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Temple Dog Story By Arisa Sittichokananon Illustrated by Tanatat Apiwessa Pornapas Rittiwut
Introducing Tongdaeng Khun Tongdaeng, the king’s loyal dog, is the inspiration for this story. Khun Tongdaeng was a stray puppy that was taken in a medical centre where the King visited. The King later adopted this mongrel dog, despite her birth, showing his people that a dog’s breed does not exclusively dictate its behavior. King Rama IX had always remarked on how intelligent, loyal, and respectful she was. Khun Tongdaeng herself has always been described as humble and disciplined. This story drew inspiration from the close bond between the King and his dog.
There was once a dog named Oliang who lived in his master’s house. Oliang was a friendly dog who was loyal to his master.
Master also loved Oliang, but things were not well. There was a drought, and there was not enough food to go around. The situation got worse, and the Master knew that he could not afford to keep Oliang.
The marketplace was bustling with people. Most vendors would shout and try to attract customers, but Master was silent as he sat on a small plastic stool.
“How cute!” A little girl squealed. “What breed is he?” Oliang whimpered. “A mongrel, I’m afraid.” “Never mind! How much?”
The girl paid Master with a piece of paper and carried Oliang away. The dog barked, why is Master leaving him? Oliang’s former owner sadly looked on as his dog was taken to a big house opposite the marketplace
“Mummy, come look! I bought a puppy!” A door was opened by a tall woman, she looked at Oliang disdainfully. “Darling, why did you buy a mongrel?” “What’s a mongrel, mummy?” “A mongrel is a dog without a breed. Why did you buy it?” The woman scolded the girl as they both walked out.
Evening came, but everyone seemed to have forgotten Oliang. No food or water was given. Oliang lied there, his nose sweaty and his stomach empty, waiting for sleep to claim him. Sunlight shone through the hall and Oliang woke up hungry. He barked and barked, hoping someone would hear and give him food.
The girl arrived in the hall, but she did not give him any food. She stroked his fur for a few minutes before walking away..
Oliang whined after her, but he was ignored. He then slept through the day, having no energy or hope left.
The third day came, and Oliang was awoken by a familiar voice.
Ma’am, I came here to thank for looking after my dog, but instead I find that you are starving him!” It was undoubtedly Master’s voice.
“You can’t expect anyone to care for a mongrel,” the woman sniped back. “I want my money back, or else the mongrel can starve to death.” “Fine.” Master hissed and handed her a banknote.
He lifted Oliang up and walked out to the main street of the town, where he freed his dog. “That’s the temple, Oliang.” Master gave him a nudge. “They’ll take care of you there.” The dog lets out an unhappy bark. Why must he leave Master again?
The man exclaimed. “Why, you silly dog! I don’t have enough money to feed you. Go!” Oliang remained stationary; he wanted to stay with Master.
With a great huff, Master carried him to the temple himself. The temple children kept watch on him, so Oliang remained away from his Master, but not for long.
A day or two later, Master came to the temple, but instead of his usual grey shirt, he wore a yellow robe. His head and eyebrows were shaved. “Hello, Oliang.� He rubbed the dog behind the ears.
And although Oliang was just a dog, he suddenly realized something as he barked happily. There’s always hope
Moral
The only thing that separates us from death is hope. We hope that we have good lives even if there is
trouble around us. Hope drives us to solve problems and live.
Even if his master gave him away, the dog promises himself he won’t cry. Even if he is in another house, the dog promises himself he won’t die. Even if no one cares for him here, the dog promised himself he will cope. The dog saw him and knew…
There’s always
HOPE