He said – YES TO DOGS ON BED!
January 24, 2009 by Chris Hustad
I’ve grown up with dogs my entire life. My family has always had between 1-3 dogs, ranging from yellow and black labs, to Golden Retrievers, to lhasa apsos. I have very early memories of the family pets, they were always a part of our family.
So when the time finally came where Lisa and I agreed on getting our first sheltie, I pretty much knew I would be attached to her (even though I claimed I wouldn’t). Mia was a blessing in our house. It was our “training child” if you will, a way to get used to the responsibility of another between myself and Lisa. While mom likes to talk about the oddness of Mia, I kind of have an understanding with the dog. Since I work out of the home, we spend a lot of time together. She’s almost always laying by my side, or at my feet under my desk. When I get up to do something outside my office, she comes with. When I’m gone, she’ll wait near the door waiting for my return. She makes a wonderful companion, even though she doesn’t retrieve waterfowl. 
Sophie's ears tipped naturally - a great sheltie trait
Sophie was another great addition to the house. From the day she arrived, you could tell she was going to be one of the special dogs that only comes around every so often. Out of the dozen or so dogs I’ve had in my life, she’s probably the “sweetest”. She’s a cute dog, and she knows how to milk it. She’s always starving for attention, and likes to lay near you whenever possible.
So this leads me to the question about whether or not dogs should be in the bed. Despite the damage from chewing, the hair, and the scratching on the bed post; I still consider their presence worth it. The dogs have learned to “adapt” to sleeping in our bed, and seem to know how Lisa and I sleep and our tendencies. They typically stay on my side of the bed, and more often then not, Sophie is around the middle of the bed and Mia on the pillow next to me. Mia never growls at me at night (if she has, I didn’t wake). She lays peacefully up against me like she did as a small puppy (she could fit in your hand). I call her my “snuggle puppy”, and I don’t feel I lose an ounce of my manhood admitting it. The dogs are comforting in what can be a stressful world. That’s the best thing about a good pet, they help you relax and take your mind of your day. It’s another way to give unconditional love in a way you do a child, and as a parent, it’s one of the most rewarding feelings.
One day in the future, Lisa and I will purchase our final home along the Missouri River in Bismarck. And if I get my way, the dogs will always be welcome on the bed…we just might have to get a bigger bed.
anne on Mon, 26th Jan 2009 7:41 pm
ok you two..you’re too funny about your dogs! the reason I say that is bc I completely understand! just today kyle and i had a “stand-off” over this exact same issue, but the shoe is on the other foot. I would love to have Mia in the bed, but Kyle doesn’t agree. He thinks dogs- especially big ones like Mia- are meant for the outdoors. Yes, Mia loves the snow, but she also is a big fat baby and would love to sleep in the bed. However, Kyle won and she has not been in the bed for a little over 6 years (insert sighhhh). Don’t worry though- she has 2 dog beds..one next to our bed and one downstairs by her toys. AND it is nice not to have to feel like the sheets our dirty all the time. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading your opinions and I would have to say that Lisa provided some compelling evidence…but Chris, I understand too how hard it is to say no to those little faces when all they really want is to be right by your side.
All love,
Annie