Today I’m grateful for doggie snuggles.

11.20.2024

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My sweet Barkley boy is not much of a snuggler these days. He is very affectionate and likes to be near people, but he typically prefers to curl up on his doggie bed or on the sofa now, rather than my lap. This is definitely a change from his younger days, when he pretty much had to be in full body contact with someone at all times. I hate that this is yet another sign of Barkley’s age.

Barkaboo and I have been the best of buds for over 13 years. The vet estimated that he was about 3 when I adopted him, so that puts him well over 16 now. He was once my playful pup who sprinted out the door and down the block any chance he got. Now he’s my old man dog who can’t hear, can’t jump, can’t run, and can hardly be bothered to bring me a ball from 2 feet away. His aging body is slowing down more and more all the time, and it seems as if each new week brings another sign of his senior status. It breaks my heart, but I know his days are numbered.

Barkley fell this morning while climbing up his little ramp to the love seat. (Yes, we’ve reached the ‘furniture ramp’ level of doggie spoiled at my house - hold your judgment, please.) He’s fallen a few times in the past month or two – also a worrisome sign. Luckily, each time he’s fallen, he’s been able to stand back up right away and seems to be okay, as was the case this morning. But this morning, after he stood up and took a few steps on his own, I snatched him up and held him on my lap. He nuzzled in and let me hold him and pet him for about 10 minutes. I’m not sure who needed the comfort more, but the snuggles were definitely good for both of us. After about 10 minutes, he’d had his fill of closeness. Barkley got up, walked to the other end of the sofa and laid down on his own.

Barkley’s been fine the rest of the day. He seems no worse for the wear after his fall. My heart skipped a few beats, but I’m no worse for the wear either.

I am thankful that Barkley’s okay today. He wasn’t hurt and doesn’t seem to be in pain. Thank you, God, for that! But also, thank you God, and thank you Barkley, for those few minutes of sweet doggie cuddles this morning. They did both of our hearts good.