I have my own space – a guest room cum office cum studio. In additon to my writing/studio stuff, there' a little memory foam pad in a pillowcase under the desk at my feet for dog – for when he's feeling particularly clingy. And, there's a plump pillow-dog bed next to me, in front of the cedar chest.

The dog has his schedule. For example, as I write this at 11:45 am EST, the dog just got up and wandered out to the kitchen to try to hurry along lunchtime. He's in there now, shaking his head to jangle his collar tags to keep reminding me "It's lunchtime." Lunchtime is not until 12pm and I will not be moved. But, try telling him that…