Sleep Wagging

I've always been incredibly fascinated by my own dreams and am very much grateful that our brains are able to have such complex neuro-activity while our bodies are shut down and resting. But many studies have shown that we (humans) are not the only mammals on this planet capable of experiencing these phenomenons. Dogs are just as capable of having dreams as we are and I'm just as (if not more) interested in Apollo's dreams than my own.

I'm usually made aware of my dog's dreams (no, he does not come tell me about the weird adventure he just had in his dream after he wakes up) when I hear him whimpering in his sleep. I'll hear sounds emanating from his bed below my work desk or from under my blankets in the middle of the night. There's no way to know for sure they are sad/scared wimpers... perhaps that's the canine version of talking in their sleep? In any case, I usually talk to him and stroke him until he calms down or wakes up. I'd like to think that hearing my familiar voice in his dream would give him a sense of comfort.

I've seen YouTube videos of dogs growling in their sleep but I've never observed Apollo acting that way, at least not when his eyes are closed in slumber. The only other dream-induced behavior from my dog that I've ever seen is my favorite one: the sleep-tail-wagging. Out of nowhere I would occasionally hear a "tap-tap-tap-tap" of Apollo's tail thumping against my/his bed. When I look down, all I see is a dog deep asleep...

I'd like to assume he is happily begging for food (from me) or chasing other dogs in his dream world.

His Quadrant

As Apollo and I grow older together, we continue to learn and adapt to each other every single day. One of the more recent developments has been yet another stage of evolution in our sleeping habits/arrangements.

I get the middle (or whatever area on the bed that I want) - period. No compromises there, it's rule #1 since the first day he was allowed to sleep on my bed. So that leaves my pooch with the surrounding areas on my queen-sized mattress. There are several possible arrangements as we approach closing our eyes and falling asleep. He could be up close and right up against me, but this tends to only occur during naps when we cuddle. I think the reason why is because we're both smart enough and have learned that the night session is a long one and we'll end up making each other way too hot. Apollo tends to roam to the right or left of my legs.

But recently he has seemingly "claimed" the quadrant of the bed that's on the bottom-left (to the left of my left leg). He will perform his standard Doxen burrow act under the covers down in that area almost every night. I know for certain that he's going to right to sleep when I see that bear-winter-hibernation impression. That's when I say good night and settle into my own pillow and close my eyes.

In the morning, I'll almost always find him in that same corner but in funny & strange positions. My favorite also happens to be the most common: on his back, head + chest + front paws stuck out from the comforter, eyes still closed.

My Co-Worker

I'm pretty lucky to have had a job in the past 2 years where I have the luxury of working from home. I won't get into the PRO's and CON's of having this privilege as it pertains to productivity and flexibility, but I do feel very fortunate to get to spend so much time at home with Apollo...

...even if he's sound asleep about 80-90% of the workday.

Having him to keep me company throughout the day really is a blessing. His presence will at the very least, keep me from going insane due to lack of interaction with people things. From our morning routine of going outside for the bathroom and breakfast immediately after, to him joining me for lunch on the couch, to occasionally (randomly) wanting to play, to afternoon naps, and eventually reminding me it's time for dinner... he's there with me all day.

Watching him sleep in his bed at my feet under my desk is better than every screensaver ever created.

The Reverse Alarm Clock

Like almost every dog on this planet - Apollo loves to sleep. Morning, afternoon, night... he enjoys dozing off and catching those z's. Ever since I gave in and started letting him sleep in my bed (less than 2 months after he came home with me 10 years ago exactly to this date) he has had quite an impact. Let me explain...

For one, he's a hog. He enjoys taking up the prime spots on the bed. You know what I means - right in the middle (especially after you get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom). But the agreement still holds to this day: he gets to sleep in my bed, I get to push him around without compromise. So when I find him occupying a spot that I'd rather be in, he will be shoved aside (much to his chagrin).

He's very warm. This means he's a fantastic heat-generator in the winter and on cold nights under the covers. It also means he's a bit annoying in the summertime when he sidles up next to you. 

Without knowing it, he's quite the bad influence and can make anyone late for work by inadvertently convincing you to accidentally fall asleep just by snuggling with him. It's very hard to resist and takes incredibly strong will power to get out of bed while watching him sleep...

Trust me, I know.