Here is a link, just in case you want to read it for yourself:
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/22/a-furry-dilemma-sleep-with-your-pet-catch-his-bugs/?iref=allsearch
The central theme is, if you sleep with your pet, you risk catching his bugs... but I suppose that was sort of set forth in the title. The story has a few examples of people contracting meningitis or even the plague from their pets. One or two of the examples actually had something to do with the pet sleeping in the individual's bed.
Now I'd like to make fun of this article, but we had the household leptospirosis pandemic caused by Petunia and her late sister. Thus, I know that there is a risk associated with bringing animals into the home. Still, as the article points out, if you properly care for your pet(s) and routinely see the veterinarian, it is extremely unlikely that they will be spreading zoonotic pathogens to you as you sleep.
And yet, I still recall picking Petunia out of her kennel at the city animal shelter, looking into her little brown eyes, and stating, "You're going to be the death of me."
(Here she is a few weeks later... after she grew some fur)
She almost succeeded with the leptospirosis bit, but that is all behind us now. I mean, it's not like Petunia leads a high-risk lifestyle.
OK, she occasionally gets into the pond and might ingest some filth while trying to catch frogs...
(Yes, that is actually my dog eating poop)
Well, there is her friend Mr. Skitters, the rabid raccoon, with whom she likes to spend time.
That is a little concerning, but it could be worse.
Well, it looks like Hepatitis Pea is going to need to go back to see the veterinarian... and possibly rehab. I'm going to see if they can write me a prescription for antibiotics too.
Bad dog!
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