that dog gives me the shivers

On the odd occasion that we are feeling extra generous (or in need of extra sleep), we will let the dogs snuggle up in bed with us. Usually its just a odd Sunday morning where letting them in bed will make them sleep longer, which lets us sleep longer. I need to note, that Finnegan is by far the best cuddle buddy around, and will lay like a person with his head on the pillow and allow me to drape my arms or legs around him to get comfortable. Hey, If you had an anti-cuddler for a partner, you'd take what you could get too.

Monday night Finnegan was feeling a little extra needy and followed each of us around like, well, a puppy. He was acting very sad and pathetic, and just wanted all of our love. I really felt for the guy, as we've all had those kinds of days. Gilday was giving him some hugs early in the evening in response to patheticness, and mentioned to him in passing that he might be able to sleep with us that night if he wasn't feeling better. Now, yes, Finnegan is a dog, and he shouldn't understand what the heck Gilday was saying. He should have heard "Blah blah blah. Finnegan. Blah blah bla Blah." in a nice soothing tone.

That night, we're getting ready to turn in, and Finnegan was in the kitchen helping himself to his water bowl. I get into bed first and have the light on waiting for Gilday to get done brushing his teeth. He comes in, followed by Finnegan who promptly puts his head on the bed on my side. This, for those still interested, is his sign for "I'm coming up, right?". I laughingly tell Gilday, who gives him the Ok, and up jumps 150 lb Finnegan.

Now, Finnegan knows that he is not allowed on the bed unless he is asked. He never begs to come up, and for him to do it on a Monday night wasn't even part of a routine. He (or Riley for that matter) havent cuddled with us, I'm thinking, since the beginning of the summer. Why, would he put his head on the bed asking to come up that Monday? Is it possible that Finnegan understood what Gilday told him 4 hours earlier, and now was looking to collect on that promise? Then, last night, there was no mention at all to him to sleep with us, and when it was time to turn in, he went right to his own bed and crashed.

I know Finn is smart, I'd say smarter than the average canine, but for him to retain that information and use it for his benefit is just plain crazy.

Crazy man. Just Crazy.