I used to joke that I awoke every morning at 3:00 am. Now it’s worse. Since we got the puppy, I’m awake at two, three, and four o’clock.
A couple of mornings ago as we lay awake listening to the little bundle of joy howling in the basement because she wanted us to come down and play with her, I asked my husband if we had made a mistake. We love her, but our energy is drained, eyes puffy, diets trashed as we have been eating for brain power. Sleep deprivation leads to many issues in our lives, and we can die faster from lack of sleep than from lack of food – sites quote two weeks necessary to starve, while only ten days will do us in without sleep.
We need sleep to renew our cells, reboot our brains, and release hormones. Without it, we’re examples of zombies, the walking dead. Something had to change.
My husband suggested a covered lot, something like our other two German Shepherds were brought up in until they could learn the property lines and grow out of the puppy stages enough to feel like they wouldn’t harm themselves accidentally. The cat currently resides in that one and I wouldn’t even hear of evicting him for the puppy. He loves it. People ask how we keep him in. We don’t. Although it is covered, he could get out if he climbed up the walls and between the spaces of the roof and the sides. But he has a scratching post, kitty house, unlimited food and water. He climbs on top of his house sometimes, but otherwise, he’s content. We let him out to roam around every day, when the dogs are up and he’s out of danger, but he runs back to his lot – possibly eager for the security of it.
So, a new lot had to be purchased, along with a new dog house complete with flapping doors that can shut out the wind, and plenty of toys and chew bones. It’s been unseasonably warm, so we haven’t had to worry about the temperature outside. And with a thick covering of cedar shavings, Gretel’s new abode greeted her. She loves it! Thankfully! She can run and play and jump inside of her house, sticking her cute little face out of the flaps at us. We can let her out when we’re home to watch her so that she doesn’t get hurt or wander off the property. And, the very best thing of all, we can sleep! I didn’t even wake up at 3:00 this morning.
Of course, I still have the bags under my eyes, but give it another night or two and hopefully those will be gone as well.
As for dreaming, did you know that within the first five minutes of waking more than fifty percent of our dreams disappear, and within ten over ninety percent? If you are inclined to have a dream journal, better keep it by the bed. Otherwise, you’ll lose most of the memory of those precious insights. Right now, mine would be full of sweet dreams of sleeping in a great bed, undisturbed.
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Sounds like you found a good solution for both you guys and Gretel!! Sleep – a great night’s sleep — cannot be underestimated 🙂
PS — get “The Dream Book” by Betty Bethards if you want to figure out what your dream images are telling you. Fascinating!!
MJ
Thank you for the book recommendation – you’re always a fountain of knowledge. I’ll definitely check it out. I’ve got some crazy dreams that I’d love to try to unscramble.
It’s become a “go-to” book in our house. Son #2 has some really vivid dreams; this book has helped him, and us, figure them out 🙂 MJ
I am a dreamer. A real one. Years ago, I bought a book called, “The Mystical Magical Marvelous World of dreams. READ the first part as you would any book. The only part I did not agree with is Wolf, what she had to say because I am part American Indian. There is not a better book out here, I KNOW, I have bought everyone there was for 25 years until I found this one… and is used on amazon.
Glad you came up with a solution. When we first adopted Sundae, she meowed ALL night for the first 2 weeks or so. My hubby was more patient: I was almost ready to take her back to the Humane Society!
That’s interesting that your kitty stays in her space.
I raised him from a baby and he probably needs psychological help. He doesn’t meow like normal cats – it actually sounds more like ‘mama’. Then I thought he was a she and named him Sweetie Pie. Oops.
Well that’s an ingenious way to solve the problem! I have a 4 year old whiner that keeps me up. I swear that dog is going to kill me. Problem is I don’t have a way of doing what you did. If I did believe me it would be done.
Oh no Melynda. I can sooo sympathize. My next option was going to be ear plugs or a sound machine.
Everyone wants a little place they can call their own.
That reminds me of a children’s book. When my memory returns – give me another night’s sleep and I’ll remember – I’ll post which one.
So glad you can sleep through the night now. Being awaken hourly when it’s not insomnia has to be hard. Lately T-Bob comes to the side of our bed meowing for treats. Oh how I’ve spoiled her…but please, T-Bob not 5…how about 6 or 7?
The older dog we had – who has passed – used to come to my side of the bed and whimper when she needed to go out to potty. Never did mind that one though! Sure beats the alternative.
Very good idea. Nothing worse than sleep deprivation. Hopefully you will all do better now 🙂
Yes – family sleep deprivation also makes for short tempers. Not fun.
Sleep deprivation is not pretty – glad you found such a nice solution. (that is one lucky cat, too…probably any animal that wanders your way is lucky!)
I like to think they’re lucky – I know I am to receive such unconditional love. Thanks for commenting. I love your blog name.
New puppies are absolutely adorable, but they truly are like having a baby around. I am so glad she likes her new space. Hopefully she will adjust beautifully and the puffy eyes will soon be gone!
Thanks Annie. It is like having a new born. Which is why I started wondering why women in their late forties and early fifties want to have more babies. It’s hard enough to get sufficient sleep as it is. Yikes.
Puppies are adorable, but at least as hard as an infant with colic. I’ve had a couple and whoa! The amount of work involved and the lack of sleep is exhausting. I tend to get a little older dogs now, and I am a believer in crates. Crates for the first couple of months make a big difference in my sanity level, and provide a good measure of protection for the dog until they acclimate to our home. It sounds like you may have found the solution for you and your husband and your new puppy!
Thanks Linda. Yes that lovable little rascal is a handful and getting more costly by the minute – just like a child.
HI,
I love puppy’s but they are a lot of work, our dog is just over 3 years old now, and the worst is behind us, all good times ahead. They are well worth the trouble, the love and respect that a lot of animals show their owners are all worth it in the end. 😀
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thanks Mags!
I have no idea what a “covered lot” is. Can you take its/their photo? I was going to suggest a crate, but sounds like the problem is resolved. One of the local vet assistants had a huge number of cats and had a bunch of crates (almost sounded like wall of them) for them and she called the kitties every evening and they’d jump into their crates for the night. I think the closeness must make them feel more secure than wandering around without their humans.
It’s been rainy and nasty today, but when it clears up, I’ll take a picture. It’s a chain link enclosure with a roof. Most pet stores carry them in ten foot sections and you can add sections together to get one whatever size you want. The extra flaps for the front of the dog house really get things done though. She loves slipping in there and shutting the ‘door’ behind her. As you say, must make her feel safe and cozy. We tried the crate. She still wanted to eat, sleep, play in small increments. I had hubby put Gretel’s lot near Sweetie Pie’s. Thought they might get use to each others scents and make friends instead of enemies. Right now the cat hisses at the dog and the puppy, but who can blame him?
Puppies are such a trial, My dad always put a ticking clock in with them when he bought them home, he swore it helped them to settle in.. so glad you sorted it though. Now for the toilet training!! oh dear. but it all works out in the end! c
I caught her squatting in the basement the other day, yelled ‘door’ to warn hubby to yank it open, and carried her back end first outdoors. She kept giving me the strangest looks and my son thought it was a riot.
Whoa, you are so right about a puppy. See my post a month or so back on our puppy – I think it was called Midnight Breaking. He’s five months old now and he sleeps on our bed. I took him outside at 1:30 am this morning. Good thing I’m not working now. It’s definitely like having a small child. I can SO relate to this post, my friend.
I feel so much better knowing I am not alone. I’m going to look up your post on this. It’s been a long time since we had a puppy. My old girl is nearly fourteen.
A wonderful solution for all of you. And to all, a good night….
From your lips to God’s ears!
I used to think I wanted to remember my dreams but it’s probably best that I don’t. I may remember remnants of a dream days after. Someone told me that people who worked the graveyard shift had a higher chance of heart attack because the body sleeps best at night than during the day.
Now that Gretel’s settled in, you should do fine. 🙂
Totsy, I would love to hear about your dreams. I bet they are colorful. Then again, you’re so vivid in daylight, you might dream in black and white or sepia – like movies of old Europe.
I’ve had one dream in particular in which I felt so happy about who I was and where I was. The colors were magnificent and the aromas of the place even seemed real. Honestly, my wish is to get to dream it again and again. I need to get MJ’s book, analyze that rascal, and post it as a blog.
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Yes, I do dream in sepia tone and b/w. If I’ve had any in color, I don’t remember them. I have caught myself laughing in my sleep, however. It was really embarrassing, even though I was the only one in the bed, Maybe I was thinking somebody heard me ’cause I remember being rather loud about it. But I’m not surprised at all it’s happened on a few occasions. Maybe I sleep pretty much the way I live. So, there’s color after all, 🙂
I cannot imagine life without a dog, but I also cannot imagine having a puppy. I think this officially makes me “old.”
Well, better at any age with a dog than without. I know the saying; ‘this too shall pass.’ Must remember it.
I feel your pain. I remember when I first got my Henry. I barely slept at first. He’s my first dog and I fretted about him for months. Fascinating stuff about how fast we forget our dreams. It’s so true. When I get up I say to myself, don’t forget, don’t forget. But by the time I reach the bathroom, I’ve totally forgotten. Sigh.
Thanks Monica. It’s true isn’t it – we think we won’t forget and five minutes later…it’s gone.
Glad you figured out how to get some much needed sleep. I find as I age that sleep, when I can get it in long bits, is a true joy. It’s the simple things 😉
Always the simple things. When I wake up and it’s five and not three, I feel like a new person. If I get to sleep longer than that, I don’t sleep well the next night.
Renee, didn’t know if you subscribed to subsequent comments on my blog post today, but to answer your question: one of our friends who was also on the trip took both pictures of us. Thanks!
They did a good job of getting the ‘action’!
I loved your post today. I’d like to subscribe and hope that’s okay with you. – Maureen
Please – and your site is pretty great as well.
I honestly feel like “a good night’s sleep” is something so mythical that it belongs in the same category as Greek gods, Pinocchio and Cinderella.
The other night, I had a dream about sleeping while somehow simultaneously using my laptop. I wanna say that means I need more sleep and a vacation from everything technological.
I’m dying to know what you were working on with the laptop that required no brain activity. Ha ha ha. Take a vacation before you try it driving.
It’s addictive – right? Take a long winter’s nap Nate, you deserve it.
What a wonderful post. Lots of varied information here. I so relate to the sleep issue. I’ve had some difficulty sleeping off and on for many years. A good night’s sleep is a beautiful thing. Once I have moved into my new place I may get a second dog. But, imagining the problems sleeping while we’re in the adjustment period pulls me up short. I enjoyed reading about your solution to tending to your new family member!
Yes and she’s back in because of the cold weather. That didn’t last long. Hurry spring!!!
I know the feeling. There are days that I can’t wait to see my bed and just doze off to beautiful and restful sleep. The puppies are so lucky to have such a kind and generous family. As for dreams, the journal is a wise advice. Most of the time we caught ourselves saying, “I dreamt something, but I forgot…” Strike while the iron is hot, right! Writing the dream while its fresh is an excellent idea! Thanks for today’s inspiration . Have a wonderful day.
What a lovely comment – thank you. And a wonderful day is wished for you as well!
I go to sleep at 3.00AM and you awoke every morning at 3:00 am. This is really funny. 🙂 I hope now you can sleep through the night without any more disturbance, as everything is settled now. But one question to you, Do you really write your dreams? This one is sounding really interesting!
With the time difference, does that mean we are actually up and going at the same time? Oh well – just another crazy meandering from lack of sleep.
When I have a particularly interesting dream, I do try to get it down in a hurry. The act of writing it down makes it stay with me longer and then I can remember more details and try to decipher the meaning. What about your dreams? Do you remember them or do they go ‘poof’ the minute you open your eyes?
Yes, May be with the time difference it’s possible. 🙂
I do not let even my dreams to disturb me while i am sleeping. 🙂 Jokes a part, they go poof the moment I open my eyes. But I remembered that when I started blogging once or twice I saw in my dreams that, i got freshly pressed. 🙂
There have been several studies recently that link sleep deprivation with an increased risk of developing diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer..
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