Here Here....very well put! That was wonderful!

That almost made my mom cry! She gets the "just a dog" crud all the time because I have a lot of health issues and people think she's crazy to do so much for me. When my glaucoma was really bad and I was in a lot of pain, it was obvious the eye needed to be removed. My grandma actually suggested to my dad that they should consider putting me to sleep because it was surgery/eye removal vs. "just a dog!!!" Can you believe that??

Oh my gosh... how TRUE! They just don't understand.

This is wonderful. That phrase is one of my biggest pet peeves. Say that, and magically a soap box appears under my feet!! :) Freckles - I totally understand. Butch had to have a tumor removed from his leg, and I was told "Well, he is 10. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on him." WHAT! Also, I did the allergy testing on Beverly this year, and boy you would've thought I bought her a Surf N Turf dinner at some upscale restaurant. People think I'm nuts to give her allergy shots. They can all kiss my butt though! No matter what I spend on my dogs, it's still a small price to pay for all the love and joy they give me. It's great when people with kids tell me that because I just look at them and say "My dogs are still cheaper than your kids". They just nod their heads and concede defeat! :)

Thanks for sharing that, Bella. It made my mom cry. She's going to copy it and send it to all of her friends. People can say such unintentionally cruel things. One time her mom told her..."well, you can always get another one" after a beloved dog had died. I think we are all very lucky to "get" this concept of bonding with animals. And I think you are right, Nemo...it's a real friend.

Well said. When both of my children went off to college, it was my little Maggie that sat by my side night after night after night keeping me company and was more than happy to be doing so. Dog's truly are humankinds best friend. Human beings will never be as kind, loving, loyal and unselfish as dogs are.

Thank you for sharing. I have 3 " Just a dogs" and love being with them every minute of the day.