Before this story, people in Asia believed elephants and dogs could never be friends. Elephants disliked dogs, and dogs feared them. When frightened by larger creatures, dogs often bark loudly. This barking annoyed elephants, who would then chase them. Elephants had no patience for dogs; even a quiet dog might be attacked. Thus, they were considered 'natural enemies'.
Once, a well-cared-for royal bull elephant lived in a shed. Nearby roamed a scrawny, underfed stray dog. Lured by the smell of the rich sweet rice fed to the elephant, the dog began sneaking into the shed to eat the scraps that fell. He grew so fond of the food that he ate nowhere else. The mighty elephant, engrossed in his meal, didn't notice the shy dog.
Eating this nutritious food, the once-malnourished dog grew bigger, stronger, and handsome. The good-natured elephant began to notice him. Having lost his fear, the dog didn't bark. Unannoyed, the elephant gradually grew accustomed to his presence.
They became friendlier. Soon, they refused to eat without each other and enjoyed each other's company. They played together, with the dog grabbing the elephant's trunk and the elephant swinging him joyfully. They became inseparable best friends.
One day, a villager visiting the city saw the now frisky, beautiful dog. He bought it from the mahout (elephant keeper) and took it to his remote village.
The royal elephant was heartbroken. He missed his friend so much that he refused to eat, drink, or bathe. The mahout reported this to the king, omitting the sale.
The king had a wise minister known for understanding animals. He sent him to investigate.
The minister saw the elephant's profound sadness. He deduced, "This elephant is not sick but grief-stricken, likely from losing a dear friend." He asked the guards and attendants, who revealed the close friendship with the stray dog and its mysterious disappearance.
The minister reported to the king: "Your majesty, your elephant is healthy but sad. He befriended a stray dog, and since the dog was taken, he is in mourning."
The king valued friendship and asked how to restore his elephant's happiness. The minister suggested an official announcement: anyone found with the dog from the royal elephant shed would be fined.
Upon hearing this, the villager released the dog. Overjoyed, the dog raced back to his friend. The elephant lifted him onto his head with his trunk. The dog wagged his tail furiously, and the elephant's eyes sparkled with delight. They lived happily ever after.
The king, pleased with his elephant's recovery and amazed by his minister's insight, rewarded him appropriately.
The moral is: Even 'natural enemies' can become 'best friends'.