MORNING WITH CONLEY

John's bedroom has always been off-limits to the Bassets. It was Cooper's favorite place, away from the short-legs (there is a gate) and a huge, comfy bed to lounge on.Almost every morning I would go in and have a cuddle-and-scratch session, just with Cooper.

But then he lost that front leg to cancer, and we worried that in jumping off the very high bed, he might do something to the other leg.  So Cooper lost his spot on the bed. I made him a nice place in my room, and almost every morning he comes and gets into my bed for our daily cuddle, while the short-legs are still crated.

Ever mindful of opportunities to upgrade his own social status, this has not gone un-noticed by Conley.
He cannot get over the gate.
But he can whine.

So every morning now, when the dogs realise that John is awake, Conley parks right at the gate and starts to cry. He is very persistent, and he is also very annoying. Sooner or later, he knows, we will cave. And he whips right into the bedroom and waits to be lifted onto the bed, where he cuddles with John for a little bit and then demands MY presence as well.

And so I go into the bedroom for a few minutes of intense belly rubs, ear rubbing, and general lovin'. Then he hops down (he usually jumps before we can grab him, and it's a LONG way down) and gets a treat. (For what I am not sure. But he gets one anyway.)

Who said we were hard to train?

                                       Ok, Treat Time, Now!