ROAD TO HEAVEN

Author Unknown

Forever Love

An old man and his dog were walking down a dirt road with fences on both sides. They came to an opening in the fence and looked inside -- it was nice, he could see grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like. Then he noticed the sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.

Soon however, the man and the dog came upon a beautiful gate made of pure gold. A Gatekeeper in white robes was there to greet him......"Welcome to Heaven" he said.

The old man was happy and started to walk through the golden gate, his fathfull dog following him. But the gatekeeper suddenly help up a hand and shouted, "Dogs aren't allowed in Heaven, I'm sorry, he can't come with you - your dog must stay outside."

The old mad looked at his four legged friend, then truned towards the gatekeeper and asked "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't abandon him now."

The gatekeeper frowned. "Suit yourself," he said, "But I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his empire. He'll promise you anything, but just remeber -- your dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."

So the old man and dog continued on down the road. They soon came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. As he peeked inside, the old man saw someone else - a tired stranger, with dirty clothes and a long ruff beard.

"Scuse me Sir," said the old man. "My dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"

The stranger looked up. "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable"

"You're sure my dog can come in?" asked the old man with concern. "That fellow down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"

The old man answered without hesitation. "No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven. The gatekeeper said the dog couldn't come in. I guess that means we'll be spending Eternity on this road. I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final." The old man paused a moment, then continued, "A glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. Thanks for letting us rest in your field."

It was then the old man noticed the stranger smiling. "Welcome to Heaven." he heard him say.

"What?" cried the old man in disbelief. "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"

"That was the Devil," said the stranger with a sad and weary look. "He gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but by then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

ETHYL: Tribute To A Four Legged Friend
Road To Heaven

Background copyright © 1999 by Jim Tejada.
All Rights Reserved.

URL: http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Farm/heaven.html

Counter re-set April 22, 1999.

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