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, time spent, or costs
involved for “Just a dog.”
Some
of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.”
Many
hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog,” and
not once have I felt slighted.
Some
of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog.” In
those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provides
comfort and purpose to overcome the day.
If
you, too, think its “Just a dog,” 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 makes me a better person.
Because of “Just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and
look longingly to the future.
For
me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s 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 people can understand it’s not “Just a dog.”
It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just
a man or woman.”
So
the next time you hear the phrase “Just a dog,” smile, because
they “Just Don’t Understand.”
-Author
Unknown
It’s
absolutely mind boggling if you think about it.
Your
dog gets absolutely nothing out of being competitive for you. Not a
darn thing.
Of
course dogs are bred for specific jobs, or they’re bred to be
athletic to a certain degree.
However,
dogs don’t wake up thinking about running in circles, being in an
obedience ring or agility ring.
They
have no idea how much money is involved. They have no idea that this
is a major.
They
have no idea that this is the national specialty. And DESPITE us...
DESPITE our nerves, our flaws, our incorrect ques, our huge emotions,
they get the job done to their very best ability.
Even
when we fail them by letting our emotions get in the way, they come
back and they try again. For US.
Let
that sink in. If only we could all be so understanding. To think of
an animal that is forgiving and flexible enough to put up with the
repetition of practice, the intense nerves of the handler, the stress
of showing and still meet you at your front door happy to see you is
MIND. BLOWING.
If
you haven’t done so lately. Thank your dog. If you’re successful,
thank the dogs that put you there and made you. Thank the dogs that
gave everything they had for you simply because you ASKED them to.
If
you’re still on the journey to success, thank the dogs that made
you fall in love with your sport and who have helped give you the
confidence to want to learn more and be better.
We
can never stop learning and by continuing our education every dog in
our future will be better off.
Next
time you head to the ring leave your ego at the door and thank your
dog
