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

[Quampapetet]

Mornin; all:

 

Quam: I know it was not safe. I don't usually do it. I know you are just pointing out the carelessness of it, and I understand where you are coming from. Circumstances intervened and I know that is no excuse. We traded our truck in that week. When I went to put the crate in the SUV, it wouldn't fit. I had already talked to my babysitter about trading crates with her, for a medium sized one, but did not get a chance to get it done. I have already planned a different scenario for getting her home and riding safely in a crate.

 

We are still 1200 miles from home. Right in the middle of some what I would call moderate to severe storms. But then we hardly even get rain, much less sleet and hail! Hoping it dies down and doesn't lead us home.

 

Everyone have a great humpday.

 

 

I'm glad you made it safely - and hope you get through all those storms safely, too! It would not be fun driving through sleet and hail!! :eek:

[wizard-of-roz]

Training Camp is next week. A very exciting and exhausting for 14 or so recepients and their families. Crackers is almost 14 months old and is doing so well in his training. He is not slated for a camp dog this month, certainly in September. He might be a back up dog though. While young, he is strong and confident. So..... maybe he will have a new forever friend in the next few weeks. I confess to some bitter sweet thoughts. I know in September he will be strong and ready, but I have seen young dogs go in the right circumstances. I will keep everyone posted. I think you have watched Crackers grow up along with me. We had a movie date today, but my MIL wasn't feeling well, so I switched plans and took her to the doctors instead. I'll confess, seeing "Karate Kid" with Crackers would have been more fun, but humans do take priority.

 

On a fun note, my daughter asked me why I wasn't going to see the new Twilight movie "Elicpse". Somehow, the idea of a young dog, a dark theatre, and wolves flying around the screen wasn't what I had in mind. We did laugh. Can you see the big golden standing and woofing at the movie screen!!!!

 

No way! I can't even imagine not being able to hear how Cracker's is doing and hearing the wonderful stories about him. I know the person he's matched with can still fill you in on how he's doing but it's not the same! I know I'm not much help with the "separation" thing. You don't need to hear someone giving you all the reasons why we'd miss him so much! Sorry!

 

You would really be testing Crackers resolve if you took him to the Vampire movie. Sorry, I just don't get what all the hype is about. Personally, I think it's gross!!! The whole idea of Vampires being sexy! Just not in my world! Call me old fashioned.

[Valentine's Mom]

Hi all, I am writing today from our camper in Niagara Falls Canada. It has been really hot, around 98 degrees with about 30% humidity. I thought it was going to be nice and cool or at least cooler up here. I live in Virginia Beach and it usually runs 95 or better with about 90% humidity si I was really hopeful. It is still too hot for me and I'd rather be home than cramped up in this camper. We are leaving tomorrow morning 3 days early. Valentine and I just can't take it in this heat and in the small space,

 

Roz, Yes we did sign up for the Crown Princess on November 27 till December 4. I didn't want to go over Thanksgiving with all of the children on board. We are going out of Ft Lauderdale to the islands of Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel, and Priness Key. We have been to all but Roatan, and of course Princess Key. We are looking forward to those new places.

I was reading your post about Brenny continue to work at age 11. I know exactly how you feel. Valentine is a response dog so doesn't do anything too physical, I mean she even has a doggie roller type bag that Iuse when she travels. I still worry. I think dogs should live as long as humans!!!!:D I hate to think of her getting older.

 

We have also signed up for the new Carnival ship The Magic. It will be our third transatlantic cruise . That will be in October 2011. I hope that she is still up to it. The flight over to Europe is the hardest on her, and me too! But that relaxing cruise back is worth it to me at least.

[wizard-of-roz]

I found out today that Brenda's dad passed away. He was 14 years old and she looks identical to him - Big/Black/English Lab with that huge square head. Her mom was 12 when she passed. It really saddened me.....it makes me realize how she is at the end of her career as a Service Dog. I hope that she continues to be well and I praythat she can work up until the end.

OMG! This discussion is so, so difficult for me. It's just the realities of it all that are so hard to face.

I'm going to enjoy EVERY MOMENT with my girl and try to stop focusing on the "what-if's!"

Now, to make you laugh, you should have seen Brenda's behavior yesterday, right before the earthquake [we live in the L.A. area], we're used to them. But, she was so weird. She was jumpy and nervous acting......she wouldn't stop "poking" me with her nose, over and over again. I was trying to work on the computer and she wouldn't leave me alone........then "whammm", it hit.

I'm going to start paying more attention to her pokes!

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi all' date=' I am writing today from our camper in Niagara Falls Canada. It has been really hot, around 98 degrees with about 30% humidity. I thought it was going to be nice and cool or at least cooler up here. I live in Virginia Beach and it usually runs 95 or better with about 90% humidity si I was really hopeful. It is still too hot for me and I'd rather be home than cramped up in this camper. We are leaving tomorrow morning 3 days early. Valentine and I just can't take it in this heat and in the small space,

 

Roz, Yes we did sign up for the Crown Princess on November 27 till December 4. I didn't want to go over Thanksgiving with all of the children on board. We are going out of Ft Lauderdale to the islands of Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel, and Priness Key. We have been to all but Roatan, and of course Princess Key. We are looking forward to those new places.

I was reading your post about Brenny continue to work at age 11. I know exactly how you feel. Valentine is a response dog so doesn't do anything too physical, I mean she even has a doggie roller type bag that Iuse when she travels. I still worry. I think dogs should live as long as humans!!!!:D I hate to think of her getting older.

 

We have also signed up for the new Carnival ship The Magic. It will be our third transatlantic cruise . That will be in October 2011. I hope that she is still up to it. The flight over to Europe is the hardest on her, and me too! But that relaxing cruise back is worth it to me at least.[/quote']

 

We used to do a lot of "camping." We traveled for 5 1/2 months going across country from L.A. It was before there were many campgrounds so we slept in many parking lots and begged people to park on their land and sleep in their cornfields. It was exhausting. We had two small children, at the time, one in diapers. I would NEVER do this again! I know my DH caught me in a "weak moment!"

The heat you guys are experiencing in the east is awful. We're just waiting for our turn. It's been unseasonably cool here.

I so agree with you......Dogs should live as long as we do. They're such perfect creatures!

Your cruises sound wonderful. Please tell us all about them after you've cruised.

[Quampapetet]

Hey, everyone, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened up a public comment period for opinions on whether or not Emotional Support Animals should be allowed on cruise ships! Please send in your comment here (the official government site): http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480b13912 (You can post anonymously or provide as much contact info. as you want, just know that it is public info. that will be posted to their Web site for all to see.)

 

For those who are not sure what Emotional Support Animals are, they are pets that people with mental/emotional disabilities have been prescribed. These animals are not trained to do tasks like service dogs and they are not trained to behave in public spaces like service dogs are. They are not allowed in public spaces other than where other pets are allowed to go except for airplane cabins, and that is with a doctor's letter that contains specific required information about the person and the doctor. There is no standard of training or behaviour for these dogs, so they may or may not be aggressive. The way they help their person is to provide security by just being present in the person's home/life, be there to be petted, etc. just like other pets do.

 

I'm not telling you what to believe, but my opinion is these pets do not belong on cruise ships, as they aren't allowed in the land equivalent to the places on a cruise ship (restaurants, casinos, hotels that don't allow pets, etc.) and they are not trained to behave in such public spaces (and cannot be so trained, since they cannot experience those places on land). They could be a distraction to real service animals. The could be a threat to service animals and humans if they are aggressive.

 

No matter your opinion, send in your comment at the Web site above.

 

Note: They are also taking comments on wheelchairs and other electric mobility devices as well as on the relationship between the DOT rules and ADA rules. Also, there are some good new regulations going into effect in November, including that cruise ships must have a CRO onboard (just like the airlines have one at the airport) and that it will be harder for able-bodied people to book accessible cabins (see my other thread about that). Also, the cruiselines will be required to give you the information about importing your service dog to each island! And they are required to provide a refrigerator for your service dog's food, if needed, and not charge for your service dog's food or supplies (what cruiseline did that?!?!). Regulations for potty areas is forthcoming in a different set of rules (ones having to do with the design of the ship).

Edited July 8, 2010 by Quampapetet

[S.S. Cruisers]

Mornin' all:

Finally home after 4200 miles, 21 days. Leann Emily and Jezzy Lou are safely home, transported in crates! Leann Emily is roaming around meowing. She use to just squeak, I guess she missed us. Jezzy Lou is beside herself, she can't get enough of us. Like she could before. Life is good. Except the 111-114 degree heat. Not fun after 95 tops. Good reason to get out of here!

Everyone have a great Sunday and wonderful week.

[Quampapetet]

Glad you made it home safely!

 

That's so cute that your cat used to squeak instead of meow! :)

[wizard-of-roz]

Mornin' all:

 

Finally home after 4200 miles, 21 days. Leann Emily and Jezzy Lou are safely home, transported in crates! Leann Emily is roaming around meowing. She use to just squeak, I guess she missed us. Jezzy Lou is beside herself, she can't get enough of us. Like she could before. Life is good. Except the 111-114 degree heat. Not fun after 95 tops. Good reason to get out of here!

 

Everyone have a great Sunday and wonderful week.

 

Welcome home! We were spoiled for a long time with cooler weather than usual. I hope your air conditioner is working well, for both you and your furbabies!

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey, everyone, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened up a public comment period for opinions on whether or not Emotional Support Animals should be allowed on cruise ships! Please send in your comment here (the official government site): http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480b13912 (You can post anonymously or provide as much contact info. as you want, just know that it is public info. that will be posted to their Web site for all to see.)

 

For those who are not sure what Emotional Support Animals are, they are pets that people with mental/emotional disabilities have been prescribed. These animals are not trained to do tasks like service dogs and they are not trained to behave in public spaces like service dogs are. They are not allowed in public spaces other than where other pets are allowed to go except for airplane cabins, and that is with a doctor's letter that contains specific required information about the person and the doctor. There is no standard of training or behaviour for these dogs, so they may or may not be aggressive. The way they help their person is to provide security by just being present in the person's home/life, be there to be petted, etc. just like other pets do.

 

I'm not telling you what to believe, but my opinion is these pets do not belong on cruise ships, as they aren't allowed in the land equivalent to the places on a cruise ship (restaurants, casinos, hotels that don't allow pets, etc.) and they are not trained to behave in such public spaces (and cannot be so trained, since they cannot experience those places on land). They could be a distraction to real service animals. The could be a threat to service animals and humans if they are aggressive.

 

No matter your opinion, send in your comment at the Web site above.

 

Note: They are also taking comments on wheelchairs and other electric mobility devices as well as on the relationship between the DOT rules and ADA rules. Also, there are some good new regulations going into effect in November, including that cruise ships must have a CRO onboard (just like the airlines have one at the airport) and that it will be harder for able-bodied people to book accessible cabins (see my other thread about that). Also, the cruiselines will be required to give you the information about importing your service dog to each island! And they are required to provide a refrigerator for your service dog's food, if needed, and not charge for your service dog's food or supplies (what cruiseline did that?!?!). Regulations for potty areas is forthcoming in a different set of rules (ones having to do with the design of the ship).

 

I, personally, have a very strong opinion about allowing any animal into the public venue that does NOT have thorough public access training.

 

Although, I have great empathy for folks who use the Emotional Support animal.......I absolutely do not want to see these animals in the public. Unless, as I stated above they are thoroughly trained and have the manners and temperment required for the public.

 

I have been exposed to such a "support" team and to watch the behavior of the dog was very disturbing. I knew if Brenda and I were to walk by, that dog would definitely start barking or even attack. The manager had the woman remove the dog.

Enough folks and animals like that and it would take our accessibility back about 30 years!

[DisneyKidsDad]

I, personally, have a very strong opinion about allowing any animal into the public venue that does NOT have thorough public access training.

 

 

Be careful how you word things. A CCI puppy in training does NOT have thorough public access training but needs to be out in public to get it.

We have friends who are CCI puppy raisers that we are going to Disney World with next week and we are greatful that they will be allowed everywhere our daughters full service dog can go.

[wizard-of-roz]

Be careful how you word things. A CCI puppy in training does NOT have thorough public access training but needs to be out in public to get it.

We have friends who are CCI puppy raisers that we are going to Disney World with next week and we are greatful that they will be allowed everywhere our daughters full service dog can go.

 

I totally agree with you [i know I can get so passionate about somethings.] Thank you for puting a "check" on me.

CCI Puppies In Training can be amazingly well behaved and are "puppies!" They wear their cape which identifies them as such and the public is aware that they are in "training!" The puppie raiser or trainer is ALWAYS in control of the puppy and does not allow for bad behavior.

A "correction" is given if/when the puppy misbehaves or acts out.

 

The animals we're speaking about would be in the public venue, with no training or "corrections!"

 

I should state that there are some "support" dogs who behave very well and are trained appropriately. They do know how to act in public and are wonderful to be around.......the key word is "some."

 

Until the same level of training is given to ALL of these dogs they should not be in the public arena.

 

I love the company of the puppies.....they're so cute and to watch how they behave is a sight to see. I'd be thrilled to spend my day with them. :)

Have fun!

[sunshine426]

and with that note, I am taking a 12 week black lab puppy to the hospital for his first hospital visitation. I am well prepared for potty accidents and have a supporting team working with me incase my little guy and I need to leave a bit early. I believe one of the reasons' Crackers is ready to graduate on the early side is his very early hospital and school experiences.

[wizard-of-roz]

and with that note, I am taking a 12 week black lab puppy to the hospital for his first hospital visitation. I am well prepared for potty accidents and have a supporting team working with me incase my little guy and I need to leave a bit early. I believe one of the reasons' Crackers is ready to graduate on the early side is his very early hospital and school experiences.

 

Ya just can't beat that "on-the-job-training!" :p

[S.S. Cruisers]

Mornin' all:

Who says our labs aren't the smartest kids yet?

UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP, Penn. (CNN/WFMZ) -- Talk about one smart pooch! A labrador saved his own life when he was left out in a hot car.

 

11-year-old Max went on an errand with his owner, but when she got home she immediately was distracted cleaning her home.

 

About an hour later, she heard a car horn. When she looked outside, she didn't see anything.

 

A few minutes later, she heard the horn again and spotted the chocolate lab in the driver's seat!

 

Max's owner took him inside, gave him water, and got him cooled down before taking him to the vet.

 

Max's owner says she'll never make that mistake again and hopes this serves as a lesson to other pet owners.

 

I believe all over California it is against the law to leave an animal in the vehicle. I know it was a mistake, but in this heat it would have been a deadly mistake. Glad Max is okay.

Everyone have a great day.

__________________

[wizard-of-roz]

Nancy, what a wonderful story. As smart as Brenny is I'm not sure she'd know how to do that!

We had a person leave his terrier in his locked/rolled-up window car, in our parking lot when it was 98 outside. The dog kept yapping and yapping to get our attention. His owner was swimming in the pool [which is located in the very back of our building, whereas the parking garage is near the very front, way too far away for him to hear his poor little dog in distress.]

One of our custodians took a hammer and broke the rear window.....while the dog stayed at the front, near the steering wheel. He then crawled in, got the dog out and, boy was the owner shocked when he saw his broken window, upon his return. Brenda loved the company and the dog loved Brenda's water.

We told the jerk that he was lucky we didn't call the police and even luckier that his dog didn't die! He wasn't very happy! :rolleyes:

[Quampapetet]

I, personally, have a very strong opinion about allowing any animal into the public venue that does NOT have thorough public access training.

 

Same here!

 

Be careful how you word things. A CCI puppy in training does NOT have thorough public access training but needs to be out in public to get it.

 

That is different, though. Somebody taking an in-training dog out for training is going to be paying attention to the dog full-time, training them, correcting them, knowing when enough is enough, etc. Somebody with an Emotional Support Animal drags their dog along everywhere they go, often not paying attention to the dog or the dog's needs, not out for training or correcting (some will even laugh about their dog doing something bad - even piddling indoors - and think a lap-sized aggressive dog is "cute"), and not knowing when a dog is stressed or when the dog needs time off or when to go home.

 

Also, there is a clear reason why people train service dogs in-training in public places. There is not a reason why people need to bring their Emotional Support Animals in public; they do just fine being at home and people can create in themselves the same emotional support when they are home with the dog.

 

The puppie raiser or trainer is ALWAYS in control of the puppy and does not allow for bad behavior.

 

A "correction" is given if/when the puppy misbehaves or acts out.

 

The animals we're speaking about would be in the public venue, with no training or "corrections!"

 

Yup!

[DisneyKidsDad]

Same here!

 

 

 

That is different, though. Somebody taking an in-training dog out for training is going to be paying attention to the dog full-time, training them, correcting them, knowing when enough is enough, etc. Somebody with an Emotional Support Animal drags their dog along everywhere they go, often not paying attention to the dog or the dog's needs, not out for training or correcting (some will even laugh about their dog doing something bad - even piddling indoors - and think a lap-sized aggressive dog is "cute"), and not knowing when a dog is stressed or when the dog needs time off or when to go home.

 

Also, there is a clear reason why people train service dogs in-training in public places. There is not a reason why people need to bring their Emotional Support Animals in public; they do just fine being at home and people can create in themselves the same emotional support when they are home with the dog.

 

 

 

Yup!

 

I agree completely, all I was saying is if a law were to be written that said

"not allowing any animal into the public venue that does NOT have thorough public access training.", puppies in training would not be allowed.

Edited July 13, 2010 by DisneyKidsDad

[sunshine426]

My little 4 month old friend and I went to the hospital today. He was glad to meet two "grown-up" dogs to show him the ropes and role model good behavior. He had such nice manners, liked snuggling in the bed with kids and wasn't afraid at all when one of the kids moved the bed up and down. ( I was watching and told him to go ahead and try). He liked being placed in a wagon with the toddler, while the two big dogs had to watch from the sidelines. I had a lot of extra cleaning supplies with me, but we made it outside for all potty times. (whew).

 

As we were leaving a little boy in a wagon called out doggy! I asked the parents if they wanted me to come over and then I took a look at the little boy. He had freshly sutured dog bite on his face(sadly, I have seen a few). They told me the family dog(a lab) had bitten him yesterday. i told them it was up to them if I came any closer. But the boy was calling and they said it was probably a good idea. So little Stone and I went over and bless Stone, not one jump out of him. And little puppies can be licky and jumpy. How do these dogs figure out what is needed? After some pats and love we all went our own way. Stone is now back home, and I've emailed his trainer with a report and pictures.

 

On another note: Guess who was picked at camp today. My Crackers! I don't know any details and things can always change as today was day 2 of camp, but my fingers are crossed that it is a good placement. I'll let you know when I find out any details.

[wizard-of-roz]

My little 4 month old friend and I went to the hospital today. He was glad to meet two "grown-up" dogs to show him the ropes and role model good behavior. He had such nice manners, liked snuggling in the bed with kids and wasn't afraid at all when one of the kids moved the bed up and down. ( I was watching and told him to go ahead and try). He liked being placed in a wagon with the toddler, while the two big dogs had to watch from the sidelines. I had a lot of extra cleaning supplies with me, but we made it outside for all potty times. (whew).

 

As we were leaving a little boy in a wagon called out doggy! I asked the parents if they wanted me to come over and then I took a look at the little boy. He had freshly sutured dog bite on his face(sadly, I have seen a few). They told me the family dog(a lab) had bitten him yesterday. i told them it was up to them if I came any closer. But the boy was calling and they said it was probably a good idea. So little Stone and I went over and bless Stone, not one jump out of him. And little puppies can be licky and jumpy. How do these dogs figure out what is needed? After some pats and love we all went our own way. Stone is now back home, and I've emailed his trainer with a report and pictures.

 

On another note: Guess who was picked at camp today. My Crackers! I don't know any details and things can always change as today was day 2 of camp, but my fingers are crossed that it is a good placement. I'll let you know when I find out any details.

 

AWWWWW! That little boy was bit by a dog and still wanted to have a dog come near him......the power of a puppy is phenomenal.

Oh! NO! I'd make a terrible puppyraiser......my first thought for Crackers was "no" don't pick him. But, it's exactly why you work so hard with him. And, it means that you and he have done exactly what you were supposed to do......I would want to keep every puppy I worked with!

You are so amazing. I don't know what people like me would do without people like you. I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!!

[sunshine426]

I'm not sure why I always thought Crackers would be placed with a young child. I was pretty convinced it would be a boy as well. So, I was ready. And I am 99% glad he was picked for camp and 1% wishing for more time with him. Now, I find out he was placed with a young girl. I don't know the details, but as a woman who raised two daughters, can I just tell you how thrilled I am. I can just see the two getting into mischief, and getting out of trouble based on good looks and cute facter.

 

Things can always change and every match made on day 2 does not always pan out, but I have good feelings for this one! I'll keep y'all posted.

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm not sure why I always thought Crackers would be placed with a young child. I was pretty convinced it would be a boy as well. So, I was ready. And I am 99% glad he was picked for camp and 1% wishing for more time with him. Now, I find out he was placed with a young girl. I don't know the details, but as a woman who raised two daughters, can I just tell you how thrilled I am. I can just see the two getting into mischief, and getting out of trouble based on good looks and cute facter.

 

Things can always change and every match made on day 2 does not always pan out, but I have good feelings for this one! I'll keep y'all posted.

 

A very lucky little girl. Let us know how it goes.

I can remember when I was matched with Brenda it was NOT love at first sight. It took time......she was willing to work hard at the match and I was desparately wanting a "blonde" dog! She was ready for me......I wasn't ready for her. Little did I think or know about the personality match that must take place. It took me about a week before I felt her soul.

Please let us know how Crackers is doing........I'll miss hearing about him.

[sunshine426]

And a very lucky Crackers. He glows as it is. He will be blinding when he is loved 24 hours a day. I am so very happy for him.

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz and Brenda are a sight to see together. Being the partner of someone who uses a service dog on a daily basis can be very difficult. I have to walk a fine line between wanting to just love and play with Brenda when she needs to be on task. The hardest thing for me is to do is not get eye contact with Brenda. Once we look at each other, it's over. I'm hers and she's mine. I love when Roz sleeps in, then Brenda's all mine.

 

She's over 10 years old but still wants to work. She wants to do "something", when she's not sleeping or eating she want to have a job. She loves when Roz asks her to "get" or "find" or "tug" or "push" or "alert". She literally sits and stares at her just waiting for the next job. Roz has to use the "release" command to get her to just go lay down and relax.

 

I pray that Brenda lives a long life and stays well.

 

We don't cruise again until November, it seems like a long time away. It's great to have one to look forward to. Hope to see one of you on our cruises.

 

Morey

[rangeley]

Hi All, It feels like I haven't been here forever! We have been very busy and it's been very HOT!!!!! I hate the heat!! :mad:

 

Nancy, So glad you are finally home and I'm sure your babies are too!

 

Karen, I'm so happy for Crackers and so sad at the same time. I feel we have grown to know him and I'm going to miss him something awful! I can't imagine the mixed feelings you must have. I know its a great thing, but I could never imagine losing a buddy like that. I can't put into words how much admiration and respect I have for you and people that do what you do. All I can say is "Thanks".

 

Yesterday was Wexlers birthday. He is 3 already. He got a few toys and a kong filled with yogurt and dog food, that we froze for him. His puppy raisers sent a few things and a nice card. They made him something and when I take a pic I'll post it here.

 

In a few weeks we are thinking about going to NJ to see our puppy raisers and our friends that graduated with us, then maybe attending the summer graduation at CCI.

 

Well another day in the 90's and humid! Yuck! Poor Wex hasn't been getting enough walks and playtime cuz it's been so hot. Looks like he will be chasing the ball down the hall of our apt building.

 

Cindy