The $10 Dog vs. The $100 Dog

Once upon a time, in a small and peaceful town, there was going to be a big dog show. Every year, people from many places came to join. They brought their dogs, hoping to win a prize. Some dogs were very expensive and looked like kings and queens. Other dogs were simple and came from small homes. But every dog had a story.

In this town lived a boy named Sam. Sam was ten years old. He lived with his mother and father in a small house. Sam’s family did not have much money, but they had big hearts. Sam loved animals, especially dogs. He dreamed of having a dog to be his friend.

One sunny morning, Sam was walking near the market. He saw a small brown puppy hiding under a fruit cart. The puppy was thin, his fur was dirty, and his eyes looked sad. Sam knelt down and whispered, “Hey, little one. Are you lost?”

The puppy wagged his tail but did not move. Sam took out a piece of bread from his pocket and offered it. The puppy came closer and ate the bread in small bites. Sam picked him up gently.

“Don’t worry,” said Sam. “I’ll take care of you.”

Sam brought the puppy home. His parents were surprised. His mother said, “Oh dear, we can’t afford another mouth to feed.”

But Sam said, “I will work and earn money for his food.”

So Sam cleaned shops, carried bags for neighbors, and swept yards. Every evening, he saved a few coins in a glass jar. After some weeks, he had ten dollars.

One day, a traveling dog doctor came to town. Sam took the puppy to the doctor. The doctor cleaned the puppy’s ears, checked his teeth, and gave him medicine. “Your dog is healthy now,” the doctor said. “Good job taking care of him.”

Sam named his puppy Lucky. People started calling him the “ten-dollar dog” because Sam had spent ten dollars on his care.

Meanwhile, in a big white house across town, lived another boy named Ryan. Ryan’s parents were rich. For his birthday, they gave him a beautiful white dog. The dog had fluffy fur, shiny eyes, and a golden collar. Ryan named him Prince.

Prince cost one hundred dollars. Everyone in town said, “Look at that hundred-dollar dog! He’s so beautiful and fancy.”

Ryan liked Prince very much. But he didn’t spend much time training him. He thought Prince would be perfect just because he was expensive.

When the dog show day arrived, the whole town gathered in the park. There were banners, music, and the smell of popcorn and candy. Children ran around laughing. People brought dogs of all shapes and sizes: tiny dogs in little sweaters, big dogs with shiny coats, and even funny dogs who wore hats and sunglasses.

Sam arrived with Lucky. Lucky looked clean, with bright eyes and a wagging tail. He was not fancy, but he was happy.

Ryan arrived with Prince. Prince looked like a snow-white cloud. People said, “Wow!” when they saw him.

Soon the judges called Prince. Ryan led him into the ring. Prince walked tall. But when the judge said, “Sit!” — Prince stood still and stared at the judge.

“Roll over!” said the judge. But Prince only blinked and sniffed the grass. People chuckled. Ryan felt his cheeks turn red.

Then it was Lucky’s turn. Sam stood beside him and whispered, “We practiced this. You can do it!”

The judge said, “Sit!” — Lucky sat right away.

“Roll over!” — Lucky rolled over twice.

“Fetch the ball!” — Lucky dashed across the ring, grabbed the ball, and brought it back to Sam.

People clapped loudly. Some people even whistled and cheered. The judge smiled and said, “This dog listens very well. He is friendly, clever, and loves his owner.”

Lucky won the blue ribbon for “Best Dog.” Sam’s eyes shone with happiness. Ryan watched quietly. He felt sad because he thought Prince would win just because he cost more money.

Sam walked to Ryan and said kindly, “Your dog is very beautiful, Ryan. He just needs a bit of training. Dogs love learning. If you spend time with Prince, he’ll learn too.”

Ryan looked surprised. Then he smiled. “Thanks, Sam. I’d like to train Prince. Maybe you can help me?”

Sam nodded. “Of course! We can practice together.”

From that day, Sam and Ryan became good friends. Every evening, they met in the park. Sam taught Ryan how to teach Prince simple tricks. Prince started learning how to sit, stay, and fetch. Sometimes he still got distracted by butterflies, but he improved day by day.

People in town began saying, “Look how Prince and Lucky play together. The hundred-dollar dog and the ten-dollar dog are best friends.”

Sam and Ryan learned something important. A dog’s true value is not in its price. It is in love, patience, and time. And sometimes, the dog who costs the least brings the most happiness.

And in that small town, everyone remembered the day the ten-dollar dog became a hero, and the hundred-dollar dog learned that love and training make a dog truly special.