Hurray we saw the puppies. They were at Helping Paws hanging out and waiting to be picked up by their foster families. It was their last time together as a group. I saw there cute faces. held a few, petted them and enjoyed them. I can just imagine how busy they all kept Judy and Tiga.

When I would go to pet one, several would come on over to see the excitement. They seemed so energetic. Emma watched them with curiousity. We weren't there long but it sure was fun. We were dropping off my scooter so I can use it their tomorrow night when I am helping with one of the classes. Emma will stay home and I will practice with the dogs working with a scooter. I am just thrilled to help.

It is an honor when I can volunteer when I know many volunteers (including Judy of course) helped train Emma. It is always fun to talk with staff when you go to helping paws also. I wil be there the next two Tuesday nights. My son and husband were able to transport the scooter and unload it today. Our timing was perfect as we got to see the puppies.

It is a beautiful night. Emma loved playing in the yard with me. She ran and ran to fetch things. She finally got tired and headed to the door. I asked her do you need water and she flew to the door. We went in and sure enough she drank a lot and rested. Emma just doesn't sip a little water here and there. She drinks a lot and then waits till next time and drinks a lot again. Judy said they use to call her camel dog. I can see why.

I can't stop thinking about those little puppies. When you think of how Emma has changed my life - think how each of those precious little faces are going to put smiles on the face of someone who needs a service dog. It helps me appreciate each step of the process.

I hadn't really thought about there was someone special willing to help with the puppies when Emma was born. Someone willing to spend time to nurture her and others for 8 weeks. Then she went into Judy's loving hands and nurturing home. Could Judy, Steve, Jack, Mike, and Katie ever have imagined how that little puppy would end up in my home and changing my life??? It makes me teary to think of it.

Emma is just so sound asleep here. Our outside play wore her out ha ha. It is suppose to be great weather tomorrow. A bit cooler and that makes it much easier for me to cope with my MS.

In case you missed it the puppy's photos are on this site http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/

Hope you had a happy day. My thoughts and prayers are with the generous people willing to be foster homes. One home was there when I stopped by. They had children who were so darn excited. What a lesson for them to learn about helping others.

Wishing you a good day.
Mary and Emma

Happy Father's Day -
I am bummed as I just can't manage things as well as I want to. Greg had to help with the cooking. I wish he could have just rested the whole day. He grilled lamb and roast beef for us. I did make home made potato salad, and helped with it all. We had a nice day. Emma stayed in the house but made quick breaks outside with Greg or I. It was really really hot.

Rosa was the entertainment of the day. She can wave bye bye. She sat in a high chair. She can give you five and is just so much fun. It was so good to see my kids and Tia (Mike's wife). I guess she is one of my kids too. We had a nice day.

We watched Rosa while her Mommy and Daddy went to a movie. She and I took a short nap and Emma liked that too.My daughter says they predict this will be a record breaking hot summer - gosh I hope not. one day at a time.

The puppies go home on Monday afternoon to their foster homes. I bet they will be lonesome for their siblings till they get into the swing of things in their new home. Tiga and Judy will get some rest. I sure enjoyed Tiga's blog. I felt like it really shared the story of their little lives and how they grew in just 8 weeks.

tomorrow my scooter is going to Helping Paws. I will use it Tuesday night when I help work with some of the dogs in class. Greg works Tuesday all day and evening so this is the only way we can transport it. It's a long story but we don't have a lift in the van yet. So my son will help unload it - he works in Hopkins.

I hope all of you had a nice day. We did. I am not sure what is planned for us tomorrow.
Mary

I can't believe that I did not get out to see the puppies. If you haven't checked the blog for awhile - look how cute they are http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/. They are soon to head to their new foster homes. It made me teary to realize I didn't get out there to see them. The time has flown by. I haven't always been driving due to car problems and/or my vision. I am sure Judy and Tiga will understand. sorry Emma.

I bet Judy will need some sleep as the puppies have been sick. Glad to hear they are all recovering.

Meanwhile, our friend Logan, is doing well in her new home with Suzan. We are sharing ideas about what the dogs can do for us. She also has MS. Best wishes to them both!!! It is so exciting to bring your service dog home!!

Emma and I did a few errands today. We went to Weight Watcher's, Lane Bryant, and Lowe's.
She has a regular fan club among the employees of Lowe's in Maple Grove. One woman in particular is nuts about her. She even had treats for her in her pocket! Yes only given when she would sit. We are taking more time to practice sitting to greet people and shaking hands/paw. Emma did great. I don't let anyone pet her while we are shopping, but we did take a break from the action to have the gang see her. I am glad she did well practicing greeting a few of them. I have kind of gotten to know one of the woman both from our numerous trips their due to the bathroom remodel, and also because she was curious about the dog. She has given us advice and help about the bathroom. The employees of this store have been so helpful.

Greg was off looking for some supplies when he came around the corner and saw an entire circle of employees asking about Emma and her training and abilities. Normally we don't have a crowd like this ha ha. Greg says he wonders what life was like before we had Emma. We have so many people wanting to chat about what a helping dog does. She is a good ambassador when she is out and about. She handled it all very well.

The one thing I appreciate in Emma is after doing that time chatting with the sales people, she goes right back to working with me and focusing on me while I continue shopping. If this distracted her to the point she wouldn't want to work with me or wouldn't focus, I of course would not stop during our working time. There are in fact, many times, that I just tell people we are working and move on. I do find it rewarding though to educate the public both adults and children about a service dog.

Emma is like a kid magnet. Yesterday when we stopped at Wallmart she was so patient. Some young children were curious about a service dog. We were waiting in line to check out so took time to chat. The kids did not pet her but did get to ask their questions. She was well behaved.

I think more and more she focuses on me even with lots of distractions. She always did but sometimes needed reminders if stores were busy (for example). Even my husband who drove us of course, said he is noticing this increased focus. Way to go Emma.

I did sneak in time for a nap. Somehow my laundry is still calling me "mary do me" ha ha. Emma woke me. This surprised me. Instead of patiently waiting with her food dish like sometimes happen - she started pawing me, licking me, to get me to wake up. i took a late nap. I tried to fake still sleeping but she knew I was awake. Oh my gosh it was 6:30 - my late nap had gone long. I was glad to get up and feed her, take her out, and start dinner for Greg and I.

I am going to be in contact with the MS specialist who helps with my vision problems. Dr. Calkwood. Dr. Schapiro my main MS specialists (they are both neurologists with MS specialties and Calkwood is an Eye Specialist also) thought the heat had lots to do with it.
Unless I loose vision in one eye (which has happen) or it gets worse they will not use steroids this time which is fine by me due to the long term side effects. Steroids can help a lot with symptoms but have to be used sparingly though sometimes they are needed.

Am I boring you? I am a bit bummed about the vision issue but like today my husband was happy to drive. We can get rides to swimming also. some days are better than others.
I will be fine.

I got a happy surprise in the mail. A DVD with pictures and music and memories from camp. It was made by an individual who was very talented. It made me teary to see all the people I see there and recall how fun it is. I can't wait to shop my husband. Some years they have pictures on the internet and my family says they can see why it is fun. I will look and let you know if there is a spot to see some pictures for those who are interested. It is an awesome experience.

I am making potato salad for Father's Day. My mother's recipe. You make the potatoes the day ahead and then poor butter with a bit of vinegar on them to soak overnight. I will get up early to mix the rest up so it will sit several hours before our dinner. Yes Sophia will be with her Dad. Becky is out of town with her boyfriend's family. The rest of the family including Rosa will be here. Yeah. My husband works at night but this will be fun.

Hope you enjoy Sunday. Happy Father's Day.
Mary and Emma

When we ride in the car, of course Emma sits in the back. It has black interior. You can imagine how hot it gets when it is 90 degrees again today. I try to air it out, and cover the seat so it is not so bad for Emma. We went to the MS doctor and to Target. The rides too and from seemed hot even with the AC. Actually I did better than Emma - she panted away.
When we got home at the end of the morning - she rested in the shade. Then we went in and she snuggled into her bed in the cool of air conditioning.

A long cool nap followed. For both of us? NO! For her. I was able to have lunch with my daughter Becky, and her friend Katie. We went to get Emma for the car ride and she looked so hot and tired - Becky said "I'll be your helper. Let's give Emma a break". So that is what we did. We went to a paint store quick on the way home. We came home and Emma didn't even run to the door to greet us (rare) she was still cool and comfy and cool. My baby was tired.

The funny thing is at the doctor I walked so stiff and slower than normal. The MS Specialist Randy Schapiro said it was no doubt due to the heat. Heat is hard on MS. He validated my observation that even getting in and out of the car and with ac it still slows me down. normal for MS. My check up went fine by the way.

Then Becky had time to chat. Imagine having over two hours to spend with an adult child (this after lunch). I was estatic. We chatted away. I can nap any day. This was so nice - though I will need to go to bed early tonight. She is going out of town for the weekend so I won't see her Sunday. The other kids and Rosa are coming for dinner Yipee.

We need rain. The grass is getting dry. Emma needs softer grass. I will try watering but a good rain would be the best for us. Time will tell.

Emma is a good helper. I try to make sure the heat is not too hard on her. I always carry water for us and a dish to pour it in for her. The seat is covered so she doesn't get burned if it is hot. I try to let some of the hot air out before she gets into the car, park in the shade if possible - well you get the idea. I am concerned about the heat and Emma. She drinks lots of water which is good. She didn't mind an hour off duty.

She did get walking in at Target. I went around a bit more than needed so she would get walking in a cool environment. I think that is important for her when it is such a long hot spell. Next week it will be a bit cooler so we will have cooler morning and evenings for me to take her for a walk. Even with a fenced in yard I know the walks are good for us both.

Emma got a big treat from Dr. Schapiro. When it was my turn he called out "Emma time to come back". She was alert and ready. Then when we were done he told his office manager "Make an appointment in four months for Emma"!! He briefly shared with us some stories about his own dog named Madison. I would love to meet her she sounds adorable.

Speaking of Emma, I need to get her outside.
Have a nice day,
Mary and Emma

My friend Logan lives in Maine. SHE is already home living with Suzan as the do training. I put in my note yesterday, how you can look up to see what she is up to. It brings back memories of our team training. I sure was worried about if I would be good enough to work with Emma. I still think it is such an honor to have an awesome dog.

Another day in the 90's. We took a late nap. I had a counseling appointment and then went swimming. Then we headed home for a nap. Swimming is later now and we ran one errand so naptime wasn't till 3:00. We slept till almost 7 pm. I didn't even hear the phone ring. I find even just getting in and out of the car I notice the heat and it adds to the fatigue. I didn't sleep as much last night so I guess I needed the extra rest.

Emma of course was waiting with her food dish. Dinner is usually at 5!! She didn't wake me though - good Emma. It is cooler now (I hope) so we are headed outside for some play time and a short walk. I live on a hill and my walking is limited. Some days I can't even make it next door or across the street to my neighbors. Thank goodness for my scooter.
I do get some walking in around the house, to and from the car - I have to keep my legs moving somewhat. The motto is MOVE IT OR LOOSE IT. I want to keep them functioning as long as I can!!

I can't help but think about team training. WOW I learned a lot. I still look at the training manual at times. They gave us so much help. I also think a big strength of Helping Paws is having Sue K to call, or email, or meet with you after graduation if you have concerns or problems. She is awesome.

I also remember how patient the staff was with me. I was nervous, excited, and at times a bit over whelmed with all their was to learn. I remember when i would see Emma when i came in I thought "Will you ever be happy being MY dog?". I knew Judy and her family so knew she came from an awesome foster home. I just felt like there was so much to learn.

In reality now, much of it I use daily so it becomes second nature to both Emma and I. Some things we don't use as much and I want her to retain the skill - so I do refer to the list of cues (commands) or manual now and then very deliberately and practice them. For example, for some reason I don't use "put" as often as I thought I would. Though when I want her to put something in a specific place it sure comes in handy. So I have worked on trying to include it more in our routine.

Remember I am a teacher so "life long learning", "review, review, review" are all part of my philosophy of life for both of us! That is one reason it is so nice to correspond with Logan and Suzan. I hear how they use various commands to perform routines. She was involved with Logan even during her training, and is a volunteer for their organization so knows a great deal. Plus she beats the pants off me in scrabble ha ha.

Last night I took Emma for a very long walk as the weather cooled off enough to enjoy it. She seemed to like it and I brought water for her. I was thinking how much life changes.
There was a time when I was dealing with daycare all day(or in later years teaching), bringing 4 kids to their activities, volunteering, etc. Now I have time for walks. I miss the activitiy and my kids presence - but one thing I am glad of. For some reason, I never took it for granted when they were living here. I always treasured it. I always respected them and their interests. I loved conversation and time with them. I wouldn't have traded it then or now for anything. i am glad of that.

Now don't get me wrong their were times I was a bit overwhelmed. having four kids on different sports teams one summer I almost threw in the towel one busy night. A neighbor came to the rescue and brought one daughter to her activity. There were days it was hard to juggle it all - but like I said I found the time precious. Now it is the memories that comfort me if I feel lonely or blue. I have so much to be thankful for.

Emma is an awesome helper and companion. I feel more comfortable riding in the scooter through the neighborhood when i have a dog to walk. You know how a walk can clear your mind, perk you up, relax you? Well for me even my "walk" on a scooter can be so good for my soul. I sure wish though I had appreciated my ability to walk when it was easier for me. Well anyway you get my message. I am so glad to have Emma as a helper, and companion. she is the best.

Okay, this is long, sorry. One weird thing happened today. At swimming we were in the family locker room also for handicaped. It is unisex - which means there is a locker portion of the room but then individual rooms with doors with changing area and showers.
Well I had just changed and was ready to take Emma into the pool area. When some older teens came in. Immediately a girl started screaming at the top of her lungs. I mean scream like she saw a ghost, was hurt or something.

It was because she saw the dog. Her friends assured her the dog was on leash but she kept screaming at the highest pitch I have ever heard. Emma took a minute to look that direction but we were many feet away from her. We went into the pool area. Emma stayed in control and didn't make a peep of a noise. I talked to the life gaurd supervisor who was going to talk to the individual. They cannot swim when we do unless it is a lap swimmer (no open swim till we are done) so she never came in. He thought she was there to use other facilities and actually should have been in the regular female locker room.

We did not see the girl again. I am sorry if she was really that afraid of dogs. Screaming sure isn't the way to see that a dog can be well under control. Anyway the whole thing surprized me. Emma was her perfect self = laying on the towel on the side of the pool. Her leash is connected to a hook thing for her safety. She never pulls or anything. She just lies there. The life gaurds like her. One of her favorites was there today, off duty and waiting for the time after our class when she had to work again. i let her pet Emma. I want Emma to associate the people in lifegaurd uniform as positive in case they need to assist with her. Then while I was in the pool Emma just watches out for me while she rests.
She is so patient.

I hope all is well with my readers. I go to the MS doctor tomorrow. He is a big fan of Emma. He told me when I heard him speak last week (the dr not Emma) that he has a special treat waiting for her at the office. It will be good to get that check up. I need to make an appointment for a physical too.

Wishing you a good day. Mary and Emma
Special hi to Logan and Suzan!! Check out that blog.