The Sheep and The Dog
A sheep envies a dog's attention, but learns that the dog protects the flock from predators.
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.
Audio available for B1 version
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.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Word Finder
Countryside:
Quiet place with farms, not a city.Munching:
Eating something slowly and noisily.Alert:
Paying full attention, ready for danger.Praise:
Saying nice things about someone for good work.Treats:
Special food or rewards given as a gift.Wool:
Soft hair from sheep used to make clothes.Useful:
Helpful and important for doing something.Protect:
To keep something safe from harm or danger.Threats:
Things that can cause harm or danger.Flock:
A group of animals, like sheep, together.
Understanding Questions
- Where did the Sheep and the Dog live?
- What did the Sheep provide to the farmer?
- Why did the Sheep feel confused about the Dog receiving praise and special treats from the farmer?
- According to the Dog, what is his role on the farm?
- How does the Sheep react after hearing the Dog's explanation?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Sheep felt envious of the Dog?
- How did the Dog explain his role to the Sheep? Why do you think the Dog's job is important?
- Can you think of a time when you felt envious of someone else's role or job?
- What does this story teach us about understanding and appreciating the roles and responsibilities of others?
- 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.
Just One More Fable
- Betrayal
- Gratitude
The Wolf and the Crane
A wolf tricks a helpful crane who removes a bone from his throat in exchange for a promised reward.
- Gratitude
- Wisdom
The Peasant and the Eagle
A kind peasant frees a trapped Eagle, which later saves him from a collapsing wall, leaving him grateful.
- Courage
- Wisdom
The Hunter and The Woodman
A timid hunter seeks a lion and meets a woodman who offers a direct encounter, but the hunter declines due to perceived risks.
- Wisdom
- Justice
The Heron and the Crab
An old heron tricks pond creatures into becoming his food, but a wise crab discovers his deceit and saves his friends.