POOCH SAYS

      I've had a variety of bed partners in my short life, I must confess. Some, I'll admit, I was paid to tolerate! Let me introduce you to a few.

      Barney was a tiny little guy. In fact, since he couldn't climb into bed I'd lift him up to stop his complaining. He was a snuggler, for sure! Ole Barn insisted on burrowing under the covers and getting up close and personal during the night. Somehow I avoided rolling over suffocating him during his many visits.

      Thor was a BIG greyhound! He was used to sharing a king-sized bed with his owners and when he came to visit he just couldn't seem to fit on my bed! In the middle of the night, I would be awakened by a loud thump and would feel the floor vibrating. Thor had rolled over and fallen off the bed! He'd gather his wits about himself, climb back up, and we'd both go back to sleep.

      Fluffy was a spoiled Shih-Tzu. She always came with her wardrobe of sweaters, coats, raincoat, and boots. Her owners had fashioned a fleece sleeping bag for her and they told me with a straight face that Fluffy would sleep inside just like a caterpillar in a cocoon. That little dog insisted on crawling under the covers with me, I'll have you know!

      Charlie Chaplin was a nuisance and a pest. He would settle himself between the top of my head and the bed headboard after I'd gone to sleep. For entertainment he enjoyed licking hair spray during the night. I would awake some mornings looking like I'd stuck my finger in a light socket!

      You already know my Pennypoop. I don't mind sharing sleeping space with her but I won't let her dig around in the blankets and bedspread to make a little nest for herself. She hogs the covers!

      Zellers takes the cake! Long ago he moved into the nursing home I recently chose for my physical therapy and he decided to take up permanent residence in the secure Alzheimer's unit (yes, friends, I WAS there!)

      This cat with an attitude decided on the best room in the house (which happened to be my choice, too) so we had a meeting of the minds quite quickly! I ignored him and he ignored me. That bed was his!

      Oh, yes. I know that Confucius said, "He who sleeps with dogs gets fleas." If you're so worried, wear a flea collar!

      Sleep tight tonight, folks. Remember that our furry friends love a good snuggle.