There are lots of places around my house that I could work.
I could sit in the recliner chair with my feet up, right in the middle of the family room.
I could also sit on the family room couch, right next to the hubs as he watches TV.
I could nestle under my favorite cozy blanket on the couch in the living room, taking in the view of the back yard.
All of those places are nice…in theory. But in reality, I have two dogs who see my laptop and immediately view it as their opportunity to demand attention. Fingers on the keyboard? Better nudge ’em off. Mom emailing colleagues? Time for a distraction. Let’s lick her elbows.
No, there’s really only one place where the dogs rest and let me work undisturbed. Only when I’m in bed do they feel calm and comfortable enough to leave me be. Black dog Lilah is happiest when she hogs the dog bed, brown dog Winnie is just fine with the leftovers.
Some call it unprofessional. Others call it poor sleep hygiene. I call it a matter of survival.
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
Lainie,
You had me at “dog”! I totally understand this dilemma. This morning my husband lamented his night w/ our two cats and one of our dogs who sleeps w/ us and normally nudges me to the edge of the bed. Sharing is caring, right?
Sharing *is* caring…until you get nudged out of your comfy spot. Luckily, our dogs don’t come up on our bed. With about 160 pounds between them, I’m not so sure there’d be space!
Thanks for sharing. My dog usually lets me work. The only time he’s a little nudg-y is when I’m at the breakfast table. If he hasn’t hade enough attention yet that morning, he’ll bump his head against my right elbow to make me drop what ever I’m doing and scritch his ears.
I don’t have a dog, but deserpately want one … however, I can relate with my own kids.
But — I love the voices of the dogs you punctuate through the slice (licking elbows), and each description of your working places.
Either way, happy working with your good good dogs!
Thanks! It really is amazing how calm they are when they know I’m here where I’m “supposed” to be. Guess they have me trained!
Look at that dog though. So sweet. I have this same issue — so hard to find a good place to work!
Super sweet. Little stinky. But super sweet!
But look at that adoring face. How could not give it the attention it deserves? BTW, cats are the same way, but they think a keyboard is a bed.
Oh…I don’t think I could get ANYTHING done with a cat around!
Nobody should say no to that face!! My cat used to immediately appear when I started working on the computer. I miss her.
It’s those little memories that creep back…
What was your cat’s name?
I could very much relate to this slice. For, me right, now, is which space is the warmest. I can’t wait for warmer days. Which ever I choose, my cat comes along, walking over the keyboard or putting her her paws on the spacebar. Enjoy your doggies.
Ahhhh….WARMTH. Just the very word, the very IDEA of it makes me feel said warmth. Maybe that’s another reason why working from the bed is such a good plan.
And…maybe your cat is a writer wannabe?
And that is exactly why I spent most of today reading, knitting, and working on my bed! Except that I have three cats instead of dogs. But they all curled up on top of me and were quiet and not trying to eat my fingers or the side of my laptop, so there we go. Bed-office it is!
From what I hear, cats are MUCH worse about work space than dogs, so I’ll count myself as lucky.
Do your cats let you knot?
^^knit
OH, that face, indeed! “No” is never truly part of the dog-lover’s vocabulary, Lainie! You have me laughing about your strategy of working in bed… trust you however, to find an inventive way to get whatever needs doing, done. I have to be sure Dennis has gone out, twice (he cannot do “both” in one trip, for some reason), that he has food, water, and his daily bone, and the blanket waiting on the couch, before I can sit and even hope of doing a bit of writing. I commiserate, my friend!
Thanks, Fran! You know, it really is amazing how easy it is to procrastinate when it’s for the dogs. Wanna play fetch? Let’s go. Need a walk? I’m here. You need a butt rub? Come on over.
As for Productivity, I hear it’s overrated…
I see all our dogs’ heads nodding in agreement that Productivity is overrated. Except for us lesser, servile creatures, when games and walks and butt rubs are desired…in fact, demanded…