Neighborhood Dog Tired of Being Man’s Best Friend

Checkers, 4, of Nuttree Woods

Checkers, 4, of Nuttree Woods, reported on Thursday that he has grown tired of being the best friend of owner Dave Cobblestark.

"He's just so clingy these days," said Checkers. "We have to do everything together. I've always enjoyed the walks, belly rubs, and fetch in the backyard, but I grew concerned when he came back from the beach with matching airbrushed t-shirts for us to wear together.”

The pandemic has been challenging for many dogs. With owners working from home, there's less time for napping, and many pooches are finding it difficult to live up to the label of "man's best friend."

"I went from getting a solid 18 hours of sleep a day to just shy of 12. I can't function like that long term," said Checkers.

Checkers has decided to spend a couple weeks with extended family in Charlottesville. He plans to do some soul-searching while he's away and has encouraged Dave to do the same. Checkers' hope is that Dave won't be quite so emotionally dependent on him when he returns.

Mr. Cobblestark declined our request for an interview.