Panchatantra — The Brahmin and the Mongoose
A Brahmin couple adopts a pet mongoose, raising it as their own child alongside their newborn son. One day, the wife goes to fetch water, leaving the baby with the husband, who also leaves to beg for alms. While they are away, a deadly snake slithers toward the cradle. The loyal mongoose attacks and kills the snake, saving the baby's life. When the wife returns, she sees blood on the mongoose's mouth and, in a panic, kills it with a pot, only to discover the dead snake and realize the mongoose had protected her child. The story warns against acting without thinking.