Aussie dogs are amazingly bright and loyal. In the quest to protect from all manner of threat, their instinct sometimes results in moving them to guard other objects as well … water bottles, sweat shirts, shoes of all kinds, and jackets when hung on a fence post. One dog in particular knows who those items belong to and takes her work quite seriously. Though a little extreme on occasion, her loyalty is touching and unmatched.

She is rewarded in her mind by being allowed inside and commandeering open floor space on the porch. Upon entering, her guard is less acute (though never down entirely),...