This police horse refuses to wake up for work unless he gets his morning tea

Look, let's all just admit it. Getting out of bed can be a struggle. When you're tucked into your warm covers only to be rudely woken up by your alarm clock, there's nothing worse. If there's one thing that can motivate you to get out of bed, however, I'm sure it's a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. Even thinking about my morning joe is enough to get me all excited — or, on some mornings, suitably prepared — for the day ahead. Well, it turns out that humans aren't the only ones who feel this way. A 20-year-old police horse, who goes by the name Jake, refuses to wake up for work in the morning unless he's served a big, warm mug of tea. 

Jake has been serving with the Merseyside Police Department in the United Kingdom for 15 years now. Over the years, he picked up a liking for tea. According to his rider, he gained a taste for the warm beverage when he would stick his tongue in his rider's cup every day. Therefore, the members of the Merseyside Police Mounted Section simply include him in their morning tea round. If you're wondering, and of course you are, Jake likes his tea with skimmed milk, two heaped teaspoons of sugar, and a little cold water mixed in so it is just the right temperature to glug down. A fine steed, he patiently waits for his tea to be served to him in his stable in Allerton, Liverpool.

In conversation with The Daily Mail, Merseyside Police Mounted Section manager and trainer Lindsey Gaven said, "Jake is one of twelve horses we've got at the stable working with us. I'd definitely describe Jake as a horse with a lot of character. We've all learned his tea order - he'll deal with one sugar, but is definitely happier when you remember to give him two. If you're at the side of the stable and he sees you with a mug in your hand, you can guarantee he'll trot on over to try and steal a slurp."

What a cheeky little fella! As a professional police horse, Jake often polices football matches in addition to overseeing the annual Grand National at the Aintree Racecourse. However, at 20 years old, it's just about time for Jake to leave the police force behind. In the upcoming year, Jake is due to retire. I sure hope there's lots of warm tea at his retirement home.