Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[Quampapetet]

On another note...My Sandy is now 7 years old. We are still dealing with skin allergies, but hope to take her to the University of Georgia's vet school to evaulate her skin condition. Just trying to get her thru the itchy season until then. We are also trialing her on a hypo alleginic diet...very pricy, but her skin is already looking a little less red. And I spent today cooking her some catfish and potatoes to make into treats since that is what her new fancy dog food has.....

 

Plus, how sad, but she has grey hair on her muzzle....

 

 

I don't know what you're feeding her, but have you looked into Nature's Variety Instinct Limited Ingredients dry food? It is made for dogs with allergies (has a lot fewer ingredients than other dog foods) and is a good, all-natural food brand. You can get a coupon for $3 off from their Web site (they will e-mail it to you) if you have a store near you that sells it, too! :)

[sunshine426]

Thanks Quam. Right now she is on a prescription food from the vets. Primary ingredients are catfish, herring and a whole lot of vitamins. I took a week getting her adjusted to it and she really likes it. The hard part is no treats, no other forms of food. She has gone thru raw hide withdrawl and luckily it comes in canned and kibble, so she has her frozen kongs at night as a treat. Oh, it also has potatoe. Her belly looks a little less red, but we also are moving into her non allergic season...usually her skin settles in November until a May flareup. This year she flared in March...She's done this since a puppy and I've been dragging my feet on the allergy test and shots...I'm ready to solve the mystery.

[rangeley]

I would love to join the contest, but I'm not a very good rapper. These poem/raps are just great. I am just so excited for you two. I wish you two the best trip ever!!!

[DisneyKidsDad]

Hey Cindy,

 

Did you see the e-mail about the fundraiser at the PETCO in Stratford, CT on October 22? Looks like we will be there with May & Lauren. Just wondering if you guys are thinking about stopping by. Not sure how far away you are.

[wizard-of-roz]

:(:(:(:(:( Okay, that made me sad, too!!

 

Thank goodness you will be getting your next dog soon! Sounds like she will be glad to let the new pup take over her duties outside of the house.

 

I would take her to the vet for a full check-up just to make sure everything is okay, though. It is good for older dogs to do check-ups every six months instead of once a year.

 

 

Quam, every day is a different day for Brenny. On Monday she was at the front door before me, like she had been doing for the past 9 years......then on Tuesday she could care less.

Her Vet visit was a few months ago [i had to get all her paperwork for the cruise on Saturday] and the Vet said she looked good. He did a check for hip and joint problems and was pretty amazed at her agility and range of motion. He said she's an 80 year old woman and I need to respect that. And, I do.

Aging for our furbabies just happens so fast, it's difficult to watch.

[wizard-of-roz]

I would love to join the contest, but I'm not a very good rapper. These poem/raps are just great. I am just so excited for you two. I wish you two the best trip ever!!!

 

This contest will not be over until Cindy has made an entry.........

Thank you for your excitement, I wish you could join us too. The cabin is big enough to handle the three of us and our dogs.

Maybe another time.....I hope!!!!!

[rangeley]

Hey Cindy,

 

Did you see the e-mail about the fundraiser at the PETCO in Stratford, CT on October 22? Looks like we will be there with May & Lauren. Just wondering if you guys are thinking about stopping by. Not sure how far away you are.

 

We did get the email and not sure we are going or not. It's a few hours drive for us but might be nice ride for the fall. We really haven't talked about it yet. I did hear May was going, but didn't know you guys were too. I'll let you know.

[rangeley]

This contest will not be over until Cindy has made an entry.........

 

Thank you for your excitement, I wish you could join us too. The cabin is big enough to handle the three of us and our dogs.

 

Maybe another time.....I hope!!!!!

 

Well I guess I'll have to come up with something quick! :eek:

 

I could put on some dark glasses and pretend Wex is my guide dog?

[DisneyKidsDad]

We did get the email and not sure we are going or not. It's a few hours drive for us but might be nice ride for the fall. We really haven't talked about it yet. I did hear May was going, but didn't know you guys were too. I'll let you know.

 

Yeah...Most likely if you see May, You will see us. We even went up

to the Castle to Castle fundraiser. Hopefully we will get to see you

guys.

[wizard-of-roz]

Well I guess I'll have to come up with something quick! :eek:

 

I could put on some dark glasses and pretend Wex is my guide dog?

 

She's kidding.....just kidding!!!!

When we walk through the casino's, when we're in Vegas, Brenda for some weird reason will walk in front of me....so strange.....and, if I have sunglasses on....don't ask the looks we get. Although, the majority of people we encounter will actually move out of the way. When she's walking beside me [as she mostly does], I get strange looks and comments. The public is only familiar with the "Seeing Eye Dog!"

[sunshine426]

I've decided Roz is officially my big sister. You know what that makes me don't you...... "Aunt Sunshine "to Brenny!

[rangeley]

She's kidding.....just kidding!!!!

 

When we walk through the casino's, when we're in Vegas, Brenda for some weird reason will walk in front of me....so strange.....and, if I have sunglasses on....don't ask the looks we get. Although, the majority of people we encounter will actually move out of the way. When she's walking beside me [as she mostly does], I get strange looks and comments. The public is only familiar with the "Seeing Eye Dog!"

 

Last weekend we went to a restaurant down the street for lunch. The guy was seating us and John asked if we could sit in different place cuz we had more room for the dog. Next thing we know, the guy puts this thick book on the table. Thinking it was a wine list or something, I picked it up and to my amazement it was the braille menu!!!!! OMG It was the funniest thing!!!

[rangeley]

I've decided Roz is officially my big sister. You know what that makes me don't you...... "Aunt Sunshine "to Brenny!

 

Since Brenny is Wexlers aunt, does that make you his great aunt??

[wizard-of-roz]

Last weekend we went to a restaurant down the street for lunch. The guy was seating us and John asked if we could sit in different place cuz we had more room for the dog. Next thing we know, the guy puts this thick book on the table. Thinking it was a wine list or something, I picked it up and to my amazement it was the braille menu!!!!! OMG It was the funniest thing!!!

 

Now, that is very funny.....I mean, it's not really funny, but you have to walk or wheel with a Service Dog to appreciate all the ridiculous "stuff" that we're exposed to.

Hey, general public: Isn't it enough that we need the services of our amazing hero dogs.....do we have to contend with the moronic behavior that some human's expose us to?

[wizard-of-roz]

I've decided Roz is officially my big sister. You know what that makes me don't you...... "Aunt Sunshine "to Brenny!

 

I'll take the challenge.....a little respect please!!!!

[dobiemom]

The contest is ON!!!!! You and Dobiemom are neck & neck......this was very cute....Nancy, you're so creative!!!!

No, no, no. I concede that the winner is Sunshine! (But I reserve the right to submit a little ditty or two later. ;))

[sunshine426]

Well, I guess I have to gracefully accept the honor. I give thanks to my sweet husband...my wonderful dog Sandy, to Crackers, Cooler and Mackey and of course to Roz and Brenda...who opened their hearts and home and car and CRUISE CABIN to me for this adventure. I got the brass ring on this one. But I am still trying to come up with a poem...sadly my skills run more towards puppy clean up and the ability to sleep with one ear open for that whimpering from the other room.....

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, I guess I have to gracefully accept the honor. I give thanks to my sweet husband...my wonderful dog Sandy, to Crackers, Cooler and Mackey and of course to Roz and Brenda...who opened their hearts and home and car and CRUISE CABIN to me for this adventure. I got the brass ring on this one. But I am still trying to come up with a poem...sadly my skills run more towards puppy clean up and the ability to sleep with one ear open for that whimpering from the other room.....

 

You made it happen.......I just offered the bed and place to hang your hat.

I have so much to do. Cruising with a dog can be a challenge of another sort. But so worth it!!!! And, I always over pack......

[wizard-of-roz]

No, no, no. I concede that the winner is Sunshine! (But I reserve the right to submit a little ditty or two later. ;))

 

Yea!

[sunshine426]

You made it happen.......I just offered the bed and place to hang your hat.

 

I have so much to do. Cruising with a dog can be a challenge of another sort. But so worth it!!!! And, I always over pack......

 

I was not able to make my goal of a 7 day cruise with one carryon. I just might have if I hadn't factored in rainy cool weather and warm sunshine!

 

Oh who am I kidding, I always overpack for a cruise. Besides I need to look good for formal nights with Brenda. Except from my experience...why bother, no one looks at you when you have a dog with you.

[wizard-of-roz]

I was not able to make my goal of a 7 day cruise with one carryon. I just might have if I hadn't factored in rainy cool weather and warm sunshine!

 

Oh who am I kidding, I always overpack for a cruise. Besides I need to look good for formal nights with Brenda. Except from my experience...why bother, no one looks at you when you have a dog with you.

 

You are so right......I could just dress Brenny in her gorgeous collars [wait til you see them, don't be embarrassed], just remember, it's her last cruise and I want her to feel special - and, I could just send her out, tell her where to go and the crowd wouldn't need either one of us.

Thank goodness this cabin has lots of room for both our stuff.....I hope!!!! Just remember, I'm older and need to be respected.....Oh! Yea! I forgot and, I'm handicapped!!!!!

[sunshine426]

Of course do I call you Miss Roz, Aunt Roz and just "hey you" get up out of bed and let's go walk the deck!!! Remember I am from the south, ma'am, sir and addressing everyone with respect comes second nature.

 

But, I can stifle that if it get's annoying!!! Can't wait...how many hours now....

[wizard-of-roz]

Of course do I call you Miss Roz, Aunt Roz and just "hey you" get up out of bed and let's go walk the deck!!! Remember I am from the south, ma'am, sir and addressing everyone with respect comes second nature.

 

But, I can stifle that if it get's annoying!!! Can't wait...how many hours now....

 

My colleagues at work call me "Rozarella"; my family calls me "Rozzie"; my husband calls me "Button" [it's the nose]; my friend Rosey calls me "Frack" and she's "Frick" [we used to work in a Pediatrician's office many years ago and the doctor named us this.]

I wake-up every morning at 7:00am and go to work [everyone knows not to talk to me before 9:30.] I go to sleep between 11:30 and 12:30am.

If I don't have to go to work than I don't have to go to sleep and I don't have to wake-up until I want to!!!!!

[sunshine426]

Finished printing some pictures how did I leave cooler out....off to Target tomorow for antoher round of photos.

[guitarest]

Sunshine, if you decide to stay at an airport hotel just let me know which one and I'll come and get you on the way. Or, if you decide to stay at your friends and want me to get you there, that's fine too........Just let me know by Thursday. I drive a huge Expedition so there's lots of room for all of us and our "stuff!" You can call me at work or email me.

 

Friday, I'll be in, "what did you say, I can't focus mode!!!!!" I'll be in the packing, packing, loading and more loading frame of mind. Morey's hips, knees and feet are really bothering him so I don't want to bug him too much with the paraphenalia......I'll just take a few trips to the car and, of course, Brenda will help!!!! :confused: :rolleyes:

 

Roz your in LA, cool we will have to hook up. Two girls and two guys; I wonder what trouble we could get into..... lol My son's In-Laws live in LA and I hope to be out there real soon. I'm still waiting on a frigging check...