a love story (title by Irene...and very fitting I might add!)

I just saved a life or two, or maybe eight. I was on the computer and heard Petunia barking out on the back porch. I could actually see her from where I was perched. I didn't think much of it because she barks at a lot of little things in the woods, small critters or a neighboring dog who may come to visit. Something made me take notice. I don't know what. A small voice said, "Check it out." I went out onto the porch, slipped on some boots and started to follow Petunia, who lead me into the trees back by the fenced in chicken area. She kept barking when we got there and I noticed one of the chickens was outside the fence, trying desperately to get back in through the small fence holes. She must have gotten out by the gate, where there is a gap just big enough to slip through at their smaller size. I picked up the chicken and brought her back inside the fence. I realized Petunia wasn't barking at the escaped chicken. I looked up and there was a hawk soaring just above my head. The hunter's soar. I quickly got all the chicks inside the coop and shut the door. And said a little prayer. Then I came back inside and called Rob to tell him that we will be busy tonight making a covered area to protect the chicks from hawks. Whew. I feel so lucky and thankful, and amazed at what I prevented by listening to the small voice. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Petunia.