I have a really friendly little pit bull mix. He has never growled at anyone. He caught a bird once and when I told him to "drop" he did and the bird flew away. Really nice, good dog.
My wife was pregnant and walking him. A guy behind her got too close. My dog turned, bared his teeth, hair raised, the whole works. Guy left . . . pronto. Given 5 years of knowing the dog and knowing for a fact that he only did that once, I think that he smelled or sensed something was wrong with the guy or with what the guy intended. I guess I'm saying your dogs may be there for you more than you think.
Wow. Great story - thanks for sharing it. I’m so happy your wife is OK and that nothing happened.