Sometimes when I go into the bathroom and there's a big spider which takes me by surprise I scream. Sometimes when I'm hanging washing on the line in the garden a bee will buzz very close to my ear, and I will scream. At these times it is wonderful to know that while the rest of my family are rolling their eyes, muttering under their breath and basking in their sense of their own superiority, there is one in my household on whom I can rely.
For on these occasions when I am faced will awful insecty foes, as long as there is not a closed door barring his way, I know my dog Buddy will dash to my side to help me. He will take up a stance of readiness, legs splayed so his centre of gravity is lowered, and his muscles will be tense ready to launch himself at my assailant. He will have an air about him of, "Whoever has upset you, I will deal with him. Just point me in the right direction."
Of course I never have the heart to tell him that there's is only a spider or a bee to deal with, and his leaping up from a luxurious snooze on a comfortable couch has been in vain. I turn to my dog and say, "Good dog, it's OK, he's gone now, you saw him off." Buddy is satisfied and returns to the couch to resume his nap. My family continues their eye-rolling routine, and I carry on with my day, having been beautifully reminded that when you have a dog, you never lack a friend.
Take care,
Julie xx