Friday, December 25, 2009

Friendship: The Best "After Christmas Sale" Deal

An adaptation of a story I heard on the radio told by "Annie" from Boston 30 years ago....



"I've got exactly what you're looking for young man", chirped the sales clerk. "A nice plump little yellow lab!"

Christmas had quickly come and gone, and Jules finally had some serious coin saved up.

She was a lively and handsome woman, but lacked understanding. She approached Jules as he stood gazing into the first cage of puppies. “May I help you? asked the impressive sales clerk, as she finished freshening up the rabbits'cages. Without hestitation and quite decisive, Jules said, “I would like to buy that puppy, that one right there”, as he pointed directly at a Westie mix. “Oh you don’t want that puppy”, said the woman as she expressed her disapproval with wrinkled brow and nose. Pointing to a beautiful but very expensive labrador, her expression transformed quickly as she said, “Here you go...here's a character for ya. He does flips and runs like the dickens. He'll keep you entertained for hours.”



“No thank you. I would like to buy this puppy, right here. I've been saving my allowance money and I when I first saw her, I knew this was going to be my puppy”, said Jules as he patiently waited for her to take the dog out of its enclosure. “I’m telling you kid, you don’t want this dog. She’s no good.” “Oh but I do want her," said Jules in a confused and quiet whisper. "Why won’t you sell her to me?” “This puppy wouldn’t be much good to you. She's useless. She can’t run or jump and you would get tired of her. This dog has no front legs." Jules silently gazed up at her, waiting to hear a good reason why he couldn't buy the dog. "She's CRIPPLED!" bellowed the sales clerk as she awkwardly gesticulated to emphasize her reasoning. "She was sent to us by mistake about two weeks ago. Besides, we can't sell her for a decent price, so we're finally getting rid of her tomorrow.” The sales clerk picked up the dog from the floor and huffed off to return the puppy to it's cage.



The little man hung his head. After a moment of pause, he ambled over to the sales clerk and then as he lifted his pant leg he looked up and said, “I understand Ma’am. You see, I was born without a leg myself. I have been wearing this artificial leg since I learned to walk as a baby, but I've learned how to walk really well. You know, we ‘cripples’, we need each other.”

The clerk took out the puppy from her cage, Jules put his money on the counter and left the store with his new friend in his arms.



We need each other. Friendship is the best gift anyone can receive and better yet, give away. Since I moved away from home twice in the last 22 years, I have been blessed to have friendships that know no limits and cross all distances. Thank you all in Blogland who are family and old friends with which I have had the pleasure of reuniting as well as those new friends whose beautiful faces I have never known and may never see. Your comments, generosity and companionship have meant the world to me.

From our home to yours, Anita



Header photo credit: Artist Huey Yeng from Deviantart Gallery

30 comments:

Chemin des Muguets said...

Oh Anita,

This tale was so very touching. I have always wanted a puppy. I am still waiting. Maybe next Christmas.

Love to you dear friend of my heart,

Marjorie

Rita said...

Dearest Anita,
a very touching story you have shared with us today. thank you so much... I'll have my DD read it so that she too will have something to share with her friends.
with much love from our heart to yours
rita

The Dutchess said...

A beautiful story..thank you!

Now the Hilltop Hall is "dogless'but we had three of them years ago!
One very very big dog...(with a sweet brave and character like Mozes) and two very little ones..a yorkshire and a maltese.
This maltese(a lady and very adorable)and this yorkshire(the ugliest guy you ever did see)were very in love with each other..So we had to take precautions..we didn't want to have more dogs..
Well....one Christmas eve ..our little lady dog was behaving very strange...she wanted to go out ..but standing near the bushes were the lady toilet was she didn't need to go..so ..back in the house again..We made the trip to the toilet a couple of times...We became worried...better lay her warm and cosy near the fire..she must be sick..maybe something she ate..
Then a little lightbulb appeared above my head...it couln't be..!!
And yes it was...two little puppies were born on christmas eve... under the Christmas tree....My daughters were over the moon for joy..and so was I..(mind you ,then we had FIVE dogs..goodness)
This was many years ago but is is one of my favorite memories.

Have a wonderful day dear friend

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bonjour ma belle!

A perfect story to express how I feel about the loved ones I've met here in blogland also. I'm so blessed to have met you mon amie... you are a beautiful and talented girl and I love the friendship we have.

Blessings to you dear one, Sherry

Rattus Scribus said...

Dear Anita
I remember this story, though I don't recall where I first heard it. It leaves me with a simple but profound truth: love and the most precious and enduring relationships sometimes appear in the unlikeliest physical forms or outward circumstances.

Love,
Ruben

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a heartwarming and delightful story!! Thank you! Cathy

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Merry Christmas Anita and Hubby,I say this with tears in my eyes. What a lovely story.My hubby and I kepted a dog for yrs, who was blind death and had very bad hip displacia(excuse spelling).
But Rusty smiled all the time.You can tell.
Merry Christmas and wishing you all the best in the New Year.
XXOO Marie Antionette

Unknown said...

Such a lovely story Anita. Your year of blogging has brought us such warmth, passion and gorgeous stories and fun. I love your new avitar too. So glad that you had a beautiful Christmas. I am always sad when it is over, such a wonderful time of year.

Karen

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita.....What a wonderful and touching story! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day with your hubby! You already know how much I think of you, my friend!~Patti

Claudia said...

hi there!

I found you by reading one of your comments you left at Karens --

I am a story lover (my 5 most fav i blogged about) but will add this last one of yours to mine.

So nice to have found you!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

La Petite Gallery said...

Happy New year!
What an adorible pup.Nice
story.
P.s. clair De lune is
one of my favorites.
Good taste in Music..
Yvonne

deb famularo said...

Hello Anita,
That sure brought a tear to my eye. I feel Blessed to have met you in blogland too- words can't even express! May all your dreams come true, and then some, in 2010!!! love deb

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Did I tell you how beautiful you are? Well you are.First time I've seen your picture.IOs hubby cute too...LOL
XXOO Marie Antionette

Unknown said...

Don't change a thing about your blog!!! Don't do it! I love it! -Smile and grin-
The puppy dog story was so sweet. Some day I intend to live with about 10 dogs...I'm up to 3 right now. We have a big dog next door that lost his leg to cancer. It's amazing to watch him adapt to life without his limb and still be a happy dog. We can all learn from our furry friends for sure. This story puts our life into perspective.
I'm in the middle of 5 blissful days off. The sun has been out non-stop. Company coming for dinner in 30 min...catch up tomorrow with you over email. See if nowhere!

BonjourRomance said...

Anita,
Such a lovely story you have shared with us. Hope you had wonderful Chrstmas with your family.
Happy Sunday!

KeKe said...

Labs are adorable!!
Now, how do I go about reading the post you mentioned, that was written by your husband?

Let me know-

Cheers!!

Bunnym said...

I will not let my daughter read this post as she has been harassing me for years to get a dog. Although they are cute...doggies are not for me..I'll stick to cats and heifers...lol

Happy New Year Anita and Ruben...looking forward to blogging with you in 2010

tootles,
bunny

Marie said...

I too have heard the story before but it's one that does not get old. It's a reminder that we love each other not for our perfections but for the imperfections that make us all different from each other. It's like adding Parmesan cheese to popcorn, you could eat it plain and simple but it's so much better with a little unexpected flavor.

Hugs,
Elizabeth

deb famularo said...

Merci Anita, your kind thoughts are well appreciated.
Hmmm, brass metal embellishments. I have a couple of ideas. First have you tried etsy? (www.etsy.com) I'm sure you've seen that site, if not, oh no- you'll kill me! It's pretty awesome! Then there is gauche alchemy (I think it's www.gauchealchemy.com) Lots of vintage pieces there. That's the only 2 places, other than if you get lucky on ebay, that I can think of. LMK if you find them! xOxO

KeKe said...

Anita, I replied to you in an e-mail because Blogger would not let me access my blog-But, I finally have and in case you don't get the e-mail for some reason, yes, I think that would be fine.

Merci~

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story Anita. Thank you for sharing it with us. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and will be blessed in tons and tons of ways this coming New Year ♥ I have enjoyed getting to know you so much.
Love, Carol

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a sweet story! One I never tire of - an important lesson for the holidays and more. Thanks for sharing! So glad I found your blog!

Charlene said...

What an AMAZING story! Thank you for sharing that with us! I'm sorry to be late for Pink Saturday but, I wanted to come say hello! And I am so glad to have found you! Your BLOG is wonderful! Have a great week.

Charlene said...

Anita, Thank you for stopping to visit me & your sweet comment. Pan & the beautiful pink sunset photos are not of my homeland. It is a friend of mine, Nan. And her photos are lovely! So glad you came by & I will certainly be back to visit you soon. Hugs! Charlene

Teacup Mosaics said...

I love the story, smiles and tears all in one. I will always think of it when I see that puppy in the window.

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Anita.......You KNOW this one made me cry......I can soooo relate......Thank you for sharing. Tooooo sweet....both the story.........AND YOU!

Huggies and lovies,
Spencer

Bonnie said...

Hi Anita, how did I miss your Christmas day post??? Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. I would have scooped that little dog up in a heartbeat. I wish I had my Sadie from puppyhood but I got her as a three year old from the animal shelter. She is my dear companion.

Love to you and Rube, Bonnie

Kerri said...

Very touching story! Hope you have a wonderful new year :)

Diana Brito said...

Crying, crying at such a lovely story. The picture of that puppy made my heart leap...Thank you...

Marfi-topia said...

Anita, this is so moving...what a wonderful story...i love the lessons I learn and the beauty my eyes are opened to when I visit you...thank you.