Farmer's Market

Out hotel was conveniently located a few blocks from Little Italy. This is also the location of the largest Farmer's Market in San Diego. The market was several blocks long (unfortunately along a very steep hill which made things interesting) with a variety of booths. Navigating through the crowds was challenge but it was definitely worth the effort.

The only damper on the whole experience was Morey's reaction to the other dogs we encountered. I thought he had gotten over his growling in greeting to other dogs, but it reappeared that day. When he saw a dog he would pull toward it with his hair raised and growling. He would then do a play bow and try to engage the other dog, but they interpreted his approach as threatening. Morey redirected back to me quickly, but it was embarrassing and frustrating to have this happen every few feet.

Luckily I had my Lickety Stick with me. This is a great treat that works well for me when I'm on the go with Morey. It looks like roll on deodorant only instead of deodorant, the bottle is filled with bacon-flavored goodness. As the dog licks the ball on top they get more of the yumminess. It has a really strong smell and gets Morey's attention instantly.

When we approached a dog I allowed him to lick the stick. This was more appealing to him than the other dog and it also paired the approach of a dog with something delicious.We have practiced this behavior before so he quickly got the hang of the pattern-dog=treat. Soon he was looking at me when we saw another dog-success!

This experience made me aware of the importance of keeping Morey well-socialized with other dogs. He loves to play and interact with other dogs and he hasn't had much of an opportunity recently. We will definitely be making a trip to the dog park soon!

Longhorn Morey Finds a Friend

 

As we were exploring San Diego we ran across this cow-shaped bench outside an ice cream shop. As a Longhorn, Morey has gained a new appreciation for bovine and he wanted to have his picture taken cuddled up with the cow . I like how he posed, creating a nice profile comparison!

Wedding Time!

I think Morey and I make a pretty good couple! He did get more compliments than I did, but it's pretty hard to compare to that cuteness!

 

I love the look of devotion in this picture. It kind of looks like Morey is making his own vows...til death do us part.

 

The wedding was outdoors and Morey couldn't quite figure out what was going on. He wasn't wearing his vest, we were in an open grassy area and yet I wouldn't let him off leash to play. I had to stop him from rolling around on his back because I was afraid he would get grass stains on his bowtie. He finally settled down at my feet and was good throughout the ceremony.

All Dressed Up

I've never been one to dress my dogs up. Sure, I'll put on bunny ears or a birthday hat for a few pictures, but I've never been that into clothing for dogs. However, Morey was going to be attending his first wedding and I felt he should be properly attired for the occasion. I wanted to get him a bowtie and had to call several pet stores before I found one that carried them. I brought him in for a "fitting" when I bought it since I wasn't sure exactly what size he wears.

Handsome, cute, and dapper are some of the adjectives that have been used to describe him in his bowtie. I would agree with all of them!

San Diego!

The week after Nationals I headed to Alabama for a rugby camp with Team Force. Morey was still tired from the excitement from Nationals so I gave him the weekend off. He stayed with Norm and enjoyed catching up on his beauty sleep (wish I could have done the same thing)!

The next weekend we were off to San Diego to celebrate a wedding. These friends used to live in Austin and moved to San Diego last summer. Morey and I were/are very close to them and I thought it only fitting that Morey come along to celebrate.

We arrived early and got to spend some time exploring the city. Morey got very excited when he saw the ocean and didn't understand that he would drown if he jumped off the pier because there was no way to get back up. He was whining and looking at me, expecting me to throw a ball for him to go retrieve. I kept him safely away from the water...just in case! As you can tell, he still had a good time even if there was no swimming involved.

As we were on our way back to the hotel we randomly found a jar of dog bones and a bowl of water sitting on the sidewalk. I sat there for a moment trying to decide if I should let Morey partake (I didn't know where it came from and wasn't sure if it was up to the standard of water Morey is used to ; ) A woman came out of  one of the stores along the street and said that several of the employees in the stores along the street brought their dogs to work and so they kept the bones and water available. Once I knew these were placed outside with good intentions, Morey was allowed to get a drink and sample the bones. He thinks San Diego is a pretty cool place where you can randomly run across free snacks on the sidewalk!

 

During Nationals I injured my wrists in a fall and was icing them after our games. We were going back to the hotel after a game and I wanted to bring my bag of ice but didn't want it to freeze my legs by having the bag sit on my lap while I pushed. So, Morey helpfully carried it for me. He only dropped it once because the knot he was holding slipped through his teeth. Morey loves to eat ice and I think his expression in the second picture illustrates his feelings about carrying his favorite treat and not being allowed to eat any (don't worry, he got rewarded with several pieces when we got back to the hotel!).

Best Buddies

 

I am glad my two service dogs get along so well! These pictures are from our weekend in Louisville at Nationals. It is funny to see them jostle for position in the petting department or try to beat each other to the item needing retrieved. But overall they are good friends and I love having the opportunity to have them both together. I only wish it could happen more often!