Wolf and Dog

Discouraged after an unsuccessful day of hunting, a hungry Wolf came upon a well-fed Mastiff, the Wolf asked what the Dog had to do to earn his food.

"Very little,"replied the Dog, "Just protect my master's house and family and be obedient to his demands."

The Wolf pondered this quite carefully - for he had to risk his own life almost daily to earn his food, and then with little assurance of success.

The Wolf, who was tempted to adopt the Dog's mode of living, then happened to notice that the hair was rubbed bare from about the Dog's neck.

The Wolf asked what caused this affliction, the Dog replied that it was of no significance, "It's just the place where my collar and chain rub."

The Wolf abruptly stopped and exclaimed, "Your Chain! You mean you are not free to come and go as you please?"

"No," responded the Dog, "but what does that matter?"

"A great deal," replied the Wolf as he trotted away into the forest, "A great deal."

~ Aesop ~

* I believe our strays fully understand the wolf.