dogs, the poor dogs, the
dirty and lonely dogs, to reward so much courage, so much patience and labor.
This Is Heaven
A man and his dog were walking along a road... The man was enjoying the walk, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead... He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them... After a while, they came to a high white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold... He and the
dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?" "This is Heaven, sir", the man answered... "Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked... "Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up. The man gestured, and the gate began to open... "Can my friend, gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveller asked... "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets." The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the
way he had been going... After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book... "Excuse me!", he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?" "Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there." The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in." "How about my friend here?" The traveller gestured to the dog... "There should be a bowl by the pump." They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveller filled the bowl and took a long drink himself then he gave some to the dog... When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them... "What do you call this place?" The traveller asked... "This is Heaven," was the answer... "Well, that's confusing," the traveller said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too." "Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell." "Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?" "No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."
Forever and A Day - Amy Comstock
If you take me into your life I promise not to stray.
I'll give you things you never had forever and a day!
Each morning you'll see happiness, I'll show it with my tail,
For when you wake, I'll be right there, my love for you won't fail!
As you get ready for your day, I will not leave your side.
Each step you take, I'll be with you, I'll keep up with your stride!
When it is time for you to leave, to go to work or play,
I'll make sure that our home is safe, my barks keep bad away!
Each hour I will wait for you to come back home to me,
and when you walk in our front door my happy dance you'll see!
Together we will eat some food then play and watch TV.
We'll snuggle up, I'll keep you warm, this is how it should be!
When you decide to go to sleep I'll lay down on my bed,
But chances are, when you wake up I'll be in yours instead!
If you take me into your life then this is what I'll pray,
God bless this person who saved me forever and a day!
A Stump For A Tail
You can't buy loyalty, they say I bought it though, the other day You can't buy friendship, tried and true Well just the same I bought that too I made my bid, and on the spot Bought love and faith and A whole job lot of happiness So all in all... The purchase price was pretty small I bought a single trusting heart That gave devotion from the start If you think these things are not for sale Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.
