A House-Dog, whose kennel was in a farmyard, used to have his mess of
food brought to him daily in a tin can, and placed before his abode. No
sooner had the cook disappeared, than the poultry were in the habit of
collecting round and abstracting the contents of the can. The dog--a
good-natured animal--bore their pilfering for some time without
complaining; but at length, as they carried off more than he considered
fair, he warned them away, by growling and exhibiting his teeth.
Notwithstanding this they again returned to the can, when the dog,
instead of seizing some of his persecutors, lifted the can in his mouth,
and conveyed it within his kennel, where he finished his meal in peace,
while the cocks and hens stood watching without, afraid to enter.
Depend on it, you will often find the means of avoiding annoyances much
after the method pursued by that sensible house-dog, without retaliating
on those who annoy you. If you cannot otherwise pacify them, remove the
cause of dispute out of sight.