Hey look, a real blog post!  Didn't know I was capable of it -- and on a Monday night to boot!  But, in all seriousness, Moray has had a busy week, months, and year so far!  

One of Moray's most exciting things of the last few weeks has been a road trip with my family.  We traveled 12 hours in the car each way, and he was a fantastic traveler and sidekick.

Hanging on his pillow.

 

Pit stop and water-drinking.

This was his first big trip, and actually his only one besides a trip for our CCI puppy raiser workshop last summer when he was only 14 weeks old!  It really stretched him as he had a lot more "working time" than he is used to, and every single place we went to was new for him.  

"Hotels are fun!"

Moray got to visit with several of our friends' dogs and have play time with them.  Although, making sure he had enough play time and down time was definitely a challenge since the weather did not always cooperate.  We got creative!

Like running between my mom and I up and down 3 stories of stairs in the hotel!

And Fetch in the room!

A friend's dog, Lola, and Moray.

We did have one set back for the week.  Moray had been running with a friend's dog in their yard, which is partly concrete.  We are always careful, and he seemed fine when he was running and even when we left to go to lunch.  Once we got back to our hotel, however, we were noticing blood all over the carpet.  Moray plays hard, so hard that I haven't had to cut his back nails for months becasue he wears them down himself.  It turned out that he had worn four of them down so far they started bleeding uncontrollably.  Thankfully, the hotel was fantastic about it, and even though they were not a pet-friendly place, they were so nice and felt so bad for Moray.  Some styptic powder and "new skin" for slightly scraped paws, and he was fine.

Moray thinks "Dancing with the Stars" is a good way to unwind!

One of the things that was so funny was Moray's complete and utter LOVE for my brother in law.  Moray is always friendly and happy to meet people, but I have never seen him take to someone like he did Curtis.  He was so cute (and a little naughty!) following him around, and trying to figure out what his beard was! It was so instant, and so precious!

The rest of our week there was filled with visiting at friends' houses, going to restaurants, stores, and even the mall.  Moray was very good the whole time!  This was by far his biggest challenge.  While he is confident, he is also pretty laid back, and doesn't necessarily need -- or want -- to be "working" all the time.  He was so good on all his outings, and showed he is capable, and becoming much more reliable in his good behavior. Yay Moray!  I will admit I was kind of nervous to see how you would do, but you really proved yourself!  he is well on his way to becoming an amazing assistance dog!

"Look how small and out-of-the-way I can stay!"

We also got to do some educating on service dogs and laws that give them public access.  Yay for open business who want to learn, and a perfect little ambassador in Moray!

Sleepy head after a loooooooong day!

"Where we headed next?"

AWESOME job in a crowded coffee shop.

Cutie Patootie at the mall!

"Under!"

"Up!

So stinkin' cute!

Nice loose leash, Mor!

Bowling is boring!

So focused and good!

SO sleepy on the way home!

Wordless Wednesday: Spring!

Dear Moray

Dear Mor,
You are such a sweet boy!  I love your joy and zest for life, and I also love that you, unlike others in the household, don't roll your eyes when I call you funny names like Mor, but come bounding over to walk through the house between my legs anyways.  

 I love how much you adore your "big brother" Dante, and how you are always trying to be like him.  But I also love how you haven't picked up his bad habbits no matter how many times he yanks that gentle leader off your nose "for you," or tries to make it look like you were the one who stole that dish towel.  I especially love when you dance your Happies (yes, we have coined a new word for Mor's level of joy) after every meal, and how you never get tired of jumping up and wagging your tail in response to anyone's laughter.

First snow.  Yes it's just a dusting, but that's all you can expect from the south!

I love your sweet, innocent heart and love of life.  Bless your heart, you may not be the fastest learner I've ever met, but by golly you love to learn and work!

And as much as I correct you for being distracted, I do love how you are not afraid to make everyone your new best friend, and let them know they are special.

As much as I tease you about how much goes unnoticed while you lead your happy-go-lucky life, I have a love/hate relationship with how you always seem to know the difference between when I'm testing you intentionally, and when challenges just happen to pop up.  I love how you are teaching me to be a better puppy raiser and handler.

Ignoring cookies like a pro.

And I love how you forgive over and over when I do make mistakes.  I love how you let me know if I've pushed you too far, and how you are always happy to backtrack and try again; whether by your fault or mine.

perfect "up" and "wait."

While some times over the last nine months have been rough, I consider it a true privilege to be your puppy raiser and cannot believe our time together is already halfway over.  I look forward, although slightly sad, to our next nine months and everything we have to explore and learn about together.

My Buddy

This is a blog about all things puppy raising, but this is also the blog started because of my dear Mr. Dante.  So, you all get occasional updates about my golden boy whether you want to or not! Ha!

 Dante has settled into life as a pet fairly well.  I think his biggest hurdle to overcome was getting used to being home a lot more.  When he was in training he lived for public outings.  He loves to explore new places, but with a crazy school schedule, and Dante being on pet status now, it's hard to make time for special places to take him.  

Last week I took Dante to our outdoor mall for a Starbucks date and some walking in unusually nice weather.  I think I have forgotten how many people used to stop me and comment about Dante's good looks! ;-)  I am being honest when I say that no less than ten people stopped to tell me how beautiful he is during the 20 minutes we sat on the patio.  And yes, Dante heard every word and it all went to his head!

Dante is so happy when he is out!  I have been teaching and building on some fun things that he had learned in Advanced Training (more on that later).  Dante is a true golden (fine golden/lab cross, whatever), and loves to have something in his mouth all the time.  So I asked him to "hold" things for me while we walked and walked.  He is so proud of himself too!

Stopping to be rubbed by little children, and watching the water fountain with that sweet smile, make for a simple, but oh so fun afternoon with my favorite buddy!