Just A Rat

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a rat,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a rat."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the
costs involved for "just a rat."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a rat."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a rat," but I
did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a rat,"
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a rat" gave
me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a rat," then you will probably
understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
promise."

"Just a rat" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a rat" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a
better person.

Because of "just a rat", 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 rat" 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 rat" 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 rat",
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 rat" just
smile...because they "just don't understand."

Written by an unknown Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.