It's just a dog

[Guest guest]

Noble, loving and much more than just a dog - Joan Klucha

On occasion I come across someone who asks me, " What's the deal? It's just a

dog. "

 

Normally I would chuckle it off and keep my comments to myself. But after a

training class this weekend where I watched some of my students and their

owners work with some developmentally challenged individuals I was overcome with

pride and joy at these amazing creatures. So much so that I had to respond to

all of those who have commented and still think, " it's just a dog. "

 

As I said, some of my proudest moments have come about with " just a dog. " As

I watched a black Lab by the name of Abby gently nibble a treat from the

unsteady hands of a man in a wheelchair, I was in awe. Normally Abby tries to

remove a few fingers from able-bodied people while taking treats. And when Lola,

normally a shy Italian greyhound gently placed her two tiny front feet on the

lap of another young man in a wheelchair who could not speak and had little

control of his arms I was almost in tears.

 

There have been times in my life where my only companion was " just a dog " but

I did not feel judged, nor slighted for being alone. Many of my saddest

moments have been shared with " just a dog " and in those dark moments the nudge

of a

dog's nose on my hand gave me comfort and a reason to rise above my worries

and meet the day with courage.

 

I suppose that people who think it's just a dog also use phrases such as

" it's just a child laughing, " " it's just another sunset " or " it's just a

friend. "

 

To me " just a dog " embodies the very nature of what friendship is: noble,

loyal, trusting, and judgment-free. Watching " just a dog " sleep just about

anywhere teaches me the value of a restful mind and quiet introspective

contemplation.

 

To be " just a dog " is to be the essence of pure unbridled joy. To live life

as " just a dog " means to live life in the moment; to stop all things right now

and enjoy the smell of a breeze, the sight of a bee or the touch of a hand.

The companionship of " just a dog " reminds me to be social and friendly to all

around me.

 

I have become a better person from spending time with " just a dog. "

Compassion, patience and unconditional love are all things that have been taught

to me

by " just a dog. "

 

Even though I grumble at times, I will rise early to see beautiful sunrises,

take long, peaceful walks and make wishes for the future, all in the company

of " just a dog. "

 

" Just a dog " unleashes the thrill instead of the fear of the unknown - past

memories are remembered fondly and laughter and joy are brought to the moment.

" Just a dog " diverts my attention away from self-absorbed thoughts. " Just a

dog " makes me aware of something other than myself.

 

" Just a dog " is more than just a companion. " Just a dog " is the one sure

thing in this world that keeps me grounded, gives me humanity and humility.

" Just

a dog " also makes me more than " just a woman. "

 

" Just a dog " has taught me empathy - for those who cannot look into the eyes

of a dog and see the soul of a creature willing to serve us in times of good

and bad until the bitter end.

 

I don't believe that there is such a thing as " just a dog. " They were placed

in our human lives to guide us along our journey called life. That is why

their lives are so short compared to ours - we use up all of their energy.

 

But if we listen to them we will see that they have the ability to help us

and to make us better people than we are regardless of our challenges.

 

 

Joan writes a weekly column " Canine Connection " for The Northshore News.

The following is from June 18-06 edition. On her site [above link],

" Training Tips " is worth a read

http://www.k9kinship.com/background.html