There once lived a red fox with a beautiful, long bushy tail and fur so red it shamed the Devil himself. Not far from where the fox lived in the woods, a crazy old shepherd who was going blind and forgetful resided in a little log cabin. One day, the fox was wandering through the woods when she heard baying. Indeed, there were sheep close by.
“Oh!” She thought, licking her lips. “Sounds like dinner!”
The fox stuck her head through the trees and found the shepherd’s dog gobbling away at a meal. Behind this dog were the sheep that the fox wanted. Considering the dog, she realized that her dinner could not be claimed, and lowered her head down in disappointment. But every other day, the fox would return to the spot, in hopes of scoring a sheep or two. She was light on her feet, quick, and was never seen, but never once had she caught one. As she came frequently, the fox noticed that the dog never seemed to be doing anything, yet he was fed and cared for. The fox couldn’t help but snarl every time she saw the lazy dog sitting in the same spot, sniffing at the same flower.
The fox thought, “How unfair! Look at that mutt. He pales in comparison to my beauty and agility – Why must I hunt for my food while this dog just sit and is rewarded with food and love? I can easily do this.”
So, one fateful day, the fox became fed up. She jumped out of the trees and came face to face with the dog.
“Explain to me, you fool,” started the fox. “Why can’t I do what you’re doing now? Why are us foxes not the ones who are ‘guarding’ these sheep, and in return being fed?”
“Because we have better qualities.” The dog replied calmly.
“Hah! You couldn’t run a mile if your life depended on it.”
The dog considered this. This fox is in need of a lesson, thought the dog. Slowly, he stood up and growled.
“Very well, then. Let’s make a bet. Whoever proves themselves to be a better shepherd’s dog will live the life I am living now. If, however, you were to fail, you would never be seen here again.”
The fox pointed out, “But surely your shepherd will notice-”
“He’s is going blind. He’ll never notice. You’ll take my place for three days, and then we will settle this.”
“It’s a deal.” The fox agreed.
The dog made his way into the woods, and kept watch on the fox. He could not leave the sheep alone with the fox… he feared that she would eat them if he didn’t keep watch.
Surely, some animal will attack them. Then, I’ll be rid of the fox, and she won’t take my place.
But no animal attempted to take one of the sheep’s lives, and the fox enjoyed plentiful hours of the dog’s lazy, carefree life. The crazy shepherd brought a steak out for the fox, and just as the dog expected, he didn’t notice the switch between the animals. The day passed by rather quickly, and the sunset not only brought wondrous, dancing colors, but satisfaction to the fox.
She closed her eyes and thought, I am to win the bet. Certainly.
Both animals drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, the shepherd never brought breakfast. The shepherd forgot, as forgetful as he was, and the dog was entirely used to it. But the fox was not. She went hungry from breakfast until late afternoon. Finally, when the fox’s hunger became increasingly annoying, she attacked a sheep. The dog rushed out from his hiding place and defended the sheep.
He growled, “Dogs are loyal, and never turn onto what they have to protect. Therefore, I am the better shepherd’s dog.”
The fox hung her head and walked away.