Sleeping in the Big Bed

There are studies that say dog owners have blood pressure and cholesterol lower than ordinary people. These factors reduce the chance for cardiovascular diseases and generally promote better overall health.

There are other studies that say you get a better night’s sleep if you don’t allow your dogs to sleep with you. Some may argue that sleep interrupted by dogs moving about, changing position, climbing over their humans, and pawing at the blankets leaves one less than well rested and less able to cope with the day.

Eric and I wholeheartedly agree with the first theory, and while we acknowledge the second might have some merit, we enjoy sleeping with our munchkins. We originally had a queen-sized bed that worked perfectly well for two humans and then two humans and one small dog. Our beloved Reno slept with his head on my pillow, just like a little person. I adored sleeping cuddled up with my bambino, even though the only thing that kept me from being pushed onto the floor was the side of the waterbed frame.

However, when Ivan and Dasa came along, there were two dogs in our bed, two small dogs who seemed to expand in every direction and become nearly greyhound sized, making our bed much too small. We have a king sized bed now. We figured if they push us out of a king size bed, we can walk around and climb in the other side.

It’s wonderful that we all fit in this bed, even when small dogs stretch to several times their original size. It’s nothing short of miraculous. Of course, there are times when Eric and I sleep diagonally or sideways, and times when I sleep curled in alphabetic shapes around munchkins. But we feel the benefits of sleeping with our dogs outweigh these minor issues. Ivan and Dasa give us unconditional love and affection; what can compare to that.