This article from Proactive Coaching tells the story of an old man and his dog walking a country road after death, used as a lesson on loyalty. The man encounters two very different versions of "heaven" – one with pearly gates that refuses his dog, and one that welcomes them both – revealing a powerful message about never leaving your best friends behind. It is from the Intentional Coaching #2 Proactive Coaching collection.
The Story
An old man and his dog were walking along a country road, enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to the man that he had died. He remembered dying, and realized, too, that the dog had been dead for many years. He wondered where the road would lead them, and continued onward.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall, white arch that gleamed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He was pleased that he had finally arrived at heaven, and the man and his dog walked toward the gate. As he got closer, he saw someone sitting at a beautifully carved desk off to one side.