living with dogs

There are times that even though I technically live alone the fact that I share the home with two dogs can make me forget the alone part.  Especially when it is time to turn out the lights and go to sleep. The smaller dog is a burrower and likes to sleep under the covers. At least in the colder months.  In the warmer ones she sleeps in a dog bed in a closet alcove.  She also snores and produces a sound much larger than you would imagine from a dog her size. If I did not know better I would swear my second husband was in her place.  Of course I snore at times as well and cannot cast any stones! The larger dog likes to get as close to me as possible. I was going to say as “humanly” possible but that doesn’t quite fit the case in more than the obvious way.  This dog is often like a sack of sand lying against me, pulling the covers tight and making it difficult to move. Something she is loathe to do as well so that I feel pinned in place.  At other times her weight is just right and I almost feel as though another person is there in the bed. Without even trying these dogs provide a sense of comfort.

In the morning they make me think I am living with small children again.  Their internal clocks go off about the same time every morning and they are impatient for me to get up as well. The little one gets up and immediately goes out the dog door. Once she returns I can hear the click of her nails on the floor as she paces the hall hoping to drive me to distraction and subsequently out of the bed.  Her partner in this plan continues to lie next to me but periodically heaves great sighs of impatience.  There is no sleeping in.  Just like with toddlers.

And every dog owner knows how dogs make a routine homecoming feel like an event. Granted, they are also hoping for a treat but their welcome is genuine. Which I guess could also be compared to returning from a trip and having the kids clamor to see what you brought them. Except I can be gone for 15 minutes and get the same reaction.

And, of course, no meal is a solitary affair. I always have attentive company hanging on my every move if not my every word.

So yes I would have to say I live alone but not really.