Buford was a good dog. He passed away on April 12. He was a loving companion to Miss Jeanette (Justin's mom) and he will be greatly missed. Buford was a rescue dog adopted by Jeanette when he was about 5 or 6 years old. For nine years he had the best life a dog could have. He chased the squirrels and kept the boogie man away. He was animated, clever, and smart. 

A friend sent this short essay. Dog lovers will understand.

Just A Dog

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."  In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. 

If you, too, think its "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 early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. 

For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog."  It's an embodiment of all the hope 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 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 woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand."