It’s both a blessing and a curse watching your BDF (best dog friend) get older, especially once they start moving more slowly and sleeping more often. Capturing the sweet, quiet moments throughout the day, and then savoring them, helps ease the heartache just a little. But even their end-of-day bedtime routine is something worth remembering.
Duke may be one of the sweetest senior Basset Hounds to ever exist, but when sleepy time calls, he’s not waiting on anyone to tuck him in. This cutie does fine going to bed all by himself, and it’s a beautiful sight.
Closeup of a Basset Hound sleeping.Image via Unsplash
Having your pooch on a solid routine they can count on is one of the best gifts you can give them. Like kids, they thrive with schedules because it equates to stability, love, comfort, and genuine care for what they need most.
Watch as the precious senior Basset Hound tip-taps his way to the bedroom, up his ramp, and right into bed!
I love it when pet parents get moments like this on camera. It may not seem like that big of a deal at the time. But one day, when Duke has passed, and his parents are grieving, the small moment will be a very big one worth watching over and over.
Hearing his footsteps and remembering everything about him is enough to make me sob! Anyone with pets can probably agree we can’t take these moments for granted, and many of Duke’s fans said as much in the comments.
“That’s the most wholesome thing I have seen all day today,” one person wrote. “This is melting my heart,” another shared. “May he always have the most peaceful rest,” another added.
Duke May Be Older, But He Still Has Fun
Maybe all that beauty rest is helping, because the precious senior pup still knows how to have a good time with his younger Basset Hound brother, Dumbo. Sure, he’s a little slower, and he may not be able to play as long as he used to, but look at him go!
This is what happiness looks like.
Senior dogs truly are the best, and Duke has the right idea. A good night’s sleep is important, especially if you have the job of being the bestest boy in the whole world!
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.