Dog on Constellation

[m steve]

I was on that cruise and heard a group of yentas complaining about it. By experience the women I know that have the dog dependency are usually spoiled, inconsiderate and expect the rules to change for their convenience. Matbe the ADA protects these self indulgent types but taking a dog on a ship and then flaunting it to others is a load of s---. I hope they charged extra for the dog. They charged extra for everything else!

[bububr]

I hope when I get to your age ( almost 70 ? ) I'm not as grumpy as you are.....

 

We all know you had a bad experience, and believe it or not we wish you hadn't....but you can only beat a dead horse for so long before you start to lose credibility and bore people to death.

 

You had a bad time. Its over. You're still angry about it. I would hope with all your life experience you would be better at dealing with situations like this.

 

I wish you the best in the up coming new year.

 

Dave:eek:

[Drew B]

Nice attitude, M Steve! If you can have that much venom towards a woman you've never met, I'd hate to see how you are with somebody who actually crosses you!

[Stock Cop]

Why so much anger? It was a cruise-noone strapped you into the electric chair.!!!! Try to find something (if possible) that will please you.

 

Rich

[momofmeg]

The dog in question WAS a service dog . . . a "therapy" dog. Dunno exactly what that means; I had several pleasant conversations with the dog's owner, and she said she had filled out all the paperwork and jumped through all the hoops to get permission to bring the dog on board.

 

I thought the dog was well behaved. However, if it urinated on deck (or in any other public areas), I'd certainly have a problem with that.

 

She should have cleaned up after the dog. I know in most cities in public parks people are required to scoop the poop now-ofcourse not urine-but on a ship that would be a differant story. Urine is not absorbed into teak without leaving an odor- the dog should have been trained to go on newspaper and if the dog had an accident then the owner should clean up after it-just as the owner would do at home.

[Hlitner]

I wouldn't get too upset about a dog urinating on the deck. Drunk passengers have done the same! :)

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

Dog urinating on the deck? Well, I guess thats no worse than drunk passengers urinating or tossing-up on deck or toddlers urinating in the pool. On a recent Princess cruise we had a mom with no problem taking her diapered baby into the pool. After two days of having to drain all the pools on-deck in prime time because of this baby, the staff finally enforced the rules and stopped the passengers from taking their child into the pool. Of course we heard this woman whining for days about how she couldn't take her baby swimming! Give me a well behaved dog anytime.

 

Hank

[gregg4]

I was on that cruise and saw her and her dog. At first I was puzzled but the dog was very well behaved and at no time did I notice a disturbance. The cruise before I was on there was a blind person with a seeing eye dog and again another well behaved dog and being a lab made me homesick for my Buster also a lab. If she convinced Celebrity that she needed the dog what is the problem? I find a well behaved dog preferable to some of the children I have encountered cruising whose parents let them run all over a ship causing a problem. Give her a break its a vacation and she and the dog were not a problem. Actually it was quite nice to see her and her dog rather then some of the crabs on board who complained about everything.

[jaz33]

Time to put all this in perspective I think. I too was on this cruise with my fiance. We met Shannon and Saltana and on a few occasions socialised with Shannon. The dog was only 3lbs in weight and the times we saw it it was well behaved (more so than some of the passengers we saw who were extremely rude to the people who were trying to help and serve them). Nobody has the right to judge anybody, especially a person they have never met, about a disability they may have. Disabilities come in many forms and one of those forms is depression. Isn't it better for an illness to be controlled naturally by using an animal than chemically by using medication? I think so and unless you have stocks and shares in a drug company I'm sure you would too. I find all of this speculation very sad. If someone saw the dog urinating on the deck and the owner cleaning it with a towel why didn't they say something to one of the staff. Probably because it never happened. Just another story to wind people up and boy they have certainly done that.

 

The dog was there for a reason and it doesn't matter to anyone apart from the owner, their doctor and the cruise line what that reason was.

 

Msteve, you was determined, even before you went on this cruise, not to enjoy it, but to make a generalised statement about a woman you had never even met is deplorable. Shame on you.

 

The waiter who told amanda blake that Shannon was a "fringe benefit" should be sacked. If this is true and I am 99.9% certain it is not, how would he/she know and if they did it wasn't very discreet was it? I wonder what tales he/she told about you amanda???? Once again speculation and done to wind people up.

 

To conclude: This dog (and the owner) caused no harm to anybody. The dog was there to serve a purpose and Shannon had every right to have Saltana on board. I can't believe that you feel that life is long enough to debate the rights and wrongs of having a 3lb dog on a cruise ship.

[Liat]

I think Jazz33's post was well thought out and articulate. The first service animal we ever saw on board was on Mercury on a Cape Horn Cruise in 2004. Joyce Gleeson-Adamidas was on board as her husband was the Captain. During a talk with passengers, she explained the rules concerning service animals. although she did not know what the disability was in that case since it was a small dog and the owner had no evident problem.

My favorite service dog is Oakley. Oakley belongs to a violinist in the Phoenix Symphony who plays from a motorized wheel chair. Oakley opens doors, fetches, etc; and when the conductor gives the downbeat. lies down and goes to sleep on the stage while the orchestra plays. At the conclusion of the concert. Oakley sits up; takes her bows with the rest of the orchestra; (just kidding about that) and quietly leaves. We were told by the principal percussionist that at one concert, in which the stage was crowded because of a full chorus, and he was immediately behind Oakley, that when he hit an especially loud cymbal crash; Oakley looked up and gave a small "woof". But Bill the percussionist did not think that anyone else (especially the conductor) heard it. We can forgive Oakley the "woof" just as we forgive a false note played by one of the musicians.

[Texas_Cruisers]

My wife and I had the distinct pleasure of becoming friends with both Shannon and Saltana. She is from California and Saltana is a licensed California Service Dog. Federal law is very specific on what is required and when and were they are allowed to go (everywhere). Federal law also prohibits anyone from asking what the dog is needed for. For those that want more info go to the department of Justice site at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/animal.htm and read more about service dogs. We learned from Shannon that she had heard the complaints from passengers and this hurt her very much. So much that she spent most of her time in her cabin alone with her dog.

We felt that most that complained were simply jealous old bitties who were jealous of her and her style and grace and her dog who was about as cute as could be. Shannon is a wonderful person who has more style in her little finger than most have in their whole body. She always dressed as if she was a model (she has an MBA, she is not a dumb blonde) she spoke to anyone who approached her and welcomed the conversation, she remembered everyone’s name and called passengers and crew by name at every chance, How many other passengers can even remember their waiters name. Both my wife and I felt very blessed to be able to call Shannon our friend and those that did not have the pleasure of meeting or talking to her are the big losers.

We had the pleasure of having a wonderful lunch with both Shannon and Saltana in St Thomas, several trips to the have a beverage, and an especially nice dinner on the last night of the cruise with Shannon.

To board her plane and the ship she had to provide all of her supporting documentation. It appears that some people have to have something to complain about before they are happy. If you can’t put a smile on your face and enjoy life to the fullest, you should be on a Holland America Cruise with the rest of the complainers. (Just my past experience)

We had a wonderful time on the Cruise and really enjoyed the relaxing time along with the passengers and crew and most especially Shannon and Saltana.

We also had the pleasure of traveling on another Celebrity Cruise with the same itinerary in October of 2005 along with Janet Severt of New Horizon Service Dogs http://www.newhorizonsservicedogs.org/ and her dog Cypress the Wonder Dog., who happens to be a 100 lb Golden retriever. Cypress stole our heart and in December we were blessed with being able to acquire one of Cypress’s cousins Kooba for our family. Janet raises these beautiful dogs and keeps the best to train to be service dogs and shares the rest with the public. For those of you who are not dog lovers you will not understand but for those of you who have a heart click on the links below to see about Cypress.

http://www.gilbertk9.com/CypressTheServiceWonderDog.html

http://www.gilbertk9.com/K-9CollegeCruise.html

Photos of Kooba at http://www.pbase.com/texas_cruisers/kooba

[DC2OC]

thanks for the info.....................Frank

[salty dingo]

I have been wondering if I can bring along my service snake... now I know.

[on board]

I don't see anything wrong with taking your dog in a matter such as this one! The only thing I had a problem with is if she really wiped up the dogs urine with a towel and placed it back on the chair! As long as they kept the poo up and urine up I don't have a problem with any dog on ship! Whats next? a cat, monkey, horse? :p

[Moeve]

Ok I am getting my fireproof nickers on again.... so flame away.

 

I think the cruise line should be very direct about its rules and restrict animals to certain cabins that are well advertised!! By all means these should be in different catergoires - not just expensive balcony suites

 

Now now before you all go jumping down my throat I have reason for that!

 

There are many people out there who are petrified by dogs - no matter what size (and this fear is often just as debilatating as any physical disablity) Advertising where service dogs might be would make it possible for such guests to be on the same cruise and not end up in for example the same corridor where stepping aside is almost impossible. If the passenger knows that there is a possiblity that a service dog could be allocated a cabin - in the starbord corridor for example they could either book a port side or choose a different deck entirely. As has been already mentioned there are 2 sides to the fence and THIS side should also be heard and concidered.

 

Please note I did not say service animals should not be allowed but rather there be a way for both parties to coexist.

[tuggers]

Well, for sure some of the people with service dogs would need handicap cabins. But certainly not all.

Interesting thought.

[Happy ks]

I agree that this situation clearly is not the norm but I do question these "service dogs". So what happens if a person is traveling alone with a service dog and does have a seizure? Who is going to help her and take care of the dog? I am just asking because this is something new to me.

I have never seen a dog onboard a ship.

 

By the way, I have a dog but don't think they belong on ships. I guess if someone absolutely had to travel with a dog- to visit a family member or something that is one thing. But I don't think a cruise is the best place to take one's service dog.

 

I know it does sound odd, but the service dog is actually trained to detect an oncoming seizure. It may be that the person with the seizure problem has what is called a vagus nerve stimulator. The stimulator is implanted and can be set to send an impulse on a regular, timed basis and/or used with a magnet. A person can avoid a seizure by crossing the magnet over the generator to send a controlled impulse to the VNS.

 

Just one reason for a service dog that people would not guess at and is not obvious.

 

There is a difference between service dogs and therapy dogs, you can read here, if you wish:

 

http://www.cofc.edu/~huntc/service.html

[Arubalisa]

She is from California and Saltana is a licensed California Service Dog.

You do realize there are still people here who will a.) not believe that or b.) still not believe that even if you showed them a copy of the license.

Federal law is very specific on what is required and when and were they are allowed to go (everywhere). Federal law also prohibits anyone from asking what the dog is needed for. For those that want more info go to the department of Justice site at

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/animal.htm and read more about service dogs.

Some people feel the law should not apply in this instance particularly. :rolleyes: I wonder if they are going to take the time to write their legislators asking for the ADA to be abolished. :confused:

If you can’t put a smile on your face and enjoy life to the fullest, you should be on a Holland America Cruise with the rest of the complainers. (Just my past experience)

Boy oh boy, post this thread over on the HAL forum and they will have the service dogs thrown overboard and legislation rescinded faster than you can say, "service animal". :D Oh, wait, maybe not, they will be too busy complaining to actually do something about it.:rolleyes:

[bububr]

"There are many people out there who are petrified by dogs - no matter what size (and this fear is often just as debilatating as any physical disablity) Advertising where service dogs might be would make it possible for such guests to be on the same cruise and not end up in for example the same corridor where stepping aside is almost impossible"

 

I feel the same way about babies and young toddlers. The anticipation of them doing something wrong or breaking into a screech...gets my nerves up and dampers my evening.....Maybe we should put all kids on a seperate deck...they have been known to bite:D

 

Dave:eek:

[osiebosie]

This has been interesting reading. It's always amazing how many opinions can be centered around an event.

 

I didn't realize it was against the law, at least in CA, to ask someone why they have their service dog. I would do it. I believe people would rather have a dignified discussion with someone who is curious than having people staring or snickering behind their backs. I've asked many people what happened to their hand, or, did you have a stroke, and they've always been happy to answer. Maybe it's because I work with seniors that I feel comfortable asking.

 

So, had I been on the cruise with Shannon, I would have asked her about her dog. How do you find out about something, unless you ask?

 

After reading all of the above posts, and I mean all of them, I feel bad for Shannon. It's amazing she doesn't stay home locked in her room with all of the reactions she gets, probably off of a cruise ship as well as on.

 

How would pax react if a drug-sniffing german shepherd was brought on board? I guess some would freak out. Some probably would be more accepting of a larger dog than the small three pounder. What if, in the future, bomb-sniffing dogs are always kept on ships?

 

Again, maybe because I work with seniors, I see so many people's reactions around others with disabilities, and it angers me. I also see people with no disabilities using hc facilities to their advantage, and that angers me also. As an employer, nothing really gets my panties in a wad more than someone drawing worker's comp who can obviously work. I went to church with a man on worker's comp. He climbed up and down ladders all the time, but couldn't work. Everyone in church knew he was a fraud!

 

There's a woman in our office complex who parks her expensive car cady-cornered in the hc space. Talk about rude!

 

Someday, I'm going to catch her outside and ask her what her disability is, since she has no hc tag on her vehicle.

 

I guess it sounds like I'm straddling the fence here. But had I been on that cruise and seen Shannon, I would have approached her and her dog, and if the vibes were okay, I would have asked about the dog. I mean, who wouldn't have?

 

Merry Christmas,

 

Shay

[clopaw]

My husband and I travel with his guide dog for the blind, Hero. Hero is a 100 pound lab. Celebrity has always provided him with a 4 x 4 foot plywood box filled with mulch or sand. It has generally been located far forward on the promenade deck. No, the cruise line does not charge extra, but we do tip our steward well beyond the recommended amount because of the extra sweeping involved. Most of our stewards have been delighted to see a dog and make friends with him. One steward offered to give him a bath! We carry Hero's chow onto the ship with us along with his bowls, chew toys, mat, and so on, including his own life vest. We don't book a handicapped room because we don't need that kind of accommodation.

 

Our first cruise with Hero was on Princess. Their relieving area was a piece of Astroturf in an enclosed stairwell. From Hero's point of view, we were trying to get him to pee on a piece of carpet. It wasn't a good situation. He had a couple of accidents, which crew members rushed over and cleaned up over my protests that I would do it. Since we have taken him on Celebrity, he has been fine with their relieving arrangements.

 

As far as being able to tell whether someone has a disability, my husband has some vision and doesn't particulary "look blind". Many people ask him whether he is training the dog.

 

We both welcome people asking us about Hero. We have met many wonderful folks on cruises because they come up to talk to us about him. We have also met many people involved in the Lions Club and others who have volunteered as puppy raisers for the various guide dog schools.

 

We feel very fortunate to be able to take cruises with Hero, and I would rather the cruiseline err on the side of being overly accommodating than deny someone access.

[espmass]

Osiebosie- Since you mentioned it, there actually was a drug sniffing dog brought aboard the ship! While we were waiting in the theater to disembark, customs officials walked through with the dog. I was sure hoping the dog wouldn't sniff the scent of my dog on my clothes and stop at my feet!!! By the way, I would have had no hesitation in asking Shannon about her dog but I didn't have the opportunity as we only observed it all from a distance and really didn't have the chance to walk up to her to speak.

[osiebosie]

Espmass,

 

I hope it didn't sound like I was accusing you of being rude to Shannon, and I am glad you came to CC to see if anyone else knew about her. But it is obvious others were rude and disrespectful to her, and I hate that.

 

I love it when I see dogs I can actually rub. It makes missing mine a little more tolerable!

 

Shay

[Drew B]

There is a larger issue at work here, and that is that people are FAR too concerned about what other people do that doesn't concern them. Who was harmed in any way by having Sultana on board? With the exception of the alleged urine-wiping incident (the veracity of which I really doubt), there doesn't seem to be ANY reason to oppose her being on board... Part of it is that some people think she is cheating the system and getting away with something. I don't believe she is, as the legal/policy requirement is simply that a doctor authorize the need, but so what if she IS cheating the system? How does this affect YOU? Do you get this upset when people smuggle liquor aboard? They, too, are cheating the system...

 

If Shannon came on here and started smugly posting about how she had faked out the morons at X, I could see how you might think badly of her. As it is, it seems like she was a perfectly pleasant person to be around. If folks didn't want to be around her or her dog, FINE! On a ship this size, it's not that hard to ignore somebody who isn't even trying to get in your face!

[usha]

If Shannon came on here and started smugly posting about how she had faked out the morons at X, I could see how you might think badly of her.

Exactly. :)