Moved by the connection, I gently lifted Miso into the crib. She curled up beside Levi, her quiet warmth easing him into sleep. I stayed nearby, watching the two of them breathe in sync, and before long, I dozed off too—comforted by their calm and connection.

But morning brought an unexpected challenge.

My partner, Salome, had seen everything through the baby monitor. Sitting across from me with her coffee mug in hand, she looked deeply shaken. “You let the dog into the crib,” she said quietly. I tried to explain: that Miso is incredibly gentle, that I had stayed alert most of the night, that Levi had finally found comfort—but the words didn’t land.Salome quietly packed a bag and took Levi to her sister’s house for a few