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An older man in a brown sweater vest sits in a wooden rocking chair while a cream Chihuahua sleeps curled on a woven rug. 24 / 25

Grandpa Has a Rocking Chair, but He Hardly Ever Gets to Rock in It

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Henry sits tall in his wooden rocking chair, hands resting on the armrests, looking straight ahead with a calm, dignified little smile. He is not rocking, though, and it is easy to see why. Peanut has curled into a tight cream ball on the woven jute rug right in front of the chair, nose tucked, eyes shut, paws folded under her chin, deep in a peaceful sleep. Family photos hang along the wall behind them, a basket of blankets sits by the dresser, and soft window light fills the room.

Small dogs like Chihuahuas love to stay near their people, which often means they nap right where their owners walk, sit, or rock. That is sweet, but it can also be a trip hazard, especially for older adults. A dog curled on a rug in front of a chair can be hard to see when standing up quickly. Giving your dog a designated bed close to your favorite seat, perhaps slightly to the side, keeps them nearby without being underfoot. Wearing a bell or a brightly colored collar can make small dogs easier to spot, and always glance down before rocking or getting up.

Henry seems to know the routine well. Look down, smile, stay put. Some afternoons, the most important task in the house is simply not waking the dog.

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