The Dog and the Cat: A Lesson in Gratitude

Once upon a time, a dog was lounging in a sunny garden when it noticed a cat perched gracefully atop a high wall. Longing for the cat’s ability to climb, the dog muttered, “It must be wonderful to see the world from up there. If only I could climb!” This envy soured its mood, and it ignored its master who brought a bowl of milk.

Soon after, the dog spotted a goldfish swimming in the cool river and envied its life in the water. “How refreshing it must be to live in such a cool place,” it thought, growing even more irritable.

Then the dog overheard the goldfish say, “That grassy garden looks so warm and inviting. I wish I could rest there like that dog.”

Moments later, a sparrow flew by and noticed the dog resting under the sun. It chirped, “How lucky this dog is to play all day! I wish I didn’t have to work so hard building a nest, searching for food, and tiring my wings.”

Hearing these words, the dog realized how much it already had and how foolish it was to envy others.

Moral: Be grateful for what you have instead of longing for what others possess.