This cold is horrendous - we were home again. I am so sore from coughing so much. Tomorrow I hope to feel good enough to go to physical therapy for my MS. The cleaning woman came today so that was a bright spot. She did a great job. My son Danny is stopping by tonight so that will be nice also. I talked to the other kids by phone. I hope I don't bug them too much. I miss them even more when I don't get out of the house much. Rosa is still battling her cold as is Mike.

Greg has put in long hours so is off tomorrow. Yeah that will make it easier for me to get to my appointment. It also will be good just to have him around. Emma will like that too. I did make sure Emma got outside today. When I am sick, I watch her from the patio door. I still get a kick out of how she will run or explore a bit, then stop and look at me and then roam around the yard again. She also will retrieve balls I throw to her. I walked away from the patio door just for a minute to pick something up and she ran right up to the glass and then she could see me. Nice to have a dog watching out for me. and nice she has a human watching out for her.

I know I am fortunate to have a service dog. There is someone I know that was perhaps going to get one from another organization and I did not hear if she got it or not. My concern is she seemed very naive about the care it takes to have a dog. She has never had a pet. I hope my concerns are unfounded if she does get a dog. I know she could love it. I just know with her physical problems even getting the dog outside to go to the bathroom might be an issue. Well it is not my decision now is it. I wish her well whatever. I don't know her really well so maybe she will surprise me if she does get a dog and do just fine.

I think it must be a difficult job for the various organizations that deal with service dogs to screen potential owners or recepitents (can't spell) . There are so many things to consider about caring for the dog, about the working relationship, about the limitations of the illness or disability that cause the need for the dog but also might cause it to be hard to care for a dog. I know I did a lot of thinking and some research before applying for a dog. I was very glad that I had had a pet dog and realized some of the needs of the dog for vet care, exercise, and so on.

I would imagine education would be the first tool in selection and screening people seeking a service dog. I admit I don't know all the aspects of this. I am so happy that Eileen, Sue, and others believed in my ability to manage a service dog. Where would I be without Emma.

I have heard some say that because MS is so variable that some individuals are concerned about giving them a service dog. This person seemed concerned that you would for sure get worse with MS. (not someone frome Helping Paws). While in all likelihood I will get more impaired with therapy of medications and physical therapy I still hope to care for my dog. Also if you have great difficulty you likely have at home help that can help put the dog out to.

I don't kknow what got me on this topic, I just know that I love having Emma in my life. She was very patient today. I can't do much or I cough even more but we still had an enjoyable day. Since I am not employed, at least when I am sick with MS or whatever (most things seem worse since I also have MS - takes me longer to recover) I don't have the debate of should I call in sick or not? I can just cancel things and stay home.

Hope you are taking care of your health during this winter time. We are waiting for a sunny day. The melting though is making the crust of the snow a bit icy for Emma- not as easy to play in. Still she is happy.

Wishing you a good day.
Mary and Emma

Today Emma and I stayed home. My cold is bothering me and I am coughing a lot. I thought a day at home would be good for me so I canceled a appointment I had and a lunch date. Emma has been super. Greg took her outside in the morning a few times before heading to work later in the morning. I am able to let her out and watch her play. I have been mostly sleeping with her cuddled beside me. I also plan to do some reading.

It is funny when I get a cold and it goes into my chest I also get this deep voice. I sound like a man when I answer the phone. People don't recognize my voice. Well I am going to go rest and read. Emma is being fantastic.

Mary and Emma

We babysat today and mostly just cuddled with Rosa. Both dogs slept a ton too. Rosa and I have bad colds. So does her Mommy and Daddy. I was happy to hold her today. I will write more tomorrow.
Mary and Emma

Emma and I are having a quiet day at home. I had time to do some reading, napped, and a few small chores. I don't have much energy so a good day to rest. Emma is enjoying lots of attention. Our trips outdoors to play are fun for her. She is not as interested in chasing a ball today as usual. She will do it for awhile of course. Then i give her time to just sniff around the yard, roll in the snow, and so on. Where would I be without this companion on a very quiet day?

We don't have sun today. I think I am more chipper when there is sunshine. Well it is winter at it is normal to have some cloudy days. I also caught up on a few phone calls I needed to tend to.

The other night we were watching the Presidential Debates. We watched for both parties. Emma was so cute looking at the television as if she had an opinion on the matter. Then she fell asleep. Luckily we did not fall asleep. It will be interesting to see what happens in New Hampshire in each party. I can't imagine having the responsibility of leading our country. I think it is very important that we all do some research and vote at this election.
Emma will go to caucuses with me Feb 5th (I think I have the date correct)>

Emma will also go with me in March to meet our legislatures to advocate for improved transportation in the state for people with disabilities and to advocate for a tax credit to support family caregivers who keep loved ones at home and out of nursing facilities. Did you know Emma cares about political matters?

The only trouble I had last time I went to the state capital offices with her last time, is that one of the senators I visited kept focusing and her and not the issues. I learned after that he is good at doing that to avoid making a commitment on an issue to visitors. We have such a limited time with each legislator due to their busy schedules. Anyway we will do our best.

I have a nagging sense that I should accomplish more today. I will start by taking Emma outside - that is my fun responsibility. Greg helps with that first thing in the morning (he gets up earlier than me and last thing at night if he is up later than I am.

Wishing you a good day.
Mary and Emma

I thought I blogged Saturday - oops. This is Sunday.

Emma had lots of fun outdoors yesterday. She loves the snow and the weather was again mild. We were home all day. She helped pick up the house, with laundry, and keeping me company while Greg worked a long day. It was a good day for us. Quiet day.

Today is Sunday. I have been working on bills and paper work. Greg is cooking. We have more laundry to finish and some chores to do. We are waiting to hear if any of our children are coming over for awhile or not. We always like seeing them. We will have chicken for them if they come over.

I had a restless night sleeping. Bad dreams. Emma is so soothing. I finally got up and she kept me company. Then when I went back to bed she huddled in between Greg and I. She rested her head on me. She is very gentle and good for me. Where would I be without her.

Sometimes I forget how amazing she is at home here. She is normally at my feet or at my side. The office is messy so sometimes she lays in the hallway right outside the door. Most times she is where she can easily see me. She is so supportive.

I don't know how to thank her for being such a wonderful dog. I do play with her, pet her, and she knows what her job is here at home or in public. She is always happy to get a treat or a petting. She has got the most beautiful and caring eyes. I will try to get some new pictures of her for you to see on this blog. Lately she has been camera shy or she moves so fast it is a blurr or I shake and it is a fuzzy picture at best.

The sun is shining and that lifts our spirits. i think it would be difficult to live where there is not much sunshine.

Wishing you a good day.
Mary and Emma