Bluebonnets

Spring time in Texas means bluebonnets! They grow wild pretty much everywhere- along highways, in fields and pretty much anywhere they can take root . It is tradition for people to have pictures taken with them, their kids, spouses, dogs, etc. in the bluebonnets. Often the best fields are not exactly accessible so I have not engaged in this springtime ritual in the past. However, our agility field, which has a large play area attached to it, had a beautiful display of bluebonnets and some other wildflowers so I decided to take some pics before one of our practice sessions.

Relaxing in the bluebonnets

Handsome Morey

Why must I put up with this...?

Fine, I'll look at the camera if we can get this over with!

When are we going to play??

Relief on the Road

On our way back to Texas we flew through Dallas. Our flight was departing out of the international terminal and as I was looking for our gate I saw a sign for an indoor relief area. Although all airports are now required to have service dog relief areas most of them are outside the secured area so you can only use them if you have enough time to go out and then back through security.

 The area was actually pretty big and had some fake grass for dogs as well as a litter box for cats. There was also a sink and counter area with multiple bowls of water on the floor.

The grassy area must not have been designed with big dogs in mind because Morey barely fit. He did a lot of sniffing first but then did "hurry".

Not only was it nice for Morey to not have to hold it during the whole trip it was also nice to have a place to let him take a break and de stress by roaming around and sniffing. It would be so much healthier and less stressful if more airports would have indoor relief areas for their canine customers!

Vacationing

In addition to structured activities, Morey enjoy also enjoyed some free time while we were in Indiana. He tried out a mini trampoline but didn't exactly grasp the concept of  jumping but thought it was a little small for a bed.

He also enjoyed playing with new toys including a bunny rabbit and Lambchop.

Morey and I both enjoyed our vacation!

The Good Old Days

I used to spend a lot of time on the IUPUI campus and at the White River State Park. On my visit my mom and I got the chance to go for a walk and visit some of my old stomping grounds. It is hard to believe it has been almost 5 years since I lived graduated from IUPUI and moved to Texas. I still have a lot of good memories of my time in Indiana and always enjoy coming back. 

2015: Morey and I on the White River

2009: Jammer and I (with friends) on the White River

Help Yourself

My family's church at home is a more casual environment and people often bring coffee or other beverages or refreshments to their seats to enjoy during the service. Morey was laying at my feet like usual, only about halfway under the chair in front of him because the rest of him wouldn't fit.

All of a sudden my mom nudged me and whispered "Morey is drinking that lady's water!" And indeed, Morey was politely licking water out of the plastic cup she had placed under her seat. I was shocked and made a quiet clicking sound with my tongue to get his attention and he stopped drinking and looked up at me. My mom picked up the cup and leaned forward to explain to the woman why she was taking her cup away and offered to get more water for her. Thankfully the woman was amused and generously said he could finish the rest of it.

Most water that is put down on the floor next to him is available for him to drink so I guess it makes sense why Morey thought he could help himself to the cup of water. I usually make him wait and then tell him "release" before letting him drink water outside of the house because I don't want him to think he can help himself to any water he finds. Obviously that system didn't work very well that day!

Easter Excitement!

It was special to be home and get to celebrate Easter with my family. Morey naturally had to dress up for the occasion and he attracted quite a crowd of young admirers after church was over.

While Morey was gracious and put up with the attention he was much more excited about the Easter Egg hunt we had later in the day.

Happy Easter!

I went to visit my grandparents after church and my grandpa was quite amused by Morey wearing his bunny ears.  When I briefly left the room and came back he was surprised all over again!

That afternoon we set up an Easter Egg hunt for Yuma and Morey. We filled Easter eggs with treats and then put them out in the yard. Morey was more than willing to retrieve them and bring them back to me. I would open the eggs and then hand him the treat inside. After a couple of successful egg retrieves Morey realized he could open the eggs himself so he stopped bringing them back to me!
(In order to ensure safety we only used eggs that had both pieces connected to avoid any choking on Easter eggs and we also used the larger type of egg.) Yuma had her own strategy that was slightly less energetic but no less effective. It was fun to watch them figure out this new game!

 It is always fun to spend time with friends and family!

The bunny brigade

Indiana Friends

 I hadn't seen my family since Christmas so I decided to make a trip back home in April. Part of the reason I came home in April was to attend Rugby Nationals which were in Louisville. I decided to leave Morey in Indiana with my mom so he could have some special time with just his Grandma and aunts as well as his canine friends. He definitely had more fun than hanging out a a gym for three whole days!

One of my mom's dogs is a rescued shih tzu. He is now blind and deaf so he requires some special care but he has adjusted well and still enjoys life. He loves to cuddle with other dogs and Morey was happy to oblige. Neither one of them has issues with personal space as you can tell!

 It rained several days while I was gone but that didn't keep Grandma from playing ball with Morey! He probably enjoyed getting to play ball and "swim" at the same time!

 Jamie Young's golden Yuma was also visiting that week and it was fun to spend time with her. Yuma is kind of like Morey's aunt since she was there when he was born and helped to teach him appropriate dog manners as a young pup. She is ten years old now but you would never know it by how she looks or acts.

Yuma likes beds too so Morey had a little competition in getting the prime spot. I hope there weren't any humans who were planning on sleeping in that bed!