When Iris first trotted into doggy daycare last April, her mom, Ebony Magyar, had zero doubts she’d fit right in.
“She’s a social butterfly,” Magyar told The Dodo. “She loves making friends.”
But just a week later, the daycare staff at Alpha Doggy PlayCare sent Magyar a photo that made her laugh out loud — instead of curling up on a bed or the floor, Iris had decided the best spot for a nap was smack on top of a giant, fluffy dog.
It wasn’t entirely out of character. At home, Iris is a champion snuggler. “She’s always looking for a warm lap to curl up on,” Magyar said. “Blankets have magical powers over her — if she’s in a ‘piranha’ mood, I just wrap her in one and she calms instantly.”
Still, the tiny pup’s confidence around dogs ten times her size has amazed everyone. Her first “nap buddy” was a massive, cloud-like Leonberger. Since then, she’s grown even bolder — snoozing on a dog’s head or wedging herself between two already-sleeping pups without hesitation.
Luckily, her daycare friends don’t seem to mind. In fact, they welcome her cozy company. Over time, Iris has even developed her own criteria for cuddle partners.
“The trainers say she’s selective, but they’re not sure how she chooses,” Magyar said. “I guess the fluffier or fatter, the better!”
Iris will even delay her nap until one of her favorites settles down. “She definitely waits for them to lay down first,” Magyar added.
For Iris, daycare is the perfect mix of her two favorite things — playing and sleeping. And her fearless affection has had an unexpected bonus: she’s helping shyer puppies come out of their shells.
“She gets the nervous dogs to play,” Magyar said. “She’s like a little social coach.”
But no matter how much fun she has at daycare, Iris always saves her best love for home. “She’s a huge personality, so it’s never a dull moment,” Magyar said. “The best part of my day is picking her up, getting her kiss attacks, and cuddling her until bedtime.”
