The Dog and the Donkey: A Lesson in Mutual Support

Once upon a time, a dog and a donkey were traveling to town with their master. At midday, their master stopped under a shady tree to rest. He unloaded the donkey and lay down to nap. The donkey began grazing nearby, while the dog, feeling hungry, turned to the donkey and said, “There were some loaves in the load you carried. Could you share one with me?”

The donkey shook his head and replied, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. Wait until our master wakes up. He’ll take care of you then.”

As they waited, a wolf appeared from the bushes, its eyes gleaming hungrily at the donkey. Alarmed, the donkey pleaded with the dog, “Please, help me fend off the wolf!”

The dog, wary and weak, replied, “I wish I could help, but I’m not strong enough to fight a wolf. Let’s wait until the master wakes up—he’ll save you.”

The donkey, now trembling with fear, realized the mistake in his earlier decision and said, “I’m sorry for refusing to help you when you needed me.”

Fortunately, before the wolf could attack, the master awoke and chased the predator away. Both the dog and the donkey learned a valuable lesson that day.

Moral: Help others when you can, for timely assistance creates bonds of trust and may one day save you in return.