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April 26, 2016

Just A Dog

For the past five years, five days a week, I've written about dogs. About the love, loss, joys and frustrations we experience with our pups. To commandeer the famous Lou Holtz phrase, I believe that for those who know dogs, no explanation is necessary. And for those who don't know dogs, no explanation will suffice.
Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory For the past five years, five days a week, I’ve written about dogs. About the love, loss, joys and frustrations we experience with our pups. To commandeer the famous Lou Holtz phrase, I believe that for those who know dogs, no explanation is necessary. And for those who don’t know dogs, no explanation will suffice.

For many people, a dog is, dismissively, “just a dog.” Just, meaning – simply; only; no more than.

No explanation can fully illuminate why the time, dedication and love we share with our pups are worthy efforts, but I hope my story might help some rethink what “just a dog” really means.

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Because “just” can also mean “exactly.” As in, Eko was just what I needed at a very difficult time in my life

Five years ago I was a ship unmoored, battered by the waves of life. I was uncertain of my direction both personally and professionally. The only thing I felt certain about was wanting a dog.

Just a dog.

Not until you have held your first dog in your arms do you realize every dog is a guide dog. My wrinkly puppy fearlessly guided me through choppy waters. People ask questions about plans, directions and deadlines. Because Eko is just a dog, he didn’t care about those things – as long as we were together.

So that’s what we did. Just – simply, only, no more than – stayed together. And we did so on the adventure of a lifetime – a 15,000+ mile road trip across the country.

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

We just saw a few buildings

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Just visited a few parks

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Just marched in a parade (or two)

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

And just caught a few waves

Like all adventures, my journey was one of self-discovery. One entirely made possible by my four-legged co-conspirator. Who else but a dog would so gleefully and eagerly follow you without concern? I often lacked direction, but I never lacked effusive love.

The judgmental implication of the phrase “just a dog,” is that dogs are not deserving of the love and attention we give them. It’s an admonishment. A reminder dogs are not people. A warning we’re too attached.

First, we must address the shocking truth. Dogs are not people. *gasp* And thankfully not. The relationship between a person and a dog is unique. It’s a retreat away from the demands of relationships with other people. It’s a quiet, persistent bond unlike any other.

The mistake in the above logic is the inherent assertion only people are worthy of effort and devotion. In fact, the fidelity we show our dogs is only just — just, as in, fair, equitable, deserved.

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

One of these things is just a dog, and it’s not Eko

After he helped me overcome one of the most difficult times in my life, how could I show Eko anything other than the same singular devotion he showed me?

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It’s a devotion the people who love us understand. Because love is not a finite resource to guard. It’s an infinite possibility that can somehow still fit on a single futon

Which is why after our road trip ended, Eko and I moved to Chicago to be with my longtime girlfriend, Emily. We settled into a comfortable routine, until a couple years later when I had a familiar feeling that we needed to shake things up.

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

And so we did! 

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Puppy Penny kicked off a mad scramble of near continuous (mis)adventures as we scouted our new city

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Because of Eko and Penny we’ve explored more than we ever would have without them

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

We’ve savored each day more than we ever would have without them

Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territoryAnd we’ve certainly smiled a whole lot more than we ever would have without them

On account of a couple dogs helping one lost boy find his way, we even had a wedding! Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Emily and I got married, that is. Not the dogs. Rhodesian RIdgeback, blog, adventure, travel, marking our territory

Through it all, everything I love still manages to fit on an old futon

So why do I write about just dogs? Because it’s just a couple dogs who help me find and rediscover myself each day.

And for those who still say they’re “just” dogs? I agree. I’d never want them to be anything else.

Comments for Just A Dog

  1. You found the best words to describe this endless love for “just a dog”… I can’t imagine onely one day without my fourlegged wrecking ball… he is the most important thing of my life … and probably for the french economy too :o)

  2. KDKH says:

    Well said. I love your line – “every dog is a guide dog.”

  3. Victoria says:

    Wonderful post – my “just dogs” save me every day – relieve my stress, make me laugh and help me sleep (albiet in odd positions on my bed since they take up most of it), show me love all of the time – I wouldn’t have it any other way

  4. You did it again, Will. Beautiful post. I would have to say, you’re one of the luckiest guys out there.

  5. Emmadog says:

    Every dog is special and changes the life of their human in a special way. Dogs are just the most awesome companions around.

  6. Audrey says:

    Will, I’m looking forward to your “Book”, a compilation of your posts! You are a talented writer, just like Penny is a natural born torpedo war head, and, Eko, the perfect gentleman dog, not to mention Emily, the steady stake of your life, and the beauty of the bunch! So how about it?

  7. meANXIETYme says:

    Can’t like this post enough. Each dog comes into our life at the right time and as just the right dog that we need. We’re the ones who have to figure out why it has happened that way and take advantage of the reason they are in our lives. LIKE LIKE LIKE 🙂

  8. Pat says:

    I’m bookmarking this to show to anyone who uses the “just a dog” line to me again. Beautifully written!

  9. pat2727 says:

    This is beautifully written.

    #yiv4913373936 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv4913373936 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv4913373936 a.yiv4913373936primaryactionlink:link, #yiv4913373936 a.yiv4913373936primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv4913373936 a.yiv4913373936primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv4913373936 a.yiv4913373936primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv4913373936 WordPress.com | Will (MarkingOurTerritory.com) posted: “For the past five years, five days a week, I’ve written about dogs. About the love, loss, joys and frustrations we experience with our pups.To commandeer the famous Lou Holtz phrase, I believe that for those who know dogs, no explanation is necessary.” | |

  10. Stef says:

    Best Post Ever!!

  11. Oh Will what a beautiful and perfect post. Those who say it’s “just a pet” – no matter WHAT manner of creature it may be, have never known the wonder of unconditional love I suppose….there’s nothing “just” about that…….it completes the circle……it makes things clear………it’s JUST wonderful!

    Hugs, Pam

  12. Kismet says:

    When a cockatiel flew on to my peep’s shoulder, looking for help, a co-worker who heard about it said “I would have stomped on it, it’s just a bird”. That person probably has a good future in politics.

  13. I feel kind of sorry for people who feel that way about dogs…they don’t ever get to experience the joy that dogs bring to your lives.

  14. Cupcake says:

    Thanks, W. You make it feel so good to be “just a dog.”

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  15. Outstanding post full of depth and truth. Well done with hopes for a long and happy continuance of the same!

  16. KarenS says:

    Beautifully written and heartfelt. Thank you for putting into words what I know I feel each and everyday.

    Some may scoff at the attention I give my boys. Some may think I am a borderline crazy dog lady (and my husband just as nuts) but they have been invaluable in a major transition in our lives

    Just over 11 years ago we moved from a community of friends and comfort to a place where we were complete strangers. On the day we arrived to our new place our grumpy Bruno also came into the world. He helped us transition and meet new people. Two years later Ty joined the pack and new adventures continued

    Now both are seniors, and nearing the end of their lives. 11 1/2 for a ridgeback is good but we watch him age. Another transition is coming. Will we feel the same about where we are living without them?? Not sure but we could not have done what we did without having “just a dog (or 2)”. Life would have been different but I’m pretty sure it would not have been any better.

    And Happy Anniversary.

  17. coastingnz says:

    Will that is beautiful. So much to say but in reality you said it all – sounded like I was listening to myself.

  18. Jan & Rusty says:

    Perfectly said, punctuated by perfect pictures of your life together. I love all of your posts, but this one is my favorite. My Rusty arrived at the perfect time in my life, too. And, 11+ years later, our life together is still perfect. Just a dog? Yes. And I wouldn’t want him to be anything else either.

  19. Brownie & Tanja says:

    Best lovestory I ever read….

    JUST Brownie (my lovely Ridgeback girl) and Tanja

  20. Elyse says:

    This piece is just great!

  21. C Taylor says:

    By far this is the best written piece about dogs, and not “just” any dogs, but the ones that have come into our lives over the years and how they all leave a happy mark on our hearts. Thanks for making my day!

  22. John Arvin says:

    Will, You are the reason I breed dogs. You are not just an owner.

  23. harrispen says:

    I clicked the “Like” button above but really think this post deserves a “Love” button.

  24. I have no words. Just tears, wonderful tears. I am so happy reading this. No words that I have could ever do this post justice. (((hugs)))

  25. Will how beautifully written and how absolutely true. Thank you and thank you for sharing your life with all of us!

  26. Ogee says:

    Unconditional love. Forgiveness for our failings. And faithful companionship. Who can you rely on for that? “Just a dog.” Beautiful post, Will. One of your finest.

  27. Eve says:

    Hi I love this post! My Just a Dog turned into one of these things I got as she became a helper with our Autistic son after her boy went off to college and I didn’t even realize what she had learned until he left and she was allowed to sleep in her bed in our bedroom. She would wake me when Travis got up to let me know and always telling me something is outside that I might want to check out. So thanks for putting it all into words!

  28. Great post Will. I agree, I would never want them to anything other than “just a dog”

  29. fran godwin says:

    Pups are family, plain n simple, eko n penny are the sweetest n i look forward to everyday to see what they are up to next. Love u guys, eko,penny,will n emily

  30. James Hester says:

    [😊]Lou Holtz, got it right for sure.

    ________________________________

  31. realappetite says:

    Such a fantastic post, Will! We got Atlas at an interesting point, too. Being in the DC area, lots of people tend to come and go. We were lucky enough to get our new best friend after FIVE of our good friends all moved away in the course of a few months. It’s amazing the doors having a dog has opened. People actually stop to talk to you. You make friends at the dog park with the other regulars, not to mention around the world through the Internet. And your heart just swells with the love you feel. Thank you for putting into words what the rest of us were thinking!

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