Tank is a 70-pound blue pit bull with a head like a cinder block and a chest like a barrel. People cross the street when they see him coming. Then Tank rolls over for a belly rub, and they realize they have been fooled by the biggest softie in the neighborhood.

THE NEW JOB

When baby Jonah Brooks took his first wobbly steps last spring, Tank decided something. This was his kid now. Wherever Jonah wobbled, Tank followed. Whenever Jonah tipped over, Tank was right there, a big warm wall to land against. Mom called him the babysitter. Dad called him the bodyguard. Jonah just called him Tee.

THE GREAT BALL RESCUE

One sunny afternoon, Jonah threw his little red ball, and it rolled straight into Mom's rose bush. Jonah pointed. Jonah frowned. Jonah said "Tee!" like he was giving an order.

Tank did not hesitate. He pushed his big face right into the thorny bush, grabbed the ball, and backed out proudly with his tail going. He dropped it right at Jonah's feet. Jonah clapped. Mission complete.

THE PRICE OF BEING A HERO

But the roses had left their mark. Tank had a few fresh scratches across his muzzle and one on his ear. Every time Mom reached toward his face, he pulled back. Your best buddy just did something brave for your kid, and now he will not let you near the spot that stings.

Mom grabbed AniSport Companion Gentle Wound Spray. Carefully, away from his eyes, nose, and mouth, she gave the scratches on his muzzle and ear a light mist. No rubbing, no pressure, no chasing a 70-pound dog around the yard. Tank sneezed once, wagged, and went right back to guard duty.

THE INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: HELICHRYSUM

Helichrysum is a small golden flower that grows on rocky, sun-baked hillsides around the Mediterranean. It is sometimes called the everlasting flower, because it holds its color long after it is picked. Inside AniSport Spray, concentrated and precisely balanced with seven other all-natural ingredients, helichrysum oil supports the skin-recovery side of the routine.

• Frankincense oil
• Helichrysum oil
• Vitamin E oil
• Peppermint oil
• Bergamot oil
• Coconut oil
• Apple cider vinegar with the mother
• Lavender oil

See the full AniSport Spray ingredient breakdown.

AniSport is made for dogs and K9s only. Keep it away from eyes, nose, and mouth. Always check with your vet first, and call right away for bites, punctures, deep cuts, or anything serious.

THE BACKYARD KIT

• For scratches they will not let you touch: AniSport Companion Gentle Wound Spray.
• For dry, rough paw pads: AniSport Companion Gentle Wound Balm.
• For the grown-ups who pruned the roses: Regenerate RX Protect and Restore Balm.

NAP TIME

That evening, Jonah fell asleep on the living room rug with his little red ball in one hand. Tank lay down beside him, curled his big body around the boy like a fence, and rested his scratched-up face gently on his paws.

Mom went to move Jonah to his crib. Tank opened one eye and watched her carefully the whole way down the hall.

Tough on the outside. Pure love on the inside. On the job, always.

Care for the big-hearted dog who guards your whole world at zombiesportco.com.

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