Wake up
Luna woke before the alarm, as always. She lay in her bed, opened one eye, and assessed the situation: the house was quiet, the sun was just thinking about rising, and her humans were still asleep. This was perfect. She had the morning to herself, and she intended to use it properly. She stood up, shook herself, and began the routine.
The big stretch
First came the big stretch: front paws extended, chest low, back arched, tail high in the air. Luna held the pose, feeling every muscle wake up. Then she reversed it, stretching her back legs one at a time, pointing each toe like a dancer. Finally, she shook her whole body from nose to tail, tags jingling. The morning stretch was complete, and Luna felt magnificent.
The patrol
A proper morning requires a patrol. Luna padded softly through the quiet house, checking each room. The kitchen: no intruders, but the food bowl was still full from last night, which was noted with interest. The living room: Buddy asleep on the sofa, snoring gently. The hallway: Mac’s toy mouse lying in ambush position. Luna nudged it with her nose and continued. All clear.
Waking the house
Luna decided it was time for everyone else to start their day. She climbed onto Ahmad’s bed, walked carefully up to the pillow, and booped his nose with hers. Ahmad opened one eye. Luna wagged. Then she went to Buddy, stood on the sofa arm, and sneezed directly on his ear. Buddy woke up sneezing too. Mac required no waking: he had been awake for an hour, waiting under the blanket for someone to notice.
Breakfast club
Breakfast was a communal affair. Three bowls, three puppies, sitting in a row like the world’s best-behaved choir. Luna ate daintily, savoring each bite. Buddy inhaled his and then supervised the others. Mac dropped kibble, chased it, ate it, and repeated the process. When the bowls were empty, all three looked at Ahmad with expressions of hopeful disbelief that breakfast could possibly be over.
Garden greeting
Outside, the morning was fresh and cool. Luna greeted the garden: she sniffed the dew on the grass, said hello to the robin on the fence, and did a second, smaller stretch in the sunlight. Buddy joined her for a patrol of the perimeter. Mac found a stick that had appeared overnight and claimed it. The day was officially underway, and it was going to be a good one.
The nap
By nine o’clock, the excitement of the morning had caught up with everyone. Luna curled up in her favorite sunspot, Buddy sprawled on the cool kitchen tiles, and Mac fell asleep with his head on his new stick. Luna’s last thought before drifting off was that mornings were the best part of the day, especially when they started with a really good stretch.
Field notes
A consistent morning routine helps puppies feel secure and sets the tone for the day. A short patrol, breakfast, and a garden visit cover the essentials. And never underestimate the power of a really good stretch.
