The Dog, the Cock and the Fox
A Dog and a Rooster, who were the best of friends, wished very much to see something of the world. So they decided to leave the farmyard and set out into the world along the road that led to the woods.
The two comrades traveled along in the very best of spirits and without meeting any adventure to speak of.
At nightfall the Rooster, looking for a place to roost, as was his custom, spied nearby a hollow tree that he thought would do very nicely for a night’s lodging.
The Dog could creep inside, and the Rooster would fly up on one of the branches. So said, so done, and both slept very comfortably.
With the first glimmer of dawn, the Rooster awoke. For the moment, he forgot just where he was.
He thought he was still in the farmyard where it had been his duty to arouse the household at daybreak.
So standing on tip-toes, he flapped his wings and crowed lustily. But instead of awakening the farmer, he awakened a Fox not far off in the wood.
The Fox immediately had rosy visions of a very delicious breakfast. Hurrying to the tree where the Rooster was roosting, he said very politely:
“A hearty welcome to our woods, honored sir. I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you here. I am quite sure we shall become the closest of friends.”
“I feel highly flattered, kind sir,” replied the Rooster slyly. “If you will please go around to the door of my house at the foot of the tree, my porter will let you in.”
The hungry but unsuspecting Fox went around the tree as he was told, and in a twinkling, the dog seized him.
Moral of the story
Deception leads to consequences: Trying to deceive others may lead to getting deceived oneself.
True friends watch out for each other: The Dog protected the Rooster from harm.
Questions for the children
- Why do you think the Rooster pretended to be in the farmyard instead of the woods?
- How do you think true friends should behave in difficult situations?
Post Note: This story is based on Aesop’s fable, written around 600 BC. In this retelling, we’ve used simpler words to make the story easier for young readers to understand.
