White-colored, brow-spotted Buster here. I intended on publishing my poem about my favorite home-made treat this week. Instead, I wrote a poem about one of my favorite activities, namely snoozing. Mister Tom says I am an expert at snoozing!
You people critters do not seem to grasp the complicated nature of the dog sleep equation. Sleeping is a science and art form for us dogs; as are the associated activities. There is the task of finding the perfect place for a snooze. There is the decision on whether I should actually sleep or luxuriate in simply lying down for peaceful reflection and contemplation. Myriad other variables influence the dog sleep calculus. Do I want to feel the comforting warmth of sun shining through a window? Do I want the soothing coolness of a hard surfaced floor? Sometimes the softness of the sleep location is critical. Do I want the softness of my regular bed? Do I want the chamois smoothness of the mat lining the bottom of my crate? Do I want to covertly rest on Mister Tom’s bed while lying my head on his pillows? Or, I may want to feel the unique coolness followed by warmth and softness of the leather sofa in the family room. It is exasperating that some of the variables are mutually exclusive. Not all combinations are possible. A cool soothing surface may not be appropriately soft. What if I want coolness underneath and warmth on my back?
Moreover, once my rest is finished, stretching and yawning have to be executed precisely to wring out the last bit of delight from the total sleep experience.
ALL THINGS SLEEP (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown)
Start by finding the perfect location,
Consider the options and plan of action.
Warm sun shining through a window,
Feels good on muscle and sinew.
The coolness of a hardwood floor,
My energy to renew and restore.
Cushy comfort might be what I seek,
Each soft location quite unique.
Do I want to feel the human touch?
I hope that’s not asking too much.
Once site and conditions chosen,
Drift into sleep’s gentle haven.
When I awake refreshed and relaxed,
My last delight in a good long stretch!
hey Buster – I like a cushy warm spot. I like the leather sofa in the family room. It’s soft under me with a cushy pillowy arm for my head. It’s also by a window so that me back basks in the warmth. At night I move up to Grandma n Grandpa’s bed complete with my own pillow.
Wow, Buster, such a complicated process it is, choosing a sleeping spot. I never suspected all the mental gymnastics you dogs go through in order to get it just right. But ahhh, the reward you reap—I can see it, looking at the photo you included. Relaxation, perfected!
Hi Esther. I believe I captured the “essence” of what sleep is for us dogs.
Buster, this picture is really pitiful!!! Is this what you look like after clubbing on Monday’s? My dogs have explained the same sleep process to me. I had one dog, Bogart, who took his sleep very seriously, just like you do. Miss Julie
Hi Miss Julie! Us dogs keenly understand the keys to a wonderful life. Snoozing, naps, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, are fundamental.