by Gabriella Samms

Created on: March 11, 2009

Becoming a pet owner gives you the ability to make decisions about your animals. As long as your decisions don't involve harm or neglect, then you have the sole right to decide what they can or cannot do in your home. However, in my home, my dogs are so well loved, that they quite often make the decisions before consulting me. Sleeping at the foot of my bed is just one of their so-called benefits. I not only allow them to do it because I love to be near them, but I also feel a sense of safety and bonding when they're there.

Allowing animals to sleep with you and them getting use to the fact that they are allowed whenever they want too, should not be confused with letting your children sleep in your bed. That concept is a totally different subject. I don't allow my dogs under my covers, and they have never requested the chance. They, lay side by side, at the foot of my bed, where I have learned to sleep in the fetal position for almost fifteen years now. That's what I call love.

You'll hear people say they find it disgusting that an animal shares its space with you in such close proximity such as a bed, but do they not also share that same closeness on the couch next to you? If they have a disease, you're going to get it whether they are at the end of your bed or at the end of your couch. Proper and yearly visits to the animal doctor for check ups can ease your fears. My dogs live inside my home, are washed weekly, and if by chance they dirty my comforter, it too is washed on a weekly basis. Our bodies don't touch at night; we are separated by sheets and blankets. They are as tired as I am at bedtime and they drift off quicker than I do. They may snore, or kick their legs in their sleep, but what human being doesn't? It's a personal choice, and I choose to let it happen.

Making a pet, whether it's a dog, or cat, a part of your family is a bonding process. Some people don't like dogs in their bedroom at all, some have little dog beds, and others, like me, prefer the companionship and comfort of knowing I'm so special to them that they are allowed to be treated as good as I am; comfortable on a pillow top mattress.

I enjoy waking up to sweet faces that are always in a good mood. Happy, furry faces that greet me with licks and wagging tails knowing that another day with me has begun in their lives. I certainly can't say that men have treated me the same in the morning.

If you decide that bed sharing with your pet is o.k., then its your personal decision. Just know that once you allow it, you'll have a hard time going back. My dog is so happy to sleep in my bed with me, that if I were sick and unable to get up, he'd stay on my bed until I finally left the room. That takes a lot of power to forgo your morning dog duties just to be with your owner.

I brought my pets into my family to be part of it. They can share my bed, share my couch, share the floor with me. We've learned to compromise on other issues though. I demand my bath is for one, and one only, so my pet gets to lay on the floor by the tub until I'm done.

Even my boyfriend doesn't have that clout.

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