Sam had always been a hardworking man. He learned this from his father, who was a construction worker. While Sam didn't follow in his dad's footsteps into the construction industry, he did take his work ethics into the office. On a warm September evening he was driving home after a long day at work. He was the first one in the office and the last one to leave.
During the drive home he saw a "For Sale" sign advertising a German Shepherd dog. He and his wife had talked about getting a dog and had decided that they wanted a German Shepherd. This seemed like a good possibility to investigate. The sign had a phone number, so Sam decided to pull into a parking lot and call the number.
A man answered the phone and introduced himself as Greg. Sam explained that he saw the sign and that he and his wife are interested in a German Shepherd dog. Greg asked him if he was available that day to look at the dog to see if that is what they are looking for. Sam agreed and Greg provided his home address. The home was on the way, so this was convenient. Same gave him an ETA when he thought he would arrive.
About twelve minutes later Sam had arrived at the house. The house looked like an old country farmhouse. It seemed to be the perfect place for a dog to run around. He parked the car, got out, and knocked on the door.
Greg warmly welcomed Sam into his home and introduced him to Max, the German Shepherd.
Max was an impressive dog, with alert eyes and an air of quiet intelligence. Greg suggested that Sam spend some time alone with Max while he busied himself in the kitchen. Left alone with Max, Sam was stunned when the dog began to speak!
Max pleaded with Sam to buy him and take him away from Greg. "He abuses me! I used to be General Johnson's dog. I was with him in Afghanistan fighting the terrorists. I participated in secret anti-terrorist operations and even worked as an undercover agent to gather intelligence from high-level Taliban leaders. You'd be amazed at the secrets a dog can learn. They never suspect a dog of being a spy! I received medals from the military for my service to the country. And now I'm here being abused by this mean man! Please rescue me!"
When Greg returned from the kitchen, Sam, still amazed by what he had just experienced, asked Greg about the asking price for Max. Greg quoted a surprisingly low price of $150.
Taken aback, Sam exclaimed, “Only $150? This is an amazing dog! A talking dog! I can’t believe you would sell him for only $150.”
Greg responded nonchalantly, “Yes, he’s a talking dog alright, but all he does is tell lies!”