One day, a dog named Sharik was running along a tall fence that surrounded the zoo. Suddenly, he noticed a small kitten in front of him. It was sitting under the fence and crying softly. Ever since he was a puppy, Sharik had chased little kittens. He would bite their tails or chase them up trees. And every time he met these unremarkable, fluffy little bundles, he proudly remembered his achievements.
Sharik passes by the sobbing kitten and wonders whether he should grab the fluffy one by the tail?! After all, he's so small that he wouldn't even blink. And for Sharik, the main thing is the chase! After all, he only gets pleasure from chasing poor little kittens through the yards. Sharik is a hunting dog, and the talent of a hunter and provider comes to him from his brave and formidable ancestors.
And so Sharik decided to walk past. But then he suddenly heard the kitten crying bitterly.
Well, I just can't stand cat tears!
The dog thought to himself.
They become so pitiful when they cry, so defenseless!
And then Sharik decided to find out what had happened to the kitten. Why had he huddled in a corner and was crying so bitterly?
Hey there, little one! What's your name?
Sharik asked the kitten.
My name is Zabiyaka!
The kitten purred softly.
What are you doing sitting here and crying? What happened to you?
The dog asked curiously.
I got lost and don't know how to get home,
The kitten answered.
So what if you got lost! We'll find your mom in no time, just stop crying. Otherwise I'll start crying too! Tell me, where do you live with your mom?
The dog asked.
We live in the zoo. I just decided to go for a walk for a minute and got lost right away,
Zabiyaka answered sadly.
Well, you see, it's not so bad. We already know where you live. So, shall we go look for your mommy?
Sharik suggested.
Zabiyaka nodded and wiped away his tears. And so Sharik and the kitten set off to search. Making their way through the bushes, they finally reached the large gates of the zoo.
How can your mom look? There are so many animals here that it will be difficult to guess which one is your mom,
Sharik began to reason.
After thinking for a few minutes, the dog decided to follow the arrow that said "Felines."
And so the dog and kitten approached the first cage, from which a Lynx looked at them with a piercing gaze.
Is this by chance your mommy?
Sharik asked.
No, what are you talking about! This one has tufts on each ear, but my mom doesn't have those,
Zabiyaka became upset.
Well then, let's keep looking!
Sharik said confidently.
And so a second cage appeared before the kitten and dog. Through the bars, a huge Tiger looked at them.
Look, it seems similar, only much bigger than you,
Sharik exclaimed joyfully.
No, this isn't my mom either. She doesn't have stripes like this huge cat,
Zabiyaka answered.
Well, I guessed wrong again. Okay, let's continue searching!
Sharik didn't lose hope.
A Leopard greeted the friends in the next cage.
Look, Zabiyaka, this one doesn't have stripes. Could this be your mom?
The dog asked hopefully.
No, this one has spots all over its body. My mom definitely doesn't have those,
Zabiyaka cried again.
The same misfortune awaited the dog and kitten when they approached the cage with a Puma. After all, Zabiyaka's mom wasn't here either.
Listen, can you at least describe what your mom looks like?
Sharik asked.
My mom is the most beautiful. She's all black, like the night,
Zabiyaka answered.
Oh, then I know where she is,
The dog exclaimed.
It's a Panther! For sure!
And so the puppy and kitten ran to look for the cage with the sign "Panther."
There it is, it's definitely her, Zabiyaka!
The dog was almost delighted when the right sign was found.
No, it's not her!
The kitten was completely disappointed and started crying, turning his head away from the cage.
And suddenly, out of nowhere, Zabiyaka loudly exclaimed:
There she is, my beloved mommy!
On the neighboring path, a black fluffy cat walked proudly.
So it's just an ordinary cat!
Sharik said in surprise.
It's not an ordinary cat!
Zabiyaka protested.
It's my beloved and the best mom in the world!
Strange, you said you live with her in the zoo. So where is your cage? – the dog wondered.
Yes, that's right. My mom really does live in the zoo. Only not in a cage, but in the director's office.
Then Sharik was even more surprised.
And Zabiyaka meanwhile approached Sharik and licked the dog's cold nose with his warm, wet tongue.
Thank you so much, Sharik! Now you're my best friend! I would have been lost without you!
Zabiyaka purred sincerely.
The kitten jumped up and ran to his mom. Sharik watched him go and thought: "Now that's news! Just yesterday I was chasing kittens all over the city, scaring them and pulling their tails! And today I'm a kitten's best friend! But really, how wonderful that this little eared one found his mom and they're together now. I'll definitely come visit them! After all, we're now true loyal friends!".
