"Puppies For Sale"

The following story is one I cannot take credit for.  I can't take credit for the photos either.  They came off an old Broderbund program of clip-art.  However, it is a story worth sharing.  This story came from the internet, author unknown, but perhaps YOU have seen it in your e-mail inbox!  It is a story that is frequently forwarded, and frequently posted.  Here you go!

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.  He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups, and 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 a 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.  “I’ve 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 of the barn and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

 The little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.  Slowly, another little ball of fur appeared, this one was a noticeably smaller pup.  Down the ramp it slid.  Then in somewhat of an awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling towards the others, doing the best he could to catch up with the others.

 “I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. 

The farmer knelt down at the boys side and said,  “Son, you don’t want that puppy.  He will never be able to run and play with you like the other dogs would.”

 With that, the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down and began rolling up one of the legs 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 don’t 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 pup.  Holding it carefully, he handed it to the little boy.

“How much?” asked the little boy.

“No charge,” answered the farmer.  “There’s no charge for love.”