we have 4 dogs; 3 Chinese Pugs and a Chihuahua. While I was recovering from surgery and waiting for rads to start, all four of them sat/laid/slept on the end of the bed, closest to the bedroom door. Any time someone came into the room, they formed a furry "wall" of protection between me and the visitor. They are all friendly, happy-go-lucky little critters, but during that period, more than a few people suffered the attack of the ankle biters.
They were incredibly protective; only one of them would go and eat, or go outside to the bathroom at a time (something they always have done together), the other three stayed on guard. As I began to feel better, they started to relax.
During radiation, the protection resumed, and as I became sicker from the rad side effects, they became more protective the worse things got.
There was so much comfort in having them there with me when I felt so lousy...I can't imagine not having pets..