Just a Dog
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, Jan. 8, 2025
Ever experienced this scenario before?
"I'm getting a puppy!" Jess beamed, practically vibrating with excitement as she showed Mia the photos on her phone. "Look at him! He's from the Dire Wolf Project. Isn't he amazing?"
Mia glanced at the screen, unimpressed. "Huh. He’s just a dog. There are plenty of them at the local animal shelter."
Jess gasped. "Just a dog? Mia, this isn't just any dog. He's an American Dirus! Bred for companionship, loyalty, and emotional depth. It's like bringing home a piece of history!"
Mia shrugged. "I mean, that's cool and all, but it's still just a dog."
Jess shook her head, smiling. "No, you don't get it. These dogs aren't just beautiful. They form this incredible bond with their families. Imagine coming home after a rough day, and your dog just knows, you know? They don't just sit there; they lean into you, like they feel what you're feeling."
Mia raised an eyebrow. "Okay, that sounds... kinda nice. But isn't it a lot of work? And how much do they even cost?"
Jess hesitated, then said, "Well, they're around $4,500."
Mia gasped. "$4,500? For a dog? How can a dog be that much money?"
Jess nodded. "Sure, but it's worth it. I want a special kind of connection. It's not just a dog, anyway. It's family."
Mia smiled softly. "Alright, I admit, they sound pretty special. When do you bring him home?"
Jess grinned. "Next week. I can't wait for you to meet him!"
Believe it or not, I’ve had people inquiring about our breed react like Jess’s friend Mia.
Maybe these people just haven’t experienced the amazing connection that comes from a great dog.
But I recently came across a beautiful poem that sums up my feelings perfectly.
"Just A Dog"
by: Richard A. Biby
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 travelled, 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 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 “just a woman.”
So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog,” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”
Amazing, right?!
"Just a Dog" by Richard A. Biby isn't just a piece of writing—it's a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between dogs and their people.
At the Dire Wolf Project, we've seen firsthand how our American Dirus dogs aren't just designed to be breathtakingly beautiful.
They're soulful companions who form life-changing emotional connections with their human families.
Take Albreta, for example.
This gentle giant doesn't just wag her tail—she senses when her family needs comfort, leaning in for quiet moments of closeness that speak louder than words.
Or young Syrenka, whose unwavering patience and affection has made her new family so happy.
These moments, where a dog gives all of themselves without expecting anything in return, are the heartbeat of Biby's message.
The way Biby describes the impact of dogs mirrors our experiences perfectly at the Dire Wolf Project.
Our dogs aren't just pets; they are emotional anchors, offering steady love and quiet support through life's storms.
We believe every great dog, pedigree or not, has this incredible capacity to enrich lives.
If you're looking for a heartfelt reminder of why dogs mean so much, look no further than the Dire Wolf Project.
Puppy love is a real thing, folks!