by Sherri Trevino

Created on: February 05, 2009

Should you allow your pet sleep in your bed? Some people may say no because of shedding or fleas. Some people may say no because they think pets should be confined to their crates. However, I say yes! My dog is like a child to me. He is warm, affectionate and loving. The warmth he radiates is like sleeping with an electric blanket. He loves to snuggle closely to me. Sometimes he wants to be near my face, where he can lick me (which is his way of giving me kisses). Sometimes he wants to lie by my side, making sure that he is right next to my body. Sometimes he wants to tunnel under the covers and sleep next to my legs. But wherever he chooses to lay in the bed, he is always touching me. I have gotten used to this, and find it a great comfort for him to be there with me.

Since he is like my baby, he is kept well groomed. There is no odor to contend with, or fleas to worry about. I just do not see any difference in letting your pet sleep in your lap during the day, and letting them sleep in your bed at night. As long as you are taking good care to make sure he (or she) is clean and healthy they should be allowed to sleep with you if that is what you both are happy with.

I imagine that some experts are against this practice. Crating a dog (or cat) seems to be recommended a lot. I own a crate, but I cannot imagine crating my dog at night. He is a little being, and the comfort I get from his presence is worth a thousand words. Sometimes he will lay his little head on my pillow, just like he is a human. He is absolutely precious when he is sleeping that way.

At night when we are sleeping, he is also on his guard to make sure that I am safe. I never have to worry that something is happening inside the house that I might sleep through. And in the morning when the alarm sounds, he is up and prancing around the bed ready to start a new day. I could take lessons from him on how to wake up happy and joyful. That is another wonderful attribute of our furry friends. They are always thankful and happy to be by their master's side.

I say if you love your animal enough there is nothing wrong with the closeness of having them sleep by your side. It is soothing, relaxing and comforting. Once you get accustomed to having them by your side at night, sleeping without them is hard. A pet loves their master unconditionally. We are their world...the center of their universe. We are their comfort, just as they are ours.

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