I was sitting in the living room Sunday night reading when I looked down to see this sight on the floor just in front of my chair. That's blind and wobbly Briggs the Beagle with his face pressed under blind Madison's head. Both were sleeping soundly. When I saw this, the expression "cheek by jowl" came immediately to mind. Then I thought, what an odd expression that actually is. So I looked it up here and also noticed that Merriam-Webster says the first known use of the idiom was in 1577.
And that's not an optical illusion in the photo above. Briggs really does have his entire face buried under Madison's head -- this was the actual view from my chair:
It occurred to me that "snout by cheek" might be a more appropriate expression. First known use of this idiom: 2010.
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Adorable picture. I love how everyone at RDR is all about family & snuggling together!!!
Posted by: Colleen & In Memory of Sweet Kitty Erin | November 12, 2010 at 09:30 AM
What a cozy pair!
Posted by: Mare in Mass | November 11, 2010 at 05:49 PM
I love posts like this! I'm an avid reader of all the updates, including checking on the "off" days in case Steve feels the urge to post something extra for us; I'm not sure if you realize just how important they are to some of us. Btw, I realized today it seems like it's been awhile since we've had any updates on the cats or the horses.
Posted by: David | November 10, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Believe that Briggs being all Beagle thought that Madison had something that may possibly be edible (or had been edible at one time) and was waiting for Madison to move so he could grab it. In the meantime like any Beagle worth his/her salt, he caught a little nap.
Posted by: Bob | November 10, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Very clever. Cute pic.
Posted by: Ev | November 10, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Heartwarming! Great to see Madison & Briggs. Pure contentment!
Posted by: Doe George | November 10, 2010 at 12:33 PM
SBC = TLC (they look cute) = DKF (doggie kissy face) -- all adds up to LOVE.
Posted by: Angela | November 10, 2010 at 11:57 AM
What a great statement this photo makes. 2 friends so comfortable with each other, from very different backgrounds, different sizes, arrived at separate times under varying circumstances and yet look how content. If only humans could turn such a blind eye to differences in others, see only the positives and just get on with the important things in life. Like sharing an after dinner nap on a fuzzy rug, together. Hugs to sweet Madison and beagle boy Briggs.
Posted by: Anne in Florida | November 10, 2010 at 11:27 AM
My first thought was that perhaps they are snuggling close for comfort due to the loss of sweet Helen and dear Callie. I wonder if dogs do that? Our 2 1/2 legged lab, Maggie, recently put herself between our small beagle mix, Jiggs, and another dog who was trying to hurt Jiggs. That was protection so why not comfort? In any case, the picture was an 'Aaahhhh' moment!
Posted by: Tracy McBride | November 10, 2010 at 08:24 AM
I love the pictures of the dogs when they are snuggling. It is so sweet. They look so peaceful.
Posted by: Tammy Stanton | November 10, 2010 at 07:49 AM
Steve, you're just a learning machine aren't you? :)
Posted by: Lynne Parker | November 10, 2010 at 06:56 AM
"Paw by belly" too ?
Posted by: Mauro Salles | November 10, 2010 at 06:24 AM
If that's not the ultimate in contentment, I don't know what is!
Thanks for this wonderful picture of Madison and Briggs - and the definition of cheek to jowl, too!
* PLEASE KEEP VOTING and spreading the word!! Third place is starting to catch up. If you have more than one browser, please use each one to vote! *
Posted by: Ann | November 10, 2010 at 06:01 AM
Couldn't be nicer application of the phrase!
Posted by: Linda | November 09, 2010 at 09:50 PM
Cute title! I never realized how big Madison is till I saw her cozied up to Briggs in this picture. Looks like these two got together for a little face time.
Posted by: Moon Rani | November 09, 2010 at 09:03 PM
Looks like Briggs is whispering sweet nothings in Madison's ear. Oh if only humans could be as content! Another great pic.
Posted by: Cathy Silvestro | November 09, 2010 at 06:51 PM
The question is, of course: who got there first?!
Did Madison fall asleep and Briggs pushed underneath for some face warming, or did Briggs start to snooze and Madison come over and lay down on top of Briggs?
The next question is, naturally: what does it matter? LOL
They are sweet and comfortable, safe and sound, dreaming doggie dreams and making Dad proud without even knowing it!
Makes me smile!
Posted by: Gena | November 09, 2010 at 06:19 PM
That is beyond adorable! I capture similiar moments with my two, and they are priceless treasures. Love Madison, haven't seen her in a while!
Posted by: Aliza | November 09, 2010 at 06:11 PM