I had a calm and relaxing birthday. Robert made lots of fuss - pancakes for breakfast, homework help, giving the girls a really long walk so I could play tennis. There were two nights of games with Robert and his mom, Audrey, and some much-needed reading and loafing.
The best present came from the dogs, however. Rose and Ella, our furry loves of the past, cuddled all the time. They flopped all over each other, snuggled, and smooshed themselves together in some pretty small places just so they could be as close to each other as possible.
Margo and Josie do not cuddle. I think Josie would cuddle anything with a heartbeat, but Margo gets up the moment Josie gets close. Margo appreciates the pets and will tuck herself into my legs when I'm sleeping at night, but that is the extent of her cuddles.
Until the night before my birthday.
Robert takes care of the evening dog duties - letting them out and brushing their teeth. Then it's a race to get to the favorite pillow. Whoever loses ends up getting in bed with Robert and I. We have the second favorite bed. The fact that our bodies are in it is just a minor inconvenience.
The favorite pillow battle started a few years ago when Robert noticed Josie was sleeping right next to his side of the bed. First, he added a pillow, which she was very thankful for. Next, he added a blanket because she's one of those dogs that likes to make a nest. Margo eventually realized Josie had the best spot, and it's been a nightly contest ever since.
The night before my birthday Margo claimed the favorite bed first. Then Josie did something we've never seen her do before. She climbed into bed next to Margo, and neither dog moved. They stayed that way until after Robert and I fell asleep. Perhaps Josie finally had enough of Margo taking her bed. Perhaps Margo refused to move no matter how much cuddling she had to endure. It was a battle of two stubborn dogs, but it didn't matter. Robert and I reveled in the cuteness, and I saw it for what it truly was. A birthday present that couldn't be topped. I also didn't have to fight fur and elbows for a place to sleep that night.
I've only had two dogs during one period of my life, and while the schnauzer would have loved to cuddle with the heeler, the heeler didn't like other dogs. I now have five cats, and they cuddle in various combinations nearly all day everyday. It's wonderful to see that, and I don't even care that their primary relationships appear to be with one another.
ReplyDeleteThere's something so comforting about seeing animals cuddle with each other.
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