Puppies For Sale
A store owner was tacking a sign above his door thatread "Puppies For Sale." Signs like that have a wayof attracting small children, and sure enough, a littleboy appeared under the store owner's sign."How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" he asked.The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50."
The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37", he said."Can I please look at them?"
The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five tenny, tiny balls of fur.One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppyand said, "What's wrong with that little dog?"
The store owner explained that the veterinarianhad examined the little puppy and had discoveredit didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp.It would always be lame. The little boy became excited."That is the little puppy that I want to buy."
The store owner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll justgive him to you." The little boy got quite upset.He looked straight into the store owner's eyes,pointing his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me.That little dog is worth every bit as muchas all the other dogs and I'll pay full price.In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 centsa month until I have him paid for."
The store owner countered, "You really don'twant to buy this little dog. He is nevergoing to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies."
To this the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!"
Dan Clark
"Weathering the Storm"
From "Chicken Soup for the Soul"
