High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The story and metaphor of The Dog in the Manger derives from an old Greek fable which has been transmitted in several different versions. Interpreted variously over the centuries, it is used now of those who spitefully prevent others from having something that they themselves have no use for. Although the story was ascribed to Aesop`s Fables in the 15th century, there is no ancient source that does so.