Sharing a bed with pets is quite common, but have you ever heard of a family that takes turns snoozing on the couch just to keep their dog company? Allow me to tell you this heartwarming story about Spike and the wonderful connection he has with his family.
Spike used to be a rescued puppy who got adopted when he was only 5 years old. He is an English springer spaniel and is now 14 years old. Like many dogs his age, moving around isn’t as easy as it used to be. Additionally, following the second stroke, he sadly discovered that performing simple daily tasks like climbing and descending stairs was extremely difficult.
Unfortunately, this means Spike couldn’t do one of his favorite things: snuggle in bed with his family, a habit he’d cherished since puppyhood. His owner, Catherine Morris, shared, “The first night we had him, we closed the stair gate and went to bed. He whined for a couple of minutes before jumping over the gate in the dark and trotting up into my parents’ room and straight up onto the bed! And that’s where he slept from then on.”
Their bedroom is on the second floor, making it inaccessible for Spike. But he never stopped trying, even though his frail state made it difficult. In the end, they had to block the stairs to keep him safe from harm.
But here’s where it gets adorable: if Spike couldn’t come upstairs to sleep with them, they decided to go downstairs and sleep with him!
Now, the family takes turns setting up the pull-out couch and spending the night downstairs with Spike, ensuring the old dog is never alone.
Catherine returned from university one day and discovered her parents’ new sleeping setup. It didn’t surprise her, though—her family has always shared a special bond with Spike.
“They’re absolutely inseparable,” Catherine explained. “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.”
Spike might not be the spry pup he once was, but one thing remains constant: his family’s unconditional love.
With this selfless act, they’re showing that they’ll go to great lengths to ensure Spike’s golden years are filled with happiness and comfort.
“We love our old boy so much and are so glad to have him in our lives,” Catherine said. “Hopefully, we have made up for his not so good start in life by providing all the love in the world.”
Don’t forget to like and share the story if you love it!