• The Old Hound

Enduring spirit

Once upon a time, there lived a loyal and fearless hound who was once the pride of his master and the terror of every wild creature in the woods. In his prime, he was unmatched in strength and courage; his muscles were powerful, his senses sharp, and his teeth as strong as steel. There wasn’t a deer in the forest swift enough to escape him, nor a bear fierce enough to challenge him. Time and again, he returned victorious from the wild, having proven himself as the finest hunting dog anyone had ever seen.

However, the years crept up on the hound. His once glossy fur had turned a dull, silver-gray, his keen eyesight had dimmed, and his teeth, once so fierce, had grown worn and brittle. Though his body showed the marks of age, his spirit remained as strong as ever. Deep down, he still felt like the powerful warrior he had always been, a champion of the hunt and his master's trusted companion.

One day, a wild boar appeared in the forest near his home, rooting through the undergrowth. The hound's heart leapt with excitement. In his mind, he was young again, agile and invincible, as he remembered the thrill of the chase and the pride of victory. Without hesitation, he charged forward, determined to bring down the boar just as he had brought down many animals before. He seized the boar by the ear, holding it with all the strength he could muster. But despite his fierce resolve, his aged teeth could not hold on as they once did, and the boar broke free and darted off into the forest.

Moments later, his master arrived, just in time to see the boar disappearing into the trees. Disappointed, he looked at his hound and scolded him harshly for letting the prize escape. The hound listened quietly, his head low but his heart still proud. Then, lifting his eyes to his master, he spoke in a soft but steady voice.

"Master," he said, "in my heart, I am still the brave and strong dog who once roamed these woods fearlessly by your side. I fought with every bit of strength and spirit I have left, as fiercely as I did when I was young. But my body, weakened by the years, could not keep up with my heart. Please, do not remember me for my old age or this single defeat. Remember the hound I once was—the loyal and powerful dog who stood beside you through countless hunts and always came back a winner."

Hearing these words, the master realized the loyalty and determination his faithful hound still held within him, despite the toll of age. From that day forward, he cherished his old companion all the more, honoring the hound's years of courage, loyalty, and undying spirit. And in his heart, he held the memory of the dog as he had been in his glory days—a true warrior and a friend.