There. I've said it. I might as well take another leap and report that the animal in question is less than 16 years old. And, god help me, of the same gender as myself.
I know that this will disturb many Kossacks, perhaps nearly as much as the fact that this diary contains no links or quotes excerpted and wrapped in a little pixel rectangle. However, I will press on and ask for your understanding and support.
As far as I can remember, this habit, this compulsion, started in my teens and escalated to its sordid peak when I was 21 and, living in parentless freedom/squalor with my 2 brothers(dad was long gone and mom had moved out in protest and despair due to the "chaos" --her word--of drums kits, guitars, amps, keyboards).
During this time, known to us as the "Days of Rice A Roni", we became custodians of 11 cats. This was the result of a "friend" asking us to babysit two females who were quietly pregnant. The "friend" disappeared shortly thereafter. A sidenote: never have too many musician friends.
When I awoke each morning--uh, make that each afternoon--there would be anywhere from one to eleven cats sleeping with me.
I have only occasionally slept with a dog. This would only occur during occasions when I was "sleeping" with certain human females.
This morning at 5:30, I opened my eyes to a stunningly beautiful day in the woods and mountains of upstate NY. My spouse(a human) was already out in the garden weeding. The cat was attempting to wake me via the subtle techniques of escalating harassment known to all felines.
I will wrap up this humble confession and ask your help. I know that I am not alone.