The Wolf and the Dog
One winter's eve, an emaciated wolf was near his end as he painstakingly trotted in the snow endlessly searching for a meal. But all the woodland creatures were hibernating or taken refuge from the ice. The livestock were in their barns and protected by dogs.
Just when he thought he would collapse right then and there, he saw a figure coming his way. He was about to subdue the animal but stopped when he realized his would be prey was a large dog whom appeared big and strong. Too much for the wolf to take on. The depressed lupine sat on his haunches and began to howl in despair.
The dog took pity on the wolf and sat next to him. "Cousin, why are you wailing?" The wolf looked at the domestic canine and sighed. "I am starving and I thought you were a sheep."
The dog looked the gaunt lupine over and said, "Dear cousin, why not leave your hardship behind you? Leave the woods and come with me to the suburbs for a longer easier life."
The wolf was intrigued. "What would I need to do?" He asked eagerly.
The dog smiled and shrugged, "Not much my friend. Just keep burglars away and stay close to your chosen human family. And in return you will be rewarded with a warm den, daily meals and not to mention affection and lots of caresses too!
The scrawny wolf trembled with joy. Before, humans were his biggest enemies now they seem to be his only salvation. "I have no objection," said the wolf, "if I could only get a place, where I will be accepted."
The dog winked and gave the wolf a follow gesture and barked, "No worries Cousin. I can arrange something for you. My master's neighbors are a widow and her daughter. They are in need of a guardian to keep them safe. Just fold your ears and curl your tail a little and you will resemble a domestic brethren."
The dog and the wolf made their way to the suburbs. As they walked together. The wolf couldn't help but notice the item around the dog's neck. Curious he asked what it was and it's purpose. "Oh this is just my collar and tags." explained the dog, "It's to keep me safe. It's my size so it's very comfortable to wear." "Does your master use it to keep you chained up and you can't have any freedom?!" Yelped the scared wolf. The dog paused and began to laugh. "Silly cousin! Do I look trapped? A collar and tags shows other humans on where I live so it can help me get back home if other humans find me."
"Well if that's the case. Then I'll have a collar too," The wolf said to the dog as they continued their way to the dwellings, "It sure beats wearing a sheep's skin. I rather not go through that fiasco again. The dog couldn't help but laugh, "From now on Cousin, no worries."
So when the wolf went up to the widow's home he fixed his ears and tail as his domestic cousin suggested and pawed at the door. The woman carrying her young child took pity on the skinny canine and instantly offered the animal to come inside.
The wolf guarded the little family. And he was rewarded with a soft bed, pampering and all he could eat. Which is quite a lot when you're a wolf.
So during one extra cold evening, when the wintered wind was gusting. The wolf with his own collar and tags relaxed on a cushion by the pallor's fireplace. While the window's little girl scratched his full belly.
The contented wolf kicked his hind leg from the petting and sighed. "Finally.. No worries."
"Everyone should have a chance at a dog's life."