Hounds & furniture

Sassy (Aussie Shepard/Beagle mix) has her bed in the basement, but she's rarely on the furniture. When she's upstairs she usually sitting or sleeping at my feet as I sit on the couch.

Dozer (Basset/Beagle mix) has bed is in his cage next to my bed. When it's bed time he goes in his cage and lays down for the night. Usually, though, he's either beside me on the couch or on the floor at my feet.

The cats come and go as they please. On the bed, on the couch sleeping next to me, cuddling up to me at night, but they mostly prefer the hall closet, sleeping on the extra blankets.

Truthfully, Dozer's been a godsend over the past months. I don't know how many times I've been sitting here crying and Dozer's always offered his comfort to me by putting his front paws on my leg and licking my face. Even the cat has joined in at those times. My male Maine Coon, Spidey, has done it often, too.

Dozer on one side of me licking my face, Spidey on the other, licking my cheek. That can't happen if they weren't allowed on the furniture. And what a blessing it is, to know our pets are empathic enough to know something's not right and offering me the love and comfort they have.