Sleep With Your Pet?

My dog sleeps with me.

He isn't a little dog, either. He's a great big 70-pound Standard Poodle. But he was still a puppy when I decided he could probably go the night in my room. And so since he was a little one, he's slept on my bed.

This doesn't always go smoothly. He's usually ready for bed before I am--it amazes me how his natural clock just takes over. He sleeps at about 9 or 10 at night, and is up for the day at about 6 or 7. Sometimes it makes me wish I worked that way. He'll curl up when he's ready to sleep, and if he gets to the bed before me, that usually means either right in the middle of it or with his head on my pillow.

Otherwise, when I climb in bed, his first reaction is to climb up and put his paws right on my chest and look me strait in the eye with his Poodle stare. 

And this is why I love having him on my bed at night. 

I pet him. He snuggles up right against me. He often puts his head on my legs. He's there so I can pet him and talk to him if I start getting the motor mind so many of us do at night that keeps us up.

He helps me sleep, and we bond. 

Is it okay to sleep with your pet, though? This was a question I Googled during those first puppy days--and I found some interesting information. 

• About half of dogs sleep with their owners in this country, and more than half of American cats

• The habit could be good or bad for your sleep. If Fido is hogging the covers and kicking, it could have a negative impact on your quality of sleep. But if you find having a pet there soothing, it could aid your sleep. Weigh the pros and cons for your situation.

• Closeness and touch have all sorts of positive benefits--for both of you.

• If you have allergies, sleeping with your pet in your bed could make your situation worse.

• Exposure to pets during childhood can actually give individuals lower rates of allergies and communicable disease during your lifetime. 

• An incontinent pet really shouldn't share your bed. Separate sleeping arrangements will probably make you both happier.

• Some studies have indicated some concern about the practice increasing the spread of disease between pets and their owners.

The conclusion? Weigh the pros and cons for you. Sleeping arrangements are just one more part of having a happy life with your pet.

Forest Hills Pet Care on Twitter!

Take a look! Forest Hills Pet Care is on Twitter. Find us @ForestHillsPet.

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Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a time to connect with others and gather with those you love. In our family, that also means we have a chance to get an updated picture with all of us--it's usually the only time everyone is in the same place. More and more, it seems, pets are included in these special family moments. They're part of the family! Do pets get included in your family portraits?

An article from She Knows suggests a few tips for a successful photo shoot with your non-human family member. First, pick a photographer who is pet-friendly. Next, consider the time of day for the shoot--if your kitty naps all afternoon or your pooch just wants to play in the morning (like mine), those are things to take into account. Check out their article for more info.

This post from Family Circle suggests you give your furry friend time to get familiar with big lenses and bright lights, and, if possible, take the picture in a familiar place. Also, your pet will appreciate some treats--both to help them do what you need them to, but also as a reward for their excellent behavior! 

Also, if you want to giggle at some pet family portraits gone wrong, take a look at this link! 

How Pets Improve Our Lives

I love my dog--he makes me laugh out loud, lets me snuggle with him, is excited to see me when I get home. But the benefits of having a pet aren't just anecdotal. Numerous studies have shown all sorts of benefits to having that creature in your life, from improving your blood pressure to improving your outlook on life. This article on Huffington Post lists nine ways pets improve our lives. Take a look. 

They Hate the Vet

Huffington Post recently posted a compilation of photos of pets at the vet. "Veterinarians are doing God's work," Simon McCormack wrote.  "They take care of the sick, disabled and most vulnerable of our household pets. But those pets hate them."

Take a look at their article.

Canines With A Cause

Deseret News

A few months ago, I read about a great new charitable organization based in Park City, Utah. Canines With a Cause takes dogs from shelters and works with prison inmates to train them as service dogs for veterans.

I love my dog--I love playing with him, petting him, and taking him for walks. He sleeps on my bed. He's happy to see me when I get home--he rushes up to me with his tail wagging. He makes me laugh and can cheer me up--he even gives me hugs when I ask him to. It amazes me how much a dog as a companion does.

When I was younger, our family trained puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This gave me a small window into the world of service dogs. I learned about how the dogs would need to learn to stay on task perfectly, ignoring food on the ground, animals, people, and other distractions. They would need to guide people around obstacles--including being aware of what is above themselves but still an obstacle for the person walking with them. When they are told "sit," they have to sit every time. When they are told "down," they need to lay down every time. They are incredible dogs.

In sum, I am amazed by the healing, loving power dogs have as well as their incredible capacity to learn and serve. I love that this organization is working to harness the incredible gift of animals--rescuing the dogs themselves, giving meaningful, healing work for prisoners, and offering needed support for veterans who have suffered in the service of our country. What a wonderful organization.

Check It Out:

Military.com:Rescued Dog Helps Veteran Cope With PTSD

Deseret News: Paws in prison--Utah inmates help to train therapy dogs for veterans

Happy Happy Halloween

Are you dressing up your pet for Halloween next week? Here's some inspiration.