Cozy Little Things

Currently, my husband and both the pups are passed out for an afternoon nap on the sofa. I’d like to join them, but I’m a perennial failure at napping. Instead, I’m listening to them, breathing (and snoring) in turns. Often when they nap together, I’ll remain curled up beside them like I’m going to join in, but my hectic brain won’t let me.

Holly and Smokey have been curling up closer and closer to one another, and more often, lately. It makes my heart swell with pride every time they do. It shows me that Holly is learning to accept Smokey in her home, and in her heart. Smokey has accepted Holly as his sister from the get-go, but watching him learn how to subtly approach her, and to respect her space while curling up nearby is absolutely adorable. They are learning one another’s needs, and adapting to them carefully.

On work days, my husband rises first, and the pups usually wake up with him. They’ll roll around, stretch, and readjust themselves over and over until they find somewhere comfortable to wait for him to finish his shower. For a time, Holly would stay on the floor, where her bed is, or squirrel away under our bed to be safely away from Smokey. Now, she’s taken to joining Smokey and me on the bed while we wait for dad. So my days usually begin with both pups snuggled up, Smokey on one side, and Holly on the other. Often, Smokey will snuggle so tightly to me that he’ll rest his whole head on the side of my face or on my neck. Holly will curl up tightly against me, pressing her entire back against my abdomen.

There is nothing better in this world. That is, until I get to see Holly curl up to Smokey for the first time. I’m willing to bet that will make my heart actually explode with love.

But if they need someone to be a buffer for a little while longer, sign me up. I’ll gladly be squashed awake every morning by puppy snuggles, or kicked in the face by stretching puppy feet. I’ll even gladly wake up to a nice healthy stepping on the sternum, if I can see a smiling puppy face when I open my eyes.

Dogs make life better.