Protect

Written in response for https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/

As their neighbour walks past out house, I howl, and bark at the intruder. Beware, do not cross. This is my home, those I love, live here. It becomes obsessive when next door’s cat chases a pigeon from the dried up lawn, but I don’t care.

They tell me to be quiet, but I have to bark one more time. Otherwise everyone will be in my space, eating my food, and creating havoc in my home. Besides, it is my job to protect my family.

I am not allowed out unsupervised, and my owner puts on my lead for my early morning walk. It’s cooler in the morning, and I am always looking out for that black cat. I rub against a nearby bush, and shake away the leaves.

‘What a beautiful dog,’ they say.

I am admired, but feared too. They seem uncomfortable in my presence, but I would not harm them. Only if they hurt my owner, and they seem friendly enough. I even let the postman stroke me, and give me a few well earned treats. I don’t mind the postman, but I do mind his letters, and claims to my home.

I lounge around during the day, with the occasional treat of a bit of ice in my water. It is hot, far too hot for my paws, but I would go out if they went out. When the weather is cooler, in the evening, my owner takes me out again.

It is brilliant to have the cool air in my fur, and my owners seem happy too.

Back home, and the moon is high, and I can’t help one last howl to end my day.