Darla's duty dawns

Now doughty Darla has a pressing task -
To care for baby in her daily round;
There's nothing that can be too much to ask
To keep sweet Ella safe in peace profound.

Who is this newborn, helpless source of joy
So dearly loved by all who Darla knows?
She plainly needs the skills dogs can employ
In guarding innocents from hurtful blows.

And Darla is the perfect exemplar
Of how to keep all harm at bay -
Her gaze ensures that danger, near or far,
Is banished from the scene of Ella's play.

Each day, when it's required, she's on patrol
Around the boundary, to her so clear,
That marks the space in need of her control
To safeguard Ella from distress or fear.

And should there be occasion to alert
The house to dangers threatening her charge,
She will be ever ready to divert
Them through her efforts, whether small or large.