The dog is one of man’s most noble animals. He is always there when we call him, he is always ready to play, he’ll even be at your side if you are sad. He has many moods and he can make them all correspond with ours.

Dogs were the ones that found people alive in the 911 tragedy, they also were able to find the ones that didn’t survive, so their loved ones would have closure. With paws bleeding, they did what was asked of them, some of them even paying the ultimate price, but, "it’s only a dog."

Dogs have lead the blind and helped them to see, listened for the door bell or the phone and helped the deaf hear. They can even help you dress or get food for you and help you to help yourself if you are in need. But, "it’s only a dog."

Dogs find people that are lost in avalanches, lost in caves, lost in forests, the nose of the dog is many times stronger than that of a human, but, "it’s only a dog."

Dogs can find people the police suspect are lost in water. How, because when a person passes, their bodies give out gasses that float to the surface of the water and the dog can smell that and the body is found. But, "it’s only a dog."

Dogs have helped police departments for years. Actually being the partner of his human counterpart. They have run head-on into gunfire, having no regard for their safety, but to make sure their partner will not suffer what he may endure. They have captured criminals when all of the high-tech goodies that the department has, fails. Yet, that nose, that wet, cold nose, can sniff out the bad guy and be restrained by his partner. But, "it’s only a dog."

That nose has been called on many times. Sniffing at airports for drugs and other illegal substances that should not be in this country. Even sniffing out food stuffs, that may carry disease. They have captured animals that should not be in this country. But, "it’s only a dog."

I could go on with this list for quite a while, however, I think I’ve made my point. At least I hope I have. The next time you feel it’s right to say, "it’s only a dog." think about what you’ve read. Feel it in your heart and let the magic touch you. If you feel your dog is a bother, it sheds, it has fleas, well, he is depending on your help in these matters. Remember, all he can give in return is unconditional love, companionship, protect you, and do the best he can . . . . . . . because . . . . ."it’s only a dog."