Happy 4 Months, Verdae!

Verdae, my little Muffin Man! From the moment I held Verdae in my arms as a 3 day old puppy, I called him "The Perfect Puppy" and very true to his name! Verdae... What can one say about a dog so unique and special that these simple words could never portray? I suppose it could be said by those that know him that he is that 'once in a lifetime dog' that every competitor dreams of having.

I was in search of a "non-long coat" German Shepherd to which all of Verdae's littermates were the coat I wanted. Seems there was something special about this long coat puppy that caught my eye - Enough to choose him over the rest of his siblings.

Although still young, Verdae has the work ethic that is unsurpassed! He is not only living to please me but he is breathing it throughout every fiber of his being. He is excelling at learning and is striving to do his very best in all that he does. The key to keeping Verdae tuned to perfection is to keep him happy in his work!

Sensitive is a part of being who Verdae is... Sensitive to my every mood. I often feel that Verdae would be greatly compared to a Dolphin on land, my belief for many German Shepherds, for they are an intelligent soul sensitive to our human emotions and needs.  

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 or woman." 

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" 

just smile... 

because they "just don't understand."

by Richard Biby