It all began on a Monday, a night that should have been as peaceful as any other. Leo had finally drifted off to sleep when a low, rhythmic growl began to vibrate through the floorboards. Suddenly, Duke was at the nursery door, barking with a frantic intensity that shook the walls. The noise was so sudden and sharp that Leo erupted into tears instantly. Sarah rushed into the room to comfort the baby, but Duke was right on her heels, pacing the perimeter of the crib like a caged tiger.
Before Sarah could pick up her son, Duke did something that turned her blood to ice. He lunged toward the crib, his teeth catching the fabric of Leo’s sleep sack, attempting to hoist the infant upward. “Duke, NO!” Sarah shrieked, shoving the dog away and scooping Leo into her arms. She looked at Duke, expecting to see a wagging tail or a sign of play, but the dog was focused entirely on the corner of the room, his fur standing on end.
It was the first time Sarah felt a flicker of genuine fear toward their protector.