We left at 6am and drove and drove and drove and drove. Morey had his spot on the back seat of my van and quickly went back to sleep (after all, he had to wake up at 5am- way too early for him!)
We stopped 3 times in 18 hours; basically whenever we needed gas. Morey's aunt would take time to run him around any nearby grass and give him a chance to stretch his legs. Then we would load up again and keep driving. I know dogs don't really have sense of time, but I could just imagine him thinking "Are we ever going to get wherever we are going?" It kind of felt that way to me too!
We arrived home at midnight and my sister and I were both exhausted after 18 hours on the road. Unfortunately, Morey had been sleeping all day and he wasn't exhausted. He wanted to play with Jessie, my retired service dog who lives with "grandma", and she wasn't really thrilled about that at midnight. But, my wonderfully adaptable Morey reluctantly settled down and slept for the rest of the night. He definitely got his beauty sleep during those 24 hours since he slept about 20 of them!
Morey
Morey, My 2nd Service Dog
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Change is in the Air
Once again I have heard our fans clamoring about what Morey and I have been doing lately. But this time, my lack of writing is because we have been too busy, not too boring, to post updates. The past few weeks have been rather eventful for us! Here's some of what we've been up to recently...
Our office at work is moving to a new location down the hall and so I had to pack up all my office "stuff". Morey was curious about all the boxes but began to get concerned when I started packing. He hunkered down on his bed and watched while I packed up all my stuff. I was also packing for my trip back to Indiana and so the packing continued at home. By his panting and pacing I could tell Morey was stressed, so we took frequent breaks for play and ball time.
My sister, Morey's"aunt", flew down to Austin so she could drive back to Indiana with me. When she came to my office, Morey recognized her immediately. He has a special wiggle and bounce that he only does for certain people and he did it for her. It's amazing how dogs recognize people they know, even after months of being apart.
The next day I had to work, but Morey got the day off to stay home with his aunt. I think he liked not waking up early and being able to sleep late. Lazy boy! : )
Our office at work is moving to a new location down the hall and so I had to pack up all my office "stuff". Morey was curious about all the boxes but began to get concerned when I started packing. He hunkered down on his bed and watched while I packed up all my stuff. I was also packing for my trip back to Indiana and so the packing continued at home. By his panting and pacing I could tell Morey was stressed, so we took frequent breaks for play and ball time.
My sister, Morey's"aunt", flew down to Austin so she could drive back to Indiana with me. When she came to my office, Morey recognized her immediately. He has a special wiggle and bounce that he only does for certain people and he did it for her. It's amazing how dogs recognize people they know, even after months of being apart.
The next day I had to work, but Morey got the day off to stay home with his aunt. I think he liked not waking up early and being able to sleep late. Lazy boy! : )
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Morey Goes Swimming
Well, I was feeling bad about my earlier post and having a boring life, so I decided to go do something new that would be fun to write about. Ok, not really, but Morey did have an exciting night and new adventure.
I went over to a friend's house for dinner (the same one who had the BBQ/Crawfish Boil). Her 2 dogs Maggie and Ace, a black lab and golden retriever, were happy to share their backyard and toys with Morey. They are 7 and 5 and Morey is a little lively in comparison. He was put in his place several times, but gracefully accepted the "that's enough" growl that Maggie gave him. Ace is equally obsessed with balls and they spent the evening watching each other to see if they could steal the ball the other one had.
After dinner we headed to a park that has a dammed creek running through it. Maggie and Ace are allowed to swim there and I was excited to see if Morey would join in. I'm not sure what his swimming background is, but as soon as he saw the other dogs jump in he followed right after. My friend brought 3 balls, 1 for each dog, and would throw them in the water and all the dogs would go after them. Morey loved it and had a huge "smile" on his face. We made the dogs take periodic breaks because they didn't know when to stop themselves.
Morey looked like he was having the time of his life! He would get a ball, jump in the water, swim around, get out, drop the ball at our feet, chase it on land, and then repeat the whole sequence. It was fun to see Morey getting to be such a dog. He recalled nicely to me several times and watching him romp and fun made me smile. One thing I did learn is that being dog height is a bad thing when you have wet dogs all around you shaking off. Oh well!
I gave Morey a bath when we got home and now he is fast asleep on his bed. He hasn't had this much exercise in a long time and I'm guessing he will still be tired tomorrow! I think we both found a favorite new hang out place in Austin and are both looking forward to going back again soon!
I went over to a friend's house for dinner (the same one who had the BBQ/Crawfish Boil). Her 2 dogs Maggie and Ace, a black lab and golden retriever, were happy to share their backyard and toys with Morey. They are 7 and 5 and Morey is a little lively in comparison. He was put in his place several times, but gracefully accepted the "that's enough" growl that Maggie gave him. Ace is equally obsessed with balls and they spent the evening watching each other to see if they could steal the ball the other one had.
After dinner we headed to a park that has a dammed creek running through it. Maggie and Ace are allowed to swim there and I was excited to see if Morey would join in. I'm not sure what his swimming background is, but as soon as he saw the other dogs jump in he followed right after. My friend brought 3 balls, 1 for each dog, and would throw them in the water and all the dogs would go after them. Morey loved it and had a huge "smile" on his face. We made the dogs take periodic breaks because they didn't know when to stop themselves.
Morey looked like he was having the time of his life! He would get a ball, jump in the water, swim around, get out, drop the ball at our feet, chase it on land, and then repeat the whole sequence. It was fun to see Morey getting to be such a dog. He recalled nicely to me several times and watching him romp and fun made me smile. One thing I did learn is that being dog height is a bad thing when you have wet dogs all around you shaking off. Oh well!
I gave Morey a bath when we got home and now he is fast asleep on his bed. He hasn't had this much exercise in a long time and I'm guessing he will still be tired tomorrow! I think we both found a favorite new hang out place in Austin and are both looking forward to going back again soon!
Easter Morey
Morey with his Easter gifts from "Grandma". He likes his pink Wubba, but is not exactly thrilled about the bunny ears.
(I'm a little late with posting this, but better late than never, right?)
Update on Life
I've gotten some comments and hints that I haven't been posting much lately, so in order to keep our fans and followers satisfied here's a quick update on what we have been doing lately...
Since rugby season ended my life (and Morey's) has gotten much more routine without much excitement to report. It's been very hot for the past few weeks and so I have gone back to exercising Morey in the air conditioned hallways at work. We've had a few nights out with friends, exploring Austin and enjoying the opportunity to have time to hang out.
Morey visited Norm, his dogsitter, last week. When we got to Norm's house Morey got very excited and he bounced all around the house once we got inside. It's good to know Morey has fun and is well taken care of while I'm off on my own adventures. The reason he was at Norm's was because I was in Alabama trying out for the National Developmental Wheelchair Rugby Team, called Team Force.
As usual, I was the only woman trying out and I am excited to say that I was selected for the team (and was also the fastest athlete there). The team will be together for 2 years and will travel to international competitions, in addition to training camps in Alabama throughout the year.
We both had a good weekend, even though we were apart for it. But I guess it's important for both of us to have our own lives and not be completely dependent on each other. Morey enjoyed his time with Norm and seemed to be worn out from all the "excitement" they had while I was gone. I'm still waiting for details on what exactly that consisted of... : ) I was worn out from try outs, so needless to say it's been a low key week with early bedtime!
Since rugby season ended my life (and Morey's) has gotten much more routine without much excitement to report. It's been very hot for the past few weeks and so I have gone back to exercising Morey in the air conditioned hallways at work. We've had a few nights out with friends, exploring Austin and enjoying the opportunity to have time to hang out.
Morey visited Norm, his dogsitter, last week. When we got to Norm's house Morey got very excited and he bounced all around the house once we got inside. It's good to know Morey has fun and is well taken care of while I'm off on my own adventures. The reason he was at Norm's was because I was in Alabama trying out for the National Developmental Wheelchair Rugby Team, called Team Force.
As usual, I was the only woman trying out and I am excited to say that I was selected for the team (and was also the fastest athlete there). The team will be together for 2 years and will travel to international competitions, in addition to training camps in Alabama throughout the year.
We both had a good weekend, even though we were apart for it. But I guess it's important for both of us to have our own lives and not be completely dependent on each other. Morey enjoyed his time with Norm and seemed to be worn out from all the "excitement" they had while I was gone. I'm still waiting for details on what exactly that consisted of... : ) I was worn out from try outs, so needless to say it's been a low key week with early bedtime!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Guilty
I will admit in advance that in this situation, I was guilty of ascribing some very human emotions (guilt, sneakiness, innocence, etc.) to Morey. I was unconsciously thinking "if he were a human and did this, these are the emotions and reactions he would have", but in reality, he is a dog who is going to do what's rewarding for him and not connect it to what he is doing 3 seconds later. But, it makes a better story if you give Morey the emotions and thought process he might have from a human perspective. : )
When I first got Morey he would jump in the front seat as soon as I left him in my van (to do a quick errand or carry groceries into my apartment). After several "discussions" about this, and with the help of a tether, he learned that he was supposed to stay on the back seat. This hasn't been a problem for several months and I had kind of forgotten about it until today.
For the past few weeks it's been too hot to leave Morey in the van at all. Today, though, it was 60 degrees and so I left him in my van while I worked out (his new babysitters weren't available). I parked in front of the gym and as soon as I came out, I could see Morey sitting in the driver's seat. The sidewalk is cobblestone and me pushing my rugby chair across it makes a very loud noise. When Morey heard it, he jumped off the seat and climbed back to his seat in the back. As I opened the back of my van to load my rugby chair up, he stuck his head over the seat, looking very innocent.
Had I not seen him in the front seat, I would never have known that he was up there...except for the bountiful evidence he left behind! In the form of a nice yellow fur coating all over the entire seat. Lovely. As I turned around and asked him "Did you do this?", he wagged his tail in an appeasing way as if to say "Well, yes, but the view is so much better from up there!" (Told you I was going to force my human-ness on my dog!)
In reality, he jumped in the front seat because a) it was fun b) the view is better c) who knows why. He most likely jumped back into his seat when he heard me coming because he had learned from previous experiences that when I open the door if he isn't on the back seat, that's what I ask him to do. He looked "innocent" when I opened the back because he had forgotten all about being in the front seat (and didn't think it was a problem to begin with) and was just happy to see me. And he wagged his tail when I asked "did you do that?" because I used a jokingly accusing voice and he was reacting to my tone, not my words.
So, now I have thoroughly analyzed this experience and come to the conclusion that none of my initial projections were correct. Hopefully I have redeemed myself in the eyes of my dog training friends, educated those who have never considered this perspective, and entertained you with an amusing anecdote in the process. Not too bad!
When I first got Morey he would jump in the front seat as soon as I left him in my van (to do a quick errand or carry groceries into my apartment). After several "discussions" about this, and with the help of a tether, he learned that he was supposed to stay on the back seat. This hasn't been a problem for several months and I had kind of forgotten about it until today.
For the past few weeks it's been too hot to leave Morey in the van at all. Today, though, it was 60 degrees and so I left him in my van while I worked out (his new babysitters weren't available). I parked in front of the gym and as soon as I came out, I could see Morey sitting in the driver's seat. The sidewalk is cobblestone and me pushing my rugby chair across it makes a very loud noise. When Morey heard it, he jumped off the seat and climbed back to his seat in the back. As I opened the back of my van to load my rugby chair up, he stuck his head over the seat, looking very innocent.
Had I not seen him in the front seat, I would never have known that he was up there...except for the bountiful evidence he left behind! In the form of a nice yellow fur coating all over the entire seat. Lovely. As I turned around and asked him "Did you do this?", he wagged his tail in an appeasing way as if to say "Well, yes, but the view is so much better from up there!" (Told you I was going to force my human-ness on my dog!)
In reality, he jumped in the front seat because a) it was fun b) the view is better c) who knows why. He most likely jumped back into his seat when he heard me coming because he had learned from previous experiences that when I open the door if he isn't on the back seat, that's what I ask him to do. He looked "innocent" when I opened the back because he had forgotten all about being in the front seat (and didn't think it was a problem to begin with) and was just happy to see me. And he wagged his tail when I asked "did you do that?" because I used a jokingly accusing voice and he was reacting to my tone, not my words.
So, now I have thoroughly analyzed this experience and come to the conclusion that none of my initial projections were correct. Hopefully I have redeemed myself in the eyes of my dog training friends, educated those who have never considered this perspective, and entertained you with an amusing anecdote in the process. Not too bad!
BBQ and Crawfish Boil
Now that rugby season is over, I actually get to choose what I do on weekends. It's kind of fun!
This weekend a friend from church invited Morey and me to a BBQ/Crawfish Boil. It was a big community event with lots of different people competing for the best BBQ and, being Austin, live music throughout the day. Each group had a tent set up and people wandered between all of tents tasting BBQ.My friends had brought their dogs- a black lab and a golden retriever. (I love Morey to pieces, but when I saw the golden, I'll admit that my heart melted and I instantly had to pet his long silky fur. Made me miss my golden girl!) Their dogs are very well behaved and were able off leash since they just stayed within the boundaries of their tent.
After the initial introductions, during which Morey made it clear that he would LOVE to romp and play, the dogs settled down while we sat around chatting and eating some tasty BBQ. Although the dogs wandered from person to person to be petted, none of them begged or ate food off the ground. I'm glad Morey has found some friends that are good influences for him!
We took the dogs to the park area behind the tents and let them run and play. It's the second time Morey has had a chance to play with big dogs since moving to Texas and it was fun to watch him run and frolic. We used it as a chance to practice recalls and I had to smile watching him gallop toward me with his tongue hanging out.
There were some little kids playing with a ball next to us and when the ball was kicked, Morey ran over and grabbed it. The kids started yelling and Morey brought the ball to me. I assured the kids that I would give it back and told Morey to stay while I threw it back to them. After that we wandered back to the tent (some temptations are just too tempting to ask him to ignore).
It was a fun afternoon for both of us. My friend and I agreed that we would have to plan another dog outing soon.
(On a side note, I discovered I am not a fan of crawfish. Popping off the head, picking off the skin, and sucking out one bite of meat is too much work for the amount of food, in my opinion. But, I did it for the experience and can now say I've attended a crawfish boil. Check that off the list!)
This weekend a friend from church invited Morey and me to a BBQ/Crawfish Boil. It was a big community event with lots of different people competing for the best BBQ and, being Austin, live music throughout the day. Each group had a tent set up and people wandered between all of tents tasting BBQ.My friends had brought their dogs- a black lab and a golden retriever. (I love Morey to pieces, but when I saw the golden, I'll admit that my heart melted and I instantly had to pet his long silky fur. Made me miss my golden girl!) Their dogs are very well behaved and were able off leash since they just stayed within the boundaries of their tent.
After the initial introductions, during which Morey made it clear that he would LOVE to romp and play, the dogs settled down while we sat around chatting and eating some tasty BBQ. Although the dogs wandered from person to person to be petted, none of them begged or ate food off the ground. I'm glad Morey has found some friends that are good influences for him!
We took the dogs to the park area behind the tents and let them run and play. It's the second time Morey has had a chance to play with big dogs since moving to Texas and it was fun to watch him run and frolic. We used it as a chance to practice recalls and I had to smile watching him gallop toward me with his tongue hanging out.
There were some little kids playing with a ball next to us and when the ball was kicked, Morey ran over and grabbed it. The kids started yelling and Morey brought the ball to me. I assured the kids that I would give it back and told Morey to stay while I threw it back to them. After that we wandered back to the tent (some temptations are just too tempting to ask him to ignore).
It was a fun afternoon for both of us. My friend and I agreed that we would have to plan another dog outing soon.
(On a side note, I discovered I am not a fan of crawfish. Popping off the head, picking off the skin, and sucking out one bite of meat is too much work for the amount of food, in my opinion. But, I did it for the experience and can now say I've attended a crawfish boil. Check that off the list!)
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