The Dog and the Blacksmiths
In a charming village at the foot of foggy mountains, there was an old blacksmith shop where hot fires rose. In this shop lived master blacksmiths who forged iron day and night, along with their cute dog Karabas. While the master blacksmiths struck heavy hammers with their calloused hands, a great noise filled the place. Cute Karabas, however, slept soundly in his corner without caring about the sound of these hammers. That the dog fell into deep sleep even during the heaviest working moments amazed everyone.
When the sun rose to the very top of the sky, the blacksmiths grew tired and set their hammers aside. The master blacksmith slowly brought out fresh bread and delicious meats from the workbench. Lying motionless until that moment, Karabas opened his eyes as soon as he heard the sound of the plates. Suddenly leaping from his spot, he wagged his tail with joy and began to spin happily around the table. One of the blacksmiths looked at the dog with astonishment and smiled, shaking his head.
"You sleep soundly while heavy hammer blows echo around, Karabas," said the master blacksmith. "But when you hear that the table is set, you suddenly become the most alert dog in the world." Karabas only came alive when he smelled food, and when work time came, he retreated back to his corner. As the blacksmiths saw these cunning ways of the dog, they both laughed and marvelled at his laziness. This dog, who did not wake from sleep while working, never missed an opportunity when food was shared. In the end, the masters fully understood that the dog only made an effort when it served his own interest.
Those who wish to enjoy comfort without putting in effort can never earn real respect. No pain, no gain.