Question

What does this mean? From a motionless coil on the floor he would spring to his feet quivering with impatience

Answer 1

This line means that Duke was fed up with sitting idly on the floor near Hooper's bed, where he lay motionless, staring purposelessly at the roof. Duke was a rambunctious dog; he wanted Hooper to get up and play with him. So when Hooper didn't make any effort to get up or move, Duke would take the initiative. He would stand, go to the bed, and poke his nose under Hooper's elbow. He constantly nudged, needled, snorted and yap at him to get up. He would not stop until he compelled Hooper to get up and try walking.