The Bitch and Her Whelps
Story Summary
In the short story "The Bitch and Her Whelps," a dog seeks a shepherd's permission to give birth and raise her puppies in a safe spot. As the puppies grow and become protective, the Bitch claims exclusive ownership of the area, ultimately preventing the shepherd from coming near. This educational moral story teaches the importance of gratitude and the consequences of overstepping boundaries, making it a valuable lesson for personal growth.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those who are given kindness and protection may sometimes turn against their benefactor and become ungrateful.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of entitlement and betrayal, illustrating how those once dependent can become possessive and ungrateful. The story highlights the moral lessons prevalent in ancient Greek culture, where animals often symbolize human traits and societal dynamics. Aesop's fables, passed down through oral tradition and later compiled in written form, serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the complexities of relationships and power.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of entitlement and the consequences of taking advantage of kindness, which are relevant in modern life when considering issues of trust and boundaries in relationships and workplaces. For example, an employee who is given flexibility in their work schedule may initially appreciate the trust but could later exploit that leniency by overstepping boundaries, leading to conflict and resentment from their employer.
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Other names for this story
"Whelping Rights, The Loyal Whelps, Shepherd's Dilemma, Bitch's Claim, Puppies and Protection, The Brave Whelps, A Mother's Guard, The Exclusive Den"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of entitlement and the consequences of taking advantage of kindness; the once vulnerable Bitch, having relied on the shepherd's compassion, ultimately turns against him, highlighting how initial dependence can evolve into dominance and exclusion.
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