I dumped the plates in the sink and rinsed them off. I grabbed my clothes and something out of my bedroom and returned to the bathroom. The dog watched me as I came and went. His head tilted to the side, but he didn't bother following me. I "Stay," I ordered. I closed the door behind me, leaving it cracked so I could hear if anything was happening. I trusted the dog to keep me safe, but I had been taught to always have a plan B.

However, I had something else to take care of. Peeking to make sure my dog was staying put, I unwrapped my little y-shaped...