Loki was always by my side — loyal, sensitive, feeling every one of my moods as if she were a part of me.

With my husband, however, things never worked out. He never showed interest in her: he didn’t feed her, didn’t play with her, didn’t pet her. I did all of that — with love and gratitude, because this dog had been with me when no one else was.

After we learned about the pregnancy, Loki changed. She found a new habit: she constantly lay beside me, resting her head on my belly and listening to the new life growing inside me.

Sometimes, when the baby kicked, she barked happily, as if she was sharing my joy.

But whenever my husband came close to touch or stroke my belly, Loki started growling, stood between us, and protected me. Once, she even bit him on the hand. At the time, I thought she was just jealous or trying to protect the baby.

I was wrong.