Gayatri Pamnani with her pet, Nico at her home in Nairobi.
For some pet owners, letting their furry friends share their bed isn’t just an occasional treat; it’s a way of life. This cosy habit brings many a sense of joy, comfort, and deepened bonds with their pets, despite the occasional inconvenience.
Gayatri Pamnani’s journey with her dog "Nico" began four years ago when her daughter gifted him to her. "Nico", a mix of Maltese and Shih Tzu, quickly became more than just a pet; he’s now part of the family. Initially hesitant, Gayatri admits they were concerned about the demands of pet ownership, especially with "Nico" being their first dog. She adds, “Many people warned us and told us to be careful not to allow "Nico" to share our bed.”
Despite their attempts to set boundaries early on, "Nico" had other ideas. “When we first got him, "Nico" was only eight weeks old, and I was a big softie. He would cry a lot at night, and I couldn’t stand it, so I let him sleep in the children’s room. That’s how it started. Now, he moves between the children’s bed and ours. He mostly spends the night in our bed, snuggling at our feet while we watch TV or even climbing in with us at night.”
How did her husband react to it?
“My husband had no objections to Nico sleeping in our bed. When it comes to our dog, we are all on the same page. The whole family enjoys sharing space with "Nico,” she says, adding, “Nico is like my lastborn now. We care for him so much that he has almost no restrictions. He has his bed; I know that he must be comfortable and have his own space, but he is always welcome on ours.”
Sharon Bressler with her Japanese Spitz, "CiCi" at her home in Nairobi on October 24, 2024.
Ms Pamnani is lucky to have a large bed. “Three people can even sleep on the bed. However, it is not always comfortable because he can decide to sleep across. He can come in between my husband and me and sleep across. This can get uncomfortable, forcing us to sleep in different positions. However, he doesn’t spend the full night. He comes for some hours then returns to his own bed.”
To ensure Nico’s comfort and keep things clean, Gayatri has developed a strict cleaning routine. “After every walk, Nico’s paws are wiped down, and he receives regular tick and flea treatments. We also ensure that the house is vacuumed often. I know sharing a bed with a pet might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but from my experience, I have seen that it’s our way of bonding. It’s like having a toddler in the house,” she says.
Sharon Bressler’s story with her Japanese Spitz, CiCi, began nine years ago with a practical decision that turned into a cherished tradition.
Gayatri Pamnani's pet, Nico. Nico is a mix of Maltese and Shih Tzu.
“I brought CiCi home as a puppy and knew that if I put her in a box, she’d cry all night, and this would mean that I wouldn’t get to sleep,” she says. “So, I let her sleep with me on my bed for one night, and it’s been our routine ever since.”
For Ms Bressler, sharing a bed with CiCi isn’t just about comfort; it’s about companionship. She enjoys the ritual of CiCi starting her night curled at the foot of her king-sized bed and waking up beside her head.
What happens when she is away? “When I am not around, Cici always seeks to share the bed with whoever is in charge of watching him. I wouldn’t want CiCi to stop sharing my bed because she brings me comfort.” Although CiCi doesn’t shed much fur due to Sharon’s careful grooming, cleanliness is still a priority for Sharon.
