As told by Hamid Ullah (44 years)
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Cox’s Bazaar Bangladesh
***
Once upon a time, there was a family who lived in a hilly region. They lived in constant fear of being attacked by wild animals.
For their protection, the family found a dog to keep as a pet and guard for their home. They called the dog “Kuñir”. Indeed, Kuñir used to bark loudly whenever strangers came to their home and when there were unknown sounds at night. With Kuñir, the family felt so safe.
Kuñir lived for many years with the family, and the family was very fond of him and the happy, peaceful life that they had. In general, the dog was also very happy and content. But the only thing Kuñir disliked was that every day, depending on the mood of his master, he would be beaten.
One day, another dog came to him from a different village. They talked each other about their situations and daily lives, and the second dog became very jealous in learning about Kuñir’s luxurious life. The second dog wanted desperately to take Kuñir away from his life and replace him as the family dog.
Several days later, the second dog came again to Kuñir.
“You must see this other village!” the second dog said.
“They are very fond of their pets! They never beat them, and offer them very delicious food.”
The second dog said that he and Kuñir would find a good home to stay where they would be happy and safe.
Even though he was mostly happy, Kuñir was tired of the beatings every day. He and the second dog decided to flee. After he left, Kuñir’s was so sad that he had left and only wanted to see his dear dog once again.
When Kuñir arrived in the village, he was first offered wonderful food. But slowly, the beatings increased, become worse than before. Before he was only beaten once per day; now it was twice, or more! Again, he decided that he must escape.
One day he heard of another village where pets were treated much better. That night he escaped, traveling to the village to find a new master and a new home.
When he arrived, Kuñir was warmly welcomed.
“I’ve been searching for a loyal dog like you,” said the master.
Although at first he was happy, Kuñir was beaten more severely than ever before, sometimes many times in a day.
Finally, after some time, Kuñir decided to return to the family that had put him through so many tragedies and difficulties. He traveled for several days to return to them.
When he arrived back home, his master was filled with joy. He knew that Kuñir had left because of the unbearable beatings, and decided to take pity on him and not beat him any more.
That night, Kuñir laid down to go to sleep, saying to himself “Old is gold, old is gold again and again”.