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 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 man."  So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog," just smile because they "just don't understand."

Unknown Author

 DOG PROPERTY LAWS:

1.  If I like it, it's mine.

2.  If it's in my mouth, it's mine.

3.  If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4.  If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5.  If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6.  If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are  mine.

7.  If it just looks like mine, it's mine.

8.  If I saw it first, it's mine.

9.  If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10.  If it's broken, it's yours.

My job is to assist God's creatures

I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs

I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures without planning or selection

I have bought dog food with my last dime

I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand 

I have hugged someone vicious and afraid

I have fallen in love a thousand times

And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body too many times to count

I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends

I don't often use the "pet"

I notice those lost at the road side and my heart aches

I know of no creature unworthy of my time

I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven

But I believe there are

Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind

Some may think we are master of the animals

But the animals have mastered themselves

Something people still haven't learned

War and Abuse make me hurt for the world

But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind

We are a quiet but determined army and we are making a difference very day

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan, nothing more rewarding than saving a life

No higher recognition than watching them thrive

There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago was too weak to eat

By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue, I have been rescued

I know what true unconditional love really is for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many Grateful for little

I am an Animal Rescuer

My work is never done

My home is never quiet

My wallet is always empty

But my heart is always full

Author: Annette King Tucker

TO BE POSTED VERY LOW ON THE REFIGERATOR DOOR (dog nose height):  

Dear Dogs:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.  The other dishes are mine and contain my food.  Please note: placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake claim to it becoming your food and dish; nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

  The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.  Beating me to the bottom is not the object.  Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.

  I cannot buy anything bigger than a king-sized bed.  I am very sorry about this.  Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.  Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.  It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible.  I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

  For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom.  If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to whine, bark, claw the door, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open.  I must exit through the same door I entered.  Also, I have been using the bathroom for years by myself – canine attendance is not mandatory.

  The proper order is: kiss me, then go smell the other dogs’ butt.  I cannot stress this enough!