Have you ever felt like you were being watched? It’s a creepy sensation. Like someone (or something) is following your every move. Lurking in the shadows. Waiting …   

I’ve experienced this feeling many times. The first time it happened was about a year ago. At the time, I was alone in the house.

I sat at the kitchen table, working on a story. Suddenly, the timer buzzed on the dryer in the laundry room. I jumped up from my chair and looked for a basket. As I bent over and pulled warm clothes from the dryer, an eerie feeling swept over me.

I wasn’t alone.

I could sense it. Someone was watching me from behind. My heart flip-flopped in my chest. I spun around and gasped at the face staring back at me.

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Sorry. Did I fool you? I just wanted to have a little fun. I never get to write spooky Stephen-King-like-scenes.

Anyway, what I said is true. I’ve had that creepy feeling many times. Inevitably, I turn around to find this cute little stalker with big brown eyes.

Macy is definitely a family dog. She loves every one of us unconditionally. Even my husband- the one who didn’t want a dog. But when Curt heads off to work and the girls are away at school, Macy is undoubtedly my dog. She follows me everywhere I go.

When I sit at the table and work on my computer, Macy sleeps on a nearby blanket on the floor.

When I go grab a snack, she promptly wakes up and follows me to the kitchen.

When I need to do laundry, she trails behind me as I collect all the clothes.

When I go to the bathroom – yep, you guessed it. She follows me there too.

At first, having my own little stalker was kind of annoying. For one thing, it was nearly impossible to take her for walks. She wanted to be so close by; she was constantly under my feet.

I was also afraid I’d trip over her while walking up or down the stairs. One of the first things I taught her was to sit patiently at the bottom of the steps until I got to the top. Once at the top, I’d motion for her and call, “Upstairs!” Then she happily ran up the steps, eager to be back by my side.  

I will admit, her constant companionship has been strangely comforting. 

I know I’ve shared some of the challenges of living with MS on my blog before. It’s an unpredictable disease. But no matter what kind of day I’m having, Macy is there to offer unconditional support. 

On good days, when I feel well and have plenty of energy, I like to go for walks. As soon as I reach for my leg brace, Macy’s eyes perk up. By the time I’ve tied my shoes, she’s already sitting by the door wagging her tail.

On bad days, when I’m exhausted and achy and I just need to rest, Macy follows me up the stairs to my room. She stares at me until I scoop her up and plop her onto my bed. Then she snuggles down on a blanket, exhales a sweet contented sigh, and falls asleep at the foot of my bed.

Don’t get me wrong. She’s certainly not perfect. Some mornings she relentlessly barks at me until I get out of bed. (The nerve of her!) She’s a rambunctious puppy with way too much energy. And given the chance, you wouldn’t believe what she can do with a roll of toilet paper.

Even so, I’ve become quite accustomed to having her around. She’s a great addition to our family. Even if she is a creepy little stalker. 

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