Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Cole's capers dog days of summer

Cole enjoys the porch. His porch perch.
He watches critters eat from the birdseed holder, and drink from the fountain. He thinks great poodle thoughts and wishes he could share his wisdom with pups coming up. As the heat takes over, he becomes drowsy and decides to pause in his great thoughts and take a little nap. 
 Is there anything as touching as seeing a pet sleep? So vulnerable and peaceful, trusting you'll take their "watch" and have their back. 

Cole has taken to resting like this with his head hanging off a bed. Or propped up on a pillow but never level. He sleeps deeply. His ability to sleep has increased as his hearing has decreased. He must no longer be aware of little startling noises so he rests more completely now.

 I often have to put my hand on him, rocking him gently to wake him. He wakes a bit confused, staring at me to place me. I see the moment when he remembers where he is and with whom. He is awake then, but relaxed. 

Oh yes, the momma. I love her. Wonder if she has a treat for me. 

I used to plan for the moments puppy Cole would nap, tiptoe-ing around so as not to wake the tempest he was. Now I place a hand on his side to feel breaths, slow in... and out... and I sometimes hold his foot while he sleeps.
 I am aware he loves the Daddy most. His play mate and protector. 
The patient one who lets him sniff for hours in one spot. 

But I love him, chose him, wanted him in particular among all the available pups at the time. 

I think, if he could talk he'd say, "love you, Momma. Relax"


18 comments:

Michele McLaughlin said...

Yes he would! Dogs love all their people! Hugs, Mickie and Seamus

My GBGV Life said...

What touching words. We too sleep with our heads hanging out of our beds.

quiltedfabricart said...

He seems so content and happy. He is one lucky dog to have you. Abbey slept most of the time during the last few months that I had him and I'm sure I will sleep most of the time when I get older - hell, I sleep most of the time - now!

Joanne said...

A Cole moment to cherish.

PaintedThread said...

Absolutely. Mommas do the hard work and I think they know that.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

Chloe sometimes chooses to go on walks with the boys, but a lot of the time she chooses to stay home and sleep. She was always the one out the door first, so sad to see the grey ears and cloudy eyes

Unknown said...

What a perfect spot to catch some sleep. I could see myself right beside you taking a siesta pal. Happy napping. XOXO - Bacon

Jan said...

My dogs insist that watchdogs never really sleep.

Mary in Boulder said...

So sweet. You are lucky to share this time with him.

Tails Around the Ranch said...

Such a regal pose surveying his porch. 💕 Love that boy.

Raising Your Pets Naturally with Tonya Wilhelm said...

Very sweet. <3

The Daily Pip said...

Looks like you have an amazing screened porch! I agree, I absolutely love to watch Ruby sleeping - so adorable!

Jackie Bouchard said...

What a sweet post! It's so bittersweet as they get older. Since our Abby never had a chance to grow old (she died of cancer at 2 1/2) I look forward to Rita's sweet, older age - although I don't want to rush it! And, yes, I agree - it's so sweet to watch them sleep, so trusting, so relaxed!

Maria said...

So true, to watch a pet sleep, so peaceful and innocent. I know firsthand how much Cole loves his people💙

M. K. Clinton said...

That is a very sweet post and it choked me up. I watch Bentley sleep and pray for a long and happy life for us ♥

Unknown said...

Your words made me tear up a little, too. I know Cole loves you, too. You read his mind so well.

Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie

View From My Pram said...

PepiSmartDog: Leeana I feel your pain in your comment. Mom Michele used to do the same with me, when I was 18 years old. Sending you a big ((((((((HUG))))))).
Thank you for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop and sharing your week with us. Hope to see you again this week too. *waves paw* :=o)

Jans Funny Farm said...

We came by from Pepi's blog after reading of the loss of Cole. Sending warm {{{hugs}}}.