So Jack (age approx. 8) and Lexie (age approx. 12) have slept in their doggie beds at the foot of our bed, year around, very quietly for years, until recently. Jack has been getting up at 3, 4, 5 AM and whining, scratching on the side of our bed, like he wants to sleep with us. He's very restless, and will not go back to bed and settle down. Eventually I end up getting up and sleeping on the couch with him. Sometimes he's unsettled and restless there, too, but most times he'll snuggle down and sleep just fine. This whining at early AM hours is very unlike him, and I cannot figure out what's going on with him! We've had critters under the house a while back (feral cat, probably opossum) but I think they've gone. He seems normal during the day, although he's always been a velcro dog and stays pretty close to me all the time. His restlessness really concerns me, and my S.O. is getting very upset about the sleeplessness HE'S having, along with me. Anyone have any ideas? We went for a long walk the past two days, thinking he'd tire out. Night before last, he slept fine until 6 AM, all tucked in. Last night, he didn't want to go in his bed but finally did -- and then was up and whining at me at 5 AM. HELP!!! ALL SUGGESTIONS DEEPLY APPRECIATED! I'm getting very concerned, and cannot figure out what on earth is going on with him! He doesn't seem to be in pain and acts normally the rest of the time -- except at night. We added a brighter nightlight thinking that might help -- nope. I have others submitting suggestions, too, as I need all the help I can get!!! (I plan to run it by the vet when I take him in next week for his bath.)