Pet Comics #3: "Just Keeps Sleeping."

I'm sure everyone who keeps pets indoors has experienced this, right?

I often have my dog come over and fall asleep on my stomach when I'm lying on the sofa at home.
At times like that, I feel incredibly happy and doze off together with them. But when I start thinking, "I need to move soon! I need to go to the bathroom!" it becomes really tough.

They rarely wake up on their own, so you have to wake them to move. I feel bad disturbing their peaceful sleep... I don't want to force them awake and make them dislike me... (Though even if you move them and wake them up, they'll just find another comfortable spot to sleep, so they probably don't dislike you...)

So why do they sleep so comfortably on top of people?

Of course, they feel secure in each other's warm body heat, but there's actually an even better reason. It involves a hormone called "oxytocin," which is also said to be released when petting your dog or cat.
Also known as the "happiness hormone," I've covered it in a previous column before—it's a hormone that can give you a sense of well-being.
Oxytocin has garnered significant attention in human society recently.
It's said that feeling affection reduces stress, eases anxiety, and is even a factor in longevity.

This enjoyment of happiness through oxytocin isn't limited to humans; it's said to be a phenomenon that occurs mutually with pets as well. If your pet falls asleep while physically close to you, oxytocin is surely being released between you both. You're both probably feeling happy. With that thought in mind, pet them a lot, give them attention, and share that feeling of affection. If you do that, even if you wake them up a little, it'll surely be okay. That's how I feel.

(Column: Rei Nagi / Manga: Erika Sudo)