Picture: Snowy my 1 year old collie.
Those people who say it's "just a dog" just don't understand. In my life I have had many dogs all special in their own way.
Dogs have yet to hurt me like people do. They are innocent and loving. They stay with you in your darkest hours even when our own species turn their backs. They call us lost causes when they aren't trying to help. I don't trust easily, but if I can trust anyone it's the family dog.
They are adventurous and loving. My best friends who bring me out of the shell humanity forced me into. I do t feel the need to protect myself against dogs for even though we cannot speak to each other, they listen.
You stay he's just a dog, and expect me not to get insulted. I wouldn't call your mother "just a mom" because she is much more that that so why do you do this to the dog who means more to me than any other member of my family. He isn't a precious treasure for the memories I made are worthless to you. He's my treasure, and matters to me more than words can explain. He is one of the main reasons I keep living. No matter how many times he poops on the carpet, or pees in your shoe you forgive him. Just like he forgives you ft your mistakes. This is why I love dogs and most animals more than humans because not only do they not judge you for you me differences, they forgive you. I know dogs who have been horribly abused and mistreated, but instead of being aggressive to every human they meet, they trust that you won't do it to them.
You are right in a way for my dog is much more than that. He's my best friend. My companion. My dog lets me explore my world without judging me. He's loyal, and over all compassionate. This thing that may be "just a dog" to you is much more than that. He's an irreplaceable friend. Maybe he is "just a dog", but these labels aren't the only thing that make us ourselves. My dog will wait for me forever. He loves, and trusts. He plays and naps. He is expensive, but if this is the price you have to pay for love I would rather have that and be happy and poor then live in a mansion. A life without love is no life at all and that's what animals give me. They give me life even when our "humane" society lets me down.
I will never forget my dogs for they have left a mark on your life. "Just a dog" is forgettable but since they are more than that they stick with you forever.
I got Snowy after Smokey died as I fell into deep depression. I didn't know what to do and the other members of my pack felt it to. We needed a goofy little love to bring us back to life. Smokey was five when he died, young but also sick. He was born with epilepsy and the only comfort I have with his death is that he is no longer in pain. He died 10 months ago and I still grieve him as random memories in daily life remind me of him. Snowy is like Smokey but he will never replace him. I had five great years with Smokey and even if I had eternity with him, it would never be enough. Animals come into our lives for a reason lessons are learnt and lives are led. Smokey taught me how to love something the world was going to give up on. We were told after he was diagnosed that we should just put him down and get another. They told us medication was expensive and we were going to lose him. He was 10 months old then. We were willing to give up our lives for Smokey just to give him a life in the time he had left. My brother has disabilities and we never were giving up on him, so why do it with another member of the family. Smokey even in death taught me how to be strong.
Snowy will not leave my side, and is yet another best friend. He's goofy and lives food. He loves adventure. He's teaching me many things about life an has many more things to teach me. He has already taught me that it is okay to be afraid, and to cry. He's taught me how to move on and not forget. He's taught me to explore and enjoy the world in its simplicities. He has taught me that I can open up and be cautious at the same time. People may be evil, but they have taught me that it is okay to explore this for everything has a light and dark. My dogs support me in every endeavor, and I would hate my life without them. Before they came into my life I thought I was a freak and hated myself. With them I can express who I am meant to be. I love them unconditionally, and that love is returned in enormous numbers. Dogs are one of many creatures made to love. These are not things you get from "just a dog". These are things you get from family and friends. My dogs are both and live in my heart forever.
Every dog owner, and animal lover knows this even though we never get to meet. Dogs have many purposes and make lives easier. They provide services to the disabled. They play games. They teach you lessons. They love you. Dogs are irreplaceable family who are grieved like any other. They come into our lives for a reason, and leave when their purpose has been fulfilled. I love my dogs. They allow me to love myself, and make it okay to enjoy the silence. They remind me that we are never alone in this world. This is why they are special. They are never "just a dog". Just like we aren't "just humans". They are my everything, and deserve credit for all the wonderful things they do for us. All dogs asked for was love and basic care, what else more do they need? Dogs are more selfless than most people I know and should be lived and admired. I love dogs.... Did I say that already?
