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" and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "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 earlier, take longer walks and look longingly into 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 some 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 Just a woman." So...the next time you hear the phrase
"Just a dog," smile. Because, they "Just don't understand." Richard Biby
Special thanks and shout out to my colleague Lorraine Senior* who shared this poem with me prior to the ICR Conference in Anchorage in 2019 via a reading by Professor Noel Fitzgerald on FB.
Thank you for reading.
Best,
Birgit Nagele, ARCB, TCTSY-F, she/her; Reflexology & Yoga (Focus: chair), Trauma-Informed Care
🐾 One Minute Reflexology for Animals/ICRPaws
https://icr-reflexology.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Paws.pdf
*https://www.functionalreflextherapy.co.uk/
