I was surfing the web and found this story. It comes from Mayan mythology. I posted it mainly because I love the last line. I thought some of you may appreciate it.

Kakasbal and the dog

Once upon a time there was a man who was so poor he was always in a bad mood, and never passed up a chance to mistreat his old dog. Kakasbal [spirit of evil], who is everywhere, saw that he could benefit by playing on the dog's anger. And with this in mind he approached the dog.

-Oh you poor thing; why so sad? Tell me what is the matter.

-How can I not be sad when my master beats me all the time.

-I know that he is an ornery man; why don't you leave him?

-He is my master and I am loyal; I wouldn't leave him for anything.

-But your master is incapable of appreciating your loyalty.

-That does not matter, he is my master; I will remain loyal.

But Kakasbal wouldn't let up; he harassed the dog until, just to get rid of him the dog finally said:

-OK. You have convinced me. Tell me what I should do.

-Give me your soul.

-And what will you give me in return?

-Anything you ask me for.

-I want a bone for every hair on my body.

-I agree.

With that, Kakasbal began to count the animal's hair. But just as he was finishing, having reached the tail, the dog thought of the loyalty due his master and gave a start, causing Kakasbal to lose his place.

-Why did you move? I lost my count.

-It's these darn fleas that plague me night and day. Just start again.

A hundred times Kakasbal began his count and a hundred times he lost it when the dog jumped.

-I give up. I will count no more. You have deceived me, but in so doing taught me an important lesson. It is harder to buy the soul of a dog than it is to buy the soul of a man.