YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - This is neat, please read The Gate

A man and his dog were walking along a road, enjoying the scenery, when it occurred to him that
he was dead. He remembered dying and that his faithful dog had been dead for many years. He
wondered where the road was leading them. They came to a high, white stone wall along one side
of the road. It looked like fine marble. As he reached the wall he saw a magnificent arched gate,
and the street that led to it was made from pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and
as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. He called out, “Excuse me, where are we?”
“This is heaven sir,” the man answered. “WOW! Would you happen to have some water? We have
traveled far,” the traveler said “ Of course come in, and I’ll have some ice water brought right up.”
The man gestured, and the gate began to open. “Can my friend come in, too?” the traveler asked.
“I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.” The man thought a moment, remembering all the years
his dog remained loyal to him and then turned back toward the road and continued on his way.
After another long walk he came to a plain dirt road, which led through a farm gate that looked as if
it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man leaning
against a tree and reading a book. “Excuse me!” he called to the reader. “Do you have any water?
We have traveled far.” “Sure, there’s a faucet over there. Come on in and help yourself.” “How
about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to his dog. “There’s a bowl by the faucet: he’s
welcome to share.” They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned
faucet with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, the he gave
some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was
standing by the tree waiting for them. “What do you call this place?” the traveler asked. “This is
heaven,” was the answer. “Well, that’s confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road said
that was heaven, too.” “Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That’s
hell,” “Doesn’t it make you mad for them to use your name like that?” “No. We’re just happy that
they screen out the folks who’d leave their best friends behind in exchange for material things.”

By Earl Hamner, Jr.