One bright morning, a fluffy, well-fed dog named Buster was taking a stroll near the edge of the woods. He had a shiny coat and a happy wag in his tail. Suddenly, a thin, hungry-looking wolf stepped out from behind a tree. The wolf, whose name was Wiley, looked at Buster with wide eyes.

"My goodness!" said Buster, puffing out his chest a little. "You look like you haven't eaten in days, friend."

Wiley sighed. "Days? Try weeks! It's tough finding food out here."

Buster wagged his tail even more. "Well, why don't you come live with me? My life is wonderful! My master feeds me delicious scraps from his table every day. I have a warm, soft bed by the fireplace, and he gives me lots of pats and cuddles."

Wiley's ears perked up. "Really? No more chasing rabbits through the snow? No more cold nights?"

"Exactly!" Buster said proudly. "It's the best life. Come on, I'll show you."

Wiley was very tempted. A warm bed and regular meals sounded like a dream. He started to follow Buster towards the house. As they walked, Wiley noticed something. "Hey, Buster," he said, "what's that bare patch of fur around your neck? It looks a bit rubbed."

Buster chuckled. "Oh, that? That's just where my collar goes. My master puts me on a chain sometimes, you know, to keep me safe in the yard or when we go for walks."

Wiley stopped dead in his tracks. "A chain? You mean... you're tied up?"

"Well, yes, sometimes," Buster admitted. "But it's not so bad! I still get all the good food and the warm bed."

Wiley looked at Buster, then at the wide, open woods behind him. He thought about running wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted. He thought about chasing squirrels just for fun, even if he didn't catch them.

"Hmm," Wiley said slowly, shaking his head. "Delicious scraps and a warm bed sound very nice, Buster. But being tied up, even sometimes? Not being able to run free?" He took a step back towards the trees. "No, thank you. I think I'd rather be a little hungry and free, than full and on a chain."

And with a flick of his tail, Wiley the wolf turned and trotted back into the deep, wild woods, leaving Buster to enjoy his dinner, perhaps with a little something new to think about.

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