Throwback: The Greedy Dog

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode Summary: "Throwback: The Greedy Dog"
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Performed by: Amanda Weldon
Original Story by: Daniel Hines

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Introduction

In the "Throwback: The Greedy Dog" episode of Stories Podcast, host Amanda Weldon brings to life an engaging tale that explores themes of greed, friendship, and the value of sharing. This classic story, originally penned by Daniel Hines, captivates young listeners with its relatable characters and moral lessons, making it an enduring favorite in the podcast's archive.

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Story Overview

The narrative follows Bailey, a greedy old dog who owns a daily supply of meaty bones from his butcher owner. Bailey's obsession with his bones leads him to be solitary and unkind, causing friction with other animals in his town. However, a series of encounters with a hungry cat, a raccoon, and a playful duck challenge Bailey's greedy nature and ultimately teach him the importance of sharing and friendship.

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Key Characters

• Bailey the Dog: The protagonist, characterized by his greed and reluctance to share his bones.
• The Cat: A tatty orange cat who initially seeks to share Bailey's bone.
• The Raccoon: A tubby raccoon with clever paws, inadvertently insulted by Bailey.
• The Duck: A chubby duck who interacts with Bailey in an attempt to help retrieve the lost bone.

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Plot Details

1. Bailey's Greedy Lifestyle ([02:56] - [05:59])

   • Bailey lives a fat and lazy life, consuming his daily bone without sharing.
   • Notable Quote:
     Bailey: “This is my bone and I don't share.” ([05:10])

2. Encounter with the Cat ([05:01] - [11:00])

   • A hungry cat confronts Bailey, requesting a share of his bone.
   • Bailey refuses, leading to a hasty departure to enjoy his bone in peace.
   • Notable Quote:
     Cat: “Oh, surely you could spare just a bit.” ([05:30])

3. Interruption by the Raccoon ([07:05] - [08:16])

   • A raccoon emerges from a garbage can, seeking a share of Bailey's bone.
   • Bailey dismissively calls the raccoon a "trash panda," further isolating himself.
   • Notable Quote:
     Bailey: “Trash panda? Good sir, I'm sure you know that is a mortal insult to my kind.” ([07:53])

4. The Lost Bone and the Duck's Offer ([08:46] - [12:11])

   • While attempting to enjoy his bone at a pond, Bailey accidentally loses it after reacting to his reflection.
   • A duck offers to help retrieve the bone in exchange for a share, but Bailey remains stubborn.
   • Notable Quote:
     Duck: “Here I go. Oh, oh, wait a minute. I asked you to share and you said no, and now you want my help?” ([12:03])

5. Realization and Apology ([13:14] - [17:45])

   • Faced with the consequences of his greed, Bailey seeks help from the raccoon and the cat.
   • He apologizes sincerely for his past behavior, expressing a desire to change.
   • Notable Quote:
     Bailey: “I was greedy and it cost me. I had to learn the hard way that driving everyone away means you don't have to share. But it also means you're all alone.” ([17:00])

6. Collaboration and Redemption ([18:14] - [19:05])

   • The cat forgives Bailey, and together with the duck and raccoon, they devise a plan to retrieve the lost bone.
   • Using teamwork and each other's unique skills, they successfully recover the bone.
   • Notable Quote:
     Bailey: “If you help me get the bone, I'll share it with you.” ([14:48])

7. Conclusion and Moral ([19:05] - End)

   • Bailey transforms from a greedy dog to a generous friend, sharing his bones and enjoying picnics with his new friends.
   • The story concludes with Bailey embracing friendship and the joys of sharing.
   • Notable Quote:
     Amanda Weldon (narrating): “From that day forward, the greedy old dog was no longer greedy.” ([19:26])

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Themes and Lessons

• Greed vs. Generosity: Bailey's journey from selfishness to sharing highlights the negative impact of greed and the positive outcomes of generosity.
• Friendship and Cooperation: The collaborative efforts of Bailey, the cat, the raccoon, and the duck demonstrate the strength found in working together.
• Self-Reflection and Change: Bailey's ability to recognize his flaws and seek forgiveness underscores the importance of self-awareness and personal growth.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Bailey’s Initial Stance on Sharing:
   Bailey: “This is my bone and I don't share.” ([05:10])

2. The Cat’s Plea for Sharing:
   Cat: “Oh, surely you could spare just a bit.” ([05:30])

3. Bailey’s Rebuke to the Raccoon:
   Bailey: “Trash panda? Good sir, I'm sure you know that is a mortal insult to my kind.” ([07:53])

4. The Duck’s Frustration:
   Duck: “Oh, oh, wait a minute. I asked you to share and you said no, and now you want my help?” ([12:03])

5. Bailey’s Moment of Realization:
   Bailey: “I was greedy and it cost me. I had to learn the hard way that driving everyone away means you don't have to share. But it also means you're all alone.” ([17:00])

6. Commitment to Change:
   Bailey: “If you help me get the bone, I'll share it with you.” ([14:48])

7. Transformation and Friendship:
   Amanda Weldon (narrating): “From that day forward, the greedy old dog was no longer greedy.” ([19:26])

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Conclusion

"Throwback: The Greedy Dog" serves as a heartwarming tale that imparts valuable life lessons to children about the importance of sharing, the joy of friendship, and the significance of personal growth. Through Bailey's transformation, young listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own behaviors and embrace generosity, fostering positive social interactions and harmonious relationships.

For families seeking engaging and morally instructive stories, this episode remains a quintessential addition to the Stories Podcast collection, ensuring bedtime is not only entertaining but also enlightening.

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Supporting the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a five-star review on iTunes, visiting storiespodcast.com/shop for exclusive merchandise, or following Stories Podcast on Instagram. Your support helps us continue to deliver captivating stories for imaginative families everywhere.

Transcript

[Bailey]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors. If you're a parent and you want to be doing everything you can to set your child up for success in school, then IXL is right for you. IXL is an online learning program for kids that covers math, language arts, science and social studies and offers interactive practice problems for every topic from Pre K to 12th grade. Every topic is organized by grade and subject, or you can navigate by textbook. IXL has skill plans for specific textbooks so your child can get extra help for the exact unit they're covering in class. How cool. And the research is clear. From California to Kansas to Hawaii, the kids who are using IXL are consistently scoring higher on tests and doing better in school. You can get these results for your family, too. Don't let your child struggle when they don't have to. Let IXL help them master all the subjects and build a strong academic foundation. Memberships start at only $9.95 a month, way less than just a single hour of tutoring make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now. Stories podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com dragon Visit ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[Abby]

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[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks Enjoy the episode the Greedy Dog Once upon a time, there was a greedy old dog named Bailey. Every bite of food, every scrap of snack, every bit of bone he got, he guarded jealously. He'd bark if they looked, growl if they came near, and bite if the barking and growling didn't work. He lived in a busy town and his owner was a butcher, so he never lacked for good chunky bones to chew. Every morning he got a fresh one and he'd spend his day eating the meat and marrow until the sun set behind the trees. You'd think with such easy access to bones, Bailey would be generous, but unfortunately it was actually exactly the opposite. The greedy old dog never shared, not even once. He would take the day's bone from his master along with a few head scratches, and then go into the alley behind the shop and chew, chew, chew. It was a fat and lazy life, which suited the old dog just fine. Until it didn't. It was a day like any other. Bailey had gotten his beef bone from the butcher and brought it out back to eat. However, he only got a few chomps in before a stray cat happened by. She was tatty and orange with wild whiskers and zigzaggy white stripes. She had a ball of yarn in one paw that she was carelessly batting back and forth. Bailey immediately started to bark, but the cat jumped up on top of a chain link fence where she was well out of the dog's reach and knew it. Hello, dog, she purred. Easy with all that barking, Mr. Tough Guy. She prowled closer, one shaggy paw at a time, yarnball stringing behind her. Tell me, what is it that you have there?

[Bailey]

You better keep on walking, sister, bailey.

[Amanda Weldon]

Growled, cradling the meaty bone protectively between his paws.

[Bailey]

This is my bone and I don't share.

[Amanda Weldon]

The cat crept closer, walking gracefully along the metal tube that topped the fence. She sniffed the beefy bone on the air and her wild whiskers twitched and bounced. Hmm, suppose instead it was ours, she said, licking her lips. Her tail swayed and curled behind her like a fuzzy orange pendulum keeping a hungry time. I've seen you out here with bones before. Surely you could share a little.

[Bailey]

No, Never. Not ever.

[Amanda Weldon]

Bailey growled.

[Bailey]

It's my bone and I need it all. Go chew your yarn.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, surely you could spare just a bit, she said. It's been a few days since I've had a good meal she arched her back, and sure enough, under all that tatty orange fur, she did look rather skinny. That didn't overly worry Bailey, though. As far as he was concerned, that was her problem. His problem was finding a place to enjoy his treat without being bothered. With a final withering bark, Bailey picked up the bone and marched out of the alley. He marched down the street, and he marched through a parking lot and finally found a quiet place in a vacant lot surrounded by plywood fencing. The grass was long and soft and full of bugs, but that suited Bailey just fine.

[Bailey]

Finally, I can eat my bone in.

[Amanda Weldon]

Peace, he said, and began to gnaw. There were a few good minutes of.

[Bailey]

Gnawing, just some real good quality gnaws.

[Amanda Weldon]

But before too long, the greedy old dog found himself interrupted again.

[Bailey]

Why, my stars and garters, is that an old bone I smell, my fine sir?

[Amanda Weldon]

Came a voice from a nearby garbage can. Bailey started barking until a tubby raccoon hopped out of the can and scampered up onto a nearby dumpster. His body was all heavy rolls and bright, eager eyes.

[Bailey]

Now, now, now, my good man, he said. No need for all the commotion. I was merely inquiring as to whether you'd be interested in sharing that big meaty bone with a fellow. Enthusiastic? It's my boat and I don't share, bailey growled. Now you keep on moving, you chunky trash panda.

[Amanda Weldon]

The raccoon put a finely fingered hand to his chest.

[Bailey]

Trash panda? Good sir, I'm sure you know that is a mortal insult to my kind. Surely you must have misspoken. Surely you have garbage in your ears.

[Amanda Weldon]

The greedy dog woofed.

[Bailey]

I said what I said. And you're lucky I can't climb up that dumpster or I'd give you a chomp.

[Amanda Weldon]

Bailey stood, taking the bone in his mouth and stalking away. Why would no one leave him alone? All he wanted to do was chew his beef bone in peace. Apparently that was too much to ask, for, though he marched out of the vacant lot and marched through a pleasant park. He marched right up to a quiet little pond, where he finally found a peaceful spot by the water.

[Bailey]

No more interruptions, he said. It's time to eat.

[Amanda Weldon]

He began to chew happily, gnawing the bone with abandon. But before too long, the greedy old dog found himself interrupted once again. Wow, what a treat. Came a plucky voice. Usually we only get stale bread around here. Too exasperated to even bark, Bailey turned to look at his latest interruption. It was a chubby duck floating on the water nearby. She had a playful smile on her beak and a feather that stood straight up at the back of her head, making her look just a little silly.

[Bailey]

This isn't a treat for you, bailey growled. It's my bone, and I don't share.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, are you sure? The duck said, her feathers fluffing. I could trade you some stale bread. Or some stale bread. And if I look around, I bet I could even find some stale bread. Bailey just looked at her, eyes narrowed. Not into stale bread, the duck said. That's okay. Let me think. I might have something else. Oh, oh. What about some stale bread? Bailey sighed. This place wasn't going to work either. He thought briefly about splashing into the water to chase the duck, but he'd never been much of a swimmer, and it just didn't seem worth the effort. Instead, he picked up his bone and marched away, further into the little park. He didn't make it far this time. As he was crossing a footbridge over the pond, he caught sight of another dog. It came out of nowhere, big and shaggy. It was all of a sudden right in front of him. Of course, it must be after his bone. Enough was enough. So then the greedy old dog did what he did best. He barked. Unfortunately, the other dog wasn't a dog at all, but Bailey's own reflection in the water. And when Bailey barked, he forgot he was holding his bone.

[Bailey]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

[Amanda Weldon]

He cried. But it was too late. The bone fell, bounced off the edge of the footbridge and splashed into the water. Bailey fell to his belly and pawed at the pond. But it was no good. The water was too deep. He couldn't reach. Not even when he stretched as far as he could. Aw, have a little accident. I've had accidents before. One time, when I was just a duckling, I wet the pond. Ooo. Don't tell anyone, though. Bailey groaned. That annoying duck was back. The duck. Your secret is safe with me, he said, watching her float across the peaceful pond. Say, do you think you could dive.

[Bailey]

Down and grab that bone for me?

[Amanda Weldon]

Sure. I dive for stale bread all the time. Here I go. Oh, oh, wait a minute. I asked you to share and you said no, and now you want my help? I'm just. I'm confused.

[Bailey]

Yes, that is what happened. Now go get my bone.

[Amanda Weldon]

And will you share if I do?

[Bailey]

No, of course not.

[Amanda Weldon]

Bailey said, offended she would even ask. Well, then, why should I help you? That question took Bailey by surprise. He thought about it for a minute, and then a minute more. Finally, he decided the duck wasn't really all that Big, and he could probably share a little.

[Bailey]

Okay, fine, he said. If you help me get the bone, I'll share it with you.

[Amanda Weldon]

The duck flapped happily. Oh, great. That sounds even better than stale bread. Here I go. She dove under the water and then came up again a minute later. Without the bone.

[Bailey]

Where is it?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, it's too heavy, she said. I can't lift it with my beak. If only I had clever hands like the humans, you know. Oh. Bailey whined and laid his head on his paws. He thought for a moment and then realized he knew someone with clever hands. Wait here, he said.

[Bailey]

I'll be right back.

[Amanda Weldon]

Okay, I'll wait here. I'll be right back. I'm a dog. Woof, woof, woof. The duck said happily. Bailey wasn't sure that she got it, but he didn't want to waste any time. He ran back to the vacant lot and found the raccoon digging through the dumpster.

[Bailey]

Hey there, raccoon, bailey called. I don't suppose you'd come and help me with those clever paws.

[Amanda Weldon]

The raccoon popped out of the dumpster. A banana peel stuck to his forehead.

[Bailey]

Oh, now, now, it's raccoon, he said. What happened to trash panda?

[Amanda Weldon]

The old dog blushed. He had been hoping the raccoon had forgotten about that. Why had he been so rude? What was he thinking? But he knew what he'd been thinking. He hadn't wanted to share, not a bit, not a bite. And now he was getting what he deserved. He just hoped it wasn't too late to make amends.

[Bailey]

I'm. I'm sorry, Bailey said. I shouldn't have called you that. I was greedy and I was rude. The truth is, I lost my bone in the pond and I need help getting it out. Oh, so you come crawling back to.

[Amanda Weldon]

Me, Said the raccoon, lacing his clever hands over his tubby belly.

[Bailey]

Well, old timer, I don't see why I should bother myself with your affairs now. If you help me, I'll share the bone, Bailey said. You can split it with me and the duck.

[Amanda Weldon]

He quickly told the story of the duck and the water and the beak that couldn't quite lift the bone. As he told it, he found himself laughing a little. The duck had a certain charm, and he thought maybe he wouldn't mind sharing quite so much as he thought.

[Bailey]

Ah, a morose tail indeed, my good.

[Amanda Weldon]

Man, said the raccoon.

[Bailey]

I'd love to help, but I'm not much of a swimmer myself.

[Amanda Weldon]

Bailey felt his heart sink. But then the raccoon stood tall, holding up a finger. But. But.

[Bailey]

But I think I could still help with my clever paws. I can tie a loop, and the duck can dive down and wrap it around the bone, and then you can pull it out of the water. That's actually brilliant.

[Amanda Weldon]

Bailey said, impressed.

[Bailey]

Oh, but I don't have any string. Do you? Ah, no, I'm afraid not, my good sir.

[Amanda Weldon]

The raccoon said sadly.

[Bailey]

I guess the bone is lost to us forever. Well, said the dog, maybe not.

[Amanda Weldon]

Meet me at the pond.

[Bailey]

I think I know where to get some string.

[Amanda Weldon]

The raccoon padded off to the pond, and the dog went back to the alley behind the butcher shop.

[Bailey]

Hello?

[Amanda Weldon]

He called when he arrived. Cat?

[Bailey]

Are you still here?

[Amanda Weldon]

Silent as a shadow, the tatty orange cat appeared on top of a nearby awning. She watched him suspiciously batting the ball of yarn back and forth between her paws. What is it? Are you trying to tease me with your bones some more? She purred. Listen, Bailey said, finding that apologizing wasn't so hard once you got into the rhythm of it.

[Bailey]

I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. I was greedy. I was so, so greedy. The truth is, I've had a tough afternoon. I lost my bone in the pond, but then I made friends with a duck who loves stale bread, and I think with a raccoon, too, even though I called him a trash panda.

[Amanda Weldon]

Um.

[Bailey]

We have a plan, but we need your help.

[Amanda Weldon]

He explained about the duck and the raccoon and the pond and the string and. Why should I help you? The cat asked, flexing her claws. Just because you apologized?

[Bailey]

Because you can share the bone with.

[Amanda Weldon]

Us, Bailey said, and then he went on. Inspired my aunt.

[Bailey]

Not just this bone. I get a new bone every day, and I'm going to start sharing with all my friends.

[Amanda Weldon]

You. You want to be my friend?

[Bailey]

I was greedy and it cost me. He said I had to learn the hard way that driving everyone away means you don't have to share. But it also means you're all alone. I don't want that. I'm sorry. If you can forgive me, I'd like.

[Amanda Weldon]

To be your friend. Even if I don't let you use my string. Bailey thought for a moment. Did he just want to be friends for the string? With a surprise, he realized that no, he wanted to be friends for more than that. Running around, making a plan and talking to these other animals, weird as they might be, was the most fun he'd had in years.

[Bailey]

I don't deserve the string, so I understand if you don't want to share it. Either way, I'd still like to be your friend and I'll have a new bone to share tomorrow.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, in that case, said the cat, leaping off the awning with the ball of yarn, let's go get that bone. Bailey barked again, but this time in excitement. They ran back to the pond and found the raccoon and the duck waiting for them. Oh, it's our friend the dog and the cat. Hi cat, said the duck. We are waiting for some string to get the bone, but I have some stale bread. Would you like some stale bread? If you don't, I also have stale bread.

[Bailey]

It's positively scrumptious, said the raccoon, chewing.

[Amanda Weldon]

On a crust, but not near as.

[Bailey]

Tasty as the bone will be. And I see you've brought the string.

[Amanda Weldon]

Do you mind, my fair lady? Not at all, the cat said, rolling the string over to the raccoon. I like them, she said to the dog.

[Bailey]

I like them too, bailey said with a smile.

[Amanda Weldon]

Soon the raccoon used his clever paws to tie the string into a loop. The duck took it, dove under the water and put it around the bone with her beak. Then the dog grabbed the string ball in his mouth and gave a mighty tug. The bone shot into the air like a glistening fish and rolled onto the pond's dirty shore. Hooray. They all cheered, and then together they ate. And from that day forward, the greedy old dog was no longer greedy. Every morning he'd take his bone from the butcher and meet the cat in the alley. Together, they'd pick up the raccoon and head to the duck's pond where they'd have a picnic to share their food and their friendship. The End Today's Story the Greedy Dog was an original story written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show on Stories rpg. We play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname, friends and Gigacity Guardians featuring the brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com storiesrpg to get ad free episodes. Play along games and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there, so check them out now. Thanks for listening.