When Walt the rescue dog arrived with the Quinn family, they wanted to do everything to make his life happy and safe.
He was treated to love and routine, good food and lots of attention, all of which he lapped up in their Co Armagh home.
But this Jack Russell-Staffie/Lab cross had one complaint - he just didn’t like his sleeping arrangements.
Mum Laura said: “We knew he needed his own space, a place he could go to when he wanted a bit of down time, when it was time for us all to go to bed and if he wanted to chill out without being disturbed.
“So we got him a crate which was placed in the hall and he was free to come and go as he pleased. But Walt never really got the hang of the crate, he would sit on top of it, lie outside it and often just ignore it.”
As lockdown continued and life with two children and homeschooling got even busier, Laura said she felt Walt needed even more comfort so the family set about making him his own man cave.
She explained: “We got thinking and the space under the stairs was wasted and it would be an ideal spot for a bed for Walt, his own little man cave which he would be free to use whenever he wanted.”
The family renovated their hall space and opened up a large area under the stairs and it wasn’t long before Walt had his own room.
Laura said: “We used to have a crate sitting in the hall and I cannot tell you how many times we walked into it. But now there’s no need for it, and Walt loves his little hideaway.
“I’m biased but there is not a pup on the planet who deserves it more. He never really got to grips with his crate and we were also glad not to have to walk around it too, especially because we kept the little gate open.
“Now Walt has his very own space, dedicated to him, designed for him and every comfort he could need is in there. He knows it’s his bed and he also goes there for a bit of downtime or a daytime snooze.”
Laura and the family got Walt from Friends Of Rescue and say he has been the inspiration and comfort to keep everyone’s spirits up during the Covid crisis.
Laura explained: “Friends of Rescue were unreal and they matched up with Walt which was perfect for all of us, so life changed for everyone on September 1, 2019.
“He was just 12 weeks old when we got him and we believe his mum was a Staffie Lab cross and dad a Jack Russell Terrier.
“His breed therefore doesn’t have a name but the world would be a better place if we could replicate him over and over. He loves playing fetch with a ball - his little face when you say ‘where’s your ball’ is priceless.
“He is 90% joy and 10% mischief. He loves sofa cuddles and is the only other being who loves an open fire as much as I do.
“ He saved me and as a family during the lockdowns. I worked full time while attempting to homeschool my two kids and he really came through for us.
“He was our only childcare, our source of smiles and he got us out every day but mostly he was totally unaffected. While the entire world changed immeasurably around us Walt stayed exactly the same. He is our perfect dog, and exactly what we needed.
"Our world is so much more because Walt is in it so creating a special little bedroom for him was the least we could do to make him happy.”
