USThumper: I dont get a choice weather to pet the dogs in the morning. They seem to sense when Im waking up, and when I open my eyes I have 400 lbs of doge with their noses about 3 inches from mine. and as soon as they see me move they all want to snuggle. at once.
When I am at home I have two cats (Dusty and Misty). If I sleep too late, one of them will get up on the bed and remind me it is time to get out of bed and feed them. Licking my elbow is their weapon of choice.