Dad Sleeps Downstairs On Sofa With Senior Dog To Keep Him Company

Spike was adopted by Catherine Morris’ family nine years ago with the intention of him becoming a “downstairs dog.” Spike, an English springer spaniel, had an unusual perspective on things.

Morris told The Dodo, “The first night we got him, we locked the stair gate and went to bed.” “He moaned for a few minutes before leaping over the gate in the dark, galloping up into my parents’ room, and leaping directly into the bed!” From then on, that’s where he slept.”

Spike was a bundle of energy during the day. He used to spend hours running around after his tennis ball. The dog would ascend the stairs at night to share the bed with his folks. Morris stated, “He loves to snuggle up and tries to force his way under the blankets to get as near as he can.”

Spike, at 14 years old, has slowed down considerably. After Spike suffered two strokes, Morris and her parents were frightened that they might lose him, but the loyal dog wasn’t ready to leave them yet.

Spike couldn’t stand for days after his second stroke, so Morris and her parents carried him about the home. The older dog, on the other hand, was motivated to improve and re-learn how to walk.

Spike’s family had to close off his favorite area – the bedroom — since he isn’t strong enough to dependably travel up and down stairs.

They knew Spike would try to climb the stairs to cuddle with his family despite his weakening legs. As a result, they set up their stair gate and devised a strategy to make the elderly dog happy.

To prevent Spike from attempting to leap the fence, his family now alternates sleeping on the pull-out sofa with him each night. “Because of this new routine, my parents spent alternating nights downstairs with Spike while I was away at university,” Morris explained. “Since I’ve returned home, I’ve joined the rotation, so between the three of us, we get a little more sleep.”

Spike’s father takes extra precautions to ensure that his elderly dog is comfortable at night.