Cuddles make me happy
It turns out that more than anything else in the world, cuddles make me happy. If I can spend a good part of my day snuggled up to Mum or Dad, or better still both, then I am a much happier dog. Ideally, I’d have all twenty-four hours being cuddled up to at least one of them. The warmth and contact really settle me.
I think, from observation, that it might be doing Mum good too. She really doesn’t seem to stop enough. Sitting in the big chair with me is a good way to get her to stop. There is another benefit too. It turns out I’m a very good listener when I’m not moving. Mum has been moaning that she misses her dog walks where she can discuss her current plot with one of us. Walking with me is just not like that. Sitting in the chair then I’m much better at it.
Fewer walks
Everyone assumes that all dogs like going for a walk. Of course, all dogs need enough exercise just as all humans do. All dogs need enough stimulation in their lives, as would benefit all humans. However, I can get all the exercise I want charging around the garden. I chase birds, play football, work on training exercises with Mum, play with my toys. It is all very much a known quantity and I get a lot of pleasure from it.
Take me away from the things which I feel safe with and I can be very jumpy. I need to test everything, including Mum, to make sure there are no problems. I simply cannot relax. At home I can.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a reformed character, but I am doing a lot better just at the moment. Mum’s bruises haven’t gone down yet, but she’s feeling more optimistic that they might.
Licks and head butts
Pebbles
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