In My Own Voice # 27: Expanding My Horizons

Resilience. Adaptability. Flexibility.

These used to just be words to me. Now, I’m living their reality.

With the family’s invasion of my floor, I’ve had to get creative about where to sleep.

The sofa, one of my favs, is often occupied. Sometimes I’m OK with sharing, but sleeping is an intimate activity. There’s not much privacy when one of your family members is sitting two cushions away.

Sofa

Padded window seat

I’m also partial to the padded window seat in the kitchen. But again, meals seem to be happening at all hours and I’m no longer guaranteed the quiet this dog needs.

So, I’ve explored.

Expanded my criteria.

The kitchen rug—I recommend scrunching it up for added cushioning–makes a comfortable bed.

The new rug in the dining room is fairly soft, especially now that they’ve put a pad under it. A plus: I can curl up under the table for added seclusion.

When all else fails, I sleep in front of the doors.

Advantages: if someone tries to come in, I don’t have to get up to warn them away. I can also monitor activity—who’s entering and leaving; who’s going upstairs or down.

Downsides: there is a breeze that creeps in under the door. Brrrrr.

Back door.

Front door

Forced by circumstances to change, I’ve become a dog who can catch some shut eye just about anywhere.

Maybe some good things have come of this after all. This old dog can still learn new tricks.