The AKC (American Kennel Club) says a dog’s sense of smell is ”at least 100,000 times more sensitive than ours.” This begs the obvious question. How on earth do they get any sleep?!

The world is aromatic enough for my nose as it is. If my sense of smell was twice as much as it is now, much less 100,000 times more sensitive, I’d be a sleep-deprived old man hoping for daily counseling sessions.

And wait, it gets worse, if, like me, you hope dogs are able to get the sleep they need – and deserve. They hear way more than we do, according to the AKC.

Add those two up, notice they happen at the same time, and the fact my Rascal, a 20-pound mix breed that sparkles with love and personality gets any sleep at all is amazing, until you consider the one sound that seems to put him to sleep, curled up in a chair, maybe with his head dangling off the side. 

My big mouth.

Yours truly can’t stop talking at times, so, there are times I am babbling away and wouldn’t you know, Rascal’s gone to sleep. 

I suspect I’m not the only senior that talks out loud when alone, and this doesn’t worry me in the least, for two reasons.

First, it keeps my brain active. 

Second, I know I have a hard time finding a reason to end some sentences.

And, if you must know, I am glad I contribute to Rascal’s ability to get some rest.