A hungry Wolf, having sacrificed his ox to feed a Fox's servant, prowls a farm in search of food. He encounters a thin old Dog and decides to drag him off for a meal. The Dog pleads for his release, promising a bottle of vodka hidden under the kitchen bench. The Wolf, fond of vodka, agrees to let the Dog go, trusting him to keep his word. That night, the Wolf returns to the farmhouse after the family has gone to sleep. The Dog retrieves the vodka, and they share a drink. The Wolf, exhilarated by the alcohol, feels a surge of happiness and wants to sing, but the Dog warns him against it, fearing they will wake the family. Despite the Dog's pleas, the Wolf continues to drink and eventually cannot contain his desire to sing. His loud howling attracts the attention of the Farmer and his family, who rush into the kitchen armed with clubs and pokers. They mistake the Wolf for a threat and prepare to attack. The Wolf narrowly escapes, realizing that his indulgence in vodka has put him in grave danger. The story illustrates themes of temptation, the consequences of excess, and the perils of trusting too easily.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1936 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy