posted 10-30-2002 04:53 AM         

A Storeowner was tacking a sign above his door that read
"Puppies for Sale. The signs have a way of attracting children.

Soon a little boy appeared at the sign and asked, "How much are you
gonna sell those puppies for?" The store owner replied, "Anywhere
from $30-$50."

The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change.
"I have $2.37, can I look at them?"

The storeowner smiled and whistled. Out of the kennel came his dog
named Lady, running down the aisle of his store followed by five
little puppies. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately
the little boy saw a lagging, limping puppy.

He asked, "What's wrong with that little dog?" The man explained that
when the puppy was born the vet said that this puppy had a bad hip socket
and would limp for the rest of his life.

The little boy got really excited and said "That's the puppy I want to buy!"
The man replied "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 upset. He looked straight into the man's eyes and said
"I don't want you to give him to me. He is worth every bit as much as the
other dogs and I'll pay the full price. In fact, I will give you $2.37 now
and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for."

The man countered, "You really don't want to buy this puppy son. He is never
gonna be able to run, jump and play like other puppies."

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 man and said, "Well, I don't run so well myself and the little puppy
will need someone who understands."

The man was now biting his bottom lip. Tears welled up in his eyes, he smiled
and said, "Son, I hope and pray that each and every one of these puppies will
have an owner such as you."

IN LIFE, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE, BUT WHETHER SOMEONE
APPRECIATES YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE, ACCEPTS YOU AND LOVES YOU
UNCONDITIONALLY.

A REAL FRIEND IS ONE WHO WALKS IN WHEN THE REST OF THE WORLD
WALKS AWAY.