Learning to Share with New Friends

16. Learning to Share with New Friends

One bright morning, the old lady at the cottage whistled loudly, calling for Baldwin to come get his big plate of food for breakfast. Baldwin, the sweet and patient basset hound, wobbled out of his cozy cottage and wagged his velvet ears excitedly! But before Baldwin could get to his food, a new dog came running from the woods. It was Larry, a golden-brown Labrador with a big heart--but not such great manners yet!

Larry, who had never met Baldwin before, was so hungry he pushed past him and gobbled up a huge bite of food, leaving Baldwin standing there with his mouth opened. Baldwin smiled, even though he was a little surprised. "Hey there! I think we can share the food," Baldwin said kindly, his brown eyes twinkling. "But first, let me show you something important. It's called good manners!"

Baldwin carefully took the plate and split it into two equal halves. "The one who divides the food, gets second choice," Baldwin explained with a grin. "I'm going to divide it so it's perfectly even, and you can pick first!"

Larry blinked, looking a little surprised. "Oh! Well, that's a good idea!" he said, his tail wagging. "Thanks for teaching me!"

Just as they were about to enjoy their meal, Baldwin's super-sensitive bionic ears picked up a small cry coming from behind a nearby tree. His long ears perked up, and he looked at Larry. "Did you hear that?" Baldwin asked. "Let's go see who needs help!"

Together, they trotted over to the tree, where they found a small, trembling dog lying on the ground, looking very sad.

"What's wrong?" Larry asked gently.

The little dog looked up with wide eyes and sniffled. "I'm lost," he said in a soft voice. "My name is Chacko. I just moved into the area and I'm trying to find my way home. I haven't eaten in two days and I am very tired!"

Larry's heart melted with compassion, and Baldwin's eyes softened. Without hesitation, Baldwin spoke up. "You don't have to worry, Chacko! We've got plenty of food here, and we'll help you find your way home!"

Larry nodded, his tail wagging even more. "Yes! We'll share our food with you, and then we can walk you back to your house. We're friends now, so no one gets left behind!"

Chacko's little tail wagged weakly. He couldn't believe how kind these two dogs were. He had never met them before, but they were treating him like family!

Baldwin and Larry carefully set the food in front of Chacko, making sure he had enough to eat. "You're not alone anymore," Baldwin said with a warm smile. "We're here to help."

Chacko, feeling better already, eagerly ate the food they had shared with him. Once he was full, the three friends set off together through the forest. They sniffed the air, followed the trail, and found Chacko's home and they now knew they would be friends forever.