April 3, 2023

 

Bailey is my Protector. In her usual quiet way, she puts herself between me and anything she deems might harm me. No fuss, no drama; she is just where she needs to be.

I do not know where the notion began that the best way to "claim" me is to stand as close to me as possible, but it has become a "thing" with the White Dog Army. Every pup from Zsofia to Diva maneuvers for positions against my side or back. When those coveted spots are taken, there are my shins to lean against. And when that somehow does not seem close enough, there is standing on the top of my foot.

I go barefoot in the morning, so when Lilly decides to place her paw on my right foot and lean her 55 pounds onto it, I yelp in surprise. When Opal goes from sitting at my side to standing in front of me, it’s by jumping on my little toe and dancing around to find a foothold that does not cause me to wince.

About then Bailey calmly shoulders her way past the others, carefully placing her feet, and settles her belly across my toes forming a Bailey Barrier to shield me. She looks up to make sure she is in my comfort zone.

Displaced, the others take up fewer bruising positions to await treats or attention.