Now and again I am told relax, it is 'merely a dog' 

And that is a large amount of money to spend on 'merely a dog'

Such people cannot comprehend the time spent,

costs involved, or distance travelled for 'merely a dog' 

Many of the moments of which I am most proud arose with 'merely a dog' 

Hours upon hours I've spent, my only companion 'merely a dog'

Without even once feeling insulted

Some of the saddest moments of my life occurred due to 'merely a dog' 

During those dark times

The soft touch of 'merely a dog gave' me immense comfort

and strength to get through the day

Should you still think they’re 'merely a dog'

Then you must also understand 'merely a promise'

'Merely a friend' and 'merely a sunrise'

'Merely a dog' adds to my life

My deepest essence of trust, friendship and joy

'Merely a dog' stimulates in me the patience and compassion

To be the best person I can be

I will wake up early for 'merely a dog'

To have good walks and yearn for the future

For others like me,

It is 'not merely a dog'

It is the embodiment of my future, my hopes, and my dreams,

And my fondest past memories,

And the purest joy in the moment

'Merely a dog' makes me better

Distracts me from the daily worries

I truly wish that one day everyone will understand that it is not 'merely a dog' 

It is the being which provides me with the humanity

And stops me from becoming 'merely a man' or merely a woman'

Next time someone says 'merely a dog'

You should smile, because such people 'merely do not understand'

 

(inspired by Richard Biby)