Just A Dog

My brother's Golden Retriever, Sadie, passed away yesterday. She was a really great dog... smart, sweet, gentle, devoted... the perfect family dog. I'm sure her family misses her terribly and my thoughts are with them. While she wasn't my dog, Sadie was special to me too. She was a year younger than Boris and they were great friends. I dogsat for her many times too, and she was always a wonderful houseguest. Years ago, I even took her along on a camping trip once, and she loved being at the lake and having the chance to swim and chase her beloved tennis ball. I have good memories of her, not just because many of them are tied into Boris, but because she truly was a *great* dog.





There's a poem that circulates on the internet on the dog forums and I've often thought about posting it here. Today seems like the right time...

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 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 the compassion and patience that
makes 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."

- Unknown




Take care, Sadie.