The Old Dog and the Hunter
Once upon a time, an experienced hunter and his faithful dog lived at the edge of an old forest where cool waters flowed. In his youth this dog ran as fast as the wind and caught even the hardest game in the forest with skill. But over the passing years his fur had turned grey, his steps had slowed and his sharp teeth had lost their old strength. Even so his love for his owner had not lessened at all, and he had never given up going hunting with him. The hunter, however, closed his eyes to the fact that his dog was growing old and still expected his old courage and quickness from him. While the golden yellow lights of the sun slipped through the trees, the two set out once more for a great hunt. Before long they came upon the track of a huge wild boar among the thick bushes.
The hunter shouted with excitement: “Come on, my brave friend, show yourself and catch that game!” When the old dog heard the voice of his owner, he gathered all his strength and darted forward. After a merciless chase that took place in the depths of the forest, he managed to corner the fleeing animal. With great effort he caught the game by the ear and began to wait for his owner to come. But his teeth, which were growing old and weak, could not hold this strong animal any longer. The dog, whose jaw had lost its power, let the game slip from his hold without meaning to, and the boar was lost in the forest. Just then the hunter, who ran to the dog, became very angry when he saw that the game had escaped.
The angry man began to accuse his faithful friend of disloyalty with harsh words. The old dog bowed his head in shame and looked at his owner with eyes full of sorrow. Speaking calmly, he said: “Do not be angry with me, my master; my aim was not to sadden you but to make you happy.” “My heart is still as faithful as before, but my old body no longer obeys my strength.” “Instead of looking at my weakness today and being angry, remember the services I did for you in my youth.” The hunter felt a deep shame before these meaningful words, embraced his dog and begged his pardon. Past labour and loyalty must never be forgotten because of the helplessness that old age brings. Do good and throw it into the sea; if the fish does not know it, the Creator does.