It’s time to circle the wagons, our homestead is in danger!  I knew as soon as Mom let us out that something was different.  I immediately recognized the scent in the air, and one quick survey of the wood line confirmed my suspicions – there was a coyote in my territory!  Now I’ve seen coyotes lurking about before, but what made this intrusion different is that he wasn’t looking at me.  He was completely focused on Asa, who was blissfully unaware that he could soon be someone’s lunch!

I quickly started to do my lowest, most intimidating, growl followed by my meanest bark.  This alerted Mom to the danger, and without hesitation she rounded up Asa and headed for the house.  Luckily the coyote immediately recognized that I was not one to be taken lightly and he retreated into the woods.  But I knew coyotes rarely travel alone, and more could be out there.  Not wanting to reveal I’m more of a lover than a fighter, I followed Asa inside.

Up until now my biggest fear was losing Asa in a snowdrift.  I never dreamed he could be someone’s meal.  But weighing in at 30 lbs., after this long winter he probably looked very tasty.  I spent the remainder of the day standing guard at the window barking at intruders.  Ok, so I was barking at squirrels.  But these are dangerous times, and the squirrels could possibly be working as spies for the coyotes.  As the day wore on, Asa assisted me.  I just wish his bark wasn’t so squeaky.  For my fearless efforts protecting the homestead Mom rewarded me with a peanut butter bone, and I slept soundly that night knowing my little buddy was safe thanks to me.