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There once was a dog that, because of abuse from a cruel owner, would bark and growl at everyone who came near. It was because of the pain he had felt in his life that made the dog so angry at everyone and everything. At one time in his past, he had been a proud and beautiful creature, strong in body, and friendly in spirit. But the years of mistreatment had changed him into a bitter and frightened animal.
One day, a young boy found the dog, and tried to make friends with him. But the dog didn't trust the boy, or anyone else. The dog would growl at the boy, trying to scare him away. He would snarl and show his teeth, and pull at the chain that bound him as he lunged angrily towards the boy. But the boy would just stand there quietly, talking to the dog. He would always come by to talk to the dog whenever he had the chance.
After awhile, the dog saw that it didn't do any good to bark at the boy. Eventually, the dog got tired of trying to scare the boy, and just watched the boy closely whenever he came around. Soon the dog began to realize that the boy wasn't going to hurt him the same as others had in the past, so he allowed the boy to talk to him. After more time went by, the dog began to expect the boy's visits, and even to look forward to them. He allowed the boy to get closer, and as time passed, to sit near him while he talked. Then one day, the dog allowed the boy to stretch out his hand, and to gently touch him on the head.
The dog became more relaxed, and the boy became bolder, until one day, the boy reached out to the dog and unfastened the chain that had always held him as a prisoner. The dog was nervous, but grateful to the boy for setting him free. The boy slowly got up, and began to walk away, with the dog walking close by his side. The dog had a new feeling of peace with his freedom, and the boy had a great new friend. The dog could still remember, with great fear and sadness, the hand that had once beaten and tied him up. But the dog had also learned a very important lesson...
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