Mika

I’m a quiet but funny and strong-willed, passionate person who has a strong desire to always learn and create, as I am artistic. I enjoy illustration, writing, reading, watching Youtube, anime, indie animation, taking care of animals, and a vast variety of music. I’m Indigenous and this is a huge part of who I am, so respect of BIPOC individuals, mixed people, and minority groups are a must! I hail from the L’nu/Mi’kmaq Nation, but am non-status due to displacement.

I follow rules, have a strong moral compass, and a deep well of empathy. I will keep to myself most of the time but socialize if I’m wanted! I’m very mindful of boundaries and cautious, almost, until I’m more comfortable with others. I have a mobility service dog in training named Tony, and am training my second dog to be a PSD being that Tony is Lyme positive from before I had him. This means too much mental or physical stress can cause flare-ups. Being that my panic attacks make him anxious over me, I don’t feel right assigning him tasks for might mental health, too.

I also have a cat/ESA named Kuowey, who takes up their job off-duty or when I need to de-stimulate from the dogs. All have their paperwork from a licensed medical provider explaining why they’re needed and that they function as a unit, and I have records indicating they are up-to-date on vaccines and medical work. Tony is quiet and doesn’t make noise and is a sweet boy even if he looks intimidating. Nikita is still learning rules and is training, but listens immediately to correction. She does not do any harmful behaviors. In the state of Minnesota, most places legally must accommodate service animals and ESAs with official paperwork/letters, even if there is more than one. In conclusion, 1 cat, 2 dogs.

I would be very happy if I could bring my terrarium animals with me, who have no capability of getting out, as I love them dearly and they are very sweet (not snakes or invertebrates or anything—I know some have a phobia). They won’t bother anyone, but I understand if this isn’t possible. I have a tank with a small colony of female leopard geckos and a blue tongue skink named Jolyne. Both species are terrestrial and not arboreal, meaning they cannot climb well and are incapable of getting out of their enclosure. I’ve had some of the geckos for 9 years, and have had Jolyne for 7, going on 8.

I’m an assistant manager at Hot Topic. I’m recovering from a long medical leave and am disabled and chronically ill, but perfectly capable of taking care of myself, my animals, and my space! I can walk and stand, I just wear a brace and use a cane. I have a car. I have a completed AFA in Creative Writing, and a mostly completed AFA in Fine Arts, primarily illustration. I am attempting to raise enough to go on to get my Master’s so that I can teach literature or writing to college students.

While due to my chronic pain I would have trouble sweeping or mopping, I can do laundry for everyone, do the dishes, vacuum, clean, and cook well.