Do they let (non-service) dogs onboard?

[Shogun]

Hi Roz,

 

Nice to hear from you again, puppy Shogun getting big these days,

 

having cruised with a service dog you are correct in saying you never

 

know they are on board, only wish we could say the same about teens.

 

yours Shogun

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm home from work and am writing from DH's computer.

As a handler of a Service Dog I belong to various organizations, one of them being the IAADP [independent Association of Assistance Dog Partners.] In all fairness they would like to see people with *ESA and *PSA Dogs, who perform tasks for their handlers, be allowed to have the same access as the Seeing Eye/Hearing and Task oriented Service Dogs.

The questions being asked about the *Emotional Support Animal and the *Psychiatric Support Animal are complicated. The main problem is folks who abuse access rights are not being sanctioned enough. Besides being refused boarding or access, there's not enough reason not to commit fraud. Such as money damages.

The DOT [Department of Transportation] is concerned about this. In order to deter people from misrepresenting their dog they would like to add steep penalties. Right now there are no consequences of committing fraud. Serious thought is being given to this.

The ADA states that a person may ask the handler to show what the dog does. If more did, this whole issue might be mute.

For anyone who wants to see what the law states go into the DOJ [Dept. of Justice] website or the ADA [American with Disabilities Act] website as it pertains to Service Dogs.

Brenda and I were once denied access to a restaurant in Northridge, CA. I kept warning the manager that I am protected by a Federal Law which states that he can not refuse me access. He kept insisting that he does not allow dogs in his restaurant, he kept saying, "there are health laws!" I kept saying, "I'm not going into your kitchen, I just want to eat here and this is a highly trained Service Dog!" He wouldn't listen and kept walking away. I asked the receptionist if I could use their phone, I dialed 911 and got the local police, I explained my situation and was told they would be there in about 20 minutes. When they came, one of them took Brenda's leash and walked her into the restaurant, himself, and approached the manager, stating that he would like him to show Brenda and I to a seat "personally!" It was a "magic moment!"

The next day I filed a complaint with the DOJ naming the restaurant and the manager.

When we went back to this same restaurant, two weeks later, we were told the manager had been fired.

The DOJ wrote me asking if I wanted to continue with my complaint against the restaurant, I said no. I think the firing of this man, was enough. Every time I go back we're treated like royalty. I should say Brenda is!

If a person presents a letter [on their Psychiatrists/Therapists letterhead] to the DOT [Department of Transportation] and, it's done within their 48 hour Advance Notification and Documentation requirement and the handler can show that the dog performs tasks for the handler,.....this could be enough to get them access.

I'll still be the one who questions the lady who's holding; little, cutesy, fluffy - "Fi Fi" and telling the Immigration Officer that this fluff-ball keeps her from going "postal!" I will ask her lots of questions and if "Fi Fi" doesn't also perform some task for her........I WON'T BE HAPPY!!!!!!

Sorry for the long post.....there's so much that can be said about this subject, it is so complicated.......Going through life with a Service Dog is NOT EASY....which is why a lot of folks who's dogs have passed away DO NOT get successor dogs. It can be a true test of your inner courage!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Roz [writing from Morey's computer]

[Cruisin' Chick]

wow, if I knew a restaurant in my area wasn't allowing service dogs, I would boycott it. But since it's been remedied, I don't need to know which one. A few days ago, I did see a couple of "lap size" dogs at the Northridge mall. I hope that's not going to cause a problem for service dogs being allowed access (BTW the pet store there has closed permanently, so no one can say they just purchased a pet at this location).

 

Reminds me of when I was kid and my mother would take our yorkie some places in her purse, including the public library in Reseda. But what people did in the 60s is much different from what's allowed nowadays, isn't it?

[Crown Prince]

A couple of years ago on the Sun Princess (Seattle to Sydney) we called in at Maui and I took a ship's tour. I had seen the beautiful blonde on board. Her mistress was partially sighted. I boarded the mini-bus (22 pax) and sat about in a seat toward the rear. The service dog and her mistress started to board and the big Hawaiian driver ordered her to go get on another bus. She went back down the steps and I sat there fuming, not knowing what to do or say. The Lady looked so sad that her friend was not welcomed aboard.

Shortly, they returned, saying the other coach was full. I got up and went to the front and motioned to The Dog to come back. She lay in the floor between her mistress and me and I asked to pet her. What a loving girl she was.

This was a truly boring, horrible driver. He was a driver-guide but mumbled so badly that it was useless trying to listen to him. Obviously, a person who hated his job and other people.

Upon returning to the port to disembark, I waited to disembark the coach last and, as I started down the stairs, I turned to the scowling driver and said, "You made a very bad error in denying the Lady & her Dog access to this coach and I am going to report you."

After embarking the ship, I went directly to the Shore Excursion Desk and asked them for a pencil & paper and wrote up the whole scenario, complete with bus driver's name and bus number. I also told the Shore Excursion Manager the whole story and they were appalled. They thanked me for my concern and, later, I noticed a $25 shore excursion credit on my folio. I totally did not ask for, nor expect any remuneration.

My reward had been meeting and spending time with a couple of wonderful new friends.

I'm sure this driver was either fired or "retrained." I had mentioned to the driver that we have ADA laws in the United States and that Hawaii is still part of the U.S.A.

 

;);):eek:;);)

[wizard-of-roz]

A couple of years ago on the Sun Princess (Seattle to Sydney) we called in at Maui and I took a ship's tour. I had seen the beautiful blonde on board. Her mistress was partially sighted. I boarded the mini-bus (22 pax) and sat about in a seat toward the rear. The service dog and her mistress started to board and the big Hawaiian driver ordered her to go get on another bus. She went back down the steps and I sat there fuming, not knowing what to do or say. The Lady looked so sad that her friend was not welcomed aboard.

Shortly, they returned, saying the other coach was full. I got up and went to the front and motioned to The Dog to come back. She lay in the floor between her mistress and me and I asked to pet her. What a loving girl she was.

This was a truly boring, horrible driver. He was a driver-guide but mumbled so badly that it was useless trying to listen to him. Obviously, a person who hated his job and other people.

Upon returning to the port to disembark, I waited to disembark the coach last and, as I started down the stairs, I turned to the scowling driver and said, "You made a very bad error in denying the Lady & her Dog access to this coach and I am going to report you."

After embarking the ship, I went directly to the Shore Excursion Desk and asked them for a pencil & paper and wrote up the whole scenario, complete with bus driver's name and bus number. I also told the Shore Excursion Manager the whole story and they were appalled. They thanked me for my concern and, later, I noticed a $25 shore excursion credit on my folio. I totally did not ask for, nor expect any remuneration.

My reward had been meeting and spending time with a couple of wonderful new friends.

I'm sure this driver was either fired or "retrained." I had mentioned to the driver that we have ADA laws in the United States and that Hawaii is still part of the U.S.A.

 

 

;);):eek:;);)

 

[i'm home today and writing from DH's computer]

 

Your are my HERO OF THE DAY!

 

What happend to this young lady and her dog partner was unforgiveable. It happens every day to people just like her and because of your response and helpfulness, you took a great deal of the "sting" out of it.

 

Most of the public are taken by such surprise when they're witness to these occurances that they just stand by and stare. I've also had some real HERO'S who have come to my rescue, in a myriad of circumstances.

 

Also, the majority of the public I walk into are amazingly supportive and helpful. Some, don't want me near them, for one reason or another. I've had comments made to me that would "shrink" the heartiest of souls.

 

Thank you for stepping-up-to-the-plate and helping. It's very heart warming to know there's people out there like you....who really care and, are not afraid to say so!

[wizard-of-roz]

wow' date=' if I knew a restaurant in my area wasn't allowing service dogs, I would boycott it. But since it's been remedied, I don't need to know which one. A few days ago, I did see a couple of "lap size" dogs at the Northridge mall. I hope that's not going to cause a problem for service dogs being allowed access (BTW the pet store there has closed permanently, so no one can say they just purchased a pet at this location). Yes, people who bring their "lap dogs" into the public arena can be a huge problem for the Service Dog. But, when Brenda and I go into malls, she's ALWAYS wearing her service vest and ALWAYS acts appropriately.

 

We, in the 8 years that I've had her, are looked at very closely but have NEVER been denied access to any mall. I was approached by an employee and asked to leave J.C. Penney [in the mall], when I was walking through to go to my car. But, once the store Manager was brought into the mix and I showed him the ADA Laws, which I keep in a zippered pouch in Brenda's vest [and, states that "monetary damages may be awarded to the Service Dog handler in a court of law"], he said that he was going to address this issue at a staff meeting and apologized profusely for his employee. I love to walk through there now and have NEVER been stopped since.

In Las Vegas, I was personally escorted by a security guard, in the front of us and one in the back of us, I think they were worried that Brenda would jump on a gaming table. [boy, the security people who watch on the cameras must have been so shocked when they saw us entering and didn't know what to do so, we got the royal treatment.] It was so embarassing. But, I had to stay strong and not act flustered. It's important for every other person who will walk after me with a Service Dog to be able to do so!

Even though "access" fights have been going on for a long time, it doesn't mean the public is aware of it. It's long hard fight!!!!!!

 

Reminds me of when I was kid and my mother would take our yorkie some places in her purse, including the public library in Reseda. But what people did in the 60s is much different from what's allowed nowadays, isn't it?

Fighting for "access" rights for the Service Dog have been going on since the 70's. Some very brave people took-up the fight on behalf of a few.....now there are thousands of us, in the United States, mostly due to wonderful organizations like Canine Companions for Independence who are now working with the Wounded Warriors program.

They're training and supplying dogs to wounded Veterans. Service Dogs are making a difference in allowing these men and women to integrate back into society and start living their lives again, just in a new way.

 

The power of a dog is truly an amazing thing!!!!!!

[skellis]

I live with a certified therapy dog who spends every Friday at an Assisted Care facility. He is the highlight of the week for many of the residents and staff, most especially a blind 102 year old woman.

 

Cosmo understands what his job is and can't wait to go (I swear he knows what day of the week it is.) He is not his owner's/handler's therapy dog so although he is theraputic for everyone he is around she doesn't ever try to get him into restaraunts or malls, but I resent those who push their non-certified, non-service dogs on the rest of us as they (the people, not the dog) into restaraunts, markets and otherfood handling facilities or places where there are no pets signs. It just makes it harderfor the legitimate service dogs to do their job without suspicion. I think there should be huge fines for those who abuse the "service dog" designation by claiming that their purse dogs are assistance dogs without having certification proof on their person.

[margeg]

We were on a Princess ship recently (I cant remember which one) where a lady carried around a little white dog.

 

Everyone seemed to be looking at her, but I did not want to ask how she was allowed on board, so I have no idea what the reason was.

 

Some people said she was the wife of one of the performers, but I dont know if this was true.

[wizard-of-roz]

I live with a certified therapy dog who spends every Friday at an Assisted Care facility. He is the highlight of the week for many of the residents and staff, most especially a blind 102 year old woman.

 

Cosmo understands what his job is and can't wait to go (I swear he knows what day of the week it is.) He is not his owner's/handler's therapy dog so although he is theraputic for everyone he is around she doesn't ever try to get him into restaraunts or malls, but I resent those who push their non-certified, non-service dogs on the rest of us as they (the people, not the dog) into restaraunts, markets and otherfood handling facilities or places where there are no pets signs. It just makes it harderfor the legitimate service dogs to do their job without suspicion. I think there should be huge fines for those who abuse the "service dog" designation by claiming that their purse dogs are assistance dogs without having certification proof on their person.

 

You are absolutely right.

 

Please don't misunderstand my thoughts of the Therapy or Emotional Support Dog. They're amazingly wonderful dogs and do have a place in our society. They can make a difference to an ailing child and a senior at home or in a hospital/facility setting.

 

The purpose that they serve is so needed. And, I'm proud to know many "Facility Dogs!"

[Crown Prince]

Thank you, Roz and Brenda. Brenda was my Sister's name. I hope we meet aboard some day.

We have a standard poodle named Newport (my daughter named him this because we bought him in Newport, California - the beach). As you know, poodles are also very smart. He is a wonderful watchdog. We have to keep all cookies & other pastries, chocolate, etc. in the microwave oven up above the gas stove so that he doesn't have a desert feast.

One day, my daughter had used the microwave and forgot and left goodies at the back of the stove. Newport did something very dangerous. He did reach the goodies at the back of the stove; however, in doing so, he also turned on one of the burners. It was still burning when my daughter returned from work after 5:30. It must have burned all day so it is a good thing there were no dishtowels or napkins near.

Well, he isn't that smart. Didn't know how to turn it off.

 

:eek::eek::confused::eek::eek:

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you, Roz and Brenda. Brenda was my Sister's name. I hope we meet aboard some day.

We have a standard poodle named Newport (my daughter named him this because we bought him in Newport, California - the beach). As you know, poodles are also very smart. He is a wonderful watchdog. We have to keep all cookies & other pastries, chocolate, etc. in the microwave oven up above the gas stove so that he doesn't have a desert feast.

One day, my daughter had used the microwave and forgot and left goodies at the back of the stove. Newport did something very dangerous. He did reach the goodies at the back of the stove; however, in doing so, he also turned on one of the burners. It was still burning when my daughter returned from work after 5:30. It must have burned all day so it is a good thing there were no dishtowels or napkins near.

Well, he isn't that smart. Didn't know how to turn it off.

 

 

:eek::eek::confused::eek::eek:

 

OMG! How scary! This could have turned out horribly. You all got so lucky, especially Newport and, the gas company!

 

It's so funny but when people ask what's my dogs name and they have a relative or friend named the same, it's so much fun to see their eyes light-up!

 

I rarely call her "Brenda", I call her "Mooshie".....I have no idea where it came from or why. We dog people are so weird.

 

Organizations are now going for the "cross" between a Poodle and a Lab; the Labradoodle....such a cute dog. And, the best part is it has the poodle silky, curly non-allergenic hair. And, they don't shed. It's a "dog come true!"

 

I swear, I wear more of Brenda's hair than she does! And, she's a double-coated Lab, she looks more like a Lamb, at times!

[Cruisin' Chick]

A couple of years ago on the Sun Princess (Seattle to Sydney) we called in at Maui and I took a ship's tour. I had seen the beautiful blonde on board. Her mistress was partially sighted. I boarded the mini-bus (22 pax) and sat about in a seat toward the rear. The service dog and her mistress started to board and the big Hawaiian driver ordered her to go get on another bus. She went back down the steps and I sat there fuming, not knowing what to do or say. The Lady looked so sad that her friend was not welcomed aboard.

Shortly, they returned, saying the other coach was full. I got up and went to the front and motioned to The Dog to come back. She lay in the floor between her mistress and me and I asked to pet her. What a loving girl she was.

This was a truly boring, horrible driver. He was a driver-guide but mumbled so badly that it was useless trying to listen to him. Obviously, a person who hated his job and other people.

Upon returning to the port to disembark, I waited to disembark the coach last and, as I started down the stairs, I turned to the scowling driver and said, "You made a very bad error in denying the Lady & her Dog access to this coach and I am going to report you."

After embarking the ship, I went directly to the Shore Excursion Desk and asked them for a pencil & paper and wrote up the whole scenario, complete with bus driver's name and bus number. I also told the Shore Excursion Manager the whole story and they were appalled. They thanked me for my concern and, later, I noticed a $25 shore excursion credit on my folio. I totally did not ask for, nor expect any remuneration.

My reward had been meeting and spending time with a couple of wonderful new friends.

I'm sure this driver was either fired or "retrained." I had mentioned to the driver that we have ADA laws in the United States and that Hawaii is still part of the U.S.A.

 

;)

 

Another hurray for you. People need to speak up more when they feel someone is getting their rights.

 

At the last place I worked, customers brought in their dogs every once in a while, but it was a business that catered to people working in the film industry. Don't think we ever had any problems with any of the dogs. I still remember the one that Renee Z. brought in (a beautiful afgan, I think). Our owners had Jack Russell Terriers that weren't allowed on the sales floor -- they would stay in one of the offices or the computer repair area. One day, the dogs actually played a practical joke on me. They would love people to throw tennis balls to them. That day, they were facing some computer equipment in the hallway (waiting for the owners to come by the store). There was a space under one piece of equipment so I figured a ball rolled under it that the dogs couldn't reach. I looked and couldn't see any, even stuck my arm in there. The dogs ran off at that point. I think they were laughing at me.:rolleyes::o

[Crown Prince]

Do you have a photo of the Labradoodle?

 

I would love to see it.

 

This is such a wonderful, friendly thread. I love all you Doggie folks.

 

Why isn't there a Doggie Icon here?

 

:D:D;):D:D

[madelinerose]

Hi,The picture on this page is "Brenda". She's a Service Dog.

 

If you see us......I always allow for "pats", Brenda loves them. And, we always go find an empty lounge and throw the ball, don't hesitate to join in if you'd like. "Downtime" for a Service Dog is pure reward for a job well done!

 

Roz, I would be honored to play with Brenda. What a fabulous girl she is! ;)

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz, I would be honored to play with Brenda. What a fabulous girl she is! ;)

 

She loves people and I, too, hope we meet one day.

With all her cruising we're certainly giving everyone enough opportunity. :)

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi Roz,

 

Nice to hear from you again, puppy Shogun getting big these days,

 

having cruised with a service dog you are correct in saying you never

 

know they are on board, only wish we could say the same about teens.

 

yours Shogun

 

I'm so glad the pup is doing well and it sounds like you are too! Nothing like a puppy to bring out the laughter and the smiles.

Let's reiterate and say "some teens!"

We we're at a restaurant where the folks at the next table were not only very loud but had made a horrible mess on the floor. When I brought Brenda out from under our table [she hadn't made a sound our a mess], the entire area where we were seated applauded [except the messy folks.] It was very sweet.

We don't get that response, usually. Someone made the comment, "some animals are more well trained, than some people!" The noisey, messy people looked a bit embarrassed!

[wizard-of-roz]

Do you have a photo of the Labradoodle?

 

I would love to see it.

 

This is such a wonderful, friendly thread. I love all you Doggie folks.

 

Why isn't there a Doggie Icon here?

 

 

:D:D;):D:D

 

I don't have a picture....but, if you go into the internet and type "Labradoodle", I believe you can see one. They come in all the different colors just like Labs do. And, some of them can be very, very big, especially if you mix a Standard Poodle with a tall American Lab.

I just love them!

[Shogun]

Hi Roz,

 

Life is good just now, left my job, its great to tell your boss were to stick his job, now working my self.

 

Got more time with pup.

 

Also going on board Crown next month for dinner.

 

yours Shogun

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi Roz,

 

Life is good just now, left my job, its great to tell your boss were to stick his job, now working my self.

 

Got more time with pup.

 

Also going on board Crown next month for dinner.

 

yours Shogun

 

 

Good for you. I'm not quite ready to tell my boss that, yet! But, have had many a day when I felt like it!

Brenda takes the "edge" off of many a day that I feel that way! They should be thrilled that she's with me! ;)

[laemerald]

THe last cruise we were on there was two guide for the blind dogs very well behaved and on the cruise before that we had a magician who has a beautiful dog a coton de tulear in part of his show and then he would walk around with him so neat.This breed looks like a bishon frese

[wizard-of-roz]

THe last cruise we were on there was two guide for the blind dogs very well behaved and on the cruise before that we had a magician who has a beautiful dog a coton de tulear in part of his show and then he would walk around with him so neat.This breed looks like a bishon frese

 

 

While onboard the Sapphire Princess, last year, we were in the showroom and Brenda immediately stood-up, which is a huge "alert", I looked at what she was staring at and it was two Yellow Labs, standing in the entrance. They were seeing-eye dogs, each with a handler. One of the staff was with them to guide the dogs & handlers to a front-row seat. I was shocked, since I hadn't seen them board the ship. This was the first night and from that night on [on a seven night cruise] we never saw them again. How amazing is that?

I looked for them, daily but never saw them again. When I inquired at the Purser's Desk as to where did the other dogs go? He replied that they stay on an upper deck, near their cabin and don't explore the ship much. They even had their meals brought to their cabin. Brenda would have loved to say "hello", as would I. But, I didn't want to intrude and only hoped that I would see them again at a show........Never did!

[want2cruiseagain]

On our T/A on Crown this past May, there was a large cardboard box with sawdust in it on the promenade deck. We wondered what it was for. Then on our morning walk, we saw a lady with a very small dog in the box. We were astonished that you could bring a dog on board.

[Crown Prince]

I don't have a picture....but, if you go into the internet and type "Labradoodle", I believe you can see one. They come in all the different colors just like Labs do. And, some of them can be very, very big, especially if you mix a Standard Poodle with a tall American Lab. I just love them!

Thanks, Roz. They are really cute:

 

http://labradoodle-dogs.net/

 

Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and coat types. Labradoodles are sociable, friendly, non aggressive, and extremely intuitive. Their intelligence and high trainability make them well suited for guide dogs, therapy dogs, and other assistance dogs. Their non allergic coats make them popular among people who have not been able to enjoy pets because of their allergies. Labradoodles were originally a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle, now they are a breed of their own! Labradoodle-Dogs.Net is currently the largest Labradoodle breeder directory on the Internet that is dedicated only to the Labradoodle breed! We’re committed to helping labradoodle breeders and labradoodle owners connect in a safe and secure environment. Want to learn more about finding a quality Labradoodle breeder?

Download our free Ebook Finding A Breeder! First bred in the 1970’s by Wally Conron , the Labradoodle is a very lovable dog, known for their exceptional intelligence and trainability, low to non-shedding coat, low allergy coat, and lack of doggie odor. One of the finest family pet around!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.stargazerlabradoodles.com/?gclid=CPXp5_mdiqMCFRv4iAodRiZNZA StargazerLabradoodles@gmail.com

 

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in 1989. Labradoodles coats normally fall into one of 3 types: Fleece is very soft with a wavy appearance; Wool is generally a tighter curl and Hair which is more like a labs coat. Their colors are beautiful, apricot, chocolate, parchment, cream, gold, red, black, and a few others are typical. Check out the pictures of our dogs to see what their coats and colors can be like.

Stargazer Labradoodles. Home-raised on the beautiful California Central Coast. Miniature & Medium Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles. Labradoodles come in three sizes - Standard (21"-24"), Middle (17"-20") and Mini (12"-16"). The Labradoodle is not a yappy dog, even the miniatures. They are generally calm, caring, playful, wonderful family pets. They are affectionate and very smart. They learn quickly and enjoy pleasing their family members. A full-grown miniature Labradoodle weighs between 15 and 23 pounds and they should stand between 12 and 16 inches tall. We also have some Labradoodle puppies that grow into small and medium sized dogs. A medium Labradoodle will grow to approximately 17 to 20 inches and up to about 30 lbs. They are fantastic companions and friends. Mary Pool, P.O. Box 717, Creston, CA 93432 BARGAIN PRICE: Due to the fact that I am moving across the country, I have reduced the price for these puppies from $2500 to $1500. You are welcome to come and pick your puppy up. If he or she is flying home, I will split the cost of the traveling expenses with you. It will be $300 each, which includes the health certificate, the crate and its supplies, and the cost of the ticket.

All of our puppies are $2500, regardless of color or parentage. There are no additional costs, hidden charges or hidden fees. This price INCLUDES delivery within the United States and Canada. Puppies can start going home at eight weeks of age. There is a $500 non-refundable fee to reserve a puppy.

[Crown Prince]

While onboard the Sapphire Princess, last year, we were in the showroom and Brenda immediately stood-up, which is a huge "alert", I looked at what she was staring at and it was two Yellow Labs, standing in the entrance. They were seeing-eye dogs, each with a handler. One of the staff was with them to guide the dogs & handlers to a front-row seat. I was shocked, since I hadn't seen them board the ship. This was the first night and from that night on [on a seven night cruise] we never saw them again. How amazing is that?

I looked for them, daily but never saw them again. When I inquired at the Purser's Desk as to where did the other dogs go? He replied that they stay on an upper deck, near their cabin and don't explore the ship much. They even had their meals brought to their cabin. Brenda would have loved to say "hello", as would I. But, I didn't want to intrude and only hoped that I would see them again at a show... Never did!

 

Sounds like Rich People (Blind) in a Sweet.

Yes, it would have been suite for you and Brenda.

;);):D;);)

[wizard-of-roz]

Wow! Everything we ever wanted to know about the "Doodle!"

I want Brenda to live a very long and healthy life. I hope she's able to work until she's very old.....[she's 10 now.] [service Dogs used to retire between the ages of 5 and 10 years.] Now, they can work until they're "refusals" are more than their "alerts" or, until their health diminishes.

It's always best to allow a dog to go into "retirement" feeling fairly well, so they can enjoy their ebbing years.

When my Brenny is "done".......I'm hoping CCI will bring on some Labradoodle's. I'd love to try one of them for a successor dog. ;)