October 7, 2017

White Dog listened as I told her that Bella had spent the night in a special on the bed pajama party...Steve, Sachi, myself, and Bella. WD raised an eyebrow. "Sounds crowded," she said.

I had to admit that Bella in the curl of my legs and Sachi between where Steve rests his feet and where mine lie did NOT leave a lot of space for movement in the night.

"Thankfully when I slept with you, it was just me and dad," she shook her head. "And even then, some nights I had to scramble to not get knocked off the bed with your tossing and turning. But she felt good curled up there, didn't she?"

"You know every night I still tell you that I miss you sleeping with me but I understand that you need privacy and space to stretch when you slumber. It DID feel good to have her snuggled there even if my legs went numb from being pinned into place. And you know why?"

White Dog nodded, "I think I do. It has taken Bella a LONG time to feel like she could claim a place on the bed. Not ask but to come up and just settle in. It took courage and feeling safe and trusting. That is an awesome milestone, even if she never sleeps up there again. She is jumping up in the morning to cuddle. Bella has found her comfort zone and her confidence." I was smiling at the Little White Dog of My Heart's wisdom; she was absolutely correct.

"The second morning Bella was here, back so long ago, Dad put her up on the bed with you and I. Remember?  I KNEW then that this Tiny Dancer was a gem, something REALLY special but that we would need patience and love to make her shine. Seems we have jumped a chasm and are moving forward more and more each day. I hope she claims her spot next to you every night, momma. I know there is always room for me and I am not jealous; although I bet Sachi might be a little as he is used to be the only one to sleep there. Make him share with grace and love."

"White Dog," I told her as I held her close. "What?" I kissed the top of her head, "never mind."