I am posting earlier this evening - and hoping I get to bed before it is so late. Emma and I were home most of the day. A ride on Metro Mobility home from a dr appointment went just fine. The driver let her sit on the seat which she loves. He had just given a ride to another service dog but Emma didn't seem distracted by the dog's smell or anything. She just hopped up like a fantastic rider. She loves looking out of the big windows of the bus. It is just so cute watchihng her.

I see Judy only has Tiga's puppies for a week and a half. Then they are off to foster homes to begin their training as a service dog. I know at least one of the blog readers is getting one of those puppies. I sure wish you the best. They all look so cute that it would be tough to pick which one to receive. I don't know if that is decided by staff or if the foster homes pick. Anyway it is always exciting to see puppies thrive and grow.

I have applied to be on the Helping Paws Board of Directors. I have not heard any response so I am not sure if I will be on the Board or not. I sure would like to take a more active role in this wonderful organization. I just have to be patient and see what comes of it all.

At camp I had the opportunity to give a short talk on visitors about Why I Enjoy Camp and the MS Society. I found out some of the guests were a company (individual representing them) considering donating a large amount of money to help support camp. I was honored to be asked. I haven't heard if they received the donation but I did get feedback that my talk was well received. Emma was in front with me and showed excellent behavior.

Emma seems sleepier than normal today. A sunny day. It is suppose to hit 70 the rest of the week. Finally!! It was not that high today but Emma seemed to prefer to sun bathe or rest in the shade (as the sun grew hotter) rather than run as much as normal. We still had fun outside. I also pet her and play with her indoors of course. She is such a great companion for me. I appreciate that fact.

At camp there is such a variety of activities. Emma showed outstanding behavior. I took a blanket with for her to lay on. She 100% of the time would pick it up when done and hand it to me. Normally she does that but can be stubborn too. So it is not that high of compliance. She just listened and performed so well. Very attentive. She would be curious about what was going on. I wondered what she was thinking many times.

One of the sessions was intro to yoga. It is adapted for people with MS of course. Emma just rested so great. She ended with 5-10 min of meditation/relaxation complete with soft music. You guessed it Emma fell fast asleep. She even snored a bit. That happened last year too. The instructor considers it a compliment. ha ha. She gave me ideas for things I can do at home.

Another activity was building a bird house. A volunteer has pre-cut the pieces of wood but we do all the pounding. A volunteer had to give me some help as my arms are weaker than normal and would tire. I can't imagine that Emma enjoyed the pounding of 12 people all at once. It was so loud in there. But again, she behaved beautifully. But of course she did NOT fall asleep.

The opening introduction meeting on Sunday, Shelly had her helping Paws dog and I had Emma. I came in and sat down with friends not realizing we were just a row behind Shelly. Both dogs were just great. They both acknowledged each other but stayed put. She and I talked during the week about our dogs and how they have changed our lives.

Tomorrow I hope we will get the scooter out and take a walk in the neighborhood. We have water exercise and I think are going to lunch. With the high cost of gas and groceries I would probably skip lunch out, but I ride with ladies who like to do this on Thursdays. Several people in the swim group go so it is really fun. We often go to a small Italian place that is not very expensive. Still I am counting my pennies in this economy.

Hope you had a good day. Emma is ready to go outside again.

Mary and Emma

This will be short as it is 11:25 and I need to get to bed.

We went to water exercise, napped, and stayed at home. It rained part of the day so we did not play long outdoors.

I will write more tomorrow. Emma is fine. Both of us ready for bed.

Emma and I were home all day. We are going out for a quick errand tonight. I spent time reading a book for bookclub, doing laundry, outdoors with Emma, and taking a nap. I didn't accomplish as much as I would like to though. That is so frustrating for me. Ever have those types of days? I need more energy. I need more stamina. I did get a bit of paper work done so that was a good thing!!

Emma is being adorable today. She is at my side every second since camp. The weather is nicer so outdoors is more fun than ever. Though I bet she misses the snow. Greg said he sure missed both myself and Emma. He said the house seemed way too quiet.

At Camp (51 weeks till MS Camp 2009) Emma and I were outdoors a great. My favorite times were in the morning when we went for a walk. I had my scooter. There is a path that goes by the lake and into a clearing. We would walk that way, watch the water, see the gardens where flowers were just starting to grow their green stems, and enjoy the cool crisp air. Many days were sunny. It was a quiet time. i felt like that nature just echoed the beauty of God's creation. Emma was always happy to get out and enjoy the sighs and smells.

Another favorite time was after dinner. This time we walked a path that led into the woods. Don't worry we wouldn't get lost. It winds through the woods, over a little walking bridge, and back to another part of camp that we don't use. It is familar to me because we use to use that side of camp also. At that time of day it was Emma's turn to really enjoy the walk. there were lots of leaves to roll in. I went really slow for part of it so she could enjoy the smells, the sights. If she wanted to sniff I went ahead and let her. We were not doing a formal heel or side walk. It was casual with a looser leash. She loved it and I did to.

We found wild flowers growing. Saw chipmunks scamper and just enjoyed the smells of nature. Trees were budding but it won't be long till leaves burst forth. It was relaxing. Quality time with Emma. And you know what? When i wanted her to get back to walking briskly, at my side, in a more formal manner - she quickly switched gears. It was so enjoyable and peaceful.

Spring is finally here. The temps are below normal though. My husband is mowing grass for the first time this year. We got a new mower that is electric but rechargeable. We do have one that is electric and uses a power cord. With the fence that has been more cumbersome to use. So it was time for a new mower. This one is also light. i even tried pushing and walking with it for a short bit. I was curious about how it felt.

I use to love to mow. Okay maybe not "love" but not mind. I mowed till MS made it impossible. I even would mow my mothers lawn too each week. I liked how satisfying it was when it was done and being outdoors. One of my former neighbors believed it was the man's job and would express that to me. For many years I mowed, while Greg made supper and/or bathed four children. It was win win. I would get a break to be outside alone and he would help indoors.

Back to camp, it was such a good time. We could see pretty sunsets right outside our cabin. It is like a big family reunion with so many returning campers and volunteers.

The one new thing this year is at that orientation/welcome meeting that started camp we announced the rules about the service dogs. Shelly had hers there too. Another helping paws dog. We asked people not to call the dogs by name, not to pet them while they were working, that the coats on showed they were working etc. That was so helpful. Then I didn't have to say it over and over again.

In the cabin at night there would be a time when she was off duty. Then some of the individuals would pet her. She was usually tired after our busy day and would prefer to sleep at my feet or in the bedroom we were in.

Well we are off to do an errand. Hope you are getting good weather to enjoy.

Mary and Emma

Happy Mother's Day.

My children and grandchildren came over to share the day with us. Lily came also my granddog. We all had a lovely time. Greg chose to barbeque and it was yummy. He made steak, ribs, his dad's brown bean casserole (has various types of beans and meat in it), a yummy vegetable and pasta salad, watermelon. We also had wonderful bread and cheese cake. That one meal was enough for my entire day.

It rained all day yesterday so the yard was a bit wet. The girls did go out to play a little while though. Sophia had been wanting to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. Grandpa Greg rented it and we all were amused watching it. We were all a bit tired I guess.

Emma really helped us get ready. Last night and today she was sure in the mood to retrieve or help in anyway. She always helps us but sometimes seems even more excited than usual.

I treasure my family so much. Tia is a great mother to the girls and I am so pleased that she, Mike, Sophia, and Rosa came here to celebrate the day. Danny, Anna, and Becky were here also. Justin had to work. We missed him but had a good day.

Emma got outside often, especially as Greg cooked outdoors. Rain was predicted but the day was dry and sunny. It was a bit cooler but that is okay. Yeah for sunshine.

Anna is staying overnight so that will be fun. Emma and I both will enjoy the company. Greg of course works tonight.

Emma was very good at church today. Many people there are use to her presence. It seems like each time we go we surprise someone. She is a nice way to meet new people in our church which continues to grow larger. Greg lectured today and she had the funniest look on her face when he read. She could hear his voice due to the micraphone of course. She has heard it before - but this time she looked puzzled. She watched him from where we were sitting in the front.

I hope all of you had a nice day. A special Happy Mother's Day to Tiga and her puppies and Judy who watches over them all.

Have a good week. I am off to get pajamas on - it was such a nice day.

Mary and Emma

My second posting tonight.

A big Thank YOU to those who donated to the Helping Paws Run and Romp. Over $33,000 dollars was raised. It was a snowy cold April day but lots of cute dogs. I received a thank you in the mail and wanted to pass it on to all of you....thanks so much.

Emma