During the course of the year I have the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people who have dedicated their life to making things just a little better for others. These are the people who work at fundraising events to make money for special programs for the physically and mentally challenged and for those in our society who are less fortunate. Amazingly, I often find that the people who give the most, in terms of time and money, are those who seem to need the most. When you attend a fund raising event for the physically challenged, you meet physically challenged people helping out with the organization and work. When someone is collecting clothing and furniture to give to the needy, you find that the people who donate the most are those who themselves have been through some tough times. Instead of sitting back and waiting for handouts, it appears as if the people who need the most help, are out there willing to provide help to others.

This reminded me of a story I once read about a store owner who was selling puppies. He put a sign above his door and soon a little boy came in the store and asked, ‘how much are you gonna sell those puppies for?”

The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.”

The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. “I have $2.37. Can I look at them?” The store owner smiled and whistled. Out of the back of the store came his dog running down the aisle followed by five little puppies. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy. “What’s wrong with that little dog?” He asked.

The man explained that when the puppy was born the vet said it had a bad hip socket and would limp for the rest of its 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 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’s 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.”

It has often been said that in life it doesn’t matter who you are, but whether someone appreciates you for what you are and accepts you and loves you unconditionally. We all have our faults and weaknesses. We all need someone who understands us for what we are and is willing to accept us with those faults and weaknesses.

Just as the boy said in the story, just because the little puppy was not as capable of running and jumping like the others, it was worth just as much. It’s physical challenges were something that it would have to live with and learn to adapt to, but those physical challenges didn’t mean that it was worthless. Some people may not be as physically or mentally capable as others, but that doesn’t mean that they deserve to be treated any differently or with sympathy from others. We have to accept people for what they are, and love them unconditionally.

So next time you meet someone who is “lagging behind the rest of society”, remember that he or she is worth every bit as much as the others. Treat that person as you would anyone else and give him or her the respect they deserve.