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A store owner was tacking1 a sign above his door that reads, “puppies for sale”. A little boy appeared under the store owner sign. “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” He asked. The store owner replied, “Anywhere from 30 to 50 dollars.” The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. “I have 2 dollars 37 cents,” he said, “Can I please look at them?” The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel2 came a lady, who ran down the aisle3 of his store, followed by 5 tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably4 behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?” The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy. He would always be lame5. 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 give him to you.” The little boy got quite upset. He said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you 2 dollars 37 cents now and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.” The store owner countered, “He’s never going 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 brace6. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself and the little puppy would need someone who understands.” |
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