A peasant's old dog, no longer able to guard or bark, is abandoned by its master and seeks solace in the woods. There, it encounters a bear who offers to feed it. The bear kills a foal, allowing the dog to eat and regain strength. The bear proposes a plan to help the dog return to its owner by stealing her child, which the dog successfully retrieves, earning its place back in the household. The dog and bear become friends, and during a party at the peasant's house, the bear attempts to join in the festivities but is nearly harmed due to his loud singing. Meanwhile, the peasant's cat, also discarded for its inability to catch mice, is secretly fed by the dog. When the cat is discovered and punished, it becomes desperate for food. The dog, wanting to help, takes the cat with him to seek food. They encounter a group of horses, and the dog attempts to impress the cat by asking for compliments about its appearance. However, the cat's reluctance to comply leads to the dog's demise when it tries to attack a mare and is kicked. The cat, realizing the dog's fate, decides to return home to die, reflecting on the consequences of their actions and the harsh realities of their existence.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1820 · Genre: Fable, Fairy Tale, Children's Literature