When our golden retriever barked at the nanny, we almost gave him up, but I was astounded when I watched the video.

We assumed Beau, our golden retriever, was being possessive when he continued to bark at the nanny. Perhaps envious. We even discussed finding him a new home. But I witnessed something that made my stomach turn the night I watched the security tape. Beau wasn’t acting badly. He was cautioning us.

Before, I had a fairly good life. However, following the birth of my daughter Zoey, it seemed as though the universe suddenly opened up and let in a brightness that I was unaware I had been missing.

I had believed that I would be one of those men who simply “tolerated” being a father. I assumed that I would attend the important events and let my wife, Rose, handle the rest. I’m a complete softie, it turns out.

I melt at the sight of that baby’s gurgle.

Changes in diapers? No issue. Feedings during night? Go ahead and do it. This was me. In full.

For years, Rose and I had been trying. Years, I mean.

Tests, specialists, and long nights of heartache and cautious hope. When we discovered we were expecting, we had just begun discussing adoption. So, yes, we were appreciative. Furthermore, we never took a moment for granted.

After Zoey came, everything was ideal. Alright, nearly flawless.

The one thing that left me baffled was our golden retriever, Beau.

He was the sweetest dog ever. The type that would wave their tails so vigorously that they may topple furniture while greeting the mailman like a long-lost friend. He adored children and was devoted and loving. He was family, and we had saved him a few months after we were married.

However, he changed after Zoey got home.

We initially attributed it to adjustment. He was always on guard, following Rose about like a second tail. Beau would settle down directly beside Zoey’s cot after mom had placed her there, his eyes fixed on the infant like a sentry on watch.

In an attempt to lighten the situation, I once remarked, “Maybe he thinks she’s a puppy.” Rose, however, simply had a troubled expression.

She said, “He doesn’t even sleep anymore.” “He never stops observing.”

We made an effort to find it charming. The guardian, Beau. Beau, the guardian.

However, things changed when Claire came into play.

Our babysitter was Claire. When we felt like zombies from lack of sleep, we hired her. She was well recommended, had a soothing voice, a kind smile, and was excellent with infants. She cooed so softly the first time she held Zoey that Rose started crying.

However, Beau? He immediately detested her.

When she entered the room on the first day, he snarled. It wasn’t a snarl of warning. It was a loud, throaty, all-out “I don’t trust you” sound. We reasoned that perhaps the new presence was simply confusing him.

Then he began to lunge and bark between her and the crib, obstructing her way whenever she attempted to take up Zoey.

He even flashed his fangs once. That shook us.

During her shifts, Claire texted us anxious updates.

“Hey, that constant barking from Beau is back.”

“I can’t make him change Zoey.”

“Next time, could you please kennel him?”

I was divided with Rose. The last thing we needed was this tension with Beau, as we were already barely getting by on four hours of sleep every night.

He had never before displayed aggressive behavior. However, what if something broke?

What if Claire got wounded by him?

Worse yet, what if he injured Zoey?

Suddenly, the unimaginable began to creep in.

Perhaps we had to locate Beau a new place to live.

I adore that puppy. He belongs to our family.

Additionally, I felt horrible about sending him to a new home. There was too much guilt.

We therefore made the decision to find an alternative. Something that would keep Claire and our kid safe and spare us from having to part with Beau.

Rose and I made the decision to go on a date that Friday. merely to get our thoughts straight.

We headed to our favorite burger place for dinner.

Claire had consented to spend a few hours with Zoey.

Beau was in the laundry room at the time. She asked the gate to be closed, and it was.

While we were eating, everything appeared to be going well until my phone buzzed on the table. The name Claire appeared on the screen.

I took it up.

“Derek!” she exclaimed. “He attempted to attack me, beau! When I lifted Zoey up, he went nuts!

In the background, I could hear Zoey sobbing. Claire was out of breath.

Rose was already reaching for her pocketbook at that moment.

With lightning speed, we headed home. Claire greeted us in the living room with a pale face and a firm grip on Zoey.

With his ears lowered, Beau sat motionless behind the baby gate.

Claire claimed, “He lunged at me.” “I don’t feel secure in his presence.”

I hardly heard her as I nodded silently.

There was something wrong with it.

Beau was someone I knew. understood his heart. He would snarl, growl, and even obstruct someone’s path. However, lunge?

I said to Rose, “Go sit down.” “I have something to check.”

I went to the closet in the corridor and took out the security system monitor. In the living room, there was a camera. primarily to monitor the infant while we were away. Earlier that evening, I retrieved the feed.

Fast-forward to the moment Claire showed up.

She was there, walking through the door and giving Beau a suspicious look. In the bassinet was Zoey. And there was a little gray rucksack hanging over Claire’s shoulder.

Although we had noticed that bag previously, we had never given it much attention.

I saw her, however, look over her shoulder, take it off, and put it behind the couch.

My heart began to race.

A tablet came out of the bag she reached into. Smooth. Dark.

After that, she placed it on the coffee table, launched an app, and pointed the camera in the direction of the nursery.

I leaned closer.

Claire was broadcasting live.

I initially believed I was viewing things incorrectly. Then hearts, emoticons, and scrolling remarks appeared on the tablet’s screen.

Claire murmured greetings and grinned at the screen. Like she had done before, she pointed the tablet precisely into the nursery. She even typed the stream’s title across the bottom:

“Part 12 of Nanny Nights.”

Behind me, Rose exhaled sharply.

Claire cooed at the camera like an influencer while discussing Zoey’s feeding routine, sleep patterns, and even how long she napped. “Night routine with Baby Z 💕👶 #NannyLife” was the caption that followed.

I was ill.

Our daughter was happy with her bedtime.

We had put our trust in this woman to look after our baby. Additionally, she was publicizing to strangers everything she did. Who was observing? How many? And why?

The worst part followed.

In Zoey’s crib, she stirred. A little cough. Then one that is sharper. She made this terrible gasping sound as her legs kicked beneath the blanket.

She was choking.

At that moment, Beau got to his feet.

He started by giving the crib a nose bump. Then he let out a bark.

Claire, however, did not respond. With AirPods in, she was utterly distracted as she scrolled through her tablet.

Beau gave a louder bark. clung to the carpet. pushed the blanket once more.

Then he turned, just next to Claire’s leg, and snapped his teeth in the air. Not to bite. Just enough to give her a start.

And it was successful.

Without hesitation, Claire grabbed her headphones, sprung to her feet, and hurried over to the crib. After a stressful moment, our daughter let out a cry as she cradled Zoey in her arms and gave her a pat on the back.

Claire’s terrified eyes were wide as she held her close. Not simply Zoey’s fear.

Beau’s fear.

She then did something that gave me the chills.

With Zoey still in her arms, she retreated from the nursery. Close the door. and secured it.

Beau was confined inside.

Numb, I sat back. I had trembling hands.

After Claire left that evening, I rewatched the video. Twice.

Every snap, every yelp, every time Beau attempted to assist, I saw it.

He had not gone insane. He hadn’t acted hostilely.

He was attempting to keep my daughter alive.

Claire arrived the following morning with her grey rucksack thrown over one shoulder and that same endearing voice. She was unaware that we knew.

With a printed screenshot of the video in her hand, Rose opened the door.

I still recall Claire’s reaction when she saw the screenshot: she simply froze. She didn’t even make an effort to speak. She was obviously aware that she had made a mistake and that there was nothing she could say to make up.

She simply turned around and walked away.

We contacted the agency, lodged a complaint, and reported her stream following the occurrence. I’m not sure if she will be sued, but I do know one thing. For us, Beau is more than just family.

We made him wear a silver tag that had the words “Zoey’s Guardian” etched on it.

He continues to sleep next to the crib today. The one distinction is that we won’t force him to go.

Since we are aware of his true nature, we allow him to keep watch over her. He is the guardian of our little girl. He shares our love for her.

To be honest, I’m happy that we initially employed Claire. Because of her actions, we were able to recognize Beau’s actual value. With him by our side, we don’t have to worry about anything.