New parents have to adjust to being awakened in the middle of the night by loud noises from their baby. Sleep becomes a thing of the past as parents take turns tending to the small human’s needs. Fortunately, the small human grows into a larger human and starts sleeping through the night. Meanwhile, the parents breathe a sigh of relief.
When you have a dog, however, just because it is older does not mean it is a) not going to make loud noises b) sleep through the night. I was reminded of that fact this weekend when I was jarred out of a deep sleep by the unmistakable noise of a yakking white dog. One big blap later, Cami’s bedding was not fit for sleeping anymore.
James took Cami outside while I dealt with the linen situation. I cleaned up and threw everything into the washing machine. James came back with Cami who returned to her bed. We turned off the light and I lay there for a while listening to the sound of the washing machine. Then I heard Cami making slurping noises. It may sound innocuous to the uninitiated, but slurping can be the precursor to something much worse. I suggested that James take Cami downstairs.
On the way downstairs, Cami started making more energetic noises, so James detoured her back outside first. She spent the rest of the night downstairs and her digestive equilibrium seems to be restored.
Dogs don’t have to work, so they can make up any lost sleep by napping the day away. I, on the other hand, don’t have that luxury and am still feeling a little sleep deprived. I’m very glad it’s Friday. Here’s to a full, noise-free night’s sleep!