Sleeping Dog

[stoutfellow]

Poor Murphy's getting old.

It seems to me that he's sleeping more than he used to. It's certainly the case that he's sleeping more heavily. These days, when I get home, it's as likely as not that he won't come to greet me at the door. I have to go wake him up to say hello. It's not enough, either, to call, whistle, or clap, even at close range; I have to nudge or even shake him awake.

His favorite sleep spot used to be my bed; he always slept next to me at night. With the hindquarter trouble he's having these days, though, he can't get up there any more, and he's ceded that coveted spot to Ben. He's been experimenting with other places to sleep, trying to find a new favorite - my den (in the cubby, or next to the chair), on the mat in the main bathroom, right outside my bedroom door.... Lately he's been sleeping right by the bedroom closet, which would be okay except that he blocks the door; with him there, I can't open the door more than a few inches. That's not too much of a problem first thing in the morning; I keep my robe just inside the closet, on the side where the door opens, and I can usually snake my arm in to get the robe without disturbing him. If he's still there after I shower, though, I have to get him to move so I can get at the rest of my clothes.

Poor fella. He's probably got quite a few years left in him, but he doesn't have the oomph anymore.

Comments

[countrycousin.livejournal.com]

Ah, poor Murphy.

I suppose his hindquarter problems protect your bed from the indignity of other hindquarter problems. If he had something to lie on (like the bathroom mat, but maybe thicker) near your bed but in a less awkward spot, would that work? Or would Ben think that he should have it?

Best wishes to him.

[(Anonymous)]

Maybe Murph's going deaf. Happens with older dogs. C

[subcreator.livejournal.com]

We’re going through the same thing with Stinky. He’s a 12 year old Yellow Lab / Golden Retriever mix. Wonderful dog. He has been great with the kids.

He used to go between the kids rooms all night, from bed to bed every hour or so. Now he usually sleeps on the floor in our room. I’ve tripped over him more than once when I get up to take that 3am leak.

A few months back, he almost killed me. It was on a Friday night, when I normally stay up late to read, write, or surf the web, and I had just shut off all of the lights. I went up stairs to go to bed, and he was sleeping at the top of the stairs. He hasn’t done that again, but I still check. (I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks. Both of us.)

He takes his role as family protector seriously, and will be sorely missed when he’s gone.

How old are M & B?

Thanks - Peter

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Murphy's thirteen years old; I've had him since he was weaned. I'm not sure how old Ben is. I got him from the Humane Society, and they said he was six months old, but that's almost certainly wrong. My best guess - and my vet agrees - is that he's about the same age as Murphy.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

That could well be part of it. He doesn't have any trouble hearing me prepare food, though.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Hmm... That does suggest some possibilities. I keep a hassock next to the bed that used to be Ben's sleeping spot, but if I moved it out of the way I could put a doggie bed of some kind down there. (Murphy wouldn't fit on the hassock even if he could get up on it.)

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

They never do [g].

Murphy is a very lucky dog. I hope he has a very peaceful and comfortable -- and long -- old age.