We got Leia on April 28, 2020. She was six months old but that is just an estimate because the woman we got her from told us that’s where they guess her birthdate was. When we got her, I told Sean that she could be his “Birthday Twin.” He didn’t care but I did! So we have had her for a while, she will be three this October November-ish so maybe I can have ornaments on my tree again. But I’m not going to risk it so I might have to wait another year. So I have slowly adjusted to being a dog owner. I never really wanted to be a dog owner but this is where we are now. We have her.
I would have conversations with my Mom and tell her that I think that Leia doesn’t know where I stand with her because I don’t take her for walks and I can’t get down on her bed and wrestle with her. My Mom told me that she knows that I am important and she loves me! I told my Mom that Leia doesn’t know who buys her food, and her toys, her cute sweaters, and her really cute coat! But my mom reminded me that Leia comes to my rescue every time we struggle upon transfer.
It wasn’t until Sean said something about it that made me think. Sean was at the house when my Mom and I got back from the doctor. I called Sean and told him to put Leia in the cage because we were coming home. My front door has to be wide open for me to enter into my house off of the ramp that’s on my porch. So, we have figured out that if we cage her then she won’t try to get out of the house. so, I entered into the house as Leia was in the cage and I got myself situated in my normal spot just in front of the TV. Once I stopped moving, I told Sean to get Leia out of the cage.
And this is where I realized that Leia really does care about me. Sean opened the cage and she bounded out right to my chair and put her front paws on my armrest with her tail wagging wildly. I automatically did what I always do when she puts her paws on my armrest, I lean to my left side and use my left hand to pat her side while using my right hand to scratch under her chin. Once I finish doing that, she gets down. Sean asked me if she always does that and I kind of shrugged.
I haven’t really left my house all that much since we have gotten her so I guess that I am just always around. But Friday, we went to the doctor so she had time to miss me. Or something like that. But now, I will tell you the story that banded us completely! This happened yesterday. I am trying to look at it positively. So, my Mom gets me out of bed yesterday morning and I will to the living room where I always sit. She got me situated with my vitamins and my protein shake and then went to use the bathroom. Leia comes trotting out of my room and she’s got something in her mouth. I can’t see what’s in her mouth but I used my Mom’s commands and told her to, “Drop it!” Which she did and then I told her to go lay in her bed. But that’s the thing with MS, I don’t remember anything! So, my Mom comes out of the restroom and looks down where I told Leah to drop whatever was in her mouth.
She asked me why my mouthguard is on the floor in the living room?! I kind of gasped and told her, Leia was in my room and came toward the living room with something in her mouth! IN HER MOUTH!!! That’s why I gasped because I know exactly where that tongue has been! I’ve seen it and heard it countless times in the past two years!
GROSS!!!
But, I HAVE TO wear my mouthguard! Sometimes my jaw will hurt when I am gritting my teeth because I am cold in my house. I was fitted for my mouthguard after I went to my MRT therapist, Parker Whitaker, and I told him that I have never gotten punched in the face before but I imagine that’s what it feels like right now! Like I have been punched in the face! But, it was just in Leia’s mouth?!!!!
I think that it is a good thing that my mouthguard soaks throughout the day and my mom will rinse it off and give it to me before bed. So last night, she washed it with alcohol just to make sure and I put it in my mouth and Leia and I are officially bonded. My Mom sent me this picture of Leia, “Sunning” on the porch of the church across the street. She DOES look really pretty in the sun!!!:
