Spike was chosen as a “downstairs dog” when he was acquired by Catherine Morris’ family nine years ago. An English springer spaniel named Spike, however, believed otherwise.
Morris told The Dodo, “The first night we got him, we locked the stair gate and went to bed. “He whimpered for a while, then in the dark he jumped over the fence, trotted up into my parents’ room, and jumped right up into the bed! From that point forward, he slept there.
During the day, Spike was full of energy. He loved to run around for hours and chase his tennis ball. At night, the pup would climb up the stairs to share the bed with his family. “He loves to snuggle up and tries to push his way under the covers to get as close as possible,” Morris said.
Now 14 years old, Spike has slowed down quite a bit. Morris and her parents were terrified that they might lose him after Spike suffered two strokes, but the faithful dog wasn’t ready to leave them yet.
Spike was unable to stand for days following his second stroke, so Morris and her parents carried him about the home. The older dog, though, was motivated to improve and had to relearn how to walk.
However, Spike’s family had to barricade his favorite space—the bedroom—because he is still unable to climb and descend stairs with consistency.
They knew Spike wouldn’t let his weakened legs stop him from trying to climb the stairs to snuggle with his family. So they set up their stair gate and came up with a plan to make the old dog happy.
Now, Spike’s family alternate sleeping on the pull-out couch with him each night to make sure the pup doesn’t try to jump the gate. “This new schedule started while I was away at university, so my parents spent alternate nights downstairs with Spike,” Morris said. “Since I moved back home, I’ve joined the rotation so all in all we get a bit more sleep between the three of us.”
Spike’s dad takes special care to make sure his old pup is comfortable at night.
They are completely intertwined, according to Morris. They are constantly conversing, and my dad refers to him as “old bean.”
In order to make sure Spike takes his medications and maintains his vigor, she said, “My dad will also carry Spike his water and food to the sofa and feed him by hand.
It’s clear that Spike loves his family more than anything in the world, and his family will do anything to keep him happy for the pup’s remaining years.
“We love our old boy so much and are so glad to have him in our lives,” Morris said. “Hopefully, we have made up for his not so good start in life by providing all the love in the world.”
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