Short Story: It’s a Dog’s Life

“Woof! Woof! Arf! Woof!”

“What’re you barking about, Shiro? Ack! Oh no!”

Tsuzuri just barely managed to catch her daughter, Fuyuka, who had somehow crawled up to the top of the couch and nearly fell off. The little one simply giggled, completely unaware of the peril she’d been in, as her mother breathed a heavy sigh of relief. The family dog, Shiro, also let out a small sigh. “Thanks, Shiro! I wouldn’t have noticed without your help!”

“Woof, woof!”

Shiro was the latest addition to the Mochizuki family, and Tsuzuri had her suspicions that the dog was far smarter than it looked. Somehow, the pooch just knew how to do things without being trained! She followed obediently on walks, and even patiently waited to be fed without barking or whining.

The most amazing thing about it, though, was how she treated Fuyuka. She was always looking out for the little girl and keeping her out of harm’s way. If Fuyuka needed her diaper changed, Shiro would start barking. Fuyuka headed into danger? Shiro would start barking. The pooch always acted incredibly gentle when playing with the little girl, too… It really did make Tsuzuri stop and wonder if it wasn’t her son reborn somehow.

Right when Tsuzuri muttered something to that effect, the dog began frantically shaking her head as if to say, “No way!” That was another weird thing about the dog! It was as if she understood human speech… But surely that had to be Tsuzuri’s imagination. The woman smiled and gave the dog a little pat on the head.

“Doggie… Doggie…”

Fuyuka reached out her arms to pet Shiro, prompting the dog to quietly lower her head and accept the child’s rough scritches. Tsuzuri quietly smiled, thinking about how lucky the family was to have such a patient and gentle pet.

[Shiro’s Perspective]

Whew, that was a close one… If Lady Tsuzuri hadn’t noticed, I might’ve had to use my divinity! Can’t use magic in this world on account of the atmosphere, after all.

Still, I’d rather use my divinity sparingly. There’s no telling what kind of danger it could end up attracting… Even though I’m sure I could handle it, I would do well not to invite trouble to this household, as my primary mission is keeping the family safe.

I swear, she’s such a rambunctious little girl! I can’t take my eyes off her for a single moment. You never know what kind of trouble she’s going to stir up next…

From what I understand, her brother’s much like that, too… Perhaps that’s just part of their bloodline… I might be a low-tier god, but I’m still a god, and even I fear the wrath of Lady Tsuzuri… I get the feeling she wears the pants in this household as well… Her husband’s always lacking in spine when it comes to confronting her.

“Shiro! Walkies!”

“Woof!”

Tsuzuri strolled over from the garden with a leash in hand, prompting Shiro to run up to her.

With a leash on, I can’t exactly be right next to Fuyuka, but I’ll still keep a close eye out for danger. This is my duty… and I intend to see it through