Barnaby was a small, fluffy dog with big, floppy ears. He loved playing in the sunshine and chasing butterflies, but when nighttime came, Barnaby felt a little bit wobbly inside. The shadows looked long and funny, and every little creak of the house sounded like a monster!
His mama, a big, warm golden retriever, would tuck him into his cozy bed. But tonight, Barnaby whimpered. “Mama, I’m scared!” he said, his tail tucked between his legs. Mama Dog nuzzled him gently. “It’s okay to be scared, Barnaby,” she said. “Everyone feels a little scared sometimes.”
“But what if there *are* monsters?” Barnaby asked, his eyes wide. Mama Dog smiled. “Monsters aren’t real, sweet boy. Those are just shadows playing tricks on your eyes. And even if they *were* real, I would protect you. But you are a brave dog, Barnaby. You are brave when you try new things, and brave when you share your toys.”
Barnaby thought about that. He *was* brave when he tried a new squeaky toy! He was brave when he let his little friend, Pip the kitten, play with his favorite ball. He took a deep breath. “I… I think I can be brave at bedtime too,” he said.
Mama Dog gave him a special, soft blanket. “This blanket is filled with love and courage,” she said. “Hold it tight, and remember how brave you are.” Barnaby snuggled into the blanket, and it smelled like Mama Dog and sunshine.
He closed his eyes and imagined chasing butterflies in a field of flowers. He imagined sharing his toys with Pip. He imagined being a very brave dog. The shadows didn’t seem so scary anymore. They just looked like… shadows.
Barnaby yawned a big, sleepy yawn. He felt warm and safe and loved. He knew that even if he felt a little scared sometimes, he could always be brave, especially with his mama and his special blanket. He drifted off to sleep, dreaming of sunny days and playful adventures.
Mama Dog licked Barnaby’s head and whispered, “Sweet dreams, my brave little dog.” And Barnaby slept soundly, knowing that even the bravest dogs need a little comfort at bedtime.