The Master and the Stray Puppy

A long time ago, in the city of 'Akká by the sea, there lived a wise and kind man named 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He had a small garden behind His house. In the garden were a few flowers, a small fountain, and a bench in the shade where He liked to sit in the late afternoon.

One day, a small grey puppy with thin legs and tired eyes came wandering through the garden gate. The puppy had no home. He sat down by the bench and looked up at 'Abdu'l-Bahá with hopeful eyes.

'Abdu'l-Bahá smiled. He went into the kitchen and came back with a small bowl of milk. He set the bowl down on the ground in front of the puppy. The puppy drank every drop. 'Abdu'l-Bahá then put down a small cushion in the shade. The puppy curled up on the cushion and fell asleep.

The puppy stayed for the rest of his life. He grew into a strong young dog. He followed 'Abdu'l-Bahá around the house. He waited for Him at the door whenever He went out. He was the happiest dog in 'Akká.

Every creature has a place in God's garden.

That is what 'Abdu'l-Bahá used to say. The puppy had been looking for his place. He had found it.

Source: Baha'i Stories for Children (https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/), paraphrased small story for children.

Various. *Baha'i Stories for Children*. https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/