Have you ever shown understanding to individuals with disabilities when you see them struggling, or have you simply looked at them with a strange expression before walking away? The following story illustrates how we can demonstrate understanding and highlights its importance.
A farmer kept a few puppies on his farm, but he needed to sell them because he was short of money. He made a signboard with the words ‘Puppies for Sale’ written on it and placed it in front of his farm, hoping someone would come to buy the dogs. A few days later, a nine-year-old boy approached the farmer and pointed to the signboard, asking, ‘Can I have one of the puppies?’ The farmer asked the boy if he had any money, and the boy took out a few coins from his pocket, asking, ‘Would this be enough to get a puppy? Maybe I can come back later with more money.’ The farmer saw the curiosity in the boy’s eyes and agreed to let him have a puppy.
The farmer took the boy to see the puppies, and they all rushed out of the doghouse except for one that was hobbling and struggling to keep up. The boy noticed the dog and said, ‘I want that puppy, the last one.’ The farmer was surprised and warned the boy that the dog was disabled and not as playful as the other puppies. But the boy insisted on taking that puppy. The farmer asked why, and the boy rolled up one of his trouser legs, revealing his artificial limb. He explained that he wanted to take the puppy because it needed someone who could understand it. Moved by the boy’s words, the farmer gave the puppy to him for free.
In our society, everyone, not just those with disabilities, needs understanding and compassion from others. We must put ourselves in other people’s shoes and empathize with their situations. By adopting the perspectives of others, we can show care and understanding towards them.
Thursday, 31 July 2025