Office Rivalry

Morey is a well-loved by the staff at work. They are all very respectful of his role as a working service dog, but once the leash comes off it's all play time. In the past few weeks a friendly rivalry has popped up between three of our staff members about who is Morey's favorite (of course, they know that I am his real favorite, so it's really just a competition between the three of them).

The first contestant is Heather. She was Morey's first friend at the office and since she works at our front desk she sees him first thing in the morning and last at night. Morey greets her by turning around and offering her his butt, since he has learned that she gives really good butt scratches! This is not one of her favorite habits, but she's a good sport and always gives him a good rub. She'll come into my office sometimes with a question and Morey often comes out to say hello. We sometimes go out on lunch breaks together and she is willing to throw the ball again and again for Morey.

Contestant number 2 is Sabaa. She started working in our office full time in April. Ever since we moved into our new space she stops by almost every day to spend some time with Morey. She has figured out a way to scratch his belly when he is laying on his back that almost puts him in a trance. After the office closes she'll take his ball and play fetch or chase with him, which he loves! When I have a student come in with a guide or service dog, Morey goes and stays in Sabaa's office. She is quickly becoming a favorite in Morey's life!

Contestant number 3 is Justin. He is a late-comer to the game and is starting at a disadvantage. When he started working in our office he was living with 2 female dogs. His dogs got bitchy when he came home smelling like Morey, so he hasn't interacted much with him. However, Justin's living arrangements changed recently and now he doesn't have any dogs. So, he is much more interested in becoming Morey's friend. Morey, however, seems to have taken it personally that Justin ignored him for so many months and is now playing hard to get (Disclaimer-I may be attributing some human emotions/thinking into this post!). When Justin talks to him, Morey will just look at him and then walk away. Justin has vowed within a week Morey will be his best friends-even after I told him that food bribes are not allowed!

This rivalry is quite entertaining and I'm glad my co-workers have made Morey part of our team. I sometimes have to run interference and remind them that Morey has a lot of friends, he doesn't have favorites (well, maybe a few...) Morey could end up getting pretty spoiled if they continue to "one up" each other in terms of toys, attention, and sweet talk!