No Such thing as "just a"

There is a poem called "Just a Horse" which I think is exactly how we
feel about all our animal companions and the people who think "just a
cat" "just a horse" well they really are "just people".

I'd say this applies to any of our animal companions. Author Unknown.
From the NY Thoroughbred owners site.

JUST A HORSE!

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

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or
the costs involved for "just a horse." Some of my proudest moments
have come about with "just a horse."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse," but I did
not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about
by "just a horse,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just
a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

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

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

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

Because of "just a horse" 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 horse" 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 horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
woman/man."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse" just smile, because they
"just" don't understand.