Sven is our nearly 4-year-old Australian Labradoodle who believes life’s too short for stress and too long not to claim the best seat in the house.
The Basics:
If Gunnar is our intense, empathetic protector, then Sven is our zen master who’s figured out that the secret to happiness is a good nap in a forbidden place. He arrived in August 2021 as Gunnar’s little half-brother, and while they share the same mother and similar looks, their personalities couldn’t be more different.
Sven has mastered the art of selective hearing, strategic napping, and what I call “stealth relaxation.” He’s the dog equivalent of that friend who somehow always ends up with the best seat at every gathering – not through aggression, but through pure commitment to comfort.
The Couch Connoisseur: Sven has claimed our three-person sofa as his personal kingdom. When we’re home, he’s innocently lying on the floor. But check the security cameras when we’re away, and there he is – stretched out on his back, living his best life on the forbidden furniture.
The Gentle Soul: Despite his stubborn streak about furniture, Sven is the most gentle dog you’ll ever meet. He approaches everyone and everything with a soft, kind energy that makes him perfect for cuddles and safe around anyone.
The Peace Keeper: When things get too chaotic with the other dogs playing, Sven simply removes himself from the situation. He’ll calmly walk upstairs or downstairs to find a quiet spot (usually our bed or another sofa) and resume his favorite activity: sleeping.
The Ball Enthusiast: This laid-back guy has one passion that gets him truly excited – balls! He’s created his own entertainment system, taking a ball uphill just to let it roll down so he can chase it. He could play this solo game forever, and he also has a ball on a string that he drags around the yard like his personal pet.
The Training Dropout: Sven enjoys training… until he doesn’t. He’s the only dog I know who will literally decide he’s done with a session and just walk away, even when he hasn’t been dismissed. It’s both frustrating and hilarious.
Picture this: Sven has claimed our entire three-person sofa, stretched out like he owns the place. When we want to sit down, we ask him to move. His response? Complete and utter stillness. He becomes so motionless that I’ve actually had to check if he’s still breathing. He’s perfected the art of “playing dead” to keep his spot, and honestly? It works more often than it should. We’ve started giving in to his sofa demands because he’s just so committed to his comfort.
“Life’s too short to stress about the small stuff, and too long not to claim the best furniture in the house. Take it easy, chill out, and love your life. Give your dog lots of cuddles and, for the love of all that’s comfortable, let him sleep on the bed and couch. Trust me on this – we know where the good spots are, and we’re not asking for much. Just the premium real estate in your home. Oh, and if your dog walks away from training, maybe he’s just done for the day. We know our limits better than you think.”
Sven joined our family in August 2021 as Gunnar’s half-brother and has been teaching us the fine art of relaxation ever since. His commitment to comfort and peace is both admirable and slightly annoying when you want your sofa back.
