Our Westie Dog’s Morning Routine: A Day in the Life of Sami

Waking up with Sami, our adorable Westie, is truly the best part of the day. If you’re a dog lover or simply curious about what a morning with a West Highland White Terrier looks like, you’re in for a treat. Sami’s morning routine is a blend of lazy cuddles, picky eating habits, playful walks, and quirky napping spots that make every day uniquely entertaining. In this article, I’ll take you through Sami’s typical morning from the moment he wakes up to his favorite nap time rituals, sharing insights and little stories that capture his personality perfectly.

Table of Contents

Morning Wake-Up: Lazy but Loving

Sami usually loves to sleep in late. Some mornings, my partner and I get up early, tackle a bit of work, and then come back to gently wake him up. And let me tell you, Sami is always super happy to see us when he wakes up. We spend a few minutes in bed playing and cuddling, which is honestly the perfect way to start the day. Sami is a big fan of morning back rubs, so we always make sure to give him a nice massage. It’s a small moment, but he enjoys every second of it, and it really sets the tone for his day.

Sami enjoying a back rub in the morning

The way Sami stretches out and relaxes while getting his back rubbed is heartwarming. It’s almost like his way of saying, “Good morning, I’m ready for the day now.” This little ritual is one of those special bonding moments that I cherish deeply.

Breakfast Time: Convincing the Lazy Pooch

After waking up, it’s time for breakfast. But, unlike many dogs who get excited at the mere mention of food, Sami is a bit of a lazy and picky eater. He needs convincing to come down the stairs each morning. Sometimes, even food doesn’t excite him enough to get moving quickly. During filming, I had to repeatedly encourage him to come down and make sure he didn’t stop halfway. If I had a treat, he would have come running, but I don’t usually bribe him with treats, so I wanted to keep this authentic.

Sami hesitating at the top of the stairs, looking lazy

Sami’s breakfast is a mix of kibble and home-cooked food. This combination helps because he doesn’t like the kibble very much, and also because he tends to get constipated if he doesn’t get enough fiber. It’s a bit of a balancing act. You might wonder why we don’t just switch his kibble to something he prefers. Well, there are several reasons, and I plan to discuss that in detail in a future post. The short answer is that this particular kibble helps manage his skin allergies, which is really important for his overall health.

What’s on Sami’s Breakfast Menu?

On this particular morning, his breakfast consisted of a delicious mix of pumpkin, oatmeal, spinach, and tuna. This combination is juicy and flavorful, and if I mix everything well enough, Sami will eat the entire bowl. It’s not easy having a picky dog, but this mix seems to do the trick.

Bowl of Sami's breakfast with pumpkin, oatmeal, spinach, and tuna mixed

Feeding Sami is a process that requires patience. Watching him eat this mix reminds me that every dog has their quirks and preferences, and as pet parents, we adapt to what makes them happy and healthy.

Outdoor Adventures: The Walk That Sami Sometimes Hates

After breakfast, it’s usually time to go outside. We don’t always stick to the same order; sometimes we go for a walk before breakfast depending on the day. However, one thing that’s consistent is Sami’s reaction when I try to put on his harness. For some reason, he absolutely hates it. He tries to escape every time, which means I have to be quick and careful to make sure he doesn’t get away.

Sami trying to escape while putting on his harness

Despite this little morning struggle, walks are a vital part of Sami’s routine. They give him a chance to stretch, explore, and get some fresh air. It’s also a bonding time for us, even if it starts with a bit of resistance.

Post-Walk Workout and Chill Time

Once we get back home from Sami’s walk, it’s usually time for us to work out. Sami is a great companion during this time, often sitting with us either inside or outside in the yard. On hot days, like the one in this routine, he prefers to nap indoors where it’s cooler. He’s quite smart about finding the best spots to relax.

Sami napping inside where it is cool

Working From Home with Sami

By 11 AM, it’s time for us to get down to actual work. Both my partner and I work from home, which means Sami gets to be around us all day. He usually comes and stays with me in my office. This last part of the morning is when he starts getting ready for his big nap, and he has some very specific favorite spots for that.

One of his favorite spots is the couch where he can look out the window. Of course, he takes his role as household protector seriously, always keeping an eye out for any “danger” outside.

Sami sitting on the couch looking out the window

Sami’s Beanbag Throne

Another favorite napping spot is a beanbag chair we bought especially for him. Believe it or not, we got this idea from a vacation Airbnb we stayed in last year, which had a beanbag chair just like this. Sami was obsessed with it—he would sit there, sleep there, and rub his back all over it. So, when we returned home, we bought one for him, and he’s been using it ever since. It was a smart move and also a budget-friendly alternative to an expensive dog bed.

Sami resting on his special beanbag chair

The Weirdest Nap Spot: The Closet

Now, for the weirdest and absolute number one favorite napping spot of all—Sami discovered he can sleep in the closet. Yes, you read that right! Despite having over twenty dog beds in the house, Sami chooses the closet as his ultimate hideout. He even comes up and specifically asks me to open the door for him so he can get inside. It’s a quirky habit that never fails to make me smile.

Sami sleeping comfortably inside the closet

It’s fascinating how pets develop their own unique preferences, often surprising us with their choices. Sami’s closet naps remind me that comfort is subjective, and sometimes the strangest places become the most beloved.

Reflections on Sami’s Morning Routine

Watching and sharing Sami’s morning routine has been a joyful experience. From his slow wake-up and cuddles to his picky eating and quirky napping spots, each moment reveals a little piece of his personality. It’s a reminder that every dog is unique, and their routines, just like ours, are filled with habits, preferences, and little rituals that make life special.

If you’re a dog owner, you might find some similarities in your pet’s routine or maybe some amusing differences. Sami’s story is one of love, patience, and understanding—qualities that every pet parent knows well. Spoiling him a bit with a beanbag chair or letting him nap in the closet might seem silly to some, but for us, it’s part of the joy of having Sami in our lives.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me in this detailed peek into Sami’s morning. Whether you’re here to get ideas for your own dog’s routine, looking for inspiration on how to care for a picky eater, or simply want a heartwarming story about a Westie’s life, I hope you found this article enjoyable and insightful.

Remember, every dog has their quirks and preferences, and embracing those makes the bond with them even stronger. Sami’s morning routine is just one example of how everyday moments with our pets can be filled with love and laughter.

If you enjoyed learning about Sami’s routine, feel free to share your own dog’s morning habits or any questions you have in the comments. Here’s to many more mornings with our furry friends!

If you prefer, you can watch the video here: Our Westie Dog’s Morning Routine