Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy having my family with me 24/7. Asa and I awake together every morning. We hang out with Mom and Dad all day whether they are working, going on adventures, or just relaxing. Then Asa and I settle in together again at night. There is also the one on one time I have with Mom or Dad. They make a point to spend time with us separately every day, whether it is going for a walk, playing, grooming, or cuddling. Because although we are a pack, Asa and I are also individuals, and should be treated as such. But every once in awhile I would appreciate some “me time.” Just me. No Asa. No Dad. No Mom. No supervising their work and activities. No playing. No petting. A chance to unwind. Alone time. And these past few nights, I’ve insisted that I get that time for myself.

Usually at bedtime I run upstairs to claim the dog bed from Asa in our room. But a week ago I came in from my last trip out and curled up on my dog bed in the living room instead. This change in routine had Mom and Dad very concerned. After all I am a creature of habit, and usually insist on maintaining our established bedtime routine. However, after a lot of begging to go upstairs, a thorough examination that I wasn’t sick or injured, and a debate of where my brother should sleep, they finally kissed me goodnight and headed upstairs to bed with Asa, leaving me alone. All night long I heard Asa upstairs, restlessly moving from the dog bed to the big bed in our room, and Mom came down extra early the following morning to check on me. Therefore, I didn’t get much sleep that first night.

However, by the second night we were all better prepared for this new routine, as I settled in again for alone time. It was the most restful sleep I’ve had in a long time! The next morning I woke up feeling like a puppy. I raced around the kitchen, greeted Mom and Asa with a toy, and insisted we play in the living room before even going out to take care of business. This response was a far cry from my usual sleepy walk down stairs, and nap while waiting for breakfast. I felt energized!

Then just as randomly as I decided I needed a little “me time,” after a week of this new routine I sprinted upstairs and claimed the dog bed for myself again. It was nice getting in touch with my inner me, to be alone with my thoughts, and unwind for an undisturbed good night’s sleep. And I’m sure Asa also benefitted from having alone time, once he got use to the concept. But my family needs me, and I need them. I’m happy to have them with me 24/7, not all dogs are as lucky as me, but the occasional break is also good.