I rarely set an alarm clock anymore. Inevitably five minutes before it would go off the guardians of the grounds pad quietly into my bedroom and arrange themselves closest to any unprotected areas of flesh. The skin contracts as three very cold noses dig in. If I try to cover myself and slip back into sleep, they institute phase two.

           Joe, the German Shepard, has a bark that would put a Marine Corps Master Sergeant to shame. He maneuvers closest to my head and lets go. "UP," he barks, "YOU DARE TO SHIRK YOUR SACRED DUTY TO YOUR GUARDIANS AND PROTECTORS!!! GET OUT FROM UNDER THAT BLANKET - NOW!"

           Of course once he starts the two girls join in and an overwhelming cacophony of sound forces me to draw back the blankets. Years of such treatment has trained me to wear warm fuzzy socks to bed. Once I am sitting up, the yips, barks and pathetic moans drive me to my feet. Then the Milkbone Dance begins. One German Sheppard and two big fluffy chows encircle me, leaping and spinning. They prance and prod, herding me towards the kitchen. I don't even think about making a side step to my dresser, the bathroom or the closet as two hundred and twenty pounds of canine steer my course.

           Brain dead still, I am now conditioned to stumble from the room down the hall. They twirl and laugh, long tongues dripping with anticipation. Three long, strong tails pound the furniture and walls as we pass. If I slow down I am licked until my steps go forward again.

           The frenzy suddenly stills as I approach the pantry. Loud panting heightens the anticipation as I reach into the large Milkbone box and draw out three identical treats. Joe grabs his first and disappears through the doggy door to his spot on the front porch rug. Ginger steps up and firmly claims her prize, also disappearing outside. Lucy hangs back and waits for me to walk to her, then delicately draws the Milkbone from my hand and pads over to the carpet in the entryway to nibble away.

           I could go back to bed now, but instead I make a cup of Earl Gray tea with honey to clear the fog from my brain, and enjoy the silence.