The Loyal Dog

In a small village nestled in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains lived a young man named Younes—a poor but hardworking youth with a heart full of hope. His home was a tiny wooden hut left to him by his parents, who had passed away years before. Younes lived alone, earning his livelihood by working in the orchards and farmlands of the villagers. Despite the hardships he faced, he never abandoned his gentle smile.

His only true companion was a black dog he had found one cold winter’s day near the river—a thin and injured dog that had clearly been wandering without shelter for a long time. Younes carried him home, treated his wounds, and named him Pilar. From that day on, Pilar accompanied Younes everywhere—whether he was working in the orange orchards or traveling to the town to sell firewood. The villagers often said, “Younes may be alone, but Pilar is worth the world to him.”

One year, winter arrived earlier than usual. Heavy snow covered the mountains, and the roads between the village and the town were blocked. Most villagers had enough supplies to last through the cold days, but Younes, who barely earned enough to survive, was worried. Everything he had went into buying a small amount of flour and firewood, and he knew that if he could not find work soon, the coming days would be difficult.

One morning, as the cold wind blew through the bare trees, an elderly man named Kazem the Gardener came to see Younes.

He said, “Younes, the small bridge beside my orchard has been damaged by the rain. If you can help me repair it today, I will pay your wage immediately.”

Joy sparked in Younes’s heart, and he agreed without hesitation. Pilar wagged his tail as if declaring his readiness as well.

The path to Kazem’s orchard passed through a shallow valley. Fresh snow had fallen, and the ground was slippery. Younes stepped carefully while Pilar ran ahead, turning back every few steps to make sure Younes was safe. When they reached the orchard, the sky had grown darker and mistier. Younes began his work—moving planks, tying ropes, and securing the structure with great care.

Hours passed, and the snow began falling again. Kazem called Younes several times to rest and eat a small meal, but Younes wanted to finish the task as soon as possible. At last, near sunset, the new bridge was complete. The old man happily paid him and said, “Bless you, my boy. Without you, I couldn’t have crossed this side of the valley even by spring.”

Exhausted and chilled to the bone, Younes decided to return home before darkness fully set in. However, the snowfall grew heavier, and the wind erased the footprints on the ground. Pilar stamped his paws anxiously, his tail lowered—something Younes knew was a sign of danger.

Halfway back, the sudden roar of something sliding down the mountainside echoed through the air. Younes froze in terror. A moment later, a massive wave of snow rushed down the slope.

“Avalanche!” he shouted and started running, but the ground slipped beneath his feet. In seconds, he was swallowed by a world of blinding white.

When he opened his eyes again, he had no idea how much time had passed. He was trapped beneath the heavy darkness of snow. Breathing was difficult, and his chest ached. Suddenly, he heard Pilar barking above him—the dog was desperately digging to reach him. Younes groaned, and Pilar barked louder, as if calling for him to hold on.

With relentless effort, Pilar clawed through the snow, creating a narrow opening. Younes managed to push his hand through. As soon as Pilar saw it, he grabbed Younes’s clothing with determination and pulled until the young man was freed from the icy trap. Younes’s body trembled uncontrollably, and he could barely stand. But Pilar refused to let him give up; he nudged him with his nose and barked continuously, urging him to move.

Through the storm, Pilar guided Younes step by step toward the village—running ahead and returning repeatedly to ensure Younes was still behind him. The dim lights of the village houses flickered in the distance, filling Younes with fragile hope.

When they finally arrived, the villagers were astonished by Younes’s condition and Pilar’s bravery. Several people helped carry him home, warmed his body, and brought him hot soup. The village doctor said that if Pilar had arrived only a few minutes later, Younes might not have survived the deadly cold.

From that night onward, all the villagers regarded Pilar as a hero. But Younes always said,

“Pilar is not just a dog… he is my brother.”

And so, the bond between the poor young man and his loyal dog became stronger than ever—a bond that neither snow, nor cold, nor any hardship could ever break.