The Dog in the Manger
Based on a fable by Aesop · Adapted for children by YouAndWorld
One sunny afternoon, a farm dog found a manger filled with soft, dry hay.
— This looks like a comfortable bed, — said the dog, climbing inside.
A hungry cow soon entered the barn.
— Excuse me, — she said politely. — That hay is my dinner. Would you please let me eat?
The dog jumped up and barked.
— No! This is my resting place now.
— But dogs do not eat hay, — explained the cow. — You cannot use it as food, but I can.
Soon a hungry goat and a gentle horse arrived. They also asked the dog to share the hay, but he barked at them too.
The farmer heard the noise.
— This hay cannot feed you, — he told the dog. — It is unfair to keep it from the animals who need it.
The dog felt ashamed. He climbed out of the manger and allowed them to eat.
The cow thanked him and left a soft blanket nearby so he could still sleep comfortably. The dog discovered that sharing helped everyone find what they needed.
Moral of the Story
Do not keep others from using something you neither need nor can enjoy.
Questions to Discuss
- Why did the dog climb into the manger?
- Why did the cow need the hay?
- What did the dog say to the animals?
- Why was his behavior unfair?
- What did the dog finally decide to do?
- How can sharing help everyone?
Video
The Fox and the Cat
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