Dog shooting incident still resonates

There is a well known piece (author unknown) that I think might give pause to those who think the shooting of Arfee, was as the police department labels it, "a dispatch," instead of a killing. Here it is.

• Just a Dog

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 with my only company coming from being with "Just a Dog" and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a Dog." In those days of darkness the gentle touch of, "Just of Dog" provided the comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you too, think it's "Just a Dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend," or "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 makes me a better person. Because of "Just a Dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future.

For me and folks like me, it not "Just a Dog." It's 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 people can understand it's not "Just a Dog." It's 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," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand."

My experience with "Just a Dog" has been taking a dog to the Children's Hospital where, just for a little while, fear and uncertainty is replaced by laughter, cuddles, and hugs and invaluable distractions from the hospital bed, the tubes and monitors that the anxious child is confined to. "Just a Dog" has gone to nursing homes and visited seniors who never get any other visitors except for "Just a Dog" and have stories to tell from decades ago about "Just a Dog" they once loved. "Just a Dog" once approached a dementia patient that had not spoken for more than a year, only to have her say "lovely dog" as her husband sat beside her and wept at the sound of her voice.

Today, "Just a Dog" can detect cancer, low blood sugar, cardiac conditions, seizures, and other human health conditions just from smells. They pull wheel chairs and fetch items, open and close doors, assist the disabled, the blind and the deaf. They are marvels at search and rescue, and yes, sometimes "Just a Dog" is an invaluable canine partner in law enforcement.

"Just a Dog" is not live stock. It is not a deer or coyote "dispatched" on the side of the road. There is a human and canine bond between two souls, perhaps different, yet not so different than any other kind of heart felt love. The "House Dog's Grave" written by one of the most misanthropic and cynical poets of our time, Robinson Jeffers, is one of the most famous poems about the loss of a dog ever written. Even a misanthropic mind like Jeffers could not close his heart to the love of his dog.

To those of us that have been blessed to have a love affair with "Just a Dog," they are not chattel to be dispatched, they are not pets relegated to a fenced yard for our convenient entertainment, they are family members that are loved deeply and an integral part of our lives.

Mr. Jones was traveling all the way from Colorado mourning the death of his mother. His traveling companion was not "Just a Dog." Arfee was part of his family, his partner on the journey and most assuredly his comfort at one of the most sorrowful times in life. Anyone who has been lucky enough to have a Lab knows how they live to please, to play and to be your most loyal companion. As the inquires go forward and judgments are handed down, I hope those involved do not lose sight of the fact that Arfee was not "Just a Dog."

Patricia Melsha is a Coeur d'Alene resident.