Mahabharata - It all starts with a Dog's tale

That’s right. The epic story of Mahabharata started with the story of a dog.
The story goes something like this…

“Maharshi Sounkaadi  and others were performing dheerdha-satra-yagna (yagna for 12 years) in Niamishaaranya. There arrives Ugrashravasuvu who is the disciple of Vedavyasa.  Ugarshavasuvu then described about his earlier visit to Janemejaya's yagashala.
This is where Mahabharata starts.
Janemejaya was performing a yaga for the welfare of his country/people. Outside the yagashala a small dog ( you can call it a pup) out of curiosity was looking at what is going on. This pup happened to be the son of Sarama (a holy female dog).
If a dog enters the yagashala then devatas wont accept the offerings made in the yaga. So Janamejaya's three brothers Shrutasena, Ugrasena, Bhimasena caught the pup; did not let it escape and then thrashed it causing a lot of pain.

So this poor pup goes and cries and tells it’s mother that I didnt go inside and didnt do any harm to anyone near the yagashala, but still these rajakumaras beat me so much; not even letting me escape.
In the mean time the yaga gets completed. Sarama goes to Janamejaya and complained about the whole incident and un-justified actions of his brothers.
Sarama did not curse Janamejaya. It just wanted to convey the point and leave. It did not ask Janamejaya for any justice.
Sarama finished whatever it wanted to say and left. the remaining story is about the consequences of this act and Karma etc etc“

So, how do we interpret this story from Mahabharata's in current context? So here is my interpretation:

The story re-emphasizes that Mahabharata is the story of following Dharma.
There are many instances of misuse of the power in current society. People, in power, try to abuse and treat others who are are under them. This is not a generalization though. But the story shows how not to pursue our life.
In Short: Follow Dharma at all times.