I guess Sparky decided that he had enough of the unusual sleeping arrangements.  Since we brought him home from the amputation, one week ago tomorrow, I have had him sleep in the family room on the ground floor, with a baby gate keeping him there.  I slept on the couch a couple of nights to keep him company. This room is where he hangs out most days, and it is comfortable with nice doggie beds, some toys and food and water.  But normally, (pre-amp) every night he sleeps in our bedroom (October to April on the bed and May to September, beside the bed - its all about the weather).

I saw him hop over to the front door about an hour ago. I assumed this meant that he wanted to go for a walk and told him to wait two minutes while I finished up the dishes. I then grabbed the leash and went to get him to go out for a walk and he was nowhere to be found.  Apparently,  Mr Sparks decided that he would hop up the fourteen steps to the bedroom. He had no trouble at all (hubby saw it happen). I am glad I have the new harness still unwrapped, sitting on the kitchen table, ready to help him learn how to do steps as soon as the staples are out  (we will still put it to good use for getting out of the truck)

So now he is sound asleep on the floor by the bed chasing rabbits in his sleep and snoring like a lumberjack.  This is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.

We will be very careful when it is time for him to hop down the steps,  but I am just going to enjoy this for now.