The colder it gets, the harder it is to reject those puppy dog eyes that want to sleep in the big bed with me.
I typically only let Cairo, my cat, curl up at my feet, mostly because he is quite able-bodied for the chonk he is and will just up anyway. Smidge gets defensive and Cairo will, as usual, give her what she wants.
But sometimes I get really lucky and I wake up with a snoring Chihuahua on my left and a snoozy black cat on my right. It’s a snuggly, fluffy, precious pupper and cool kitty sandwich.
Supposedly sleeping with dogs is good for your health due to a bacteria they have that makes them smell vaguely like Fritos. However, most dog trainers discourage dogs sleeping in the big bed so they don’t get spoiled or think they run things.
Let’s be honest now, no matter how well trained your dog is, they still think they run things. Smidge knows I am the boss, the feeder, queen of all our house, but it does not stop her from trying to break the rules.
I’ve never heard any positives or negatives about cats sleeping in the bed, probably because it doesn’t matter. Cats will always sleep in the bed. Even if you say no. It’s their bed now.
If I can’t find Cairo, he is usually snuggled up in the big bed, in between the folds of my messy duvet and quilt. He seems to like it better when I don’t make my bed, so I guess I’m not making my bed anymore since he keeps sleeping there.
Plus, the dog and cat are both like small personal heaters you can squeeze. They will keep your spot warm, or keep you warm by making themselves comfortable on you so you can’t move. It’s silly, but I can’t argue with how effective of a heat source it is. Smidge will also tell you when its too cool in the house by randomly shivering, and looking pathetic, until you give her a sweater and bump the heat up.
I’ve also noticed that my dog and cat emit severe sleep rays. If they start sleeping, watch out. It’s for your health. You will fall asleep in minutes. Smidge snores, and it’s surprisingly not at all distrupting, it’s almost like she’s singing a loud, awkward lullaby, with her nose. Cairo occasionally stretches and sighs without so much as opening his eyes. It’s not worth it, he’s still sleepy, and he already knows you’re staring at him.
As we experience some extra winter chill this week, oh, I don’t see the harm in getting the pair in the big bed. After all, I’ll at least be saving on my electric bill with their body heat, and Smidge is at least courteous enough to wait to be invited up, so it sort of feels like I’m still the boss.
