To keep their aging dog company, the family takes turns sleeping on the couch.
Our dogs begin to slow down as they get older, but we do everything we can to ensure that they are happy and comfortable in their golden years.
However, one family went above and above for their elderly dog, adjusting their sleep routines to ensure he felt appreciated.
Spike, an English springer spaniel, is 14 years old. He can’t get about like he used to, like many dogs his age. He just had a second stroke, making it difficult for him to move up and down the stairs.
View this post on Instagram
Unfortunately, this meant Spike wouldn’t be able to do one of his favorite things: lie in bed with his family, something he’s done since he was a puppy.
“The first night we had him, we closed the stair gate and went to bed,” Spike’s owner Catherine Morris explained to The Dodo. “He whined for a few moments before leaping over the gate in the dark and trotting up into my parents’ room, straight up onto the bed!” And he slept there from then on.”
View this post on Instagram
Spike’s favorite area was no longer accessible because their bedroom was on the second story. In spite of his frail position, he continued to attempt, to the point that his family had to shut off the stairs to keep him from trying.
Instead, they devised an endearing solution: if Spike couldn’t come upstairs to sleep with them, they would come downstairs and sleep with Spike!
Now, family members set up the pull-out sofa and spend the night downstairs with Spike on a rotating basis, just to keep the elderly dog company.
Catherine came from university to find her parents’ new sleeping arrangement, which surprised her because they’ve always had a tight relationship with Spike.
“They’re absolutely inseparable,” Catherine explained to The Dodo. “My dad calls him ‘old bean’ and they’re always chatting away.”
“My dad will also bring Spike his water and food to the sofa and feed him by hand to make sure he gets his medicines and keeps his strength up.”
View this post on Instagram
Spike may not be the little pup he once was, but one thing remains constant: his family’s devotion for him.
With this altruistic effort, they make it plain that they will go to whatever length to make Spike’s remaining years as memorable as possible.
“We love our old boy so much and are so glad to have him in our lives,” she added. “Hopefully, we have made up for his not so good start in life by providing all the love in the world.”
View this post on Instagram
It’s incredible how far people will go to make their dogs happy. Thank you to this family for caring for their elderly dog.
Please spread the word about this wonderful tale!
