I am here to provide you with a much-needed and long-overdue update. I know I am out of my regular posting schedule for the first Monday of the month. However, since it has been so long, I felt it was necessary to give an update anyway, so you’d know that my mom and I are doing okay.

I have several blog posts started and not quite finished. Periodically, I work on one with the hopes of finishing it up so I can get a post done for you. But, as you are very much aware, I didn’t get them finished, or at least not posted.

My mom thinks I’m handsome! Do you?

As you will see, this one is fairly short with not too much to say. I have high hopes that I will get back on schedule soon. I’m usually very motivated and focused on getting posts done because I enjoy staying connected with everyone. So I’m not sure why I have fallen short of doing this. Other than maybe just needing a bit of a break.

Overall, we are doing okay. Our spring and early summer gave us rain every weekend, but once we got out of that pattern, the weather became lovely. Although many days were much too hot and humid for my mom. 

For some reason, the humidity affected my mom’s MS more than usual this summer. This made the days much harder for her to be productive. She finds this frustrating, but in her usual positive way, she has pushed through and made the most of them. In a recent fortune cookie, the message was “Embrace every moment: your life will be extraordinary.” I think this fits my mom perfectly!

Tetra is looking pretty with the beautiful fall leaves!

As we approached fall, the weather pattern changed, so we have had some much-needed rain. And welcomed cooler temps with no humidity! My mom loves to see the beautiful colors as the leaves change. But she doesn’t like the cold, snowy weather that soon follows. Although she does love to see how my sisters, Roo and Tetra, and I enjoy frolicking in the snow! 

On October 1st, my mom and I celebrated our fifth partnership anniversary! It is hard to believe we have been together for five years already. We reminisced with my brother, Eric, about the time we spent together during the two-week Team Training. And how special that time was for all of us. Below are the beautiful words my mom shared with her Facebook friends on the day of our anniversary.

Five years ago today, Clint and I graduated from the Northeast Region of Canine Companions! As a new team, we were sent off to begin our journey together. He was a Successor Service Dog to Buffy, who had been my partner for just over eight years. It was hard to go from the known and predictable of a long-time service dog partnership to begin a new journey. But Clint seamlessly fit into his role, and we soon began to dance as one.

Over the past five years, our relationship has strengthened and our bond has deepened. We have an undeniable trust in each other. His companionship brings me a reassuring comfort that is immeasurable. Clint always seems to know what I need, often before being asked. With the continued progression of my MS, my needs are always changing. Clint effortlessly performs the tasks I need done and easily adapts when necessary, whether at home or when we are out and about. He loves his job and is always eager to help.

During my nearly 30 years of being a service dog handler, each of my service dogs has given me a piece of independence I wouldn’t have had otherwise. They have given me the courage to venture out on my own, knowing they can provide me with anything I may need. They have helped people look beyond my disability and see more than a girl in a wheelchair. I am grateful for the gift of independence each of my dogs has given me. Each has, in their own way, opened doors to opportunities I never thought possible.

Thank you, Clint, for being my partner and making even the hardest of days easier. You make an ordinary day extraordinary and bring me endless joy. Your silly, fun-loving personality shines through in everything you do and always makes me smile! I love you, Clinty boy!

For the most part, my mom has just had her regular appointments with her various doctors. A few extra here and there, along with some extra testing recently. But fortunately, nothing concerning was found.

Snoozing during lunch!

We have also met with friends for lunch. You know how much my mom and I enjoy our lunch dates! And have done our regular errands. We also went to visit my brother, Eric, at his Best Buy store to do some shopping. Of course, we went out to lunch with him, too!

My mom entered a video into the 2025 AKC Trick Dog National Competition that she and my sister, Tetra, had previously recorded for their AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer title. This week, Tetra received a beautiful rosette and medal for her qualifying routine.

Tetra with her beautiful rossette and medal!

You may remember that my mom submitted a couple of my videos to this competition a few years ago. We received a beautiful rosette and medal like Tetra. But also a special trophy, too! If you want, you can check that post out here… A service dog competes in a National Trick Dog competition!

This coming week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, which is a much-loved holiday. Especially for my dad, who gets his all-time favorite … turkey! Eric will join us for the day, which will make it extra special!

I love napping in the sun!

I’m sorry for my long absence. I have missed you, and my hope is to get back to a regular schedule of posting. I plan to bring back the educational piece of the blog and again share some videos showing the many tasks I do for my mom. Those tasks that give her independence each day so she can live life to the fullest!

I hope you are all doing well. And have a beautiful holiday season!