Musical chairs

In my house, the dogs are allowed only on their dog couch. It is a comfy over-sized love seat and ottoman just for them. They are allowed on the bed only with an invitation, and they know better than to hop onto my nice leather chairs.

Until.

A few weeks ago, I was lounging on the dog couch. When there is no room for him on a couch or bed, Jack, who is not a snuggler, generally sighs and flops on the floor like a beached whale. But for whatever reason, on this day he sidled up to a chair and sort of melted up into it. He sat there, stiffly, with a cautious eye gauging my reaction. Out of sheer amusement, I just gave him a blank look. The no-dogs-on-the-chairs rule is practically the only rule Jack ever follows. With his eyes trained on mine, searching for a reaction, he gently and gingerly settled in.

I must say, I'm happy to let him use the chairs. He seems to enjoy it. And I enjoy sitting next to him in my own chair, reading with a hot cup of tea. It actually works perfectly, as Jack likes to be close but does not like to snuggle. Two side-by-side chairs must be heaven for him. Jack seems to know that I am bending the rules for him, and has, accordingly, been on his very best behavior the past few days.

I hope it lasts.

***
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