It’s difficult to see our loved ones struggle as they grow old, but being a member of a family means supporting each other no matter what!
Catherine Morris lives with her parents in Yorkshire, England. Nine years ago, they adopted an English springer spaniel named Spike. Spike has always been full of energy, but now that he’s a 14-year-old senior citizen, he moves a bit slower.
Right after he was adopted, Spike decided that he preferred sleeping upstairs with his loved ones. The Morris family wasn’t keen on the idea at first, but he nimbly jumped the pet gate every night and forced his way under their covers for snuggles. Eventually, they gave up and welcomed the additional cuddle sessions!
For almost a decade, Spike spent every night curled up with Catherine’s parents in their bed, but when he suffered two strokes in recent months, he wasn’t able to stand or walk on his own. Catherine and her relatives carried him around the house until he regained enough strength to walk, but he still couldn’t manage to get up and down the stairs to sleep in his usual spot.
That’s when the family came up with a simple yet incredibly moving solution for their best buddy! Every night, they take turns on the sleeper sofa so Spike doesn’t get lonely.
“This new schedule started while I was away at university, so my parents spent alternate nights downstairs with Spike,”Catherine explained. “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.â€
The caretaking doesn’t end there either! Catherine said her dad has a special bond with his “old bean,” and since the pup’s strokes, he has been waiting on Spike hand and foot.
“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,”she said.
For the Morris family, going the extra mile to make sure Spike is comfortable and happy is no big deal. They are happy to repay him for the years of love and companionship he has brought them – and to cherish every moment they get to spend together in the future!
This is such a wonderful example of caring for an elderly family member. It’s not always easy, but it’s the right thing to do for someone you love!
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