Every dog I've ever owned has been a bed sleeper, and all the FurKids (German Shepherds or Shepherd mixes) were sure who was Leader of the Pack and never challenged it. Married for 15 years and the only problem we had was that whomever the second Human was that came to bed had to shove Casey or Arrow out of the way before climbing in. Side benifit of this was that your "spot" was pre-warmed in the winter.

Shadow, a Shepherd-Husky mix that adopted me and spent 5 wonderful years before she took a way too early trip over the Rainbow Bridge, was the most dedicated bed sleeper and recliner lap dog. If I fell asleep in the recliner, she would gently climb on top and settle down in my lap. If the no picture TV buzz got to her, she'd vacate the lap and go to the bedroom bed. The bed was her art form. She would start by quietly laying beside me, head tucked under my arm. After sleep befell the Human, Shadow got *comfortable*. I often awoke with the 60 pound FurChild draped over my chest, or stomache, or her favorites of over the legs or cradled between the legs. If those positions weren't to her liking, she would slowly edge her head onto the pillow, slowly easing mine OFF onto the bed. She also enjoyed placing her neck across mine to reach the opposite corner of the pillow. Morning were always interesting - I would waken and try to wiggle my various parts to determine where the numb and unresponsive part was - and that told me where Shadow was. She pefered NOT to be disturbed until I was dressed and actually ready to take us to work; then she would rise, stretch, allow the bed to be made, and then off we went. Miss that dog a lot!

The current Kids, Cinder the little German Shepherd and Boots the orphan Kat (who was raised by Shadow) have adjusted fairly well. They frequently "play" with each other to negotiate sleeping positions beside or around Dad, but no blood is spilled and positions only change a few times per night. Lucky for the Human, he's a sound sleeper and probably misses a lot of the nightime fun.

Animals in bed? Wouldn't have it any other way. Probably buy a bigger bed if we didn't all fit so well.

/s/ Phred + Cinder & Boots