January 21

When most people first get a dog, they decide that the dog will not be allowed to sleep in the bed. They buy a little bed and place it next to their bed. They think they will be pack leader, the best owner ever. It's a common mistake by those of us who haven't had a dog since childhood and who think we are so on top of things. Ha ha.

Dogs know how to work the system. They'll look at you with pleading eyes and offer up a soft whimper. You can resist one or two nights but then you think, "just this once". At first, things seem great. They curl up into a little ball and you barely notice they're there. You let them up again. They slink under the covers and lie right in the little cove made by your body when you are sleeping on your side. They are warm and snuggly. You're hooked.

Then, things change. Before you know it, they are stretched out as far as their body will allow. Notice the front paw pictured is way out in front and the back paws angle straight back. To top it off, they have to lay sideways...so all you are left with is about 1 foot on either edge of the bed. The covers won't reach all the way over you, it's cold and the dog is a dead weight. It's like a bowling ball laying next to you. You have to stand up to move the thing. When you do, they just moan and look at you like you have committed the ultimate betrayal.

But, all pet owners have been there and we all put up with it...because it's worth it.