Wanted - Watch Dog, references required

It doesn't happen often, but occasionally I am left to spend a night alone at the Shanty. I have never been the least bit perturbed to be alone in the wilderness, but somehow I still find it comforting when I'm alone to fall asleep to the sound of two snoring dogs and one snoring cat. It is hard to feel alone when surrounded by a cacophony of snoring. Of course, the reverie is usually shattered several times a night when the dogs break their slumber (and mine) to go tearing through the dog door barking at shadows. How do I know they are barking at shadows and not protecting me from potential invaders? Because the other night we got firsthand proof that Lily and Wilson will sleep right through a full-fledged robbery. Joe and I were awakened at 3 a.m. by a raccoon breaking into the birdseed bucket on our front porch (the very same bucket that I need a vise grip to open). Lily was sleeping in the doghouse not 20 yards away (she wasn't being punished; she chose the doghouse of her own accord, despite the cold and snow), and Wilson was tucked away under the dresser...and nary a peep from either "watch dog". To top it all off, Foxy (who easily matched that raccoon pound for pound) was blithely sitting on the welcome mat observing the scene, a mere 4-5 feet from the thief. Maybe they aren't aware that these are tough economic times, and there are plenty of dogs and cats out there who would love to have their job.