even if one says

continue

A (guardian) dog spirit; a attendant/familiar spirit: In Japanese mythology an inugami (lit. a "dog spirit") is a type of shikigami (式神), similar to a familiar spirit, resembling, and usually originating from, a dog, and most commonly carrying out vengeance or acting as guardians on behalf of their 'owner'.

(rare) A dog god

from ancient times, since old times

the time from long ago to now

護る: to protect, to defend / to watch carefully / to abide (by rules), to observe (regulations)

(archaic) to stand watch over something, to be on the lookout for something (such as a watchman controlling entry to a place) / (archaic) to protect or defend something, to ensure that something is safe

(Classical Japanese) to be watching continuously, to be on watch repeatedly, to be on look out / (Classical Japanese) to protect something, to take care of something

(Classical Japanese) to be watching continuously, to be on watch repeatedly, to be on look out / (Classical Japanese) to protect something, to take care of something