Mabel eventually moved off it.
Then she settled beside him.
Sometimes her body remained against the edge of the mattress. Sometimes only her head rested near it.
By morning, Finn was often still curled into the soft center.
Mabel was still beside him.
Staff could observe the pattern, but they could not know exactly why Mabel chose that position.
Calling it a deliberate act of sacrifice would mean assigning a human motive that could not be proven.
What they did know was enough.
When Finn occupied the bed, Mabel repeatedly chose to settle nearby rather than displacing him.
Staff Realized They Needed Two Comfortable Places
The solution was not to stop Finn from sleeping beside Mabel.
It was to change the kennel.
Another supportive sleeping surface was added so Mabel would not have to choose between staying close to Finn and resting her arthritic body somewhere comfortable.
The beds were positioned near each other rather than on opposite sides of the kennel.
That detail mattered.
Finn appeared to settle best when he could remain close to Mabel. Giving Mabel a bed several feet away might technically have provided another resting place, but it would not necessarily preserve the arrangement that was helping the puppy relax.
Staff also added non-slip surfaces where appropriate.
For Finn, traction made movement easier and reduced unnecessary slipping.
For Mabel, it meant less strain on already-stiff joints when she stood up.
The goal was not to force either dog into a particular sleeping position.
It was to give them better choices.
Finn Still Needed to Learn Independence
Mabel's presence helped, but staff knew they could not make the senior Labrador responsible for managing Finn's anxiety indefinitely.
Finn needed gradual opportunities to become comfortable without constant physical contact from another dog.
That had to happen carefully.
For a frightened puppy, simply removing his companion and waiting for him to "get used to it" could increase distress rather than build confidence.
Instead, periods apart could be introduced gradually while Finn was given something positive and manageable to focus on.
Staff could also watch his body language closely.
Could he settle after Mabel left?
Would he eat?