NTIWC Newsletter - North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club
NTIWC Newsletter - North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club
NTIWC Newsletter - North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club
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<strong>NTIWC</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />
Annual <strong>Club</strong> Picnic Sun., Oct. 7 th<br />
Our annual picnic was once again hosted by Doug &<br />
Melanie Gulley, at their home in Grand Prairie. The<br />
weather could not have been nicer and the turnout was<br />
great. There was so much delicious food it was just<br />
amazing. I really thought everyone put exceptional effort<br />
into the dishes they prepared for this year. Seemed to me<br />
the turnout was even better than last year, and we also<br />
held a club meeting. I would like to extend a very big thank<br />
you to the Gulley’s for inviting us into their home and<br />
hosting our annual picnic this year.<br />
Inside this issue:<br />
Ø Annual Picnic<br />
Thanks Melanie & Doug!<br />
Ø Liver Treats, New Members, Bloat Kit link,<br />
Merck On Line Vet Manuel, “Cost of Miracles”<br />
Ø XYLITOL sugar substitute<br />
Ø IW Rescue News, From the Editor, <strong>Club</strong><br />
Officers<br />
Ø Veteran Birthday! Aggressive dogs & Low<br />
Omega Fats<br />
Ø Kitty Litter Dangers<br />
Ø Duende’s Departure to the Bridge<br />
January 2008<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 1<br />
Celtic Heritage Festival 2007<br />
October 13 & 14 th Bedford Boys Ranch<br />
Although I was not able to attend this year, I did have an<br />
opportunity to stop by for a short time on Sat., on my drive<br />
home from Canton. The weather was just beautiful! Although it<br />
seemed a bit slow early on, we did have a nice turnout for our<br />
booth, by the late afternoon on both days. Thank you to<br />
everyone who was available and willing to help with the setting<br />
up, tearing down and manning of our booth, this year. These<br />
festivals are a LOT of work. The more members offer to help,<br />
the easier it makes all of this for Cherry Rolle, who always co-<br />
ordinates this festival (in addition to our <strong>Irish</strong> Fest booth!) each<br />
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for<br />
these upcoming events:<br />
Saturday, March 1 – Sunday, March 2:<br />
2008 <strong>Irish</strong> Festival Dallas Fair Grounds<br />
*If you will be available to help set up, tear down, or work at our<br />
booth please contact Cherry Rolle ASAP @ 817-516-0994<br />
April 8 – 11: IWCA National Specialty Show<br />
South fork Ranch & Hotel
Grain-Free Liver Leather Treats!<br />
1 pound beef or chicken liver<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 ½ cups garbanzo bean flour<br />
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded<br />
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.<br />
Puree the liver with the eggs in a food processor.<br />
Add the mixture to the flour in a large bowl and<br />
stir in cheese. Mix well and turn out onto a baking<br />
sheet covered with well-greased foil. Bake 25<br />
minutes. Remove from oven and cut into trainingtreat-size<br />
pieces with a pizza cutter. Turn down<br />
the oven to 150 degrees F and return cut treats to<br />
oven for several hours to achieve desired<br />
consistency. The longer they stay in the oven the<br />
crunchier they will become.<br />
*********************************************************<br />
Bloat Kit<br />
This link is from Canada, and one of the best<br />
references I've seen for bloat. Those of you with large<br />
breed dogs should definitely print out a copy to have<br />
on hand. It is excellent!<br />
http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/hea<br />
lth/healtharticle6.htm<br />
****************************************************<br />
“The Cost of Miracles”<br />
by Deerhound breeder Christie Keith<br />
This excellent article that describes what many of us<br />
face, have faced and will face when making decisions<br />
about medical treatment for our pets.<br />
http://sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/03/06/petscol.DTL<br />
I emailed Christie to ask her permission to print her<br />
article in its entirety, on our <strong>NTIWC</strong> website;<br />
however, I did not receive a reply.<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 2<br />
“WELCOME” New Members<br />
Susan Berg Kristin Sheaffer<br />
Bruce & Kathy O’Brien Jill Sprankell<br />
Seth & Millie Perry Darla & David Speed<br />
Gail & Michael Green Robert W. Friddle<br />
Catherine Dougherty Seth & Millie Perry<br />
Dusty Eagen & Omar Gonzalez Jill Sprankell<br />
“ Bennie” (Ruth) & Mike Johnston<br />
Steve & Judy Ritchie “Gigi” Garland Mulvey<br />
Free online<br />
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp<br />
The Merck Veterinary Manual is the single most<br />
comprehensive electronic reference for animal care<br />
information. It is brought to you as a service of<br />
Merck & Co., Inc., providing quality medical information<br />
on a not-for-profit basis for more than 100 years, and<br />
Merial Limited, dedicated to producing a wide range<br />
of pharmaceuticals and vaccines to keep livestock<br />
and pets healthy and productive.<br />
NEW IN THIS EDITION!<br />
Thirty new chapters, including West Nile encephalitis,<br />
pain management, ophthalmic emergencies, veterinary<br />
dosage forms and delivery systems, biosecurity, and<br />
many more<br />
Updated advanced search, featuring search by topic,<br />
species, specialty, disease, and keyword.<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS:<br />
Circulatory System Digestive System<br />
Eye and Ear Endocrine System<br />
Generalized Conditions Immune System<br />
Integumentary System Metabolic Disorders<br />
Musculoskeletal System Nervous System<br />
Reproductive System Respiratory System<br />
Urinary System Behavior<br />
Poultry Zoonoses<br />
Reference Guides Toxicology<br />
Clinical Pathology and Procedures<br />
Emergency Medicine and Critical Care<br />
Exotic and Laboratory Animals<br />
Management and Nutrition<br />
Pharmacology
XYLITOL (sugar substitute) can be toxic to dogs!<br />
The ASPCA'S Animal Poison Control Center is warning<br />
veterinary care professionals and pet owners that<br />
xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing<br />
gums, candies, and other products can cause serious<br />
or possibly life-threatening problems for dogs.<br />
Dogs that have eaten products containing high levels<br />
of xylitol might need immediate medical attention,<br />
even if they are not yet showing illness. Sick dogs<br />
(vomiting, weak, seizuring) will require aggressive<br />
veterinary treatment and close monitoring of blood<br />
values, in order to recover.<br />
Dogs that have consumed large amounts of products<br />
sweetened with xylitol may have a sudden drop in<br />
blood sugar, depression, loss of coordination, and<br />
seizures. This is mainly with products where xylitol is<br />
the main ingredient.<br />
These symptoms can develop quickly, even less than<br />
30 minutes after consumption of the product. It can be<br />
critical for pet owners to seek veterinary treatment<br />
immediately.<br />
Some data indicates a link between xylitol<br />
consumption and liver failure in dogs, although it is<br />
insufficient to claim positive conclusions.<br />
Dogs ingesting foods containing high doses of xylitol<br />
(greater than 100mg xylitol consumed per 2.2lbs<br />
bodyweight) have exhibited low blood sugar or<br />
hypoglycemia) which can be life-threatening. Intake<br />
of very high doses of xylitol (greater than 500 - 1000<br />
mg) has also been indicated in liver failure of 8 dogs,<br />
which can be fatal.<br />
One reported death occurred in a standard poodle<br />
that ate five or six cookies sweetened with xylitol.<br />
Xylitol was originally derived from Birch trees (in<br />
Finland) and was first popular in Europe as a safe<br />
sweetener for diabetics that would not change insulin<br />
levels. It is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that is used<br />
as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is a naturally occurring<br />
sweetener found in the fibers of many fruits and<br />
vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats,<br />
and mushrooms. It can be extracted from corn fiber,<br />
birch, raspberries, plums, and corn. Xylitol is<br />
roughly as sweet as sucrose but with only two-thirds<br />
the food energy.<br />
Xylitol, like most sugar alcohols, can have a laxative<br />
effect, because sugar alcohols are not fully broken<br />
down during digestion. It has no known toxicity, and<br />
people have consumed as much as 400 grams daily<br />
for long periods with no apparent ill effects.<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 3<br />
In 2004, popular <strong>North</strong> American Trident gum was<br />
reformulated to include xylitol, but not as the main<br />
sweetener (which are still sorbitol and maltitol and<br />
IceBreakers brand Ice Cubes Gum from Hershey.<br />
In 2006, Wrigley Company reformulated their<br />
Orbit gum to contain xylitol and released it under<br />
the name "Orbit Complete." Critics have noted that<br />
the amount of Xylitol in some chewing gums is<br />
small, and other sugar alcohols may be used in<br />
larger amounts.<br />
Although it is dangerous to dogs, it does have some<br />
medical applications helpful to humans.<br />
Dental care - Xylitol does not encourage tooth decay<br />
and may actually aid in repairing minor cavities<br />
caused by tooth decay.<br />
A recent study demonstrated that a water additive<br />
for animals containing xylitol was effective in<br />
reducing plaque and calculus accumulation in cats.<br />
Diabetes - Possessing approximately 40% less food<br />
energy, xylitol is a low- calorie alternative to table<br />
sugar. Absorbed more slowly than sugar, it doesn't<br />
contribute to high blood sugar levels or the<br />
resulting hyperglycemia.<br />
Osteoporosis -Xylitol also appears to have potential<br />
as a treatment for osteoporosis. It has been shown<br />
to prevent weakening of bones in laboratory rats,<br />
and actually improves bone density.<br />
Ear and upper respiratory infections - Studies have<br />
shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent<br />
ear infections the act of chewing and swallowing<br />
assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing<br />
the middle ear, whilst the presence of xylitol<br />
prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian<br />
tubes which connect the nose and ear.<br />
Pregnant or Nursing Women -Xylitol is safe for<br />
pregnant and nursing women, and studies show that<br />
regular use significantly reduces the probability of<br />
transmitting the Mutant Streptococci bacteria from<br />
mother to child during the first two years of life by<br />
as much as 80%
Bruce with “Kiera” & “Rusty” at the picnic, Oct. 2007<br />
FROM THE EDITOR:<br />
Hello Members:<br />
I apologize for taking so long to get this issue of the newsletter to you.<br />
It has been a very busy year, with a few obstacles along the way. I had<br />
to say “goodbye” to “Afton” 8 yrs., “Teagan” who had only just turned 6<br />
yrs, and my cranky old Border collie, “Megan” who was 14+ yrs., in<br />
2007. Afton and Teagan, both developed osteosarcoma. The Border<br />
collie’s muscular system and rear end failed, at 14 yrs. Of course<br />
“Megan” simply LIVED to herd, and terrorize, the poor hounds. She<br />
was our puppy mill rescue.<br />
Cherry and I had a trip to Essex, Ont. Canada, in July, for a breeding<br />
with “Caprice”, but sadly no puppies were conceived. We had a<br />
marvelous time and met some absolutely wonderful people, during our<br />
visit. Of course, I came back with a male puppy, who as luck would<br />
have it (for me, anyway) was returned to his breeder, when the family<br />
who took him was not able to keep him, after a few weeks. Talk about<br />
being at the right place at the right timeJ<br />
My mother came to visit, from Seattle, just before Christmas. I took her<br />
to see Elvis’ Graceland, as we used to live in Memphis, (back in 1967)<br />
when he was alive. It was the first time we had stood at those gates,<br />
together, in 40 yrs.! She was thrilled and we had a great time.<br />
Kim Staman was diagnosed with kidney disease and had to go on<br />
dialysis, 3 times a week. It has been a difficult time for her, but thanks<br />
to her longtime friend, Kellie Simmons, Kim now has a *new* kidney.<br />
She is recovering well from her operation, after a pneumonia<br />
complication, just 24 hrs after she was released requiring a rehospitalization<br />
for a few more days.<br />
Our Deepest Condolences to:<br />
Robin Smith who recently unexpectedly suffered the lost of her sister.<br />
Jennifer & Steve Harry over the loss of their young son, “Indy”.<br />
Ann Sury & Dick Morrison lost their beloved “Ditch”. She was a<br />
special girl to those of us who were involved with the club when she was<br />
rescued, many years ago. It’s hard to believe she is gone…<br />
JoHannah & Bruce Lawrie, over the loss of their sweet boy “Bartley” to<br />
lymphoma.<br />
You are all in our thoughts and I’m so very sorry for your losses.<br />
All my Best,<br />
Lesa<br />
“Keira” is our newest IW rescue and has been adopted by<br />
Bruce & JoHannah Lawrie. She turned 1 year, in<br />
September. She was an owner turn in, because of her<br />
strong prey drive. Unfortunately, she put the family’s cat<br />
in the hospital. I am told this girl is smart, confident, and<br />
very sweet but can also be a bit *evil*, at times. J She’s a<br />
pretty and curvy girl with lovely movement.<br />
The Lawrie’s lost their beloved boy “Doodles” a few years<br />
ago, and then “Bartley” last April, to lymphoma.<br />
“WELCOME” to your forever home, “Keira”!<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 4<br />
<strong>North</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> <strong>Irish</strong> <strong>Wolfhound</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Address:<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong><br />
C/O Cherry Rolle<br />
5250 Banks Road<br />
<strong>Club</strong> officers:<br />
President, Cherry Rolle<br />
Vice-President, Kim Stamen<br />
Secretary, Lesa Newbitt<br />
Treasurer, Christine Dison<br />
Ft. Worth, TX 76140-7900<br />
Directors:<br />
Richard Luhring Ann Sury Morrison<br />
Dick Morrison Position OPEN<br />
<strong>Newsletter</strong> Editor, Lesa Newbitt<br />
beretoniw@wccs.net 940-433-5951<br />
IW Rescue:<br />
Cherry Rolle 817-516-0994<br />
Cherryr1@airmail.net<br />
Ann Sury 214-328-2682<br />
Asury1@jcpenney.com<br />
HOUSTON Area Contact/Coordinator:<br />
Robin Smith 281-251-7755<br />
Caraboof@aol.com<br />
CLUB WEBSITE URL: http://ntiwc.offlead.com<br />
Click on the date of newsletter, to view<br />
individual issues.<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> Webmaster, JenifferJohnson<br />
ntiwc@offlead.com
“Happy Birthday, #8 Cara!!”<br />
5/21/99 Cluain Meala Gheimhredh<br />
"Winter's Sweet Seduction" turned 8 years old May 21st<br />
Mistress Cara<br />
Cara the Flirt<br />
My heart hound.... It's been a wonderful ride. and she's<br />
so good. Pictures after her bath!<br />
- Robin, Cara the Flirt & Stylish Ailish<br />
Interesting theory…<br />
Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status.<br />
Canine aggressive behaviour is one of the most common problems being reported by dog owners. However,<br />
the biochemical basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. In humans, alterations in omega-3 plasma<br />
polyunsatured fatty acids and elevated omega6/omega-3 ratio have been linked to behavioural alterations,<br />
including aggression. Thus far, however, the relationship between plasma polyunsatured fatty acid status<br />
and aggression has not been investigated in the dog. In the present study we sought to investigate whether<br />
polyunsatured fatty acid status could be altered in plasma of pathologically aggressive Canis familiaris.<br />
Eighteen adult male German Shepherd dogs, aged 4.9 +/- 0.9 years, showing no clinical signs but<br />
aggression, were investigated. Eighteen healthy male dogs, aged 4.8 +/- 0.7 years, with a negative history<br />
of behavioural and neurological disorders served as controls. Baseline fasting plasma polyunsatured fatty<br />
acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Compared to normal dogs, aggressive dogs<br />
showed lower docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) concentrations and a higher omega6/omega-3 ratio. In<br />
addition, they showed reduced cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations compared to their normally behaving<br />
counterparts. Altogether, our results suggest that low omega-3 fatty acids may adversely impact behaviour<br />
in dogs, resulting in greater propensity to aggression. However, given the cross-sectional design of our<br />
study, we cannot claim any causal relationship between the presence of alterations in fatty acid status and<br />
canine aggressiveness. Whether omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may be useful to reduce aggressive<br />
behaviour in the dog deserves further investigation.<br />
Re S, Zanoletti M, Emanuele E. [Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.]<br />
*As appearing @ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17891468 *PMID: 17891468 [PubMed - in process]<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 5
Recently a breeder shared her story about a 2 yr. IW male, who was lost to this devastating problem. The owners felt<br />
they had taken every precaution, including a litter box with a top, to keep their hound away from the ingesting the litter<br />
box contents. They spent approximately $2,000 on testing, at the veterinarian hospital tying to determine for certain if<br />
this was the cause of illness. A necropsy is pending at this printing as the end result was that the hound died. I have<br />
decided to include this information, in hopes it may help others…..<br />
KITTY LITTER DANGERS<br />
One of the biggest dangers to a cats health and a dogs (some dogs ingest kitty litter as those with cat/dog households<br />
know) - is “Litter Box Fillers”. What is not known by many are the dangers certain litter poses to pets and humans<br />
alike. If you have a multi-mixed pet household of cats and dogs you must read this. As your dog sometimes will delve<br />
into that litter box as you know – look what your pets are ingesting<br />
Clumping Clay Kitty Litters: A Deadly Convenience?<br />
Clumping clay kitty litters may be related to a wide variety of seemingly unrelated cat health problems, included<br />
diarrhea, frothy yellow vomiting, mega-bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney problems, respiratory<br />
problems, general failure to thrive, anemia, lethargy, and even death.<br />
Clumping litter is designed to form a hard, insoluble mass when it gets wet. It also produces a fine dust when stirred (as<br />
when a cat scratches around to bury a recent deposit). And these clumping litters absorb many times their weight in<br />
fluids.<br />
When cats or kittens use the litter box, they lick themselves clean; anything their tongues encounter gets ingested.<br />
Once the litter is inside a kitten or cat, it expands, forming a mass and coating the interior-thus, both causing<br />
dehydration by drawing fluids out of the cat or kitten, and compounding the problem by preventing any absorption of<br />
nutrients or fluids.<br />
"There has been a rise in depressed immune systems, respiratory distress, irritable bowel syndrome, and vomiting<br />
(other than hair balls) among cats that I have seen in the past two years. All had one thing in common...a clumping<br />
product in their litter box. In several cases, simply removing the litter improved the condition of the cat." ("Great<br />
Clumping Cat Litter--Is That Why Kitty is So Sick?" Lisa Newman, Healthy Pets--Naturally, April 1994.)<br />
For a veterinarian to spot this problem is unusual. A more common diagnosis would lay the blame at the door of a<br />
virus, germ, fungus or parasite. There is not a general awareness yet that the clumping litters can be harmful--even<br />
fatal--to cats.<br />
BEYOND CATS<br />
And the problem extends beyond cats. As Lisa Newman points out in her article, dogs get into the litter box for<br />
"snacks," and ingest the litter too. She reports that the autopsy of one dog revealed that his stomach was filled with the<br />
clumping litter.<br />
"Sodium bentonite, naturally swelling clay, is often added as an extremely effective clumping agent. When liquid is<br />
added, bentonite swells to approximately 15 times its original volume. But because sodium bentonite acts as<br />
expandable cement would, litters containing sodium bentonite should never be flushed; when they expand they can<br />
block plumbing."<br />
A few moments' thought is all that is needed to realize that something able to block household plumbing must be<br />
wreaking havoc on the plumbing of our pets.<br />
WHAT YOU CAN DO<br />
You may feel as horrified as I do at the thought that there must be thousands of kittens, cats and dogs ailing or even<br />
dying from clumping clay litters. What can we do to prevent such suffering?<br />
One thing is let the manufacturers know we won't buy such products. My husband called a company that makes one of<br />
the clumping litters. The woman he spoke with said that the company is aware that clumping litters may be causing<br />
health problems, but that it is the consumer's responsibility to make sure their pets don't eat the stuff.<br />
(Continued on page 7)<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 6
(Continued from page 6)<br />
My husband pointed out that cats clean themselves with their mouths, so of course they're going to eat the litter every time<br />
they use their cat boxes. Unfortunately, the company's representative maintained her "buyer beware" position. Given the<br />
attitudes of such companies, we can vote with our pocketbooks by purchasing products from businesses that are more<br />
responsive to our concerns. Be sure to let the makers of the clumping litter know why you no longer purchase their product.<br />
You might even choose to boycott all products made by these companies (it isn't hard to find out who makes what--just read<br />
the labels). An even more effective move might be to show this article to the owners or managers of stores selling these<br />
products.<br />
If you suspect that an animal may be suffering an ailment caused by clumping litter, take him or her to a veterinarian or<br />
holistic practitioner immediately, and explain what you think may be happening. If you encounter resistance, it may mean<br />
that the veterinarian is unfamiliar with the problem and doesn't know how to handle it. Try to find a holistic vet--either<br />
locally or someone you can work with by phone--who has some experience with clumping litter impacting the intestines.<br />
Most importantly, replace the clumping litter right away with one of the plant-based alternatives.<br />
There are many alternatives<br />
A favorite for me is PAPURR. It’s flushable, Kills odors, and just like regular litter only dust free. Even clups pretty well!<br />
Cedar chips are great for cats but not dogs or bunnies. For an all around SAFE choice<br />
It is best to stick with paper-type, wheat, corn based litter such as Papurr, Carefresh®, Cat Country, Yesterday's News, S’Wheat<br />
etc….Cedar is very good for cat only house holds but not around dogs.<br />
See article in it’s entirety @ http://www.treshanley.com/cic/feline.html by Mariona Michaels<br />
*copyright by Canine Care.org<br />
DUENDE<br />
I was blessed with the gift of a dog I absolutely adored! Her name was Duende. She was given to me by Melanie Mercer<br />
after she retired from the show ring. She had been a club favorite because of her sweet disposition. When I joined the<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> it was because I had adopted a female wolfhound who had been abandoned at a friend’s farm. Cherry Rolle and<br />
Lesa Newbitt could not have been kinder to me. They educated me about the breed. I quickly fell in love with the breed and<br />
when Duende came up to be placed they recommended me.<br />
As fate would have it I was only to have Duende for a year and a half. She was diagnosed with bone cancer last august.<br />
I was absolutely devastated. She was only five and a half years old. Again I sought the counsel of Cherry and Lesa and Mel.<br />
Mel knew a Veterinarian that was specializing in cancer research in large breed dogs and having good results with fosamax.<br />
She very graciously sent me a supply and we agreed this was the route of treatment we would pursue. Unfortunately,<br />
Duende was one of the dogs that did not respond.<br />
In September I was taking a trip with a friend to Aspen, Colorado and we took Duende along. We stayed in a cabin<br />
outside of town on the Roaring Fork river. Duende had a ball! We went to gorgeous places every day with picnics.<br />
Everyone who met Duende along the way responded lovingly to her. She hiked and played and napped and ate very well.<br />
We bought her fresh meat at the meat counter for her part in the picnic. She slept in a huge feather bed which she graciously<br />
shared with me. It was a very lovely two weeks, a very good way to spend quality time knowing she would soon go on<br />
ahead.<br />
Duende passed away two weeks to the day after we returned home. I felt her looking at me as we slept. I hugged her and<br />
she just slipped away. She was the kindest, gentlest soul I have ever known and I was so blessed to have her share her life<br />
with me. Though I only had her a year and a half I must admit if I'd had her fifty years it would not have been enough. I<br />
miss her terribly but, I rest assured that she is happy and healthy just waiting on me to join her when my time comes.<br />
We will meet again. She is not gone....just gone on ahead.<br />
(See Photos on page 8)<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 7<br />
- Kim Winter 2008
*Kim Winter requested I add the following poem at the end of Duende’s obituary<br />
Just A Dog<br />
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, its just a dog", or "that's a lot of money for just a dog".<br />
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog".<br />
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog".<br />
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted.<br />
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog", and in those days of darkness,<br />
the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort, and the reason to overcome the day.<br />
If you too think, its "just a dog", then you probably understand phases like , "just a friend", "just a sunrise",<br />
"just a promise"...<br />
"Just a dog", brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy.<br />
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.<br />
Because of "just a dog" I get up early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.<br />
So for me and folks like me, its not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the<br />
future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.<br />
"Just a dog" brings out the best in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the<br />
day.<br />
I hope that someday they can understand that its not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity<br />
and keeps me from being "just a man".<br />
So the next time you hear someone say "just a dog", smile because "they just don't get it, nor will they<br />
ever get it".<br />
AUTHOR UNKNOWN<br />
<strong>NTIWC</strong> 8