Storytelling Week 12

Author's Note: This story I have written is based on the fable below. The fable below just does not elaborate enough on such a promising story. 

The Faithful House-dog

A Man that's gen'rous all at once

May dupe a novice or a dunce;

But to no purpose are the snares

He for the knowing ones prepares.

When late at night a felon tried

To bribe a Dog with food, he cried,

"What ho! Do you attempt to stop

The mouth of him that guards the shop?

You're mightily mistaken, sir,

For this strange kindness is a spur

To make me double all my din,

Lest such a scoundrel should come in."

~~~

Spudz and his owner Ryan had the best relationship. They did everything together, spending every moment they could together. Spudz absolutely adored Ryan, and would do anything for him. So whenever Ryan asked that Spudz do a favor for him, it was without hesitation that Spudz said, "Yes". Spudz could also talk, which made communicating this need that Ryan had to him much easier. Ryan then explained that he had stolen a large sum of money from someone very wealthy, and that people would be coming after him very soon. Ryan needed Spudz to help him guard the money whenever he wasn't home. Spudz knew that theft was wrong, but his loyalty overrode his morals, so he happily agreed.



Ryan then led Spudz to a small shack on the back of their property where he had hidden the money. A large wall surrounded the shack, and the wall had a gate. Ryan instructed Spudz to stand by the gate, and not allow anyone through until he returned. Apparently Ryan had another heist to do. Ryan also used the motivation of higher quality dog food to motivate Spudz, like he needed more motivation.



Spudz had been by the gate, standing at alert for several hours when the sun began to set. As it did, naturally, Spudz began to be able to have trouble seeing far. He also began to grow very tired, and very hungry. However, his determination for guarding the cash overrode these feelings of fatigue. Suddenly, he began to hear some footsteps. They were very far away, however drawing much closer. Spudz perked up, and began to prepare himself for either Ryan, or a confrontation. Since the shack was so far out of the way, this was the only reason that anyone would be approaching.



Suddenly a figure emerged into his field of vision. It, in fact, was not Ryan but rather some grungy looking man. The man approached the shack quickly, seemingly knowing what was in it. Spudz began to yell at the man, warning him that he should turn away or Spudz would be forced to attack. The man stopped, staring at Spudz. He then reached into his backpack and pulled out the most delicious looking turkey leg that Spudz had ever seen. "How could he have known that turkey legs are my weakness??", Spudz thought to himself. The man began to brandish the turkey leg, holding it out in front of him as protection and deterrent from being attacked. This tactic was working, because Spudz was incredibly conflicted. He was starving. And turkey legs were his favorite. He really, really wanted that turkey leg. He had to make a decision because the man was getting close.



Suddenly, in one quick move, Spudz jumped towards the man, biting his forearm that was holding the turkey leg. The man yelled in shock and pain, dropping the turkey leg, and turning and running. Spudz chased him for a bit, then turned back to the shack. He knew the man would not bother him again anytime soon, so he returned to the shack to his prize. The turkey leg was awaiting him upon his return. It was one of the most satisfying meals that Spudz had ever eaten, because of how delicious the turkey leg was, and he knew that he had done his job and Ryan would be proud upon his return. 

 

Dog that is ride or die like the dog in the story

Source: Wikimedia

Bibliography: This story is based off of a story from Aesop's Fables by Sir Roger L'Estrange, written in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and.