Today was a special day: Fluffy came over. Fluffy is Sami's best friend - a nine-year-old bundle of energy who's like a sister to him - and she spent the whole day with us. The question of the day: would Sami actually play with her?

Context for the question: Sami has never been the playful type with other dogs. In seven years, toy-based play with another dog was simply not a thing he did. But since his neutering surgery a few months ago, something's been shifting in him, and today we found out how much.

He played. He actually, genuinely played - tug of war, chasing, the whole repertoire - and once he started, he did not want to stop. At one point he got so intense that Fluffy, a dog with seven years of play experience on him, went and got herself a different toy just to get a break from him. My dog, the late bloomer, out-playing his mentor. She also chews the ears off every toy she meets, so none of Sami's toys have ears anymore. Small price.

The logistics of a two-dog day were their own comedy. The double leash turned out to be genius: Fluffy walks fast and efficiently, Sami inspects every blade of grass, and the leash makes them negotiate - mostly by Fluffy towing him. Dinner was a diplomatic operation: Sami's home-cooked turkey and yams in a slow feeder (because he'd otherwise finish fast and raid Fluffy's bowl), Fluffy's kidney-care kibble upgraded with a spoonful of Sami's food for morale. Both bowls licked clean, one of them so clean I didn't have to wash it.

By evening, both dogs were unconscious within ten minutes of each other. And I have to admit: two dogs was fun. The "should we get Sami a sister" conversation has gained new material - the full deliberation is in the second Westie question, which this day did nothing to simplify.

If you want more days like this one, subscribe to Westie Vibes.