When it’s minus forty degrees at night,

my bed warmers know what to do.

Bred to tunnel in after badgers,

Dachshund is German and literally means badger dog.

We know their true purpose is to tunnel under my covers

to keep me warm.

Happily, lovingly, even longingly,

only to peek their noses out in the morning, impatient for me to wake.

“Get up, get excited, let’s eat!”