Aesop
|
Greece

The Traveler and His Dog

The Traveler, prepared for the journey, assumed his dog was unready, but the faithful companion had patiently waited, ready before him.
Patience
Preparedness
Understanding
Aesop's Fables - The Traveler and His Dog
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, there was a Traveler preparing for a long journey. He packed his bags, filled his water flask, and gathered his maps. Outside his house, his faithful Dog watched, wagging his tail excitedly.

The Traveler noticed his Dog at the door, stretching lazily in the afternoon sun. He raised an eyebrow and said rather impatiently, "Why are you just standing there, yawning? I have prepared everything for our journey, and here you are, not ready to go. Come along with me at once."

The Dog looked up at the Traveler, tail still wagging. With a friendly bark, he responded, "Oh, master! You are mistaken. I am not the one you are waiting for. I have been ready for our journey since the moment you began packing. I've been standing here by the door, watching you, and waiting for you to finish your preparations."

The Traveler stared at his Dog, surprised at his response. It appeared his Dog was more prepared for their journey than he was. He laughed at this realization, gathered the rest of his things, and together, they set off on their adventure.

In a land that felt a bit like Tuesday, a Traveler was buzzing around like he'd misplaced his favorite socks. Bags? Check. Water? Check. Fancy-looking map from that tourist shop? Double check! Meanwhile, lounging outside was his Dog, tail going like a mini windmill.

Spotting his Dog looking like he'd just discovered the joys of sunbathing, the Traveler exclaimed, "Oi, fluffy! You planning on joining the 'All Day Nap Club' or are you coming with me on this epic road trip?"

The Dog, not missing a beat, quipped, "You know, I was thinking about that nap. But hey, while you were deciding which mismatched socks to wear, I've been here, tail on turbo mode, waiting to get this show on the road!"

The Traveler's eyes widened, looking as surprised as if his Dog had just done a tap dance. "Well butter my toast, you're a quick one today!" he chuckled, shaking his head. "I suppose we've dilly-dallied enough, eh? Time to chase the wind and follow the wiggly lines on this here map!"

The Dog's tail wagged even faster, and with a bark that sounded suspiciously like a giggle, he added, "And don't forget the snacks! Because what's an adventure without a picnic, a song, and maybe a squirrel or two?"

"Snacks, songs, AND squirrels? Now you're talking my language!" the Traveler laughed, and with a high-five and a woof, they pranced off into a journey filled with all the silliness, laughter, and jelly sandwiches one could ever hope for.

Beneath skies of gold and hues so blue,
A Traveler bustled, with tasks to do.
Flask in hand, maps unfurled wide,
For a grand journey, he'd soon ride.

Beside the door, his Dog stood near,
Tail wagging fast, showing no fear.
Traveler sighed, said, "Why the stay?"
"We must be off, no more delay."

Dog stretched and smiled, gaze alight,
"I've been set since the first sunlight.
While you bustled, in long array,
I've been ready, come what may."

Traveler blinked, laughter began to vent,
His loyal Dog, eager and intent.
Hand in paw, without delay,
On a grand adventure, they made their way.

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Understanding Questions

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you think the Traveler learned from his Dog about being prepared?
  2. Why do you think the Dog was ready for the journey before the Traveler?
  3. Can you remember a time when you were more prepared for something than you initially thought?
  4. What does this story teach us about making assumptions based on appearances?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story to be more patient and observant in our daily lives?

Fable Quotes

Patience is the companion that waits faithfully, ready to embark on life's journey by your side.
Preparedness isn’t about packing things, it's about being ready to walk the path.
Understanding others begins with a watchful eye and an open heart.
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