a bruised love
you know that thing dogs do where they look like they’re running in their sleep?
in the past year or so, atlas runs more and more often, and his running is becoming more and more intense.
how do i know? he kicks harder.
atlas sleeps on the bed so when he starts running at night, there i am, in the way. usually, his feet are by my legs so my legs bear the brunt of it.
i read once that it’s not good to wake dogs up when they’re dreaming so i don’t anymore. (i used to. he’d let out that little whine and i would decide he must be having a bad dream so i’d wake him up and hug him.) (if i remember correctly, the argument against waking dogs up while dreaming was related to an increased likelihood of being bit, which makes sense.)
once upon a time, it was soft, light kicks. now, it’s not. you would not believe how hard he kicks while he’s running now. it hurts! and it seems to go on for ages.
i’m already on the end of the bed so there’s really nowhere for me to go. instead, i wait not-so-patiently for the kicking to stop, while secretly hoping that if he is chasing something in his dream, he catches it quickly.
i wonder if it’s an age thing. maybe he’s reliving his puppyhood. awwwwww. my cute-old-strong-legged-puppy-dog.
anyway, if you ever see me in shorts and my legs look bruised, you will know why.
That top picture is especially adorable. His fur looks like chocolate velvet.
i love these pictures. he looks like he’s in a yoga pose! and ann used the perfect words.
my zeke used to cry out like that … not
so much the outright running but his paws were moving and it’s like he was breathing hard. i always woke him up and gentled him back to sleep.
maybe atlas needs more real daytime running!
bruises of love! or… have a slender oblong pillow made to put between you.. he can run and hit the pillow and you still get to sleep with him!
hugs,
tammy j
Oh, this is sweet! I like the idea that maybe he’s revisiting his puppyhood. But have you considered bunk beds for your own safety, sanity & better sleep? ;o) Happy Days, Elizabeth ((HUGS)) Oh, I’m hosting a giveaway…do stop by, if you can!
I like Tracy’s idea. A lot. Happy weekend, friend.
Oh, no! Bruised legs! I’m getting trampled a lot these days. I have bruised feet. I really should get out of their way, huh?
Mac used to have lots of running dreams. I didn’t wake him, but I’d gently pet him. It sometimes took a few minutes, but it always seemed to calm him down. I’d imagine that he would stop dreaming that he was chasing something and start dreaming that his beloved mommy was smothering him in love and kisses.