A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies For
Sale". Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure
enough, a little boy 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 teeny, tiny balls of
fur.
One puppy was lagging considerably 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 and had discovered it 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 just give 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 much as all the other
dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact , I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50
cents a month until I have him paid for."
The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little
dog. He is 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
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!"