Just a Dog

An update: Anna had another surgery today (her picture is below sitting on my kitchen rug). She would probably have died without it. If any of you want to help with her bills, just go to http://www.potomacpekes.org/ and you can use paypal. I know this is Christmas and most of us have no extra money, so don't worry if you can't help. I just like to extend the invitation to those that can. I know the rest of you are helping by praying for these little ones.
Here's my Starlight (former foster dog who wasn't adopted--she has an "attitude") with a red bandage on her leg-- it's an IV connection. She had a major seizure on Tuesday night, and one the following morning. She was at the vet all day yesterday and will be there today. We'll get her stabilized. My vet is GREAT! It's Acredale Animal Hospital (http://www.acredaleanimalhospital.com/ ) in Virginia Beach, VA. I LOVE MY VET! (They are giving me discounts on all the surgeries we are doing on our foster dogs-- so if you want to say thank you, just put it in the comments and I'll let them know.) The vets we use in Richmond (Farmers Veterinary Hospital ww.farmersvet.com/) and Northern Virginia Colonial Animal Hospital www.colonialvets.com/ are also wonderful.
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JUST A DOG
For us in rescue, and many others, there is no such thing as "Just a Dog." These are living, breathing examples of God's presence in this world. To look at these faces is to be given a gift. To be able to help them come back to health, learn to trust and give love is a blessing. The story below is "Just a Dog," but we know they are much more than that. (Stitch above and below, new to rescue.)

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 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. (Benny, adopted)

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. (Anna, above, foster dog, who had major surgery on Wed.)

"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. (Stitch, above, foster dog)

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. (BB, above, foster dog)

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." (Ricky, above, adopted)

So, the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, becuase they "Just Don't Understand." (Missy, above, foster dog)
Author Unknown

Little dogs, like Anna here, will never be "just a dog" for me.
Linda haveninhim@aol.com http://www.potomacpekes.org/