How I got into bed …

Never in her dreams did Mum think she would have a dog sleeping in her bed.

This was how she originally intended … a big bolster bed of the highest quality set up in the corner of the kitchen.

When I arrived home in May 2011, Little Tyke showed me how it was done.

Mum didn’t trust me to have the run of the flat due to a peeing incident on the silk rug on my first day. To ensure a good night sleep, she kept me behind the gates in the kitchen.  

I continued to prefer sleeping not in the plush bed by the window but on the hardwood floor, to catch every glimpse of Mum walking past in the night and be closest to me when I reappeared in the mornings.  It bothered her to no end seeing me laying on the wooden floor all night.  I wasn’t comfortable but I had to make a point.  

Then one night she decided to trial an alternative sleeping arrangement.  

Instead of shutting the gate behind her, she took my bed and called after me, “Come on, Darcy.”  I sprung into step and followed dutifully as she led the way to the study across the hallway from her bedroom.

“Right, Miss D!  This is where you’ll be sleeping,” she pointed to the bed and walked away. I stood up and poised to follow her when she turned around, and commanded, “NO! You stay there.”  She disappeared from sight. I went to investigate where she had gone. I stood by the bedroom door and looked in.

“Don’t you dare come in!” she said sternly.  I duly slumped on the floor just outside the bedroom door facing her.  “Darcy, go sleep in your bed!” she urged me but I wanted to make sure I could see her.  Mum switched off the lights and left me where I was. During the night I stretched out and half of me was on the bedroom carpet and the other half on the hallway floor.  I heard Mum rustling under her duvet. I knew she saw me but she didn’t say anything and went back to sleep. Aha! She didn’t mind me half way in. Maybe I could get a tad closer. and moved to snuggle up on the carpet right next to her bed.

The morning alarm sounded and Mum awoke. She didn’t see me at first and panicked. Just as she swung her legs from under her duvet, she saw me curled up, hugging the side of the bed.  She didn’t tell me off. How could she fault me for wanting to be close to her? 

Three nights later, she moved the large bolster bed to the far wall in the room with full view of Mum.  

Each night, I started off curled up in my bed, but by morning I was on the floor tucked closely against the side of her bed.  Mum gave up and let me be. LOL!

Then one night, I had another idea. I usually followed Mum around when she was getting ready for bed, but I decided I would try something new. I went ahead of her and leapt up on the bed, and laid down on the side of the bed where she didn’t sleep in. Ahhhh! That was so much better than any bolster bed and the carpet.

“DARCY!!!” I heard Mum shout when she entered the bedroom. I raised my head to look at her. “What’s the problem?” and duly put my head back down and went to sleep. I heard Mum sniggering and she even took a photo of me!

And since that night, whenever we’re together we have never slept apart. In fact, she insisted I do! Nothing like a convert. But really, it wasn’t such a novelty. Someone had written a book all about it! LOL!

May’s comment: If like me at the start and think no dogs on beds and sofas, have a read of what this article from Tails.com … 🙂

Sweet Dreams: Is Sleeping Next To Your Dog Good For You?

Does thinking about your dog sleeping alone in a different room make you toss and turn at night? 

In a time where most of us are feeling a lot more stressed, anxious and lonely than usual, dog experts at tails.com have some good news – having your dog sleep beside you in bed is actually a lot better and beneficial than you think.

Newborn puppies huddle together because that’s when they feel the safest, and most comfortable – it’s in their nature. When your dog wants to sleep beside you, it’s because they consider you ‘part of the pack’. And if that doesn’t convince you, here are five reasons why sleeping with your furry friend next to you might improve your sleep. 

Dogs can reduce depression

To put it simply, dogs are their own kind of antidepressant – spending time with your pup, even just gazing into their eyes releases ‘oxytocin’. Commonly nicknamed ‘the love hormone’ or the ‘the cuddle hormone’, oxytocin is released when you look at your dog – and the feeling is mutual.

So if just looking at your dog makes you happier, imagine what having a cuddle will do. 

Dogs make you feel safer

A survey carried out by Policy Expert showed that 41% of people feel safer due to owning a dog, and 75% feel as if owning a dog reduces the likelihood of their house being broken into. 

You’re at your most vulnerable when you’re in bed, especially if you live alone – so it’s guaranteed that you’ll feel safer if you have your pooch snuggled up beside you – that feeling of safety and security is also bound to result in a good night’s sleep too!

Dogs can ease stress and anxiety

Hard day at the office? When we climb into bed at night, we have a tendency to worry and overthink – which results in a not-so-great night’s sleep. Spending time with our dogs, whether it be taking them for a walk, or having them beside us in bed can lower our cortisol levels, which is the hormone our body releases when we’re stressed out.

Lower cortisol levels don’t just come with mental health benefits either, physical too! The release of cortisol can also cause heightened blood pressure, which can lead to several complications including; heart attacks, strokes and memory issues. 

Dogs can sleep through the night

If one of your main concerns is that you’ll be woken up in the middle of the night by a fidgety pup, then you don’t have to worry! Like us humans, dogs naturally produce melatonin – the hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. 

Even though your pooch might take considerably more naps during the day than you do, they’re still likely to sleep through the night with minimal disruptions. 

Dogs are warm

Having your dog sleep beside you in bed can even save on your heating bills! Especially if you live alone – these winter nights can be pretty chilly. 

Dogs have a higher body temperature to us, with it averaging between 37.8-39.17 degrees celsius – making them the perfect alternative to a hot water bottle (which goes cold after a while, anyway) or a pricey heating bill! 

Enough said! Darcy knew better. She made the decision for me and I have not regretted it for even one night! I insist both she, George and teddies – all sleep on the bed!

And all sleep overs are welcome!

The more the merrier!

Of course, each to their own and lots of dog owners, who like me at the start never ever imagined I could have a dog in my bed. As long as there’s harmony – that’s all that matters. Good night!