COMFORT: 31 Days of 5-Minute Free Writes

We have been dogsitting my son and daughter-in-law’s dog, Embry, for a week and a half. This has been an eye-opener for my husband and me, two cat owners.

The first night when we had to get through the evening bedtime routine, we put Embry in his cage in our guest room. He was by himself there, because my son and daughter-in-law had left on their trip.

I could hear him barking nonstop once I went to bed. My husband was still up at the time. After my husband came to bed, the barking continued. I don’t know exactly how much time elapsed — at least an hour and a half.

I decided to go lie down in the guest room. Embry immediately stopped barking (I also put the blanket back over his cage, which is something that is a sign to him that he can feel secure).

I was amazed that my presence could bring so much comfort to another being! Nothing has really felt that way since my kids were really young and needed me the way infants need their mothers.

After that, Wayne and I faced a decision. Would I move to the guest room for the rest of Embry’s stay? Or would he move to our room?

Guess who is now a resident of our bedroom?

Yep — we have a furry roommate in our bedroom now.

I think back on all the various sleep theories we are exposed to as new parents. I don’t know if “Ferberizing” is still a thing, but it was a big deal when my kids were infants 20+ years ago. I know some new parents now have apps to help them navigate their babies’ sleep hygiene development.

No app here — just a decision that our guest needed us, and it feels like the right decision.