The morning sunlight stretched gently across the little farmyard, painting everything in warm gold. Birds were chirping, the air smelled faintly of hay and breakfast, and the sound of laughter floated from the kitchen where Dad was preparing to go to the market. CUTIS, the golden dog, sat by the door watching carefully as Dad packed a few baskets full of fruits and vegetables. Beside him, little baby monkey Lala clung to a small cloth bag, clearly excited for another trip to town.
“CUTIS!” Dad called cheerfully. “Come on, boy! We’re going to the market today!”
Normally, those words would send CUTIS jumping around with his tail wagging. He loved going to the market — all the smells, the people, and especially the treats that the fruit sellers would sneak him. But this time, something was different. Instead of bouncing toward the truck, CUTIS lowered his head and turned away. His tail dropped between his legs.
Dad blinked in surprise. “What’s wrong, CUTIS? Don’t you want to come?”
Lala, sitting on Dad’s shoulder, tilted her head curiously and let out a soft “Oo-oo?” as if asking the same question. CUTIS let out a small whine and walked over to the porch, lying down quietly with his chin resting on his paws. He looked sad—almost worried.
Dad sighed and set the basket down. “Maybe he’s not feeling well,” he murmured. But when Dad tried to approach, CUTIS stood up and blocked the door, refusing to let Dad and Lala leave. He barked softly, as if warning them.
“What are you doing, boy?” Dad asked.
CUTIS barked again and glanced toward the backyard. His eyes said something that Dad couldn’t yet understand. Lala hopped down and tried to pull CUTIS toward the truck, but the loyal dog wouldn’t move. Instead, he ran toward the back of the house, turned, and barked urgently.
Dad frowned, puzzled, but curiosity made him follow. CUTIS led them to the chicken coop, where the hens were clucking nervously. Dad looked closer — and gasped. A small snake was slithering near the eggs, half-hidden beneath some straw!
“Good boy, CUTIS!” Dad exclaimed as he grabbed a long stick and shooed the snake away. Lala climbed onto the fence, eyes wide in fright. “Oo! Oo!” she cried, covering her face.
CUTIS growled lowly, standing between the snake and his family. His fur bristled, his body tense, ready to protect them no matter what. The snake hissed and tried to dart away, but CUTIS lunged forward, barking loudly. The snake slithered off into the grass, disappearing into the trees.
Dad exhaled in relief and patted CUTIS on the head. “You saved us again, my brave boy. So that’s why you didn’t want us to go.”
But the story didn’t end there.
After the danger had passed, CUTIS sat quietly by the coop, staring at a corner of the ground. Dad noticed and came closer — there, hidden beneath a broken board, was a tiny injured chick, trembling and weak. CUTIS gently used his nose to nudge it out, whining softly.
“Oh no… it must have been hurt by that snake,” Dad said sadly.
CUTIS lay beside the chick protectively, licking it gently. Lala climbed down and sat next to him, her little hands touching the chick carefully. Dad smiled softly at the sight — his golden dog and his baby monkey working together, their hearts full of kindness.
That’s when Dad finally understood.
CUTIS hadn’t refused to go to the market because he didn’t want to — he refused because he knew something was wrong at home. Somehow, his loyal heart had sensed the danger to the animals they loved. He stayed behind to protect them.
Dad’s eyes grew wet as he looked at his dog. “You knew all along, didn’t you, boy? You didn’t want to leave until everyone was safe.”
CUTIS wagged his tail slightly, as if to say, Yes, Dad. My job is to protect home first.
The rest of the day turned into something truly special. Dad decided not to go to the market after all. Instead, he brought out a small box, cleaned it with care, and made a soft bed for the little chick. Lala gathered bits of cotton, trying her best to help. CUTIS lay beside them, occasionally licking the chick’s tiny head, making sure it felt safe.
Later in the afternoon, the family gathered on the porch. The gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and the sounds of the farm returned to peace. Dad brought CUTIS a big bowl of food — rice mixed with bits of meat — and said warmly, “You’re the hero of the day, CUTIS.”
Lala clapped her little hands and jumped around him. “Oo! Oo! CUTIS hero!” she squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck. CUTIS wagged his tail and licked her cheek, making her giggle.
As the sun began to set, CUTIS lay down with Lala and the little chick beside him. The sky turned shades of orange and pink, and everything felt calm and beautiful. Dad watched from the porch with a smile, thinking how lucky he was to have such a loving family — a dog with the heart of a guardian, a playful baby monkey full of joy, and a peaceful home where compassion always came first.
That night, when the stars appeared, CUTIS remained awake for a while. He looked at the chick sleeping soundly in its box and then at Lala snuggled up under a blanket. His eyes softened. He didn’t need words to express what he felt — his heart spoke through loyalty and care.
In the quiet darkness, Dad whispered, “You really are something special, CUTIS. You refused to go to the market because your heart told you to stay… and that made all the difference.”
CUTIS wagged his tail once, closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep, content that his family was safe.
From that day on, every time Dad prepared to go to the market, he always looked at CUTIS first and said, “Is it safe to go today, boy?” And if CUTIS barked happily, they knew all was well.
And the little chick? It grew strong and healthy again, thanks to CUTIS’s watchful care. Lala often carried it around the yard while CUTIS trotted beside her, like a proud big brother keeping an eye on both.
People in the nearby village began to hear the story — how a golden dog refused to go to the market and ended up saving his family from danger. Many said, “That CUTIS is no ordinary dog — he has the heart of an angel.”
Dad only smiled and said, “He just loves us. And sometimes, love makes you do unbelievable things.”
So, the day that began with confusion ended as one of the most touching days the family ever remembered — a day that proved true love doesn’t need words. CUTIS didn’t need to explain why he stayed behind. His actions spoke louder than any words could ever say.
Even little Lala seemed to understand. Every evening after that, before going to sleep, she would hug CUTIS tightly and whisper, “Good boy, CUTIS. Thank you for saving us.”
And CUTIS, ever gentle, would lick her tiny hand as if to say, Always, little one. I’ll always protect you.
