In a forest, there lived a hare. He had many friends who loved him dearly. He had presumed that they would help him in need.

One day, a wild dog spotted him. “The hare will be perfect for my breakfast,” the dog thought. He started running after him. With his long hind legs, the hare leaped ahead as fast as he could.

On his way, he met his friend, the elephant. “Why are you running, my little friend?” asked the elephant. “A dog is coming after me. Please chase him away or he’ll catch me,” the hare replied, panting.

“Sorry dear, my wife is waiting for me near the lake. She’ll be annoyed if I don’t go. Ask the bull. He’ll help you,” saying this, the elephant left for the lake.

The hare ran to the bull’s house. Seeing the hare at his door, he wanted to know what the matter was. “Can you see the dog hiding behind the tree? He has been chasing me for a very long time. Please drive him away!” the hare pleaded.

“Friend, my child is missing since morning. Who knows where he is now? I must find him or the tiger will eat him up,” said the bull and went away looking for his calf.

Now the hare was really worried. He didn’t know where to hide. He began to run again. The dog followed him.

The hare met his other friends on the way. But, all of them refused to help him. Unable to run anymore, the hare crawled into a hole in the soil, which he had suddenly noticed. The hole was too small for the dog to enter. So, he gave up and disappeared into the forest.

Moral: One real friend is better than too many false friends.