Senior Pup On Long Island Turns Heads After Family Attaches A Balloon For The Cutest Reason
If there’s one thing Marley knows how to do, it’s steal the spotlight. At sixteen years old, this tiny Yorkipoo isn’t chasing tennis balls or sprinting around the yard anymore – but that doesn’t mean he’s sitting life out.
Recently, at a family engagement party, Marley became the unexpected star of the show when guests noticed a balloon floating gently above him.
No, it wasn’t decoration gone astray. The balloon was tied to Marley’s collar on purpose and for the sweetest reason imaginable.
The family didn’t want anyone accidentally tripping over the little old guy as he made his slow rounds between the snack table and the guests. Alexa Stockhausen, Marley’s loving human said:
“He still likes to be the life of the party, so we didn’t want to keep him inside. It was the best solution to have him join the party, but in a safe way.”
The idea came from Alexa’s sister, Erica, the bride-to-be. While planning her engagement celebration, she wanted to make sure Marley could be part of the fun.
Her clever balloon plan worked perfectly and had everyone laughing and cooing over the adorable sight. Alexa said:
“They loved it. Everybody already loves the guy, and they know he’s an older dog.”
The bright balloon, with “BEWARE OF DOG” scribbled across it in black marker, bobbed cheerfully above Marley’s head as he mingled.
It was more than just cute, it worked. Alexa said proudly:
“No one tripped, so it was a 10 out of 10. He kept it on the whole day.”
For Marley, who hates being left alone, the balloon meant freedom. He could wander around, soak up all the attention, and stay close to his favorite people. Alexa added:
“He doesn’t like to be alone very much, so I think he would prefer this over anything so he can be with everyone.”
Marley has been part of the Stockhausen family for most of Alexa’s life. She first begged for a puppy back in eighth grade, and when her mom finally brought Marley home, it was love at first sight.
Alexa said:
“He’s always been such a people dog. If we’re sitting on the couch, he has to be on the couch.”
Now living back in her childhood home on Long Island after years in New York City, Alexa gets to spend even more time with her little “Muppet,” as she affectionately calls him. She said:
“I was taking work calls, and he was just always sitting on my lap or right next to me, kind of just following me around the house.”
Age has slowed Marley down a bit, but not his spirit. He still lights up every room he enters and has a way of making everyone smile. Alexa added:
“He’s just a little bit slower now, but he’s still just a happy dog.”
And judging by the joy he brought to that backyard party – with his floating “warning” balloon swaying gently in the breeze.
It’s safe to say Marley will always be the center of attention, no matter how many candles are on his cake.
