Today was Morey's first time to ride the bus to work. He had ridden it with me the night we arrived to Texas, so it wasn't too new or exciting. He curled up beneath the seat, very nicely tucked out of the way. I'll have to get a picture to post.
I got a rug for him to lay on to give him some traction when the bus turned or stopped; the slippery floor had him sliding all over on our trial run. I am working on training him to retrieve the rug on cue of "rug" and he had a great start last night (we were shaping and after offering many different behaviors including bowing, laying down, scratching the rug, and retrieving anything that was on the floor in the general area, we had the breakthrough of "oh you want me to retrieve the rug...got it!") Practice makes perfect, so we'll keep at it.
Going back to the bus ride, most of the buses here have ramps to get on, so he hasn't experienced riding on a lift. That's still on the to-do list. Jammer, Morey's dad, was the first dog I taught to ride a wheelchair lift and I'm hoping it will be a "like father, like son" training experience. In the meantime though, Morey is doing his part to be "green" by being a public transportation commuter.
Morey
Morey, My 2nd Service Dog
Monday, January 31, 2011
Morey's at Work
Morey has settled back into work nicely after his "vacation". He is already starting to take on some volunteer therapy work in our office. We are right down the hall from Student Emergency Services, which, as you might guess from the name, has to deal with some high stress situations. Last week one of the staff came down and asked for some "Morey time". When other staff members heard the squeaky toy they came down to join the party and soon Morey had 4 people admiring him and giving belly rubs. They were all very grateful for some stress relief time and of course Morey loved the attention. I'm thinking Morey might need to have his own "office hours" (it would have to be on Tuesdays so we could call it Tuesdays with Morey ; )
My co-workers are great about ignoring him when he is working, but before/after hours it's all fun and games. He is learning who gives the best butt scratches, who throws the tennis ball the farthest, and who talks in silly voices to him. He has impressed everyone with his serious nature on the job and charmed everyone with his goofy side when he is off duty. That's my boy!
My co-workers are great about ignoring him when he is working, but before/after hours it's all fun and games. He is learning who gives the best butt scratches, who throws the tennis ball the farthest, and who talks in silly voices to him. He has impressed everyone with his serious nature on the job and charmed everyone with his goofy side when he is off duty. That's my boy!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Together again
I got back to Austin at 1am last night so I went and picked up Morey after work today. I was very proud of myself as I only asked twice how he was doing while I was gone. (Both times the answer was "good"-not exactly the detailed update I was looking for!)
When I went into the house he came over slowly to say hi, but when he realized it was me he did a full body wag and walked in circles around me-very similar to the way his mom Cleo shows excitement (without the need to grab something in his mouth and do a low happy-growl).
From all reports, he had a great time. Norm asked if he would ever stop playing ball and said they had played for hours over the weekend. Apparently he could throw the ball on the roof and Morey would jump up and catch it in the air as it bounced down. Norm also confessed that they played ball in the house.
He got to sleep in Norm's bed and continued his habit of sleeping as close to you as possible.
I had given Norm a list of Morey's commands, but had left off most of the working words (Tug, Push, etc.). Norm told me that Morey was helpful around the house, closing doors, tugging off his shirt, and retrieving. I asked what words he used and he said "Well, I said pull and he pulled my shirt off and then close for the door. It seemed to work". Since the real commands are "tug" and "push" I guess that demonstrates how much context plays a part in service dog commands!
Norm said he was welcome back anytime. Morey seemed very happy there, but he kept a close eye on me while I packed his stuff.
Our Las Vegas trip was cancelled, so I will be home in Austin until March. It will be nice to have a month and a half without any travel. Maybe Morey will actually figure out where he lives now!
A rugby update: the team I was playing with in Florida was the developmental national team. We won 1 game against Switzerland and came in 6th place. That was the last time that team will be together. There will be try outs for the next team in May. It was cold in Florida-40 degrees in the mornings! Brr! That's the last time I travel without my hoodie!
When I went into the house he came over slowly to say hi, but when he realized it was me he did a full body wag and walked in circles around me-very similar to the way his mom Cleo shows excitement (without the need to grab something in his mouth and do a low happy-growl).
From all reports, he had a great time. Norm asked if he would ever stop playing ball and said they had played for hours over the weekend. Apparently he could throw the ball on the roof and Morey would jump up and catch it in the air as it bounced down. Norm also confessed that they played ball in the house.
He got to sleep in Norm's bed and continued his habit of sleeping as close to you as possible.
I had given Norm a list of Morey's commands, but had left off most of the working words (Tug, Push, etc.). Norm told me that Morey was helpful around the house, closing doors, tugging off his shirt, and retrieving. I asked what words he used and he said "Well, I said pull and he pulled my shirt off and then close for the door. It seemed to work". Since the real commands are "tug" and "push" I guess that demonstrates how much context plays a part in service dog commands!
Norm said he was welcome back anytime. Morey seemed very happy there, but he kept a close eye on me while I packed his stuff.
Our Las Vegas trip was cancelled, so I will be home in Austin until March. It will be nice to have a month and a half without any travel. Maybe Morey will actually figure out where he lives now!
A rugby update: the team I was playing with in Florida was the developmental national team. We won 1 game against Switzerland and came in 6th place. That was the last time that team will be together. There will be try outs for the next team in May. It was cold in Florida-40 degrees in the mornings! Brr! That's the last time I travel without my hoodie!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Morey's Vacation with the boys
After only 3 weeks together, I had to leave my new baby for 5 days. (Just for the record, I am aware that Morey suddenly went from my significant other to my baby...it's a complicated relationship ; ) I have a rugby tournament in West Palm Beach, FL with the national development team and it's just easier and better for both of us if he stayed behind.
Two of the guys from my Texas rugby team love dogs and dog-sit for other people, so Morey is staying with them. We went over for a visit last week and he explored the whole place. Norm (one of the guys) let Morey up on his bed, so I think they will get along fine!
I packed all his bags-toys, bowls, food, etc. and dropped him off the night before I left. He was watching me carefully as I put all his stuff out but Norm distracted him with some petting while I slipped out. It was weird to be at my apartment and work without him. It's amazing how quickly Morey has become such an important part of my life.
I waiting 2 days before asking how he has been doing and got the news that he is fine. I'm really not worried about him...it's me who has the harder time being away from him.
Two of the guys from my Texas rugby team love dogs and dog-sit for other people, so Morey is staying with them. We went over for a visit last week and he explored the whole place. Norm (one of the guys) let Morey up on his bed, so I think they will get along fine!
I packed all his bags-toys, bowls, food, etc. and dropped him off the night before I left. He was watching me carefully as I put all his stuff out but Norm distracted him with some petting while I slipped out. It was weird to be at my apartment and work without him. It's amazing how quickly Morey has become such an important part of my life.
I waiting 2 days before asking how he has been doing and got the news that he is fine. I'm really not worried about him...it's me who has the harder time being away from him.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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