"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 out in 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 be lame.

The little boy became excited. "That is the 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 his surprise, 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."