Wednesday

I heard the new graduates will be taking their dogs home tonight. They do that during training so you can ask questions as you get use to being a team.

I remember that day.

Dear Emma,

I was so nervous the day I took you home.
I didn't see Judy and I am sure it was an emotional day for her.
She left your bed, favorite toys etc to take with you.

I was happy and scared.
So worried to take you from a family that loved you.
So thrilled to start our life together.
Nervous about if I could handle your needs and emotional needs too.
It was mid Oct and I was so nervous I thought I would throw up.
But also excited.

You came home and were so curious about the house.
We all sat in a circle staring at you.
You had a favorite toy from Judy and kept bringing the ball
From one person to another
At first I was suppose to be the sole person playing with you
Gosh that confused you
It was obvious you grew up with children/teens

I can't believe what has happened since that night
You were very good
You slept by the bed in your own bed

Now you sleep right on the bed with me
Most nights
We are comfortable together
We are a team

I wish I could tell the new graduates
Not to be so nervous
It takes time
But gently day after day
week after week
month after month
year after year
the relationship grows...

now here you are Emma
Such and important relationship in my daily life
We have such fun together
We snuggle together
We sleep together
We are ssuch buddies

Thank you Emma
Thank you for helping me through that first night
and so many more
You are adorable, funny, helpful, and such a bright spot in my life.

I love you............Mary

Price less Emma

Tuesday

Wow am i tired today. We did go to water exercise. I was all ready and fell asleep in the chair waiting for my ride. That is unusual for me to fall asleep in a chair. After water exercise I enjoyed lunch with Jan and then we had a short (for me) nap. My son is picking me up. Then the whole gang is going out to dinner - going dutch. I am always excited to go out with them and this should be fun.

My house got cleaned today so you know I enjoy that also. We work with MaidPro but have the same woman every time and she does an awesome job. It means so much to me that she gives it some TLC also when she comes. I need all the help I can get ha ha.

I hope to take some pictures in the next few days to brighten up the blog. Emma is doing just great. She is so cuddly, so attentive, and just such a dear in my life. I can't imagine one day without her. She is just wonderful.

Did i tell you this? A man came up to me after I was out to eat. I was outside waiting for a ride and he said how much would I take for the dog? At first I thought he was kidding. I still am not sure. But then he said, really I have a lot of money - how much would you really sell her for????? EMMA??? I told him to train a dog like this is 15,000 or more. I said Emma was priceless and that a million would not be enough for her. He said I kind of thought you would say that....but honest I meant it. I will mourn forever when I loose Emma. I still miss my pet dog.

But "EMMA" is something no pet dog could be in my life. With me all the time - helping me so much. I know her facial expressions, her body language, her schedule, and she knows me so well too. Greg says he can tell if I don't feel well or am anxious by Emma's concern for me and actions. She is priceless for sure...

Now I don't mean to say my pet dog wasn't important to me and loved to. Boomer was a great dog for me. He also liked being my companion and died too young of a rare disease for his breed. But just imagine how much more time I get to be with Emma, how much she does for me emotionally in all scenarios and how helpful. both dogs helped me face my change in abilities and disease...

Priceless - both dogs priceless in my eyes. I bet you would say that about your dog or cat also. Thank God for these wonderful companions.

Wishing you a good day Mary and Emma

A very quiet day.
We are going to a dinner tonight.
If it is late I will wait till tomorrow to blog.

Emma is doing great.

boy the leaves are changing and falling. They are not very bright in my yard in color but i guess that is from the stress of a dry summer.

Mary and Emma

Rainy Day

Emma's bladder is strong.
She hates going out to go to the bathroom in the rain.
She went early this am but since then just turns around and comes back in.
We went out for just a little under two hours today.
She did good.

I fell in the shower and boy am I sore.
Normally I don't take a shower while alone in the house.
I had such a hard time getting up.
Nothing broken - must have good bones.
But very sore.
Back to the rule to have Greg here when I shower.
Then if I feel shakey, dizzy, etc he is there to help me.

Watching closely the Twins - hope they win tonight.
Emma likes snuggling while we walk.

Dropped the leash while going to the car
and Emma did such a good job of waiting for me
to get my purse I dropped also
A clumsy day I guess

We could use more rain but we will see.

Happy Weekend to you all. Mary

TWO Dr appointments today. Emma was perfect. She was with me for one and with Greg for the other. The second was an appointment with the lung dr including some breathing tests and she does not like them. So she stays with Greg at least part of the time. It is distracting for me if she does not want to stay in her drop and upsetting for her. I think because they are rather loud as they command me to breath in and blast it out. Anyway this works for us.

Our next stop now is Greg's work. Taking me home made no sense from a time factor so we are using the computer and I brought a book while he wraps up some things. He needs to do some errands for work that I can help with. The teacher in me is thrilled to go shop for bulletin board decorations and some other supplies. We also have another errand or two to go depending how I hold up. Then yep home for a late afternoon nap.

They tested my bypap machine and were surprised at how much i sleep each day. The computer card on it gives them info. Gosh were they surprised. I blame it on MS. Yet I don't know if t hat is acccurate.

I am pleased we have a plan of attack for the upcoming 6 weeks when I will be checked again. some medication changes ...........and also discussed what to do if I get a cold, bronchitis or the flu. In MN the flu season and cold season is around the corner. I do not what to get pneumonia twice like last year.

We still are making sure Emma gets outside today. Greg walked her this am besides running in the yard. She will walk as we do errands and we plan a walk with me on the scooter. Fall means colder days will come so motivates us to get outside and enjoy the weather as much as we can.

Have a good day....Mary

E - enthusiastic
M- magnificent
M - marvelous
A - attentive

T - terrific
H - happy
A - awesome
N - nice
K - kind
S - stupendous

For Being YOU

Funny Faced Emma

After many days around 80 it was 70 (I think) today. Emma and I enjoyed the temps and we also had some rain last night. She loves when i say "do you want to go outside?" I know the body language, including facial expression, that means "What are you waiting for - yes".

At water exercise some of the individuals got out of the pool a bit early (10-5 min). I rarely get out early. There aren't enough private locker rooms in the family/handicap locker room to all have a room if we all leave at the same time! Emma has a specific facial expression, and position as she lays in a drop position. this time she looks inquisitive as if to say "are YOU leaving yet?"

All I have to do is verbally say to her "Emma it's okay, I am not done yet". She relaxes and settles back in. She and I know how to communicate in most situations I think. When it is time to go I say "hi Emma, stand Emma, get the towel (she is laying on) and "time to go". Most time the cane is leaning against the wall so no need for her to retrieve it.

At home my favorite is "nap time Emma-go" and she runs down the hall to my room/ and bed. If I want her to she will wait for me it is all in how I present it. I love feeling her body snuggled up next to me.

In the morning she nudges me. My answer might be "it is not time yet" and then she goes back to sleep (normally). She eats at 7 am and today it was 6:59 when she woke me. I said "Okay let's go eat". I would love to have a picture of how excited she was to not have to wait. She flew out of bed. she waited at the door for me and walked to the kitchen. She was one happy dog.

When we are outside she is so inquisitive. She likes to sniff around and if there is a squirrel or bunny to chase all the better. No she never catches them. They know where to run to get out of the fenced yard. I can say get your "ball" or "toy" and she will bring something to play with. She has a look of sheer pride when she catches or retrieves the ball or toy. She is just so much fun.

She also can be very funny. You can talk and she will raise one eyebrow and then the other as if it is so interesting to listen. It makes us laugh and then she will do it more. Maybe if i was really a great photographer i could capture it in film.

Does this present a picture in words about how wonderful it is to have Emma as part of my life - 24 hours a day. She is just great to be with. I love her so much. She is just the best.

Thank you Judy and family
Thank you Helping Paws Staff
Thank you to Volunteers and Financial Supporters of Helping Paws

Where would I be without my awesome dog Emma.

Mary and Emma