Just a Dog.

Happy Wednesday Loves! It's a very special day in the McAlarney-McCarrick household, our puppy Wooden is celebrating his first birthday! I know some of you may think, "Is she serious? He's just a dog!" But to Kyle and I Wooden is so much more and this is a day to celebrate what Wood has done for us, he turned us into a family.

Wooden has helped each of us in our own special way, for me he has really helped me calm down.  I used to get anxiety being over here in Europe while Kyle was on road trips playing ball, being in our apartment all by myself, so far away from everyone made me feel uneasy. But once Wooden came into our lives that all changed, he is the perfect companion and to be honest I probably spoil him to much because he never leaves my side. He has really helped me smile more and worry less.

Wooden has brought so much love into our lives, and we're so lucky to have him by our side every day.

Happy, Happy Birthday Wooden, Woods-ba-Goods, Wooden-ba-Gooden, Woods, Woodson and never (Woody)! Kyle and I love you so much and thank you for being the best puppy on this side of the Atlantic.

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 it's "Just a dog", you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend" or "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 into the future.

For me and people 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. 

I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog." 

It's the thing that gives me humanity and keep me from being "Just a man" or "Just a woman".

So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog", Smile because they "Just don't understand"..

-Unknown Author