This story always makes me feel warm inside. A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign as advertising for the puppies. He set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy. Mister, he said, I want to buy one of your puppies. Well, said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money. The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. Ive got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look? Sure, said the farmer. With that, he let out a whistle. Here, Dolly! he called out to the doghouse and Dolly ran down the ramp followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else. There was something stirring inside the doghouse. Another little ball of fur appeared slowly. This one is noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then, in a somewhat awkward manner, the little puppy began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up... I want that one, the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boys side and said, Son, you dont want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would. With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so, he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, You see sir, I dont run too well myself and he will need someone who understands. With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little puppy. Holding it carefully, he handed it to the little boy. How much? asked the little boy. No charge, answered the farmer, Theres no charge for love.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 20:48:38 +0000