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An older man in a navy sweater vest tucks a beige blanket around a red merle Aussie lying in a round gray dog bed. 8 / 32

Every Night, Kenji Has One Last Job Before Lights Out

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Snug as can be, Maple sits in her round gray dog bed while Kenji kneels beside her, smoothing a quilted beige blanket around her shoulders. He wears a navy sweater vest over a plaid flannel shirt, and his smile is the tender, slightly amused kind that grandparents save for bedtime. Maple gazes up from inside her little nest, her copper ears soft and her white chest peeking out above the blanket's edge. A basket of toys sits within paw's reach, sneakers and slippers are lined up by the couch, and a potted plant brightens the corner of the room.

A dedicated bed gives a dog a place that feels safe and entirely their own, which many dogs appreciate more than we might expect. Bolster-style beds like Maple's are a favorite for dogs who like to curl up and lean against something while they sleep. Blankets are fine for most dogs, especially in cooler months, but choose ones without loose threads or fringe that could be chewed, and wash bedding regularly to keep it fresh. A consistent bedtime routine, such as a last trip outside, a quiet moment together, and then lights out, can help many dogs settle more easily at night. Older dogs or dogs with stiff joints may benefit from extra cushioning, so ask your vet if you notice your pet struggling to get comfortable.

There may be no official rule that dogs need to be tucked in, but nobody told Kenji that. And honestly, Maple does not look like she is complaining.

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