Hiya Lynn,
Yes I am sure it was comfort hun, I am going through a bad time at the moment and boy are they around me it is very comforting. If you are unsure though just do as you are doing and ask for protection wothout giving off any fear feeling. Be really confident that if it is a traveller passing through then they will move it on.
Sorry to hear about your dog I have 2 labradoodles, like children they are to me, I am in awful pain with my back again at the moment and they both know ! very gentle around me. Just know that you and your dog have a special bond that is unbreakable and can feel your healing and loving thoughts too.
I think when you have a few things going on it seems to have an anxiety vibration that can make you worry. I remind myself that they actually did a scientific experiment once and it turned out that 97% of the things that the people worried about never happened. I would say that is the same sort of % in my own life too.
I feel that you should maybe meditate more for balance. Long walks, girly chats etc, something away from worries. Even if you dont feel like doing it push yourself to.
let us know how things go hun wont you.
Sending prayers
Jacci x