Lala was a small but brave golden retriever who took her role as guardian of the backyard very seriously. Every morning, she would trot along the fence, sniffing the air and listening for anything unusual. Behind her waddled her favorite companions—six tiny ducklings who had imprinted on her the moment they hatched. They quacked, peeped, and stumbled after her like fluffy shadows, trusting her completely.
One warm afternoon, the ducklings splashed happily in a puddle while Lala lay nearby, half-asleep in the sun. Suddenly, her ears shot up. Gravel crunched, voices murmured, and the faint jingle of metal echoed near the front gate. Lala lifted her head, her eyes sharp. Two strangers were pacing along the fence, whispering and peering toward the house.
The ducklings continued playing, unaware of the danger. Lala stood, lowered her head, and issued a deep warning bark. The strangers paused, surprised by the sudden sound. She barked again, louder this time, placing herself between the gate and her little flock. Her tail stiffened, and her paws dug into the grass as she advanced a step forward.
One of the strangers muttered that there must be a big dog guarding the yard. The other tugged at his sleeve, urging him to leave. Together, they retreated down the sidewalk, glancing back nervously.
Only when they disappeared did Lala relax. She hurried back to the ducklings, nudging them gently toward their coop. The tiny birds chirped in confusion, but they followed obediently. When everyone was safely inside, Lala curled up beside the entrance like a furry sentry.
From that day on, the family praised Lala for her bravery. She wasn’t just a pet—she was a hero. And the ducklings knew that as long as Lala watched over them, they were safe.
