by Inquisitive Fairy

Created on: February 12, 2009

In relation to pets sleeping in bed with you I would have to say that it depends. If you are married or living with someone that you share a bed with, then absolutely not. The bed is for you and your mate, not your children or your pets. Now if you and your mate sleep in separate rooms for one reason or another (you need your space because you roll all night or he just snores too darn loud!), then sure, why not. Something's gotta keep you warm at night. If you can't count on your mate, then a hot water bottle, electric blanket and your loving fluffy pet will have to do. Your relationship with your pet may very well outlast your relationship with your mate, especially if the pet is sleeping next to you instead of your mate.

I wouldn't sleep with a pit bull, hamster, smelly rabbit or rattle snake, but a warm Retriever, German Shepherd, or fluffy Persian would be acceptable. I have six cats (don't ask) and they all sleep in my bed. Pets can be very therapeutic. They comfort you when you have a long hard day. They love you when no one else does. Unlike your friends and relatives, they don't avoid you like the plague when you're sick. They keep you company when you're lonely and they protect you from harm. They deserve to sleep next to you when the situation is appropriate.

Now, there is a downside to allowing pets to reign over your sacred sleeping place. On occasion if you're dealing with a cat, you may find play things awaiting your retreat to the bedroom. It would not be out of the ordinary to find the remains a mouse, bird or bunny in your bed if you have an outdoors kitty. I've even found a praying mantis in my bed! If your cat is an outdoor cat I would suggest you ban it from the bedroom. There's nothing worse than being so severely exhausted, that all you want to do is pass out on top of a fluffy pillow; but instead, having to clean dead animals and bugs off your bed, then change (and burn) bed linens! It's horrifying and torturous; not to mention absolutely disgusting. Dogs aren't completely off the hook either. They have their own nasty little play things that may find their way into your bed if you're not careful. A slimy raw hide or milk bone may be lurking under the covers, just waiting for your poor unsuspecting feet to slide over them. Your dog may also feel the need to share with you his strange indescribable treasure he spent the day digging up from the backyard. This would be another occasion for linen burning during the time you would normally be fast asleep.

If you want to stay in a healthy relationship with your mate or keep critters out of the bedroom then ban the pets from the sacred sleeping place. If you can avoid these trials and tribulations with your pet in the bedroom, then by all means, cuddle up and have a good nights sleep!

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