Dogs have their own unique ways of communicating with us, primarily through barking. We often wish they could tell us what’s wrong directly. Until science catches up and we can understand “doggish,” we’re left interpreting those sometimes frustrating late-night barks.
One such night, Christina Bingman’s dog, Alexa, had her at wit’s end. Alexa’s relentless barking woke Christina at 2 AM, filling her with fear, worry, and frustration. A dog barking that loudly in the dead of night signals something urgent.
Was there an intruder? Did Alexa spot someone at the door? Or was that pesky fox trying to raid the chicken coop again?
It Was a Long, Sleepless Night
Photo Credit: ctinab2
The first bark was ignored. Then another followed, and another. By this point, Christina was fully awake. Why was Alexa barking so intensely in the middle of the night?
Listening closely, Christina recognized Alexa’s bark of warning—reserved for when she sees strangers. Panicked, Christina rushed outside to check the chickens. The yard and coop were eerily peaceful. No sign of any disturbance.
Christina returned inside, locked the door, and attempted to sleep, but Alexa’s barking persisted. Christina lost count of how many times she was forced out of bed that night.
Morning came, and an exhausted Christina and Alexa were left puzzled. What had caused all that ruckus? Alexa, too, seemed worn out from her night-long vigil.
Just when they thought the mystery would remain unsolved, the youngest family member uncovered the reason behind Alexa’s unrest: a bag of cat food.
Not just any bag—this one had a large, lifelike cat picture on it. Placed outside the window, it seemed as if a giant cat was staring at Alexa all night!
Photo Credit: ctinab2
“I discovered that she was actually barking at the bag of cat food once the family had woken up for the day,” Bingman said. “My youngest told me to look at the window and laughed at how real the cat on the bag looked, and how giant it was. Then it clicked for me what Alexa had been trying to tell me. There was a giant cat staring in the window at her all night.”
The sweet Newfoundland girl was just trying to protect her family from the big, intimidating kitty-cat!
The family found the situation hilarious, but Alexa had something to say:
Sure… Now you’re laughing! If it wasn’t for me, you’d be attacked by that evil kitty cat. You were all asleep. I don’t wanna imagine what would happen to y’all if she got in. Don’t be deceived. That cat was alive last night, I’m telling ya! I gotta rest today because she’s striking back tonight. This time, I’m prepared for the battle.
Well, Alexa, that was incredibly brave of you. But rest assured, mommy has moved the bag of kitty food away from the window, so you won’t be bothered by it anymore. Still, keep an eye out for other intruders. You’re such a good guardian!
