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An older man in a navy sweater vest sips coffee from a mug on porch steps beside a red merle Australian Shepherd at dawn. 23 / 32

Kenji Never Drinks His First Coffee of the Day Alone

AI imageaustralian shepherdmorning coffeefront porch

Steam rises from a big ceramic mug as Kenji takes his first slow sip of the day. He sits on the wooden porch steps in a navy sweater vest and plaid flannel shirt, dark-rimmed glasses on, eyes closed for just a moment to savor the warmth. The porch lamp still glows overhead, and the garden beyond is soft and dim in the early light. Pressed against his side sits Maple, chest fluffed out, amber eyes wide and looking straight ahead with gentle seriousness, as though she is the one in charge of officially starting the morning.

Morning routines like this are good for dogs and people alike. Dogs tend to feel secure when their day follows a familiar rhythm, with breakfast, a potty break, and a walk happening at roughly the same times. For older adults, the daily needs of a dog can offer a gentle sense of purpose and a reason to get outside first thing. As for that cup of coffee, keep it well out of reach. Caffeine can be dangerous for dogs, and coffee grounds, beans, and tea bags are especially concentrated. If your dog ever gets into coffee products and seems restless, shaky, or has a racing heart, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

The birds are just waking up and the coffee is still hot. Kenji and Maple will sit right here a little longer before the day gets going.

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