An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt
road with fences on both sides. They came to a gate
in the fence and looked in. It was nice and grassy
with woody areas, just what a huntin' dog and man
would like, but it had a sign saying "No Tresspassing,"
so they walked on.

They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white
robes standing before it. "Welcome to Heaven," he said.
The old man was happy and started in with his dog
following him. The gatekeeper stopped him.
"Dogs aren't allowed. I'm sorry but he can't come with you."

"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 desert him now."

"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's
on this road, and he'll try to sweet talk you into
his area, he'll promise you anything, but the dog
can't go there either. If you won't leave this dog,
you'll spend Eternity on this road."

There was no way the old man was going to leave
his dog, so they walked on. They came to a run-down
fence with a gap in it--no gate--just a hole.
Another old man was inside. "S'cuse me sir, my dog
and I are getting mighty tired--mind if we come in
and sit in the shade for awhile?"

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

"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down
the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"
Asked the latest gentleman.

"No, sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he
said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending
Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water
and some shade would be mighty fine right about now.
But I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too,
and that's 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 weren't?"

"That was the Devil, and 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 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?"

-- Author Unknown