Andar

Wow, been a long time since I have visited these boards. I just booked 15 day Panama Cruise Sept 26 leaving San Francisco. This will be the first cruise since my brain injury that we will be leaving Bailey home. I have continued to recover and think we are ready to try it. For the last six months , Bailey and I have been trying to do more without each other. An adjustment for both of us!

Just thought I would pop in, fun to see many of the same people.

Absolutely lovely......It's so inviting. I want to come over and just sit and watch the KOI.

 

I love the artificial stuff......and, so does Brenny. It always looks nice; cleans-up so easily and nevers smells.

 

I found some at Kahootz Pet Shop in our area.

Thanks Rox, I get so much enjoyment from sitting out there watching the Koi. I can't do yard work so it fits me perfectly. This the the place that did the back yard, but Lowes and Home Depot have the big rolls (various quality at each store). That would be a lot cheaper.

Andar, don't forget to post the updates to the Princess SD forms when you get them! :)

 

Have you used the fake grass yet? Or are saying you will do that next time? If you used it before, how did it work out for ya?

I have artificial turf in my back "yard" (more like a patio area. Bailey rally likes it. There are many little holes in the backing that allows the liquid to go through and the solids are easily picked up. It is a polysynthetic faber so there is no orders. We have had it in our back for almost two years now. We saved some scraps and have even gone back to the suppplier to get smore craps to take on trips.

Yes, we have used it cruisingn with Princess. I pack an 'unused' grass square flat on the bottom of my suitcase. Princes sets up the box but they use shredded bark. Bailey doesn't like it and it can be messy and hard to pick up. I just take my little square of artificial turf and drop it over the bark (She was the only SD onboard). The box looks nice and green always neat, no cigarette butts. I left it there after the last cruise, but I know people who take a black garbage bags to re-pack it. Okay, this gets a little weird, but I think it depends on your dogs solids. If the stool it well formed easy pick up with nothing left behind and small - maybe, but............

Anyway, this is NOT the old astroturf stuff. This looks and feels like real grass. I have seen other passengers walk by bend over and feel it:eek:

Here are some pics we took of the grass two years ago. The grass looks the same, the rest of the landscaping around the Koi pond and fence and really grown. http://picasaweb.google.com/darciegore/NewGrass##

I love the C.E.T. dental chewies. Both Bailey and my previous SD, Abby, loved them. We give one per day and neither one ever had dental cleaning. The vet(s) have always complimented their teeth. We get the large, cut them in half so they work out to about 15 cents per chewy.

BTW, I just found out that Princess is changing the SD forms. Allison said they are minor changes that she is working on and they will be ready soon.

I plan on taking a 3x3 square of new artifical turf (I pack it first in my suitcase) then I put that on top of their bark in the relief box. So neat and clean and always looks nice.

Hope everyone's week is going well.

Sunshine you make me tired just reading about your days. Yes I can see where it seemed you had toddleer around! Rhank you so much for all the hours you put in to those pups.

I love CC just 'met' someone that also has limited mobility and is in wheelchair that will be going on the same cruise. She has done the Panama Canal a number of times and is a great resource for my port accessibility questions. There is nothing like this group!

P.S. check out Bailiey's picture on her card we had made up. It says her name, age, that she is a whippet and that she is a medical alert dog. She also particpates in the READ program at library. I did this on the suggestion of someone (sorry, I don't remember who) before our last cruise. It helps so much when I was trying to get somewhere and people wanted to keep stopping me and ask questions about her. I try to be gracious but there are just times when I am in a hurry or have a limited about of energy and can't take a lot of time to talk.

Of course this was just for other passsengers information, all the required documentation has to be on file with the cruise line and the ship's purser.

Hope everyone had a grea day.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome back. You are right the anticipation is as much fun as the cruise! I have always wanted to do Panama but didn't think we would. Hubby hates to fly and it just seemed like too much for me before. But I am determined to make it!

Sunshine, I noticed the funniest thing with my Bailey. She can work all day and be ready for more with me.

But we also do pet partner thereapy work. We go to the hospital to visit and library for kids to read to her and she is pooped after about hour. The other dogs seem to be too (hence the hour time limit for the dogs). I have often thought it is because she is working with strangers? Maybe their "energy" or needs are more draining for her.

Anyone else have ideas about this or have experienced it?

Hey everyone,

Good to see old friends still on the Board. We just booked SF Panama from SF to FL in Oct. so thought we would check back in:). I amdoing well but now have to used a scooter for any distance.

Hope to catch up with everyone.

Thanks everyone for your support. I felt better just venting and knowing that you all would understand. Plus three days of resting :p

It feels so petty when I know I am lucky that Abby saved my life. I am really grateful to be alive,to be able to travel and so lucky to have a second SD, Bailey that is so dedicated, I know she will do anything for me.

I cannot imagine me trying to travel without her - even with all the challenges. I will continue to try to educate the public and keep a smile on my face but next time I am going to talk to the cruise director about a question/answer off-leash play/petting timewhen other passengers can ask questions. Hopefully an hour will answer most of them. That worked really well on my last cruise (but there was 25 SD on board).

You guys are all great and I appreciate having a place to go for the cruising issues. I would love to do Panama but need a west cost departure and return.

Still holding out hope we can all meet on of these days.

Darcie

I keep thinking of the hundreds of brave veterans with brain injuries being paired with sds. One of the difficulty with brain injuries is coping with frustration and interaction with people. It would be nice to hae some 'catch phases" to use in those tough situations with the dogs.

I guess I need to get more assertive but I had any type of confrontation. I try to keep a smile on my face and 'put up with it - on the outside"

I did ask them to move her relief box when the storm made it impossible to go out on that deck (they actually locked the doors so we had no access to it).

It wasn't just the server that barked at her, it happened twice in ports and numerous times on the ship - what is with that??

I did hear the head waiter tell the server not to do that, but he did it again other nights.

Bailey does have a red vest and it says medical alert dog working, please do not distract. One guy said he thought it said 'medical alert dog - needs work!"

When we cruised before there was a separate group from GDB. They had Delta flyers distributed to all the rooms about service dogs. I don't know how expensive it would be, but I might look into it for the next cruise. It would be so worth it. Also, may suggest an information hour where other passengers can get their questions answered all at once.

I really don't mind educating the public but this was just so over the top most of the time it really cut into our vacation time.

I have had public access training and I know people are just curious and want their puppy fixes, etc. But we just got back from our second cruise with Bailey and I could not believe how rude and disruptive people were.

Our previous cruise had the 'normal' number of sd inquires but this one was unbelieveable. We were both so tired by the end of the day and I really had a hard time keeping positive with the public (and crew).

Please help me with feedback, I don't know what I could have done differently without being rude back - and I felt I was with the one guy that kept asking me yeah, but what is wrong with you??

Here is my venting but believe me it was constant.

We're back from our 10-day Alaska cruise. We really did have a great time. There was one day at sea that was challenging for many people due to the winds and high seas. There were several broken bones as a result of falls, one helicopter evacuation, and many seasick passengers.

I am proud to say, Bailey did just fine. She was VERY tired of people by the last day. I kept her on my lap covered with a light blanket so she could get a break.

I had to wipe lipstick off her head at night, from women kissing her. I know people think they are being friendly and are curious, but it is so frustrating to answer the same questions - hundreds of times of day. Bailey gets over stimulated when constantly being petted called to, and get this, barked at. Honestly, one server would always bark at her when he saw her - even from the other side of the room. There were very few children on the ship but they all knew how to behave - it was the ADULTS that were a pain.

While people are told to ask before petty a service dog, many don't and it is hard to say no to nice people just wanting to a 'dog fix' because they miss their own pets- especially if we are just sitting down relaxing.

However, none of us understood the big attraction of a dog going to the bathroom. Bailey had a relief box on the promenade deck - the outdoor deck that circles the ship . While in her little corner using the potty box, she would draw a crowd. She would then stop what she was suppose to be doing and stare back at the people. We would have to ask them to move along as it made her nervous to have a crowd. Seriously, it got where I would park the scooter to block the 'view' and Jim, Jeff and I would stand with our backs to Bailey, face out, like a police line protecting her. This would be too funny if it wasn't so disruptive to taking care of business - especially with rough seas!

Can you imagine asking a stranger, “What is wrong with you?” Me neither, but when going from the cabin to the dinning room it happened numerous times. I explained Bailey is a medical alert dog, and helps me with my disability. That is good enough 80% of the time. If someone kept asking personal questions, I would finally say, “Gosh, I don’t feel comfortable discussing my personal medical issues with strangers.” It is a good thing I have improved my impulse control and ability filter my words a little or I would have exploded dozens of times a day and killed several idiots. Especially when people would barge right into our personal conversations and disrupt our family's vacation time. Thank you Jim, Laura, Jeff, Patti, John, and everyone else who didn't sign on for this.

There were several times that people distracting Bailey was dangerous for both of us. Exiting a crowded elevator, backwards on a scooter, with a service dog, takes concentration- especially for a stroke survivor. Once, I gave her the command ‘back’ and she was going out of the elevator while I was backing the scooter. Most people we great and cleared a space, but one woman stopped Bailey - she literally blocked our path. I almost ran over Bailey, then the doors closed - squeezing my hand against the scooter before they re-opened. The scooter does not stop on a dime and I need time to react. I said “oh, please don’t distract her while she is working” and the lady said, but she is so cute! The other passengers waiting to get in the elevator appeared frustrated too –they had to wait while we could get clear for them to enter and be on their way. I was nearly in tears by the time I made it through the crowds and was safe.

While I feel so grateful to have Bailey, and be able to travel because I have her, feel I must vent about this 'other aspect' of having a service dog. I fantasize about a day when people think nothing of a service dog and go about their own business.

It really isn't the individual questions or actions of well meaning people that cause additional stress and hardship, but rather the cumulative effect many - whether we are just trying to grocery shop or vacation.

=====

Help, please, I am trying to regain my social skills after a brain injury and family are supportive and just said you did fine. I need to hear from other sd owners how they handle these kind of situations.

Once, a person asked Jim if they could take a picture while he was hurrying to the relief box. When he said not now, the person ran after him with a camera, and continued to snap pictures. :eek:

How exciting. Graduation is such an important day, enjoy!

Oh, all the talk of cuising is making me really restless.

We leave Sept 1 for Alaska.

I am still in need of scooter tips with a SD.

I have ordered my scooter a three wheel that breaks down to 3 or 4 pieces and fits in the trunk.

But I have never had to use a scooter before on a cruise.

I did rent one in Las Vegas and Bailey did great with it, but I know there will be some challenges with me!

Help! can I drive it up the ramps for boarding? Will it fit in through the cabin door? it is 22" wide.

I didn't reserve a HC room because when we booked I was still able to walk around okay.

I guess I should call my TA and let her know as they provide the bus to the terminal. (thinking out loud - going to do that now).

If Alaska wasn't so close, I would be really tempted at Mexico. Maybe in the spring.

Thanks Cindy, it was a busy spring and early summer, but now I am ready to start planning for our alaska cruise!

Nancy, I agree I get one or two words in the crossword then want to throw it across the room. Good for your mom!

Hi everyone,

It's nice to see familiar faces still here in the thread (ok, and even you humans too :)

Bailey and I are getting excited about our next cruise ( to Alaska) on Sept.1. I had cruising with a service dog down pretty well- but found out recently I will be needing to add a mobility scooter to the mix.

We have one on order and it should be here oin time for the cruise. It is a pride gogo that breaks down so can fit in trunks of cars.

I know it will help me get around the ship so much. But I don't know what to expect in ports. Also disembraking, I can walk but steps or distances are are problem.

Any suggestions or tips? The thread above this was on scooters but in old country and without a SD.

Bailey has been known to ride with me on scooter. We rented on on last vacation (In Las Vegas when it was 116 degrees and I wouldn't let her walk onhot pavement or cement). She is amazing with the scooter, so I am not worried about hwr. More worried about me being able to cordinate everything and the ports. Or should I just plan to stay onboard?

Originally Posted by 1 Huskerfan

I love the pool. Thanks for the pictures. We used to have a puppy pool for our basset hounds. It gets really hot in Sacramento in the summer. I think Keldon might like one to cool off after running around.

I posted a question a few days ago whether most of you use travel agents for your cruise travel? If so, do they specialize in service dog travel or travel for those with disabilities? Especially Roz...this will be our third cruise with Princess, but first with Keldon. How is Princess to deal with when you are acting without a travel agent?

Kim, I live in Elk Grove and have booked my own and used TA. All Princess. email me if you would like the info.:)

Here is a draft I wrote for our community website on SWA allowing pets.

What do you guys think about it?

When traveling with my service dog, Bailey, I often hear "Gee, I wish I could take my pet along." I understand how hard it is to leave the family dog or cat. Now, there is good news for small pet owners from Southwest Airlines. Starting June 17th, small dogs and cats (that can be stowed under the passengers seat) will be able to fly in the cabin.

Sorry. Pets do not earn rapid rewards and unaccompanied minors will not be able to bring their pets. The cost is $75.00 each way. No more than two (of same species) will be allowed per pet carrier and each passenger is allowed only one carrier.

Now for the rules:

Having a pet does not entitle the passenger to pre-board. Don’t plan on taking a carry on as the pet carrier replaces it. Pets must remain in the carrier at all times – no letting their head or tails pop out during the flight. Cats and dogs must be at least eight (8) weeks old for travel.

The animals must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during flight. SWA’s policy states” We maintain the right to refuse acceptance of a cat or dog exhibiting aggressive behavior or any other characteristics that appear incompatible with air travel.” What happens if there is a disturbance in air? Would they make an emergency landing for a barking dog?

Southwest Airlines will not be responsible if a customer misses a flight due to the need to take the cat or dog to an outside relief area. If the pet becomes ill during the flight, oxygen or other first aid procedures will not be administered. In the event of an emergency, an oxygen mask may not be available for the cat or dog. Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the health or wellbeing of pets. Finally, Southwest Airlines will not accept pet remains in the cabin of the aircraft.

Since $75.00 is often much cheaper than a kennel or other vacation pet arrangements, I have to wonder how many irresponsible owners will think they can just put their dog in a carrier - with no more fore thought than given to a piece of luggage.

I certainly don’t want to sound elitist “I can take my dog but you can’t take your pet.” However, there is a very big difference between pets and service dogs - in training, health and grooming of the animal.

Will people bring small dogs and cats not appropriate for travel such as, animals prone to motion sickness, yapping dogs, cats that cry and claw at the carrier the entire flight? How will they plan for the discomfort to the animal’s ears on take off and landing? What about grooming standards that service dogs must meet for the safety of other passengers and animals (dander, fleas, ticks)?

According to the FAQ section of the SWA web site, s” Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the Customer’s veterinarian for pets to travel.”

But according to their Pet Policy “Southwest Airlines accepts small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs.” How do they know they are vaccinated and with what vaccines?

Traveling with a dog presents its own set of challenges. Bailey has gone through hundreds of hours of training and I have completed several public access courses. This ensures that the dog is well behaved and not a threat to other travelers. Additionally, the dog needs protection from high-risk situations common with air travel. Other passengers should not be impacted by the presence of the dog. The owner must know the signs of stress the and relief schedule of their animals.

Again, I think this is wonderful news from SWA and I am not concerned about people that have animals for “show” or “competing” as they generally have the same standards for behavior, health and grooming as service dogs.

No, I am concerned about Aunt Betty’s dog, Fifi and for her fellow passengers. Betty can’t stand to leave little Fifi even though Fifi is a terror, yaps constantly, bites ankles, and small children.

It has taken years of education and the proven track record of service animals working well to gain the current level of acceptance. I just hope I don’t have to sit by a yapping dog for the whole flight.

Y'know, there are people in the world who are afraid of dogs. When I was a child, playing in my own yard, not near any dogs -- someone's dog, running loose, raced into the yard, bit me hard and painfully -- and kept running. I was about 5. I was deathly afraid of dogs for years afterwards, and even now at 62 am wary of any dog I see until I get to know it. It could be that the woman in the elevator, not expecting to see a dog in an elevator, and not fully comprehending that it was a service dog (and so obviously well behaved and trained), reacted out of an almost-instinctive fear. And then was embarrassed at her own overreaction (I've been there, done that!) and didn't know how to gracefully get out of it.

 

Perhaps by the end of the evening, watching you and your dog interact, she was feeling better, if not even a bit more ashamed of her reaction.

Thanks for the reminder. I never take offense, if they don't want Bailey in their personal space. I justt think they are probably afraid or allergic. Also, I was much more aware of getting into elevators that were nearly empty for formal night - Bailey has white hair and since so many clothes are black I think they had a fear they would end up with dog hair on them.

Welcome back Roz! Sounds like they got the relief boxes right. I am looking forward to my Princess cruise in Sept. and it will be so nice not to have to worry about that part of it!

Sounds tempting for the cruise in Jan. I think we will just wait a bit and see how the flu thing goes.

Cindy and John, I am so excited for you!

It will seem like we are all waiting around for a baby to be born - you will have to tell us the minute you get one (and I am sure you will).

Wow, this is so exciting!

Darcie

Where's everyone? On cruises I hope! Or is that wishful thinking?

 

Nancy

Wishful thinking..... Sept to Alaska is our next!

Thanks to all of your encouragement about filing the access complaint. Here is the results:

Some may remember me writing about the incident that happened at Crystal Cove State Park where a ranger denied my right to walk on the beach with my service dog, Bailey.

I did file a formal complaint against the ranger and asked for two things, 1) that the park be provided ADA training, specially related to service dogs and 2) A formal complaint be put in the personnel file of "Ranger Rick".

Yesterday, I received a call from the "Human Rights Office, Department of Parks and Recreation. " The representative was very pleasant and wanted to let me know the results their investigation.

First, ADA training was provided to all the rangers in that district and the south district. They even shared the access information I provided to other parks in the state.

Second, Ranger Rick was "counselled." She stated they have a progressive discipline policy and they could not skip the verbal counselling step. Having worked in personnel, I understand that policy.

The Human Rights Officer asked me if I was satisfied. Yes.

I was so flabbergasted that California State Park employees had not had any ADA training, related to service dogs, that I felt I had to file the formal complaint in order to initiate change.

Case Closed.

Have a great time Roz!

Darcie and Bailey

Sunshine, I am sure you are a great ambassador for the service dogs.

Another thought I had was it is so nice that puppy raisers can help educate the public and businesses. When we raised GDB puppies, we loved to educate and share.

Now that I am disabled, I have little energy to get my daily tasks done, let alone stand and chat with some well meaning person.

Thank you for now only the time and love you give to the puppies but also for help paving the way for access for our service dogs. :)

P.S. We did get home from the beach and I did file an access complaint with the State Parks system. I requested 1) ADA training for staff and 2) a formal complaint be put in the obnoxious person that denied my right.

First time I have ever done anything like that but I just couldn't believe the ignorance of the law.