I just got this from my brother-in-law and it says exactly what us true dog lovers believe---no we KNOW it.

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." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile,
>>> because they "just don't understand."
>>> Musings
> by Richard Biby, Contributing Editor,
> Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
>>>

Yep... They are JUST our HEARTS wrapped in Furry Coats! REALLY