This was something that just crept up over time, and it has gotten worse over time. It started years ago when we would put the dogs up for the evening and when it was time for bed. We were lucky enough to have a kennel with heat and air that always had the best interest of the dogs in mind along with their comfort.
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| Molly wanting in |
I do know how it happened and it was Elaine’s doing. Every night we would keep several dogs inside with us and while the others slept comfortably in their own area. They had food, water, heat/air music and even a monitor. This worked well until it was Elaine’s time to put them up, we would take turns. When she came inside, the dogs followed her back in, and I ask “what happened?” Making perfect sense in her mind, she couldn’t decide because of their sad eyes. “I couldn’t do it,” she said, and I usually agreed, but it changes our household in several ways.
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| JoJo found her pillow |
I would say that our house is dog-friendly, almost too much in a couple of ways and it started nearly five years ago. As a rule, it’s not a problem or concern, and they all have their spot. Dutchess is on the table or begging for food, Doc is checking Shepp out and following him around. Meggy is under my desk, and Molly is in “her” bed. JoJo and Dahlie love their human beds and run to get their “spot.”
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| Guess who |
Everything has developed into a routine. Every morning, Elaine will sit on the couch in her bedroom with Gabby who will go back to sleep with her, and they will ponder life and snooze. I’m an early riser and take the dogs that want to go out, but most will stay on the bed waiting until Elaine gets up. Night time is always a piece of cake and rather than saying “let’s go to the kennel” not it’s let’s go to bed. The dogs will separate, and half will go with Elaine to her bedroom, and half will stay with me where everyone finds their space, and I will tell you, the beds are full.
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| At least I have a little room |
Many changes have taken place doing this, we have a vacuum cleaner on all three floors which is frequently used, but someone needs to tell Elaine you have to empty it. You don’t go up or down the steps with things in your hands because they will try to race you to see who is first. You shut the bathroom door when you’re visiting, and you don’t eat with Dutchess, offering her anything or she will be in your lap. When you get a bedtime snack, you make sure you have enough for each dog who will form a semi-circle in front of you and watch every bite you take and many other things.
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| This is what it's about |
Dogs can change your life for the better or make it worse, and I have looked the other way several times, but there is nothing better than to sit with a dog next to you or sleeping on your pillow at night. I wouldn’t have it any different… Ken
