Mae Opened the Morning Paper. Bandit Climbed Into Her Lap and Called It a Day.
The headlines can wait a moment; Bandit has claimed the lap. Mae sits deep in a cream armchair in a sage green shirt-jacket, reading glasses perched on her nose, holding the folded morning paper in both hands. Her Australian Shepherd has climbed up and draped his whole black-and-copper body across her legs, chin resting on her knee and eyes heavy with sleep, his feathery tail spilling over the cushion. A side table holds a coffee mug and a spare pair of glasses, a basket of knitting needles and yarn sits on the shelf, and family photos hang on the wall above.
Aussies are medium-sized, sturdy dogs, so having one settle across your lap is quite a commitment. Many herding breeds are affectionate and like to stay physically close to their favorite person, sometimes called being a velcro dog. That closeness is sweet, but it's worth thinking about comfort and safety, particularly for older owners. A heavy dog can make standing up awkward and can put pressure on knees or hips, so teaching a reliable off cue and offering a comfortable bed or blanket right next to your chair helps. Using a ramp or step stool can also protect a dog's joints when getting on and off furniture. Because Australian Shepherds are high-energy, a long, relaxed nap like this is often a sign that they've had a good walk or play session earlier in the day.
Mae will finish the crossword eventually, but for now, she's not moving a muscle. Some mornings, the warm weight of a sleeping dog is the best news of all.
