Aesop
|
Greece

The Sheep and The Dog

A sheep envies a dog's attention, but learns that the dog protects the flock from predators.
Appreciation
Perception
Understanding
Featured in Fable Book
Aesop's Fables - The Sheep and The Dog
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a peaceful countryside, there lived a Sheep and a Dog. They both belonged to the same master and shared the same fields. The Sheep grazed peacefully on the lush grass while the Dog stayed alert, guarding the flock from any harm.

One day, the Sheep, feeling a little envious, asked the Dog, "Why do you always receive praise and special attention from our master? After all, I provide him with soft wool, which he uses to make warm clothes, and you don't give him anything of the sort."

The Dog, slightly taken aback, responded, "Well, it's true that you provide our master with wool, but my duty is to protect you and the rest of the flock from predators, ensuring that you are safe and secure. Without my watchful eye, you would be in constant danger."

The Sheep huffed, and went back to grazing, while the Dog continued to keep a vigilant eye on the flock, always prepared to defend them from any lurking danger.

Once upon a time, in a quiet countryside, there were a Sheep and a Dog who lived on the same farm. The Sheep loved munching on the green grass, while the Dog stayed alert, watching over everyone to keep them safe.

One sunny day, the Sheep asked the Dog, "Why does our farmer always praise you and give you special treats? I give him soft wool for making warm clothes, but you don’t give him anything like that."

The Dog smiled and said, "It's true that your wool is very useful. But my job is to protect you and the other sheep from any dangers. Without me, you might not be safe from wolves or other threats."

The Sheep thought for a moment, then nodded and went back to eating grass. The Dog kept watching over the flock, ready to protect them from any danger that might come.

Once upon a time, in a quiet countryside, there were a Sheep and a Dog who lived on the same farm. The Sheep loved munching on the green grass, while the Dog stayed alert, watching over everyone to keep them safe.

One sunny day, the Sheep asked the Dog, "Why does our farmer always praise you and give you special treats? I give him soft wool for making warm clothes, but you don’t give him anything like that."

The Dog smiled and said, "It's true that your wool is very useful. But my job is to protect you and the other sheep from any dangers. Without me, you might not be safe from wolves or other threats."

The Sheep thought for a moment, then nodded and went back to eating grass. The Dog kept watching over the flock, ready to protect them from any danger that might come.

Once upon a time, in a field not unlike the ones in your own backyard, but with slightly better Wi-Fi, there lived a Sheep and a Dog. They were like the ultimate roomies, both working for the same boss and sharing the same lush, grassy hangout spot.

The Sheep was chillin', munching on the grass, thinking deep sheep thoughts. The Dog, on the other hand, was like a furry security guard, always on duty, watching for any mischief-makers.

One fine day, the Sheep looked over and said, "Hey, Dog, you ever wonder why the big guy always gives you the thumbs up and extra belly rubs? I mean, I'm over here working in the wool department, and you... what do you do again?"

The Dog, pretending not to be offended, shot back, "Well, my woolly friend, while you're over there having a buffet, I'm doing the whole hero thing, protecting you and the gang. Without me, it'd be a free-for-all out here! You'd be running around, 'Baa-ing' like there's no tomorrow."

The Sheep huffed, "Hero thing? I'd like to see you grow this fabulous coat. This isn't just wool; it's a fashion statement."

"You call that fashion? I call it a snack for the moths!" the Dog replied with a wink.

The Sheep rolled its eyes, "Oh, go chase your tail or something."

"I would, but I'm too busy watching yours," quipped the Dog, wagging his own tail.

And so, with a grin and a wag, they went back to their usual routine: Sheep to grazing, Dog to guarding. They may have had their differences, but at the end of the day, they both knew they were part of a team.

Beneath the golden sun that gleamed,
Where fields were green and rivers streamed,
A Sheep and Dog, quite friendly pair,
Spent days in calm and tender care.

With baa and bark, they roamed the land,
Each creature knowing its own command.
Sheep nibbled grass with gentle grace,
While Dog watched o'er the peaceful place.

"Dear Dog," the Sheep did question so,
"Why master's praise on you does glow?
I give him wool to warm his night,
What do you offer in his sight?"

The Dog looked up, a thoughtful stare,
His duty clear, he said with flair,
"It's true, dear Sheep, your wool is grand,
But safety's what I bring to land.

I guard you from the lurking fears,
Keep watch by day and night, my dear,
Without me here, you'd face the wild,
My role ensures your life's not riled."

The Sheep just huffed and grazed again,
While Dog resumed his watchful ken,
Together thus they passed the day,
Each knowing well their vital way.

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Word Finder

  1. Countryside:

    Quiet place with farms, not a city.

  2. Munching:

    Eating something slowly and noisily.

  3. Alert:

    Paying full attention, ready for danger.

  4. Praise:

    Saying nice things about someone for good work.

  5. Treats:

    Special food or rewards given as a gift.

  6. Wool:

    Soft hair from sheep used to make clothes.

  7. Useful:

    Helpful and important for doing something.

  8. Protect:

    To keep something safe from harm or danger.

  9. Threats:

    Things that can cause harm or danger.

  10. Flock:

    A group of animals, like sheep, together.

Understanding Questions

  1. Where did the Sheep and the Dog live?
  2. What did the Sheep provide to the farmer?
  3. Why did the Sheep feel confused about the Dog receiving praise and special treats from the farmer?
  4. According to the Dog, what is his role on the farm?
  5. How does the Sheep react after hearing the Dog's explanation?
Word Finder
  1. Countryside:

    Quiet place with farms, not a city.

  2. Munching:

    Eating something slowly and noisily.

  3. Alert:

    Paying full attention, ready for danger.

  4. Praise:

    Saying nice things about someone for good work.

  5. Treats:

    Special food or rewards given as a gift.

  6. Wool:

    Soft hair from sheep used to make clothes.

  7. Useful:

    Helpful and important for doing something.

  8. Protect:

    To keep something safe from harm or danger.

  9. Threats:

    Things that can cause harm or danger.

  10. Flock:

    A group of animals, like sheep, together.

Understanding Questions
  1. Where did the Sheep and the Dog live?

    1. In a barn
    2. In a house
    3. In a field
    4. In a forest
  2. What did the Sheep provide to the farmer?

    1. Wool
    2. Milk
    3. Meat
    4. Eggs
  3. Why did the Sheep feel confused about the Dog receiving praise and special treats from the farmer?

    1. Because he thought he worked harder
    2. Because he didn't like the Dog
    3. Because he wanted treats too
    4. Because the Dog was barking
  4. According to the Dog, what is his role on the farm?

    1. To protect the sheep
    2. To play with the animals
    3. To herd the sheep
    4. To eat the sheep
  5. How does the Sheep react after hearing the Dog's explanation?

    1. He agrees with the Dog
    2. He gets angry
    3. He feels happy
    4. He runs away
  1. Where did the Sheep and the Dog live?
  2. What did the Sheep provide to the farmer?
  3. Why did the Sheep feel confused about the Dog receiving praise and special treats from the farmer?
  4. According to the Dog, what is his role on the farm?
  5. How does the Sheep react after hearing the Dog's explanation?
  1. Where did the Sheep and the Dog live?
  2. What did the Sheep provide to the farmer?
  3. Why did the Sheep feel confused about the Dog receiving praise and special treats from the farmer?
  4. According to the Dog, what is his role on the farm?
  5. How does the Sheep react after hearing the Dog's explanation?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the Sheep felt envious of the Dog?
  2. How did the Dog explain his role to the Sheep? Why do you think the Dog's job is important?
  3. Can you think of a time when you felt envious of someone else's role or job?
  4. What does this story teach us about understanding and appreciating the roles and responsibilities of others?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story in our own lives, perhaps by recognizing the important contributions that others make around us, even if they're different from our own contributions?
Fable Quotes
Don't overlook the silent contributors; they often hold the greatest value.
Changing our perspective can turn envy into admiration and gratitude.
Understanding bridges the gap between envy and appreciation, revealing the true value of each other's contributions.
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