THE TO DO LIST:

After going through my now perfect morning routine I ate breakfast and headed out to get in my car. Once my chair was safely stowed in the passenger seat I began my 30 minute drive to the pet centre, it became 45 minutes thanks to the many sets of good old fashioned roadworks along the way.
When I finally pulled in all of the disabled spaces were full and I panicked, i cant get my chair out in a normal space.
I then saw a parking attender and drove towards him rolling my window down.
'Hi, I don't know if you are able to help me, but all of the disabled spaces are full and I can't get out of my car in a normal space as I am in a wheelchair' I timidly spoke.
'Drive round again and i'll meet you at the disabled spaces and see what I can do' he replied.
As I came back around i saw the attendant telling a sheepish looking driver off.
I quickly parked in the now vacated space and thanked the attendent before wheeling towards fletch who was waiting for mw outside the pet centre.
As we entered with Fletch pushing the trolley, I was amazed at the shear size of the place.

I pulled out the list from my pocket:
- Lead x3
- Collar x2
- Metal water bowl
- food bowl
-pedigree dog food
- Denta sticks
- toys
-dog bed/ cushion
- blanket
- treats

There was so much choice, I ended up with one black lead, one red lead and one camo lead plus a wheelchair attacher. Along with a black leather collar and camo synthetic collar.
The bowls and food were easy, but the toy shelves not so much, it took a lot of pondering before I picked four. A chew rope, Lion , Giraffe and Tiger with rope belly.
I picked the perfect cushion with dog prints on and matching blanket, plus a couple of bags of treats before paying and strategically packing the car.
we went for a quick coffee before i headed home. Once everything was unloaded and put away I grabbed a sandwich and phoned Guy and Zoe to arrange an appointment for 3pm.

-

As I pulled into my space an hour later a feeling of dread passed over me.
I slowly by shorley got myself into my chair and wheeled towards the hospital. I head through reception but before I can reach the do to head towards the staff room the man on the reception desk grabs my handles and stops me.
I spin round in shock and yell 'what the hell do you think your doing! Let go of my chair now!'
The shouting got the attention of Tess and Zoe who quickly made there way over and said ' Matt never grab someone's wheelchair as it is dangerous for them and Sam works here so has a right to go through theses doors do you understand!'
With that the Matt person headed back to the desk with a very sheepish look.

Zoe told me to sort myself out and head up to guys office when I was ready as I had tears streaming down my face and that she would make my excuse.
I placed my bag in my locker and went to the loo and cleaned myself up.
Then headed towards the elevator. I could feel my heart rate quick in anticipation of the onslaught I was about to go through.
I somehow got to guys office without even knowing how and knocked on the door. Zoe appeared and held it open as I wheeled myself in.
The first thing guy said was that I had some explaining to do, no excuses right now!

'I ...I have MS, and it's very unpredictable so my physio has set up some training at an assistance dog training centre which is next week for two weeks so I organised this meeting to tell you I need three to four weeks off'. They both stared at me.
Then my body would pick that exact moment for my leg to start to spasm
I just think 'oh damm' as I reach to the back of my chair for my bag which I had up in my locker while I went to the loo and had forgot to pick up again.
Zoe was the first to react and ask what I needed I told her my bag was in my locker with my meds. It was the fastest I have ever seen Zoe move in her heels.

The pain was almost unbearable, but I heard the click of Zoe's heels before the bag appeared beside me, I graded the pen and injected the muscle relaxant to stop the spasm.

Once I looked up back at them they were looking at me with sympathy in their eyes, Zoe said straight away I could have the time off and that she would walk me out.

After the meeting I drove straight home, and found the letter I received from the medical corps.

I found the letter and had my phone, I transferred myself onto the sofa and got comfortable before I dialled the number,

I went straight through to the medical administration team and explained that I had received a letter asking me to phone them about coming in to talk to the new recruits about being in the army and being deployed as a medic.

They arranged for me to go the week after service dog training, I explained that I would need a room with wheelchair access and that I would possibly be bringing a dog with me as a service dog, they said it was fine and that they would prepare a room.

After that call it made me feel better, I headed to the local shop down the road with my backpack and bought some fresh fruit and veg and a few other ingredients before paying and putting them into my bag. I then decided I would use tonight as my Takeaway night and headed to the chippy, I looked up at the daunting counter and said my order to someone I couldn't see, I went with a small fish and chips, with small mushy peas and curry Sauce.

When home I ate and went straight to be, I was shattered and had only two days to go until my service dog training was.

On the plus side I was beginning to get some sensation back in my legs.

Will Sam find the right dog during the training? Only time will tell.