A ray of sunshine pierces through the Blinds. A yawn splits my maw as I rise. Can’t wait. Gotta pee. Tail wagging, Dainty nails clacking on hardwood. “Early bird gets the worm,” I tell my mom. “F- off,” she grumbles but I bark again. Guess she wants to do this the Hard way. I howl my fury. It’s time to get up, my bark pleads. Just get up and let me pee! “Keep your tail on!” Mom grumbles and I smile. Loose curls frame her face as she turns to me. “My God,” she murmurs as she rolls off the bed Now take me out! I bark, with a whine “Odie!” She grumbles holding her head. Prancing around her feet I run to the back door. “Quit it, come on!” The back door opens and I Rush from the house. Tripping on my big paws. Sunshine warms my fur as I do my business. This is the life, I think as the grass tickles my pads. Under the bluest of skies, up before the sun finishes its rise. Very little is as cherished as this. I hear mom at my back, still in the kitchen, With her coffee and a smile. “Xavier,” mom greets happily and I turn, my tail whipping frantically. Yes! That is dad at the door back from his night shift. I rush to the door. It opens and Zoom. I’m there. I kiss them both. Best Morning Ever.