Some of my most memorable trips have been with "just a dog." In fact, I could not imagine traveling without one of my pets. As the founder of Go Travel Dog, I'm always seeking to find little known pet-friendly hotels and dog-friendly towns during my trips with pets. And I am proud and excited to share them with you. Recently, I traveled to Surfside Beach, TX which is is situated on the Gulf of Mexico just west of Galveston Island. The dog friendly beach in this little known town went on for miles and you can drive your vehicle up and down the beautiful coastline. If you are traveling with pets through Texas, it's very much worth the trip down to Surfside Beach for some R&R. I enjoyed some special moments on the beach with my dog, Maya, which made me think about one of my favorite dog related articles which I happily share with you today.
JUST A DOG by Richard Biby
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,
the time spent, or
the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments
have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and
my only company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought
about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog,"
then 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 make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks
and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
but 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.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog",
but 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"
just smile...because they "just don't understand."
by Richard Biby
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contributing Editor VHD
From "The Versatile Hunting Dog"
NAVHDA's Magazine
February 2006
