They gathered around the table as a family. They held each other, trying to fight back the tears. Their only option was to hope that everything would come to an end. Everything happened so quickly that they were trapped until someone gave them the green light. She turned to face her children and drew them closer, but she discovered that one of them was gone.

A Dark Moment 

Amelia sipped some tea while watching the news with the newest addition to their family, the 10-year-old Daschund named Poco. It’s not very common to adopt a dog of that age, but she knew that Poco was perfect for her family. She wanted to make his last years the best that they could be. She will soon realize how significant he was to her family.

Meet Poco 

Her favorite time of the day was the nighttime. Everybody was fast asleep, and she could sit and enjoy the silence. She kissed Poco on his head before she made her way upstairs. Amelia barely got into her pajamas when she heard a strange noise coming from downstairs. It sent shivers down her spine.

A Strange Noise

It was the sound of Poco barking, but it wasn’t a playful bark. No, Poco sounded like he was going crazy. Poco had been part of their family for a few weeks now, and this was the first time he made any sound. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she rushed downstairs to see what was happening. What had sent him into such a rage?

Out Of His Mind 

There was nothing outside. She checked every window and made sure all the doors were locked. Amelia sighed as she stood in the midst of the calm, dark living room, her fright replaced by frustration. &#8220;Are you going insane in your old age?&#8221; she inquired. She will soon realize how incorrect she was.

She Shrugged It Off 

Poco’s strange behavior continued night after night. Soon, Amelia’s frustration turned into concern. “Please don’t let it be rats.” Her neighbors had a rat problem a few weeks ago, but she couldn’t afford an inspector. Then she had an idea. She figured out how she would find out what was going on.

What Was Going On? 

The following evening, she placed a camera in the living room and then went to her room. A few minutes later, Poco began barking again. It took everything she had not to run down to see what was happening. It&#8217;d have to wait until the next day.

Her Plan 

The following day came, and she rushed out of her room. She grabbed the camera and pressed play. She wanted to see what was going on in her house. Initially, she couldn&#8217;t find anything, but when Poco started barking, she spotted something moving. It started out small and then vanished just out of view.

Getting Answers 

A gust of wind swept a clump of leaves through an open window. Poco went around in circles. She was speechless. She could not believe her dog was acting like that because of leaves! Amelia giggled, and as she was about to end the video, she noticed something else. What she saw made her freeze in fear.

Leaves! 

She hurried up the stairs, got her children, and rushed to her neighbor&#8217;s house. She then called the authorities to let them know what she had witnessed, and even her neighbors were stunned. In response to the next question, however, she broke down in tears. “Mom, where’s Poco?” Oh my goodness! How could she have forgotten him in the house?

Getting Help 

Sirens wailed as the police showed up. By then, she and her kids were crying wrecks. It only got worse when they tried to run in and save their dog, but she had to hold them back. How could she have forgotten him! One officer pulled something out of their home. They all held their breath.

First To Come Out

It was a large man. He struggled against the cops all the way into the cruiser. He was massive and angry. The next cop appeared, and this time he carried good news. Old Poco snarled and barked at the man – ready to bite him down to nothing. The officer brought their dog over … as well as some shocking news.

Protective Poco

As the family held their best friend, Amelia listened to the terrifying truth with a wide, gaping mouth. The man was a wanted criminal and somehow had snuck into their attic to hide from the law. There he stayed night after night, sneaking out for bits of food and water. There was one final revelation.

Hiding Out

Theft…or worse. That’s what could have happened if she hadn’t listened to Poco and come up with the camera idea. It was a strange combination of nausea and relief. She looked down at their scruffy boy as he wagged his tail – already over the situation. There was one thing Amelia was certain about…

One Thing For Sure

Poco wasn’t just any old pooch looking for a loving family to spend his last years with. When they stood in that shelter, something had nagged at them that he was the one to take home. Now, Amelia understood why. He didn’t just bring joy into their lives. He had, quite literally, saved theirs.

Mom Sets Up Camera To Find Out Why Dog Keeps Barking At Night