Mornings at our house are an unpredictable mix of quiet time, chore time, and Brandy’s patented “pay attention to me” time. My quirky, lovable dog, Brandy, has a morning routine that ensures the day starts with a bang—and a lot of laughter. Here’s how it all goes down, every single day.

The Wake-Up Shenanigans

Every morning begins with Brandy’s elaborate wake-up call. It starts with the unmistakable sound of ear flapping—flap-flap-flap! It’s like a furry alarm clock, impossible to ignore. This is quickly followed by a full-body stretch accompanied by wookie-like noises, as if she’s channeling her inner Chewbacca. But the real kicker comes next: her exorcist impression. She lets out these guttural sounds that make me wonder if I need to call a priest or a vet.

If these polite hints fail, Brandy escalates her tactics. She’ll climb onto the bed and hover over my face, delivering a morning kiss right on the mouth. I try to pretend I’m still asleep, but Brandy is nothing if not persistent. When all else fails, she resorts to her ultimate weapon—standing on top of me. There’s no ignoring a 40-pound dog using you as a trampoline.

The Breakfast Bonanza

Once I’m fully awake (whether I like it or not), it’s time for breakfast. In our house, healthy eating is a must, so I’ve cleverly disguised Brandy’s veggies in her snuffle mat. Carrots and green beans are hidden among the fabric strips, turning breakfast into a fun game. Brandy, thinking she’s outsmarted me, eagerly devours her veggies, blissfully unaware she’s getting her daily dose of greens.

With the snuffle mats tackled, I turn on their LED collars if it’s still dark outside and head to the yard. My morning routine includes clapping my hands and chanting “shoo, shoo, shoo!” in an attempt to ward off any nocturnal critters. Brandy, of course, thinks this is the starting gun for a race. She bolts around the yard, completing a full lap before I can get out my third “shoo.” We have an invisible fence, but I guess I still enjoy playing the role of the morning scarecrow.

Post-Outdoor Shenanigans

After our outdoor escapades, it’s time for dental chews and their home-delivered natural food. I like to pretend I’m a master chef preparing their meals, but the truth is, I’m a vegetarian. They know the real magic happens when the delivery person arrives with their raw meat goodies. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Once breakfast is over, I prep their treat balls and plush puzzle roll up toys for later, ensuring they have plenty to keep them entertained throughout the day.

The iPad Invasion

Finally, I sit on the couch to start my day with my iPad. This is when Brandy’s mischievous side really shines. Her nose seems to have a magnetic attraction to the iPad. No matter where I move it, her nose follows, eventually plopping right on the screen. This is her not-so-subtle way of demanding more puzzle toys and treats. Naturally, I relent because, let’s face it, she’s trained me well.

Conclusion

Our mornings might start with chaos, but they’re filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of canine antics. Brandy’s routine, from her wookie impressions to her expert iPad interference, ensures that every day starts with a smile. Despite the grogginess, I wouldn’t trade our mornings for anything. Because, in the end, doesn’t everyone love mornings filled with the unconditional love and hilarious antics of a determined dog?

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