A store owner was hanging a sign above his door that read, “Puppies For Sale.” Signs like this tend to catch the attention of small children, and sure enough, a little boy soon appeared beneath it.
“How much are you selling the puppies for?” he asked.
The owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.”
The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some loose change. “I have $2.37,” he said. “Can I please look at them?”
The store owner smiled, gave a whistle, and out of the kennel came Lady, his dog, trotting down the aisle with five tiny, fluffy puppies trailing behind. One puppy was lagging far behind the others, limping noticeably.
The boy immediately focused on the slow, limping puppy and asked, “What’s wrong with that little dog?”
The store owner explained that the vet had examined the puppy and found it had no hip socket, meaning it would always limp and remain lame.
The boy became excited and said, “That’s the puppy I want to buy!”
The owner responded, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. But if you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.”
The boy got upset, looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as the others, and I’ll pay the full price. I’ll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents a month until he’s fully paid for.”
The store owner tried again, “You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He’ll never be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.”
To the owner’s surprise, the boy rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a large metal brace. He looked up at the owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!”
We all need someone who understands!
