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.
You May Also Like
The Holy Deacon
In "The Holy Deacon," a short tale with a moral, an itinerant preacher enlists a Holy Deacon to collect donations from a reluctant congregation, promising him a quarter of the proceeds. However, after the collection, the Deacon reveals that the hardened hearts of the congregation yielded nothing for him, illustrating a life lesson about the challenge of generosity. This easy small story serves as a poignant reminder for young readers about the complexities of faith and giving in short story collections with moral themes.
The Two Fellows and the Bear
In this entertaining moral story, two travelers face a bear in the woods, leading one to hide in a tree while the other lies flat on the ground. After the bear leaves, the tree-dweller mocks his friend, only to learn a valuable lesson: never trust a friend who deserts you in a pinch. This short bedtime story highlights the importance of loyalty and the lessons learned from stories that resonate with readers.
The Man and the Wood
In "The Man and the Wood," a man enters a forest seeking a branch from the trees, who kindly oblige, unaware of his true intentions. He uses the branch to enhance his axe, ultimately cutting down the very trees that helped him, leaving them to regret their generosity. This captivating moral story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of misplaced trust, making it an entertaining read for students and adults alike.
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.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.