Out and About with MM

Misty Morning (MM) and I were out and about a few days this week enjoying the nice weather. We are continuing to learn each other's habits and personality, she is an adorable dog with a very curious nature.

On Tuesday we made our first trip into Oakland, to the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. It was a beautiful sunny day and nice to roll around Pittsburgh.

A friend of mine Dave, is a professor who teaches social and psychological aspects of disability to undergraduates. He was lecturing in Tennessee at a seating symposium and asked me to speak to his class in his absence.

Prior to teaching class MM and I were on our own. So we went to Caribou coffee. Fortunately the coffee house was not too busy and we were able to find a table. MM did really well laying beside my wheelchair while I enjoyed my morning coffee.

After Caribou coffee she and I met up with another friend, Mark. It was the first time Mark has seen MM and I think he thought she was a great partner. Again she did really well remaining calm beside me.

I needed to get some lunch before class started, so we headed to McDonald's. I know, McDonald's is not exactly my favorite food either but when you are a quadriplegic sometimes it's convenient to eat chicken McNuggets (easy to pick up and no mess).

Inside McDonald's things went a little south with MM licking the floor... but I ordered my McNuggets (no bag) paid independently, received my order and we quickly got out of there.

We started our way back to Forbes Tower, to the fourth floor student lounge to eat lunch. MM did great with the elevators waiting for me to block the door with my wheelchair before she entered. It's a safety precaution so that the automated doors cannot close on my service dog.

The elevators at Forbes Tower require me to back onto the elevator. This way I can easily select the floor independently. On the ride up she sat patiently, and we exited the elevator without incident.

It finally became time to speak to the class. MM did very well sitting beside my wheelchair and being quiet. Every once in a while I would slip her some Cheerios which made her tolerate my lecture.

Unfortunately for the students, I did not share her Cheerios with them, they were forced to endure sans snack.