Take your pet cruising on Carnival with you !!

[wizard-of-roz]

I would love to meet Wizard of Roz's dog. Black labs are absolutely wonderful.

I would never criticize anyone having a dog anywhere- even in an eating facility. I have seen people lick spoons at a salad bar and put it back in the dish! I would speak up if I saw anyone be mean to a dog (cat or any animal)!!! Giving a person dirty looks or complaining is ridiculous - you don't know the story behind it.

I admire and respect anyone who trains a service dog as they become attached and give it up which is extremely hard to do after you have loved and cared for it.

If someone has a dog with them on a cruise, there is a reason for it!!

It certainly shouldn't spoil anyone's vacation. If it did, then chances are everything else spoils it too!

 

I NEVER wanted a black dog until I met Brenda. Now, I can't imagine not having one in my life. First, nothing is as beautiful as the shine of the Black Lab's fur when their out in the sun their just so darn gorgeous!!!!

I hope you get to meet Brenda on a cruise, Lord knows we've given the world enough chances with all the cruising she's done.

[wizard-of-roz]

I sincerely question the dogs training and whether it was "on" or "off" leash in no way makes this a right circumstance. A properly trained Service Dog will NEVER lunge at anyone causing such bodily harm.

 

There are a lot of "why's" in this instance. And, if in fact, this dog did lunge at this child [with or without provacation], the dog is a danger, not only to other's but to the child it, supposedly, works for.

 

This is a very sad story. The handler's [adults] of the dog are 100% responsible for the behavior of the dog when it's out and about and even when the dog is on their property or in their home. They need to pay all medical costs and future medical care.

 

I can't comment on what should happen to the dog. It's very, very sad. But, if this dog is capable of doing this AT ALL, it's not safe.

 

 

I also need to say that I've had toddlers walk over to Brenda and stick their strange/smelly/nose running faces right into hers and she just runs her nose up & down their face and would NEVER take a bite or even nip them. Of course, I'm standing right there to observe every moment. Sometimes, they'll pull her ears and tug at her fur or tail and she just looks at them with her big, brown eyes as if to say, "knock it off!!!!"

[alexieb]

What's your point? You don't know what kind of service dog it was to know if it mattered who carried it.

 

This board is full of people that are too worried about what others do. What they wear, do they smoke, are they overweight, do they drink, now people worrying about service dogs. Really? I highly doubt all they did was provide a doctors note. I'm sure the cruise companies require more documentation to verify. But maybe instead we should make them wear a sign that specifically states what service they provide and show proof that they are a valid service animal. :rolleyes:

 

Agreed. Or how about we make the disabled/ill person wear the sign like a scarlet letter so that they don't inconvenience the rest of the cruise passengers. Their life is already difficult so why not just make it a little more difficult so they don't bother all the other cruisers....;)

[alexieb]

i think the issue here is tolerance.........some have most seem not to. I tolerate children running around with out their parents even on the same deck let alone with in eye shot. I tolerate people allowing their kids in the pools with "swim diapers" even though it is not allowed. I tolerate the chair hogs, the line breakers. With all that said i would glady welcome a service animal of any size, they most likely have better manors.

 

My daughter is 23yrs old and has several physical and mental disabilites, i can not tell you how many people have been rude to her. I can tell the joy we have had from fellow passengers that have shown her extra kindness and a glancing smile. The guests that have taken the time to tell their own children that it was ok to say hello to jen.

 

Tolerance.......learn it, live it and share it with others.

 

love

[alexieb]

Yeah and lets put all the people over 55 on one ship, and don't forget about people with kids. They should have one ship too. And while we are at it lets throw in one just for people who smoke. :rolleyes:

 

Its not like people are traveling with their pets, these are service animals. God forbid you ever need one with that attitude.

 

You took the words right out of my mouth. Discrimination.

[wizard-of-roz]

I would be afraid to take my Labs on board, they would see all the water and over the side they go!

 

You know, the first time we took Brenda onboard the Celebrity Summit, I was very scared of what she'd do.

We take her to the beach all the time, keep her on a very long lead and let her swim in the pacific ocean........she loves it.

So, I thought the second she would smell the salt air, she'd be jumping overboard. Well, once we were onboard, I took her to an outside deck; she "gingerly" walked over to the side, looked over at the ocean below and wafted her nose in the air. She absolutely loved it. The rest of the one week cruise, when we would walk outside, she was always very, very careful when going to the rails. It was very far down to the water and she knew it.

Now, ask me what she did when we went for our walk around the pool area. I had to hold her back from jumping in.....[something she's used to doing at home!] Ooops! Forgot what effect that would have on her when we were cruising!!!! :p Don't think I'm not tempted everytime we walk near the pool to just let her jump in. But, I know I'd get in trouble so I NEVER will let her do it....but, it is tempting. ;)

[alexieb]

That would be a question for the lawyers. The person with the allergy may also qualify under ADA. ADA defines a disability as a "physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual." So you end up with conflicting ADA claims. I'm not even sure if a foreign flagged vessel is subject to ADA.

 

If they can make sure you must be 21 to drink or gamble on the ship then they are following United States federal law.

[alexieb]

I go to Europe all the time and have not witnessed what you are saying. Can you be more specific in what countries you are referring too.

 

Please have a look at this link. It gives a great explanation of how the French feel about their dogs...

 

http://www.frenchgardening.com/postcard.html?pid=3085048551141846

[alwayssingin]

Germany, England, Wales, The Netherlands, France, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia, Spain, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. I spent 13 years in Europe with the US military and have seen dogs and cats in cafes and restaurants in every country I visited.

 

Same here. In fact, you may have seen us. Out beagle traveled everywhere with us and ate in all kinds of restaurants. She would simply lay under the table. Most restaurants would want to feed her dog treats and bring her water, etc. At our local Eis Cafe she always received a cookie on a silver platter. I'd rather have well-behaved animals on board than the kids that are always running around unsupervised.

[alexieb]

My DW was the one who started the thread; "Cruising with a Service Dog." I can't begin to tell you how many pages it is and how many different responses she's gotten from every side of the spectrum: Those who don't like dogs and would prefer cruising without them and those who want to know more about it.

 

I can tell you that the "emotional support" dog or the dog who does hospital visits does NOT have the same rights as the Certified Service/Working Dog. They do NOT have PUBLIC ACCESS. Public Access is protected by the ADA and the DOJ. It wasn't easy getting this legislation for these amazing dogs....it took lots of time and effort on the parts of many folks; blind/deaf/wheel chair bound/medical alert/assistance and now, the "Wounded Warrior" programs, are protected by our Federal Government.

 

The dogs are Certified by the various Organizations that they are trained by. In my wife's case, her dog Brenda has been professionally trained by Canine Companions for Independence. Brenda was raised by volunteer Puppyraisers for 9 months to one year [where she was taught socialization and proper public behavior], she was then put into a rigorous/advanced program where she was taught to open doors/turn on lights/push elevator buttons/alert to sounds in her envirnonment, like phones ringing, doorbells, fire alarms and on and on. By the time she graduated from training Brenda was worth about $75,000.

 

Brenda would not lick/bark/scratch or go potty in a public area, EVER. She and dogs like her are considered "the invisible dog!"

 

In order for her to cruise she has to be on Flea and Tick abatement/be free of any skin disorders/be on Heartguard and have all her immunizations up to date; within 6 months of travel. She MUST be well groomed and mannered.

 

Brenda will be on her 15th cruise in September. She will be retiring soon and then my wife will get a Sucessor Dog. Brenda will stay home as she lives out her life in rest and relaxation as any 77 year old person should do!!!

 

The person who fed or watered their Service Dog from the table was absolutely wrong. Brenda is NEVER allowed to have water or food in the restaurant area - whether it be formal or informal. That is inappropriate behavior and had we seen the dog eating off of the dishes or drinking out of a glass.....we would have told the person it was wrong!!!!!

 

Brenda has been to Europe, sitting inside the airplane by my wife's feet. And, we did encounter "pet" dogs in a few restaurants in both Switzerland and France. Brenda liked it, we didn't so much. As the "pets" are allowed to drink and eat at the table and even go potty on the floor. "Yuck!"

 

Go to the "Disabled" cruising thread and enter your thoughts, I know my wife will be happy to respond to your questions or concerns.

 

We've been on Carnival and probably will do them again, in the future, with our Service Dog......we tend to like Princess better because they have the potty situation much more under control.

 

For those of you who are concerned about the allergy situation with our dogs - being on the abatement products and being so well-groomed certainly alleviates a lot of the concern. No one is more allergic than my wife, who also has asthma. Brenda is groomed and brushed daily for excess hair and suffers from grass allergens, herself. She has to take a daily dose of Benadryl to reduce her red eyes and runny nose. Dogs suffer from perfume/airosole's and stuff that bothers humans, too!!!!!!

 

May I suggest that you be more tolerant and understanding of folks who could not walk or go through life without the assistance of these amazing miracle working dogs. I emplor you to have patience and understanding when you come across one of these dogs, who have the ability to save lives! They are truly the hero's in our society and deserve our full respect.

 

If you had been at 9/11 and seen the dogs who displayed such heroism in trying to find and save lives ignoring their own bleeding paws and scratched and scraped noses - you would think differently of these wonderful, blessed beings, who complete the lives of many human beings.

 

Next time you're lucky enough to encounter one of these highly trained and amazing hero's; whether it be on a cruise, in the mall or on the street....remember what it took to bring this dog into the public venue and show some respect.

 

Pawlightly,

Morey

 

I just got a little bit choked up reading this wonderfully moving and eloquent response. Wishing you, your wife and Brenda many wonderful years together both on cruises and off.

[wizard-of-roz]

If they can make sure you must be 21 to drink or gamble on the ship then they are following United States federal law.

 

As long as the vessel leaves from a USA port it doesn't matter what flag it's flying. Also, if the vessel stops in any USA port.....it must abide by the ADA.

[wizard-of-roz]

I just got a little bit choked up reading this wonderfully moving and eloquent response. Wishing you, your wife and Brenda many wonderful years together both on cruises and off.

 

On behalf of my DH, thank you.

I get tears in my eyes every time Brenda completes a task and then lays her head on my lap for a pat or a kiss.

She's an amazingly wonderful, devoted and hard working Service Dog. I bless the day I met her, I adore her!

[alexieb]

First of all it's France, do you really want to compare France?. France is known for alot of things and most aren't good. ;) Secondly your comparing animals to kids?? Thats really sick.:mad:

 

Really? Really. As a nation the French live a WAY more healthier lifestyle than us Americans.

[alexieb]

I NEVER wanted a black dog until I met Brenda. Now, I can't imagine not having one in my life. First, nothing is as beautiful as the shine of the Black Lab's fur when their out in the sun their just so darn gorgeous!!!!

 

I hope you get to meet Brenda on a cruise, Lord knows we've given the world enough chances with all the cruising she's done.

 

Are you familiar with "The Black Dog" originally from Martha's Vineyard?

 

Each year when I return to Cape Cod I stock up on their gear. You will love it.

 

http://www.theblackdog.com/home.php

[gemsm]

I have sleep apnea and my Pit Bull wakes me when I stop breathing. I guess now i know I can bring Killer(thats his name) with me next cruise. Great thanks for the info.Oh and he doesn't need a stroller.

 

Actually if killer is "trained" to wake you when you stop breathing then yes you could bring him. A CPAP machine would probably be much easier and cheaper though. Actually my mother thought about having her dog trained as a sleep apnea alerted but it turns out that costs about 20 grand. cPAP machine was covered by medicare

[gemsm]

would it be rude to ask a person (tactfully) with a little service dog why she has one?

 

Not if you are truly interested and not just being nosey

[LiveAloha1]

Please have a look at this link. It gives a great explanation of how the French feel about their dogs...

 

http://www.frenchgardening.com/postcard.html?pid=3085048551141846

 

WOW....they have a lot of Service Dogs......

[asb2164]

I sincerely question the dogs training and whether it was "on" or "off" leash in no way makes this a right circumstance. A properly trained Service Dog will NEVER lunge at anyone causing such bodily harm.

There are a lot of "why's" in this instance. And, if in fact, this dog did lunge at this child [with or without provacation], the dog is a danger, not only to other's but to the child it, supposedly, works for.

This is a very sad story. The handler's [adults] of the dog are 100% responsible for the behavior of the dog when it's out and about and even when the dog is on their property or in their home. They need to pay all medical costs and future medical care.

I can't comment on what should happen to the dog. It's very, very sad. But, if this dog is capable of doing this AT ALL, it's not safe.

 

Wait a minute, You question the dogs training? Was it you or someone else who said these dogs are trained to be professional?

Obviously there is some sort of problem with training if this was a certified service dog and now you are questioning the training, I am supposed to believe your dog is better trained than this one?

 

I am not sure who to believe I am more confused now than at the beginning of this thread but one thing I do agree with you on is you are 100% responsible for your dog.

And you can be held financially responsible for your dogs actions.

If this child that was attacked by a trained service animal decides to go on a cruise and she feels uncomfortable because she was attacked by a service animal, Should the child leave the dining room or should you?

My grandmother was blind and she got by with a cane and the help of family members and did not need or want a dog.

[Kerry's Girls]

If this child that was attacked by a trained service animal decides to go on a cruise and she feels uncomfortable because she was attacked by a service animal, Should the child leave the dining room or should you?

My grandmother was blind and she got by with a cane and the help of family members and did not need or want a dog.

 

The child should leave the dining room, just as if she were attacked by a short man with red hair I would not expect all little red-headed men to leave the dining room because she's uncomfortable with them.

 

And it's wonderful that your grandmother relied on a cane and family members, but if it were me, I'd want the freedom to not have to rely on family members.

 

Best,

Mia

[asb2164]

The child should leave the dining room' date=' just as if she were attacked by a short man with red hair I would not expect all little red-headed men to leave the dining room because she's uncomfortable with them.

 

And it's wonderful that your grandmother relied on a cane and family members, but if it were me, I'd want the freedom to not have to rely on family members.

 

Best,

Mia[/quote']

 

We are not talking about a red headed man we are talking about unpredictable animals if you can not keep up with the conversation perhaps you should not comment.

The ADA has a history of trampling on other peoples rights to insure the rights of the handicap people, Now I am not saying that the handicap people should not have rights what I am saying is, There is enough staff on the ship that if needed you could call and have a crew member escort you to the dining room and leave the dog in the cabin.

[alexieb]

We are not talking about a red headed man we are talking about unpredictable animals if you can not keep up with the conversation perhaps you should not comment.

The ADA has a history of trampling on other peoples rights to insure the rights of the handicap people, Now I am not saying that the handicap people should not have rights what I am saying is, There is enough staff on the ship that if needed you could call and have a crew member escort you to the dining room and leave the dog in the cabin.

 

You are indeed saying that handicapped people should not have the same rights. From your above post you seem to think that the handicapped person should have to give up his or her level of comfort and legal right to enjoy life because it makes a few uncomfortable. Having to live with seizures or lack of vision, for example, isn't bad enough for you? This is not a matter of opinion. This is a matter of legal rights. Period. I wish no harm or foul on anyone but if, god forbid, you became disabled I would like to think you would have a different outlook.

[asb2164]

You are indeed saying that handicapped people should not have the same rights. From your above post you seem to think that the handicapped person should have to give up his or her level of comfort and legal right to enjoy life because it makes a few uncomfortable. Having to live with seizures or lack of vision, for example, isn't bad enough for you? This is not a matter of opinion. This is a matter of legal rights. Period. I wish no harm or foul on anyone but if, god forbid, you became disabled I would like to think you would have a different outlook.

 

My room mate and traveling companion is in the process of going blind and is a Lawyer and also has the same opinion I do as we have discussed this.

So I do have loved ones who have a disability.

But we would never try to make people uncomfortable and if we felt we were we would have the common sense to stay home. I take care of my friend and I chose to do that.

[asb2164]

You are indeed saying that handicapped people should not have the same rights. From your above post you seem to think that the handicapped person should have to give up his or her level of comfort and legal right to enjoy life because it makes a few uncomfortable. Having to live with seizures or lack of vision, for example, isn't bad enough for you? This is not a matter of opinion. This is a matter of legal rights. Period. I wish no harm or foul on anyone but if, god forbid, you became disabled I would like to think you would have a different outlook.

 

And also you think a child that was disfigured by a supposedly properly trained service animal has no rights?

[mr jamms]

This has been an enlightening thread. I've been a sponsor of the guide dog program at the New Zealand Royal Foundation for the Blind for a number of years, and I had no idea about service dogs that sense seizures.

 

My mind is now even more blown at how awesome dogs can be (I love looking at dogs but am actually a bit scared of them in real life.)

 

So go gentle on those who don't know about every type of service dog, they might be an essential part of everyday life for you but are so far out of the sphere of comprehension for others that they might be sceptical at first.

 

(if they're still dicks about it after an explanation then they always will be, not everyone is a winner in the being a great human stakes)

[Honolulumikee]

A couple of years ago, we were aboard a cruise, which was also taken by a group of people with service animals. They had about 5 or 6 different service dogs aboard, and if you hadn't seen them, you would never have known they were there. They were EXCELLENT, and without a doubt, far better behaved than some people I've seen aboard. I NEVER heard one of them bark, or make any kind of noise, or mess. They went to the shows etc., but I never saw them in the dining room (May have been assigned to the opposite seating.) I'd never complain about a service dog, on a cruise, or anyplace else.

 

"SKY"

Some people are allegic to dogs.