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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Embarrassed (07/19/07)
“Come on Clara, we can’t keep that animal! The poor thing should be put down.”

“Walter just give it a week, I promise someone will come in for him” Clara replied.

“I run a reputable establishment Clara. Keeping an animal like that will be an embarrassment,” I plead.

“One week Walter,” she pushed again.

The woman was impossible! Since she was my best employee, I had no choice but to listen. Last time we had an argument like this she had been mad at me for weeks. Those weeks had been difficult for me at Walters Exotic Pets. Being the owner it shouldn’t be so, but without Clara I am sure I couldn’t run this place at all.

One week won’t hurt I guess. What are the customers going to think though.

“Ok fine, one week,” I finally conceded, looking down at the forlorn little beast in question.

The breeder hadn’t the heart to get rid of it, she had stated when she dropped them off an hour prior. Well just great, just hand your problems off to me. I bet you knew Clara wouldn’t let me do it either didn’t you?

As Clara moved the puppies into display out front, I walked around to the display feeling a little defeated . The litter was prime stock, just the kind of animals you would expect to find at Walters Exotic Pets. Perfect little Jack Russel terriers, all except for one.

That one little pup was the runt of the litter; God had not been kind to this little whelp. Born without front paws, he had to half-hobble just to get to the food dishes. The other pups bit at him whenever he got near. No, God had not been kind to this poor creature.

*******

That had been a week ago. Now here I stand with two pups left, the runt and one other. After I am finished with these customers I guess it will be time to do what I said I would. The thought of having the runt put down saddens me a little. I am not sure why.

As I approach the lady standing in front of the puppy display, I overhear her daughter. “He’s perfect mommy, can I have him p..l..eeease? He’s the special one.”

A little amused at the pleading tone in the girl's voice and the brightness of her eyes, I approach to see if I can help. Quickly I assess the mother-daughter pair, they look like money; both very well dressed. From the looks of those big blue eyes under the curly blonde locks, the girl will grow to be as beautiful as her mother someday.

I kindly ask “Can I help you ma’am?”

“My daughter would like to see that puppy,” the woman says, gesturing towards the display. The husky tone to her voice matches her beauty.

“Sure, just give me a moment.”

Walking around back I pick up the last good pup from behind the window. Through the glass I can see the little girl frantically shaking her head, “No, mister the other one,” her words faint through the glass. With a sigh I pick up the half-pint pup; the little embarrassment squirms in my arms.

“Are you sure this is the one you want?” I ask as I turn the corner, getting ready to tell them how difficult this puppy will be.

“He’s the one mister, he’s absolutely perfect.” The little girl, reaching for the pup, interrupts in the most adult voice her four year old frame can muster.

My mouth drops a bit as the girl reaches. I am glad that both mother and daughter are so engrossed with the pup that they don’t see the flush of my cheeks. Embarrassed at my own conceit. In that moment, I realize that God is teaching me something. Each of God’s creatures has their place in this world, however He chooses to create them. In that moment, I am humbled. Forgive me Lord.

“God made this one special. ” Says the pretty little girl, who was born without hands. “Mommy says God made me special too.”
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This article has been read 1213 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dee Yoder
07/28/07
Oh, a wonderful story! You get your point across without being too saccharin. It's good to remember that God values all life the same.
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
07/28/07
Awesome
I love when God surprises me! Even if it embarrasses me! Good job.
c clemons
07/30/07
I like this one, well written and a great message too.
Sharlyn Guthrie
07/30/07
Oh, nice job on this one! The twist at the end was perfect.
Joanne Sher 
07/30/07
Delicate and sweet and heartwrenching and CONVICTING! Caught a few punctuation issues, but that is minor. GREAT lesson!
Catrina Bradley
07/31/07
I enjoyed this a lot! you drew me into the story, and kept my attention. Great lesson, too.
Kristen Hester
07/31/07
I've heard a very similar story to this about a crippled boy and a crippled dog. Your tale is so touching and very well written. I enjoyed it.
Jan Ackerson
08/01/07
Very sweet and tender.

When writing dialogue and using a person's name, be sure to separate it with a comma. A few other minor punctuation issues, but that one jumped out at me a few times.

The little pup won my heart, too.
Loren T. Lowery
08/01/07
This contained a great message and you presented in a heart-felt way that was easy to read and understand without being "preachy"
Patty Wysong
08/01/07
Wonderful story that packed quite a punch. Good job!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/01/07
As always, I enjoy your writing. This is really a sweet story well told.
Julie Arduini
08/02/07
I think it was a lesson for me too! This was a great read, the characters and their actions were well done. I am not a big animal lover per se, but you had my lip quivering on this one!