It is a story of a herd of sheep that reside in a field and attempts to avoid getting caught in graver perils. One of the sheep chooses to go and fetch some water. It appears to be so natural and so easy to do but soon the other sheep start feeling concerned. They warn the sheep that a wolf has been around them and has been attacking them over the days. The advice is grave since they understand that the wolf is bad and intelligent. The sheep then realizes the danger, and wonders whether anyone will go with her to be safe. This indicates that it is not advisable to be in a dangerous area alone and that one is better off in the company of others.
Loyal Dog and Sheep
Then another sheep comes forward, and offers to follow. Initially, it appears to be a good and courageous deed. Something is amiss about this sheep, however. It contains some secret which is not immediately perceived by people. It is not necessarily a sheep, but a wolf in disguise. This intensifies the situation than ever. The shepherd who requested the assistance does not notice that and feels secure with the new friend. This indicates that risk can be in disguise.
The truth dawns on them as they walk together. The wolf proves to be having its true thoughts and that it has been deceiving the group. It goes on to discuss how it always offers to go with others. This facilitates the isolation of the wolves and enables them to attack them when they are unaccompanied. The wolf is proud of its scheme and believes that it is intelligent. The sheep starts to realize that something is wrong, yet, it is already in unstable position. In this part of the story, we see how trust may be misapplied and we learn how valuable it is to be cautious.
When everything appears to be really bad, something else comes out of the blue. A big and mighty dog shows up. The sheep have been under the observation and care of the dog. It comes at the opportune time and halts the wolf. The wolf is shocked and frightened as this was not anticipated. The dog is a strong and brave animal that rescues the sheep. This is where everything becomes different and the group is relieved of safety.
Ultimately, there is a basic lesson in the story touching on the issue of trust, safety and awareness. It demonstrates that danger is not necessarily obvious but can sometimes be in the open right before us. It also demonstrates that belonging to a group may assist, yet, only when the group is prudent and cautious. The presence of a protector is hopeful and is a reminder to all that even in hard times, we can receive help. The narration is serious and somewhat humorous but it has a definite lesson of being observant and not being too trusting.
