by Beth
A MAN AND HIS DOG
An old man and his dog were walking down a dirt road with fences on both sides. They came to a gate in the fence and looked in. It was nice, with grassy, woodsy areas just what a hunting dog and man would like but it had a big sign saying No Trespassing, so they walked on.
They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there.
Welcome to Heaven, the robed man said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him.
The gatekeeper stopped him.
Dogs arent allowed. Im sorry, but he cant come with you.
What kind of Heaven wont allow dogs? the old man said. If he cant come in, then I will stay out here with him. Hes been my faithful companion all his life. I cant desert him now.
Suit yourself, the gatekeeper said. But I have to warn you, the Devils on this road and hell try to sweet talk you into his area. Hell promise you anything, but the dog cant go there either. If you wont leave the dog, youll spend Eternity on this road.
So the old man and his dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside.
Excuse me, sir. My dog and I are getting mighty tired. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for a while?
Come on in, the man said. Theres some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable.
Youre sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs werent allowed anywhere.
Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?
No, sir. Thats why I didnt go to Heaven. He said the dog couldnt come in. Well be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But I wont come in if my buddy here cant come too, and thats final.
The man smiled a big smile and said, Welcome to Heaven.
You mean this is Heaven? Dogs are allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they werent?
That was the Devil, and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a lifelong companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then its too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. God wouldnt allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, He created them to be mans companions in life. Why would He separate them in death?
Author Unknown