66 Storytime: A Helping Hoof

True friends are there for each other through thick and thin!

A tale that proves sometimes a friend in need is a friend indeed!

Once upon a time, although winter had barely started, the animals in the forest felt that it had been winter for months. It had been bitterly cold with lots of snow. Many of the forest animals had trouble moving around and finding food.

When Dawna Deer came across Michael Badger mired down in the snow, she smiled. This was one silly animal.

“What are you doing outside this time of year?” she asked. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping? This snow is far too deep for your short little legs.”

Michael struggled to free himself. His frantic movements caused him to sink even deeper into the snow. He replied, “I thought that this early in the winter, there’d be less snow. I was wrong. Now I can’t move. I can’t find my home. I’ll never get free. I’ll be stuck here forever. I’ll be lost!” “Don’t give up,” Dawna said, “I can help you.” Using her strong front hooves, she kicked the snow away from Michael until it was low enough for him to stand upright.

As soon as he started to move though, he fell headfirst into the fluffy snow. He pulled his face free and laid there, panting and mumbling that he’d never get out.

“Okay,” Dawna said. “I’ll help you again. But this time you must promise to keep out of the deeper snow. Go only where there is less snow. Until it melts.”

“That could be a long time,” Michael said. “You know how long winter can be. I won’t have any shelter. If the snow is too deep, I’ll be stuck in one spot forever. How will I find food? If I’m in the open, I’ll be cold. I’ll freeze.” Dawna laughed, “Poor you,” she said. In a more serious voice, she asked, “I suppose you’d like me to stay beside you and free you every time you get stuck. Wouldn’t we make a cute pair? A deer and a badger. What will everyone think?”

Michael smiled and said, “They’ll think we’re friends.” ■