Caleb came running around the back of the big farmhouse with four-year-old Aaron in his arms.

"Help, Peter! He's after us!" he screamed as he headed for the porch steps.

Peter dropped his paintbrush and jumped up in time to see the neighbor's huge brown dog coming after his brothers. As Caleb reached the steps, the big dog lunged, teeth bared, and knocked the ten-year-old off balance. Both boys tumbled past the steps and onto the ground.

"Grandpa! Help!" shouted Peter as he grabbed a board and headed for the snarling animal. "Tager!" he screamed at the dog.

Tager whirled around to face the charging teenager. Peter stopped and stood there, his hands tightly clutching the board. For a moment they stood still, each waiting for the other to move. Then the big dog growled deeply, lowering his head. Peter prayed earnestly as he saw the powerful muscles tighten, ready to attack.

Before he could move, the back door came flying open with a crash. "Tager!" commanded a deep voice.

The startled dog sprang sideways and fell to the ground with a thud.

Stunned, Tager struggled to his feet to find himself face-to-face with Grandfather King's-Kid. The tall man stood like a great military general firmly in command. At the sight of him, Tager backed up timidly, then turned and fled around the house.

Peter ran after him and slammed the gate shut behind the fleeing animal.

When he got back to the others, Grandfather King's-Kid was sitting on the steps holding Aaron tightly on his lap. Caleb was sitting beside him with tears in his eyes. "It was my fault, Grandpa," he said, staring down at the ground. He looked up at his grandfather. "I know you told us to never leave the gate open. I'm sorry."

His grandfather reached out his hand and pulled the trembling boy to his side, hugging him close. "I know, Son. Let's pray and thank God for protecting you today."

Peter knelt down beside them as Grandfather started to pray. "Father, thank you for your great love for us. Thank you for watching over us and protecting us. In Jesus' name, amen."