The Man Napping With All The Neighbor Dogs

It’s not unusual for Catey Hall to find her father dozing off on the couch when she visits him. However, dogs from the neighborhood join Hall’s dad to build a large, comfortable pile so that he never sleeps alone.

“Dad sees, plays with and naps with one or more of these dogs on a daily basis,” Hall said. “They come running when they see his car and follow him inside.”

Lon Watson, Hall’s father, has always loved dogs and works with the local rescue Pound on the Hill to ensure that every animal receives the care they require.

“For as long as I can remember, my dad has rescued stray dogs,” Hall said. “Growing up, we always had a dog. But there was always room for a stray in need. Now that he lives alone with his wife, there’s room for several. They work with rescues in the area to find homes for the dogs in need; however, not all of them are re-homed, and they stay with dad forever.”

Watson lives with four dogs that he and his wife have rescued. However, he is visited on a daily basis by Hooch, Fluffer-Nutter, and Rosie, all of whom reside nearby and have a unique bond with Watson. The neighboring dogs are content to wait all day for a few minutes of one-on-one time with Watson.

“The neighborhood is an unincorporated section of semi-rural Alabama. The houses are set far back from the street, so the dogs can bounce from house to house safely,” Hall said. “The dogs can usually hear my dad’s truck coming, and they will meet him in the driveway.”

Watson’s human neighbors, thankfully, don’t seem to mind that their dogs spend the majority of their time with Watson — and would never interfere with their special naptime.

Watson seems to get along with every dog he encounters. Even Hall’s two dogs want to join in the fun. “As a matter of fact, they try to leave with Dad when he’s here visiting,” Hall said.