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An older man in a plaid shirt sleeps in a brown recliner while a small white Maltese naps on the armrest beside him. 16 / 35

Grandpa Dozed Off Mid-Show in His Recliner. Pearl Followed His Lead.

AI imagemalteserecliner napliving room

The television is still on, but nobody is watching. Grandpa Gus has dozed off in his brown recliner, head resting against the cushion and his blue-and-red plaid shirt rumpled in comfort. Stretched out on the wide armrest right beside him is Pearl, curled with her chin on her paws and her eyes almost closed, just barely keeping one sleepy eye on the room. A knit throw drapes over the back of the chair, his reading glasses wait on the coffee table, and shelves of books and a few houseplants fill the living room.

Many dogs love to nap close to their people, and choosing a spot that smells like you is a sign of attachment and comfort. Small breeds like the Maltese often look for high, cozy resting places, which is why armrests and sofa backs are popular. For older adults, a dog that settles in beside them during quiet hours offers gentle, steady companionship. Just watch for a few hazards: little dogs can be hurt by falls from tall furniture, and recliner mechanisms can pinch small paws, so check where your pet is before you raise or lower the footrest.

Pearl looks like she has done this a thousand times, which she probably has. Gus's afternoon nap is apparently also her afternoon nap, and neither one would have it any other way.

There's no better way to spend a slow afternoon than with a recliner, a quiet room, and a loyal little friend nearby.

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