“Last night she barked and I went to the door to let her go out. NO. She just wanted me to let the big tomcat back in. “
How sweet that your dog is looking out for all the other animals.
My different species have more of the adversarial relationship, unfortunately. There are always competing for food and attention, and get upset if the playing field doesn’t look level.
She’s the “keeper of the door” dad would get the biggest kick out of her barking either inside or out so her friends could come and go. I think it’s that territorial border Collie. That’s why dad named her Ranger. She’s in charge of her space. The others bark or meow sometimes but never as regularly as she does. It’s not unusual when the temperature drops for her to line them all up and bark for entrance.