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Grandmother naps on a brown couch in her floral apron while a white and tan Jack Russell sleeps on the armrest beside her. 9 / 40

Abuela Sat Down for Just a Minute. Chispa Took the Armrest and That Was That.

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Somewhere between the end of lunch and the start of the evening news, everyone gave up. Abuela Rosa has sunk deep into the cushions of a well-loved brown couch, eyes closed, head tilted back and hands resting easy in the folds of her floral apron. The TV sits dark and quiet across the room. Sunlight slips through half-open blinds and paints soft stripes on the wall. Perched on the plump armrest beside her, Chispa has flattened herself into a perfect loaf, chin down and eyes shut, as though she has been assigned to guard the nap and fell asleep on the job.

A Jack Russell asleep on duty is a sure sign of a well-exercised, contented dog. These terriers have big engines, and adult dogs commonly spend a good part of the day sleeping or resting, especially after a busy morning. Dogs also tend to mirror their people's rhythms, so a household that slows down in the afternoon often has a pet that does the same. Short naps can be refreshing for older adults too, as long as they do not interfere with nighttime sleep. If you share the couch with a small dog, a sturdy armrest perch or a soft blanket can keep everyone comfortable, and a small step or ramp helps protect a little dog's joints from repeated jumping.

The remote has gone missing somewhere in the cushions, and nobody plans to look for it. Some afternoons are simply meant for snoozing side by side.

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