Emma went with me to the water exercise class today. I took a cute picture of her that I will try to download and post tomorrow. She was such a good girl. I don't take for granted how well she lays on her towel and watches me swim. Never has you tried to jump in the water. Today when I left I had to go very close to the edge of the pool to tell someone something. I was like an inch from the water. Even so, Emma made no attempt to jump in. She stayed right by my side. isn't she terrific? Normally she is a few feet from the pool by the life gaurds desk.

We did go out to lunch to Applebee's. We sat a long time chatting. It sure was fun not to rush. Then we came home. I made some political calls, worked on a new home budget, and some correspondence. Quiet things. I also had some phone calls to make. Amazing I did not nap as the time flew by.

I was thinking again today about how much Emma adds to my life. What I think individuals wanting a dog should think about is this. While the dog is pleased to be your companion and helper - - it is absolutely crucial that you can give a service dog what it needs in return.

A service dog relies on you for food, shelter, tender care, and to help her get aside for elimination needs. You must be able to guarantee that the dog will receive veternary care and that you will deal with problems that might arise. You must be patient if the dog gets sick, vomits, eliminates indoors, chews, tracks in dirt and deal with pet hair. Like a person dogs react to stress. Your dog will need your leadership, your touch, and gentleness during those times. If you would not consider having a pet dog, are you sure you want a service dog? Remember they are highly skilled and trained but they have needs that can't be ignored.

A service dog however is also unique in a very special way. Your service dog will become your partner, it takes time to build this relationship. As you grow as a team you will see some unique qualities in the care of a service dog. Your dog will be with you 24 hrs a day.
She will get use to your physical and emotional presence throughout the day and night.

(Emma, for example, is literally almost touching my body all day long. She walks close to me, cuddles up next to me when I sit to read or watch tv, she snuggles up to me in bed, and craves time when I pet her and devote time to being affectionate with her.)

If you have had a treasured pet you know how strong a bond can be with a pet. i maintain that because of being with me 24/7 that bond is stronger than I ever imagined. I love her affection and companionship. The flip side is when I am on the computer writing for a long time, I need to be sensitive to her needs when she wants me to stop and give her attention. Sometimes I just need to pet her and she rests at my feet. Othertimes, I realize it is time to take her outside, or to play with her.

I count on Emma so much. She has to be able to count on me also. She has to be a priority in my life. Indeed she is a treasured member of my family. The other night she just seemed so restless. I sat on the couch with her gently petting her and massaging her back. She fell sound asleep with her body rested upon my feet. I find she wants to be on the love seat with me instead of the couch some times.

I am working on more eloquently writing my thoughts about what to consider if you want a service dog. These are some of my thoughts.

Have a great day. Mary

My youngest son Dan, got a new job today. He took the whole family out to eat to celebrate. Yes Emma went with. We had fun. My children are so conversive and we enjoyed the time chatting as much as the yummy food. We went Cross Roads Deli in St. Louis Park on Cedar Lake Road and Hopkins Crossroads. It was yummy. Everyone liked their food and we had great service. I thought I would be home all evening so that was a treat.

I slept very late today. I did not even get up to feed Emma. Greg thought I needed the sleep so he fed Emma and took her outside. Then she snuggled in next to me. I had no idea how late it was getting.

I did not need to nap so we worked on the house, I did some calling, some paperwork, and played indoors with Emma. It was very cold again tonight. My cousin asked how we keep warm - well people can bundle up, wear layers etc to keep warm. But it is awful hard on the cars parked outdoors or even in the garage. My son Mike's car woud not start. Many people have tough time with cars in this weather. I guess it still will be a few days till it warms up.

We can't wait for warmer weather. To go out with the scooter, or sit in the back yard and play with Emma. She even kept her outings in the fenced yard short. You know its cold when Emma is that quick to want to come in. I watch her from the patio door. She wanted to come in even before I called her in.

Tomorrow we are going to go to water exercise class for people with MS. The only trouble is the air will seem colder even inside when it is this cold outside. I like going and need the exercise and social time. After you dress and return outside though, it is difficult to stay warm no matter how many layers I wear. I have to go home and nap on my electric mattress pad and with my quilts.Normally with MS the problem is being too hot but not in this weather.

MUSICAL EMMA - I had been using earphones with my computer as I think the music sounds better. Well Emma was not as content to lay by me while I used the computer. I took off the earphones so she heard the music and that helped. I thought this before but needed to be reminded that my dog likes the music. maybe it seems calming.

STAY WARM if you are impacted by cold weather. My brother in Silverton Oregon is trying to get his house built and says this is such a wet winter for them. It sounds like many areas are trying to cope with less than desirable conditions.

At least we know we are one day closer to spring...I heard seed packets are now available in MN stores. A hopeful sign..

Wishing you warm cozy home and loving friends and family.

Mary and Emma

Hi to All,
I didn't realize I forgot to write you Saturday. We were out and about for awhile although it was very cold here all weekend. I had to go pick out new glasses, we went to lunch with my husband (such a treat), and then grocery shopped. Wow was it busy on Saturday. We didn't need a lot though. With the scooter I walked Emma around the store extra times. A good place to get more exercise on a cold day. She likes the fenced yard too but I was too cold to go out with her. She ran around there though but not as long as on warmer days. The day flew by.

By contrast, today (Sunday) we stayed in all day. I woke up and found my vision was not very clear. I was also extremely fatigued. so I slept a lot. I did not go to church tonight as planned either. Just not feeling so great today but that happens with MS. You need quiet days sometimes. Emma has loved being petted today, got outside, and is enjoying a toy of hers that ended up in the granddaughter's toy box. It is like getting something new for her. It is a stuffed bone I think we got when she first came to our home.

I have had some political calls this weekend. One thanking me for what I have done so far on the Madia campaign. He is running for congress. Another from Bonoff who is running against him for the DFL endorsement. She heard I was a delegate, a volunteer for the other campaign and wanted to change my mind. This is what amazed me - that both of them would take time out of all the demands of running for office and call me. My son Dan is more involved than I am. Why not just call him? Oh I guess he has talked to both of them.

My point is, no matter what side you want to take in the upcoming elections - no matter what party. whether it is local, state, or federal office, or even presidential. How in the world do they have enough energy to manage it all. They have more stamina than I ever had -- that is for sure. They really have to organize their time, their thoughts, and be ready to speak every word accurately and thoughtfully.

One of my questions for Bonoff was about something she said at a debate. Sounds like she answered too quickly and the response she gave has led to misunderstandings on her view on that issue. I know the room was packed and many people upset by what she said. Imagine the pressure to be able to handle all the attention, media, and just from us common folks. The pressure not to make mistakes.

I don't agree with all the statements of various candidates but I sure admire their passion and conviction that leads them to take on such a challenge. I like when i see candidates that seem so passionate but also very sincere and thoughtful. My aunt who is in her 80's said she can't ever remember when MN Caucuses on Super Tuesday seemed so significant. I know I went in college and had convictions but turn out was so small.

How does this connect to Emma? Well when we are out campaigning they get a kick out of the dog. We get a little extra attention having that smart looking dog on our side. At the super Tuesday she was at my side at a table for Madia. I think several people walked up to just see the dog - and then did grab literature or talk a bit about the candidate.

You will also see I am not voting one issue. I do not believe in abortion but still vote DFL.
I do think we have to work on helping girls/woman who are surprised by a pregnancy find ways to avoid abortions. My church has actively worked on that.

Ugh i hope I don't loose readers due to politics. I do NOT intend to comment on politics all the time. I just have one last thing to share. Involved in politics, makes me proud to live in a democratic society. I treasure our ability to vote, express opinions and disagree or agree without fear. One a gift that is that i sometimes take for granted...
Imagine candidates who hope to serve in Washington caring what I as an individual will vote. I am a delegate to the upcoming senate district caucus.

EMMA = I hope to get her into the vet Wed as Greg can take time off in the afternoon. Just a checkup and I think a shot is due. How did that creep up and I missed it? Sorry Emma.
We sure get compliments on what a beautiful dog she is. Saturday she really impressed people at the stores we went to and they like her at our favorite Mexican restaurant. I think they remember us places due to the dog. She is doing well.

Have a good week now. Stay warm if you are in MN or other cold places. ugh I am dreaming of spring when i can get out in my scooter with Emma.

Mary and Emma

Today we only had time for fun. I didn't even nap though I did not have to set an alarm so slept a little later!

We went to a movie at noon. That was enjoyable. It was the one with Kate Hudson and I can't recall the name (i blame MS). It was funny and entertaining. A light hearted movie. We came home in time to visit with Greg before he went to work for the late afternoon and evening.

Then my wonderful friend Jan, picked me up. She took me to get prescriptions, and then to look at eyeglasses. I think I forgot to tell you that I couldn't find my glasses Friday am. I found they had fallen off where I put them and got stepped on in the darkness. Ugh.

I needed new glasses anyway and have a new prescription for them. The bad part is we had hope to use the old glasses to patch one lense to see if doing that helps me in times of double vision, or other vision perception problems. I went to Pearle Vision and they coudl not find anything that would help fix the broken frame. The glasses are old anyway.We also did not find a new frame that was what I wanted. Darn it.

We ended the day by going with Jan to an early dinner and we chatted away. The conversation is the best part in my eyes. See how much fun we had? Emma is snoozing away on the couch as I write this...we also got outside a few times.

Emma was so awesome at the movie theater - no one knew she was there - not even my friends sitting in the same row. She was so good all day long. I am practicing a few cues we don't do often enough. i review the list of what she knew when she came to me and then put up a note to remind myself what to review. Review is necessary if it is a skill we don't use real often.

Time to go snuggle with Emma - so glad not to be alone tonight. Hope your have time for some fun this weekend.

Mary

We went to the Mpls Clinic of Neurology today. First stop the MRI department. Oops guess what? Emma can not go in due to size of the room, and how loud the machine is when operating. No problem, the woman at the desk loves dogs and is more than happy to have her stay there. No Way says the nurse from Schapiro MS Clinic located upstairs. They have seen Emma before and insist she can wait up there and will be pampered.

So I had my MRI which took the better part of an hour. I had medication to relax me and I think I might have dosed off a bit. They had ear phones with music. I am claustraphobic and appreciated the distraction (excuse my spelling). When I was finished I went upstairs for the Dr. appointment. The nurses, receptionist, and Drs. told me they wanted to keep Emma. She had been very good.

After I checked in I told Emma "come now". She was in a room next to the reception area. She responded immediately! But oh no the woman watching her had hooked the leash around her ankle. So she nearly got pulled off the chair. I was told to tell Emma to wait and I did and she did. Does that make sense? Well Cindy did not fall and soon we were reunited. Emma was so excited to see me.

I sure was sleepy from the medication. i couldn't even think of any questions when with Brenda or Dr. Schapiro. I did get to see my MRI. They showed me the spots that were MS. My brain is also shrinking a bit from the MS. That is to be expected. My vision issues will be followed by another MS specialist in the same clinic. Emma really likes Dr. Schapiro and he spoils her and other service dogs with a nice treat when they come to the office.

We babysat for a few hours. Rosa was fun and cuddly. I do get down on the floor to play with her and her toys. I always wonder if some day they will find me there when they get home because I can't get up ha ha. I usually sit close to furniture and of course have Emma there with me.

Then we headed home. After playing outside Emma and I headed down for a nap. I slept till 7:30 pm. Emma got up and Greg gave her supper and then she returned to be by my side. We just got her outside again and I have been playing with her. She is so fun to be with.

Tomorrow we are going to a movie (if all goes as planned) with friends. Then a quick nap and going out with another friend of mine. Greg started back to work today and worked
about 4-5 hours. He brought me home napped and now had to go back to work to set up for a dance tomorrow night. He will work from mid afternoon to later in the evening tomorrow. I hope all goes well for him. He still has pain and limitations in walking.

We are off to bed. Hope you have a good day.

Mary and Emma