Rita in Speck’s Bed

It’s been almost five months since Speck passed away. I left his big, comfy bed on the floor, hoping Rita would start using it. Her preferred spot has been the sofa, and even after she lost her eyesight, she continued to jump up on the back of the sofa, especially if one of us walks into the house after having been away for a few hours. Vince would pet her while she was on the back of the sofa and I’d make her get down and tell her NO! Since she’s been blind, it scares me for her to be on the back of the sofa. I never understood how she knew which way to jump when she wants down. One way is back onto the sofa. The other way is down all the way to the hardwood floor.

Friday I was standing in the dining room, not far from her and I heard a “thump”, turned around and she had fallen off the back of the sofa onto the floor. She hopped up and didn’t seem injured.  I’ve asked Vince to tell her NO when he sees her up there and not to pet her when she’s up there. Vince is such a softie when critters are concerned (too bad he isn’t so sweet to the wife when yarn arrives!). Instead of saying NO . . he says very nicely . . Rita, it isn’t safe for you to be up there! I keep saying . . she understands a stern “NO”. She doesn’t understand a bunch of words and she has no idea what “safe” means. Just say NO!

I think between me saying NO to her when she gets up there, and the fall, she’s decided Speck’s bed might be a better sitting/sleeping spot.

Rita in Speck’s Bed

She’s been sleeping in the big bed, which I guess we can start calling “Rita’s Bed”.  Sunday morning and this morning, when I got up, she was still in this bed so she slept all night in it. She’s been getting on the sofa a few times during the day but, for the most part, the dog bed has become her favorite spot.

That makes me happy . . I feel much better with her getting in and out of this bed and jumping up and down from the sofa.