130 I am The Lap

I am The Lap!

Now that I am retired, I have trouble getting started in the morning. I have art projects, writing tasks, and many little things around the house that need to be done.

I get up at a not-too-early hour and have to pull Tootsie, my Jack Russell terrier, out from under the covers. She needs a trip outside and I need breakfast.

Once that is accomplished, someone is waiting for me by our special dog chair—it has plenty of room for two!

Before I can become The Lap, I must gather all essential equipment—morning beverage (usually diet coke), tablet to check all the news, book, any recent writing to edit, and, of course, Tootsie’s blankie (also known as an old towel).

I may have created this. When we got the big T, she was 7 weeks old. I slept in a chair with her on my lap for about a month. We would go out as soon as it was light and then go back for a little more sleep in the chair.

So Tootsie is not a morning person, I mean, dog. She does turn into a crazy dog in the evenings. 

She brings a toy and barks until you throw it. If you ignore her, she will shove the toy under a piece of furniture, the television table being her 
favorite--when the TV is on, and then bark, bark, bark, bark and more barking until you use the specially designed toy-retriever (a cane) that is kept next to the special dog chair to pull out the toy.





But that is the evening nut, not the a.m. cuddler. In the morning, she expects to be covered with her blankie. 
If it is not available, she will start pawing at your clothes, looking for something to cover her.



It is not entirely one-sided. Research has shown petting a dog or having one in your lap reduces blood pressure, anxiety and depression, triglycerides, and heart rate. Spending time with pets activate the hormone oxytocin, which produces all those 
good physical effects. 

There is even research that suggests having a pet can produce a stronger immune system and protect against certain types of cancer. They also encourage more exercise among owners, but not in the a.m. in my house!

Since I have been drinking my beverage, I am always the one who must break up the morning cuddle. I am not sure how long she would stay in The Lap—I always break first.

I could be more assertive and let her nap alone, but I do enjoy a long morning snuggle—especially on a dreary, cold day.

                                                               Trish

Perhaps I am ever so slightly being bossed by a 15-pound tyrant?