Day 1371

Last night, after sleeping by the puppies for four weeks, I had an opportunity to sleep in my own bed. The stars had aligned! Jimmy had returned from California late at night and encouraged me to head upstairs. Pups were snuggled in, the big boys had headed to bed and I had one of the world’s best puppy sitters urging me to grab my pillow and escape. I bolted!

Tip-toeing into the bedroom so the Goldens would not awaken, I could see a large shape on MY side of the bed! Gus had replaced me without a wag of his tail. Attempting to slip under the sheets, I realized Mr. Gus had no intention of giving an inch! Try as I might, I could only claim about seven inches of the mattress, so I grabbed the top sheet and tucked it under myself so that I wouldn’t fall on the floor. Settling in, it dawned on me that Gus was in Heaven. Snoring gently, he wiggled closer and let out a big sigh of contentment. I realized that his satisfaction was due to being snuggled in between his two safe people.

Safe places are so important for our inner calm. These sanctuaries can be a place, a person, a memory, a Therapy Dog, or any number of things. The common element is serenity. With the feeling of being safe and protected, our hearts can settle in and discover the tranquility that gentle shelter can provide.

Perhaps tonight I can slip in before Gus jumps up to “nest” for the night. Even if he beats me to the mattress, I will snuggle close and know that, as I am his safe place, he is certainly one of mine.