This is not a new image but from my gallery. I am having trouble getting new photos to work on the blog. Anyway I think Emma looks so great in this picture and it shows us at the Metrodome. With the World Series underway I thought it was appropriate. I am always for the underdogs it seems but both teams seem worthy. I loved when the Twins were in the World Series...

Well tonight my topic is "invisible vs visible". When I am with Emma in public I feel so visible. People look to see the dog. Lots of people and all children seem to smile, nod, and often chat with me. They inquire about what she does for me, am I blind?, how long has she been trained, is she always this mellow, and so on...

When I went somewhere with my sister she really noticed it. She said "Gosh it is like having a celebrity with you" Yes indeed you get lots of attention when you have a service dog with you. Or at least that is my experience.

The other day we were at a store and Greg had Emma for me while I used the restroom. I knew it was small and thought it would be easier. When I came out he had gone to look at something. while I walked there I noted how different it is when Emma is not in my company. No one gave me a second look. No smiles, no nods, nothing...

When I went to the doctor without her on Tuesday (due to the Dr. fear of dogs) I felt like I was missing something. I am use to her presence, I am use to her help, and I felt kind of naked (for lake of a better word) without her.

So the doctor I saw Wed (can you keep this straight) had to call me today about something. When there the whole staff were dog lovers and made a fuss over Emma. When she called me today she even asked about how Emma was today!! She said remember I hope to see Emma and you in three months if not sooner. She was a real fan. There Emma and I got so much attention.

Those of you training a service dog or with a service dog know that there are times when you are in a hurry when maybe you would like to get less attention when with your dog in public. It happens. When the 10th person asks about your dog and you are in a hurry well it happens...

But I am not often in a hurry when In public. I think part of Emma's role in life is to educate others about service dogs. I don't mind the questions. Last night at Fleet Farm we met the nicest family. They were in awe about what Emma could do so we even showed off a few things and YES she got the leash etc.

I also drop Helping Paws name often. I want to be PR. I tell them about the website. You never know if someone might some day volunteer or donate funds to the cause.

So today Emma was with me all day and she will be tomorrow too. Today we went to water exercise and then came home. I needed a nap. I also took care of some paper work.

At the YMCA there are both people familiar with the dog and also always others working out surprised to see her there. She was just awesome today. For some reason she kept even a closer eye on my in the water. Sometimes she doses. Today I don't think she ever took her eyes off me for a full 75 minutes.

Well I am enjoying my wonderful dog. Tomorrow is graduation for Helping Paws. My husband does have to work but is hoping to get home on time to go to that event. I sure hope so. Congratulations to the graduates, foster homes, dogs, staff and volunteers who helped make that possible.

Take good care of yourself now - Mary and Emma

Today we went to the doctor. Yesterday it was the specialist who deals with my diabetes. Today it was the Lung Specialist regarding my asthma. They did a few tests that made them suspect that MS itself is impacting my breathing due to reduced muscle strength. We also reviewed the asthma itself. She suspected that some of the breathing/chest pain issues are due to the asthma. I came out with advice and more medication for times when I have breathing difficulty and chest pain. This was my first time with this specific Doctor and I was very pleased to work with her. My family doctot was wise to send me to her for help.

Monday I see Dr. Schapiro my MS specialist. Dr> Lennox that ai saw today was a dog lover. That is so nice for me and makes things easier. My diabetic specialist does now like me to bring Emma due to her great fear of dogs. I had to leave Emma at home yesterday. Today it was the opposite, the nurse, the doctor, the respitory therapist all liked the dog immensely.

It was cute that as I did some breathing tests into a machine, Emma watched the staff person so carefully. She obeyed and stayed where she was suppose to (out of the way) but that did not keep her from keenly watching over me and what was going on. She was more relaxed when I was chatting with the nurse and then the doctor. She impressed everyone.

The appointment today lasted almost two hours and that included some tests. Greg did not have time to bring me home before his luncheon meeting. So Emma and I are hanging out at his office while he is gone. We have done that before and Emma is content here. I brought a book to read.

I was so proud of her today and it is always enjoyable to share with others all the ways that she helps me. I was so glad to bring her with me. She did fine home alone for a few hours yesterday - but we are a team - it seems so weird without her. My friend drove me yesterday and she even noted how strange it seemed not to have Emma along.

Well now I am in better shape to handle my asthma problems. It also should enable me to try to increase my exercise ability without the breathing problems. We will see how it goes.

Emma and I hope to be home in time for a late day nap if possible. My husband has worked long hours so hopes to be able to leave a bit early today...though he has a possible evening meeting.

Hope you are taking care of your health needs. I still have to schedule a dentist appointment. Not my favorite thing to do.

Take care, Mary and Emma

I love this picture of Emma as a puppy. I wonder how Tiga's puppies are doing in their foster homes?

The Wonderful Michurski Family

Today, hats off again to the Michurski family and to all foster families. I have had the occasion to meet in public recently people who told me their family trained a service dog{s} and I feel honored to tell them how much it means to individuals like myself. Most recently it was a woman who was a waitress where we ate lunch. Though often it is not always for helping paws, what these volunteers from various organizations seem to have is a very very big heart. My deepest thanks to the foster homes of Helping Paws.

I know there are other volunteers in these organizations as well. At Helping Paws I hear their is a variety of ways volunteers can help. I think those who fund raise, are on committees, the board, office volunteers etc are all so helpful and vital to a good organization. How awesome that they give their time to such a worthy cause.

I am imaging knowing my audience that those of you reading this - many of you volunteer or have volunteered in various organizations. I know Judy Michurski did so much for the school her children attended when I taught there. It was a small private school and I was blown away by how generous she and others were with their time and talents. I learned that Judy is very artistic which sure was great for my classroom. I welcomed her work with the students in that regard.

So today - yeah to volunteers especially those for Helping Paws. I miss the years I volunteered at my kids school, church, and 4H. It is rewarding to volunteer and I miss that. I use to wonder if I would ever have free time and now I think I have to much (not that there isn't always chores to do).

Graduation for the new graduates and service dog teams is Friday. Special thanks to the volunteers who made that possible. From the breeder homes, to the foster homes, the fund raisers, the board members, and volunteer staff and others. Thanks to those who sent me reminders of the exact time for that event. I plan to be there. No WE plan to be there.

Have a good day.
Mary and Emma

Getting out of the house more is good for my mental health. Today we went to book club, and out to lunch. Then we went to Target with Greg where I bought some Christmas and birthday items for my granddaughters. Emma was very helpful and cooperative - no surprise there. We had a good discussion of the book Glass Castle at book club. We have an interesting group of women (all with MS ) and it generates great ideas and comments. Next month we are reading the historical fiction book - The Plot Against America by Roth. It is a bit longer than some so I better start reading if I am going to finish it in a month.

The interesting thing about book club is it exposes you to books you might not select on your own to read. We have read so many that are very serious and decided in February we will read something lighter. We have the books picked several months in advance.

Emma is so comfortable at book club. We like the Barnes and Noble store here in Maple Grove (my girls both worked there for years) and the staff is most welcoming. When we get to the area where we are going to have book club, Emma finds her comfy spot and lays there just so good for over an hour!! She is so well behaved. Sometimes she has to switch her body position a little but I don't think she even did that today. Everyone admires her in my MS circle of friends. She of course was a welcome addition at lunch also.

We went to the new Target store in Maple Grove and wow is it big. I of course used a cart there. Emma got some needed walking in as we went here and there in the store. I don't get out shopping as much as I use to. It is amazing all the things I would be tempted to purchase if I had a bigger bank account. Target is a place you could buy a lot of things.
It was fun to look around. Though we went with Greg, we looked around alone awhile. That is kind of a treat when to go places I now have to rely on others to take me. We scooted about looking here and there.

I was going to buy Emma a new outdoor toy but forgot. Next time. She is such a good dog and I thought a new toy might perk up outdoor or indoor play time. Though a good old tennis ball will make her very happy.

Tomorrow I go to my endrocrinologist (diabetes dr). She unfortunately is very afraid of dogs. Last time I left Emma home as the woman really is uncomfortable being in the room with Emma no matter how good she is. I brought her once. My friend is driving me so maybe she can just hold on to Emma in the waiting room. We will see what works out. Normally this appointment doesn't take long so Emma would be fine at home also. She sure is not home alone very often and I want her to be able to handle time alone too.

I know the graduates are in their final days of training with their dogs. Graduation is Friday I think. I need to look up the time and location. Reminders welcome from you who read this and are going. I am not sure where I put my flyer. We hope to attend if all goes as planned. Congratulations to the graduates, dogs, but also the foster homes (you know who I mean) who have worked so long with these wonderful dogs.

I have had Emma two years. I will thank Judy forever for her work training Emma and it still won't be enough thanks. Thanks to the staff also. Emma brings so much joy to every single day of my life. Events are more fun with her presence, and easier because of her help. I love her so much.

Emma is a snoozing here. Last night she did that but then when we went to go to bed she was full of energy. It was cute and funny. But good thing that doesn't happen every night. We got up and played a little, went outside, and then she settled in. She keeps me cozy and warm when she snuggles in at night.

Wishing you a very good day. Snuggle in and sleep well.
Mary and Emma



Emma and her "baby" all snuggled in.

Lately Emma is bringing me her food dish at times other than dinner time or morning. She usually is anxious in the morning when she gets up - - then again at dinner time about 5 or 6. I don't know why now she is bringing me her bowl at 3 pm or 10 pm? She looks so adorable but I know she can't eat extra meals and retain her girlish figure.

It seems to be working to distract her...to take her outside to play or play inside. To do something to give her attention that is not food. I do have some small treats we use for practicing cues charlie bears, puppy size milk bones, small things...

I will let you know if I find other hints that work. It is difficult not to laugh as she looks so cute bringing me the bowl for her food. Sometimes she is telling me she needs more water. At nap time sometimes she wakes me if I sleep late to tell me it is dinner time. Only once did she drop the dish right on me. Usually she gets it at tucks it in bed right beside her so it is there when I wake up...but that is only when I sleep really late in the afternoon.

Tonight going outside for a little more exercise seemed to do the trick. I should learn from that in my own battle with weight loss. MS though makes it darn hard to exercise.

Well we are off to bed. Maybe she is like us humans that with earlier darkness and cooler temps she is tempted to eat more?? I had to share this cute picture taken awhile ago.

Mary and Emma