I have always had dogs – and growing up was fuller with them…
But this… This is different…
My son often takes things a tad too far. I oblige, often because I know ‘testing boundaries’ is part of growing up… But also because I think certain luxuries are afforded only when you are a kid – so why not? This is not to say that i say YES to everything – I swear I think I am very much the drill sergent at home – clean the toilet, make the bed, polish the shoes, desks clean, books in order – these are not negotiable…
But… the dog sleeping on your bed… well… i let that pass…
Sherlock, one of five dogs we have at home, is possibly the one that loves my son the most. He was my daughter’s dog – but I think he switched allegiances when my daughter went to work in Colombo. Sherlock ALWAYS slept on the bed with my son, because he was too scared to sleep alone as a young boy – and it stuck… Now, it is quite commo for Sherlock to occupy his bed, and ‘hug’ him too !
I have often wanted to put a stop to it – but I stop myself every time… Because ultimately, my son too will grow older and leave the house, and why not let him have his dog in his bed until he does…
Sometimes, it is ok to give in…
Sometimes, it is ok for the dog to be his best friend…
Sometimes, it is ok to let it be…
Not because of nostalgia or some misguided notion of childhood, but because these memories are what often keep you warm and hopeful when life seems to crash around you. These are the memories you carrywith you forever. These are also the only times in your life when you will truly be free, unencumbered by responsibility, duty, or any need to prove yourself to anyone…
Let kids have it…
Everything teaches – even the dog who sleeps with your son !
V Over Tea 
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