Denzel was just a puppy when Mary got him. For several years, there were only two people in the house with him, Mary and her husband. But for Denzel, that was enough. It was enough, and he was very suspecious of anyone else that entered the house. Whenever someone visited, it was necessary to put Denzel in a room and close the door until they left. Mary got him for the purpose of being her watchdog because she spent lots of time at home alone. Denzel was very serious about fulfilling his jop description. He was a minature schnauser, only about twenty inches tall, but when it came to Mary, it was obvious that he was willing to protect her at all costs, even if it meant making the ultimate sacrifice. Dogs have long since been characterized as "man's best friend." Denzel was a true representation of "a woman's best friend."