It’s 9:30pm and I’m exhausted. Time to take the oldies out and get everyone settled in for what I hope will be a long sleep. It’s been a hectic day of working, getting things set up for a new online shop for rescue, puppy laundry, feeding dogs, exercising dogs, playing with puppies, cleaning, more laundry, and errands. No time to cook lately so not eating as well as I’d like.
It’s half past midnight and I’m awake. Squeaking and squawking in the whelping box beside my bed. I check to be sure everyone is ok. It’s a party in there tonight. They are finding their voices but have their sleep schedules backwards. My mind races over the long list of items needing to be done the next day. I check my messages I neglected to read before bed. I see a possible ID needing to be done on a dog in a shelter. I look at the clock and its nearly 1:30. Back to bed for me after making sure all is okay.
It’s 3:15am and Bay is at the bedroom door asking to be let out to potty. I get Marina too and grab my flashlight and head out the front door with both girls. Marina comes right back. Bay is chasing a deer though the front field. I find myself barefoot, stepping around toads and walking into the wet grass calling for Bay. I see her at the pear tree having a snack. After what seems like eternity, she comes trotting back. I warm the discs for the puppies. One at a time. This takes another 9 minutes. Back to bed.
It’s 5:20am. Bay is on the bed with me, smashing into me, snoring loudly as I know she is exhausted. A puppy is crooning to us. Howling only as a 18 day old puppy can. Doing his best to let us know he is hungry and wants his mama. I get up and get a glass of water which then signals Marina it could be time to chase balls. I assure her it is not. I urge Bay to feed her boy and she obliges. I look at the clock and wonder how it became 6:40? Back to bed.
In the last month I have come to realize that the sleep one gets between 7am and 8am must be what its like for those who believe in heaven. Its the most glorious hour imaginable, filled with vivid dreams and a deep deep restful sleep. That one hour is what keeps me going lately. It’s 8 am and I am doing puppy bedding laundry, having a coffee, throwing balls for the girls and feeling pretty good about the fact I slept more last night than the night previous. Baby steps.