Not a light sleeper...

Ever try to squeeze yourself into a pair of pants that's just a size or two too small?

Perhaps, then, you can relate to the challenge of being Maverick, our spotlighted critter in this weekend's edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

The nomination came from Sheri Olson who is fostering the big rascal through Animal Rescue of Texas.

She writes, "What do you do when you’re a Great Dane mix being fostered in a home full of Chihuahuas? Well, the beds are kind of small, but you make do as best as you can.  Here is a submission for the 'slumber' series.

"Maverick has adapted to the 'smaller' side of life and loves to play with Fivo, our Chiweenie.  He’s just a big goofball and such a sweetheart."

(And, based on that photo, he doesn't mind getting down on Fivo's level to have a good sparring session. Chiweenie? Yes, of course! Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Makes more sense than a Dachhuahua.)

What's the story on Maverick? He was rescued from a high-kill shelter in August, Sheri says. "He was emaciated, filthy and covered in fleas and sores to the point that when we gave him his first bath, the water ran red with blood. He has recovered completely and has filled out to weigh about 60 pounds. 

"Even though he looks like a large puppy, we think he’s three or four years old ... a Great Dane mixed with something smaller. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

"When you meet Maverick, the first word that comes to mind is 'goofball.' This guy is FUN and is learning how to enjoy the good life.  He didn’t know how to play with toys at first and would get real excited when we’d throw a ball, but he didn’t know why we did it. Now, he’s playing and having a great time. He has been through a two-week course of board-and-train to work on his indoor manners and basic obedience. He’s doing very well with his training.

"He's a GREAT dog with a very loving spirit, he just needs some humans willing to be his best friend, love him for who he is and show him how great it is to be a valued member of a family."

You can read more about Maverick by clicking HERE. Once he has a permanent home, maybe someone will get this official Sleeping Dog a bed that fits his frame.

(To nominate a critter at your house -- quadruped or biped, foundling or member of the household by marriage -- for our weekly feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send a photo of your sleeping rascal and information about the animal and yourself to dallrp@aol.com. Remember, we celebrate sleeping at Readlarrypowell.com. We might not be able to do it, but we sure do celebrate it. Insomniacs -- we don't really need a big issue to keep us awake at night.)