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

[wizard-of-roz]

Sounds like "scooter" would be a good name for traveling.

 

"Scooter" is cute, how about "Missy?"

[wizard-of-roz]

I guess I am not as strong as I thought. I am missing my Crackers a lot this week. I've been looking at his pictures, especially the ones where he is looking right at the camera, because that is how he would look right at me. I'm going to go work with some of his litter mates tonight.

 

Awwwwww! You're a very "soft", "loving" person. Take care, hang in there. I bet he's thinking about you too!

Dogs have a wonderful ability of "moving-on"! I'm so grateful for that.

I hope that Mr. Cooler is helping in keeping you very busy.

[rangeley]

Hey Hey Hey....No more blubbering!! I'm not around for a few days and you guys are falling apart. Actually I'm not having a good day today. Little Miss B has been on my mind alot lately. I miss her so much. So since all dogs go to heaven, I know she is up there playing ball til she can't play no more! Now enough of that!!!!!! :mad: I know we have lost alot of babies in the past few years. But we have to live for the ones we still have. Brenny still has alot of time left and you can't dwell on her dying. Crackers is gone but just think how happy he is making that little girl. You see how Wex, Brenny, Orson, Valentine, and even our non service dogs Jezzy Lou and Sandy make us feel. They make us complete. Even though Wex is a pain in the butt!! His obsession with belly rubs is really getting to be a pain. I never get to see his face anymore. He has a signature move where he dives head first and flips himself over. I will have to get it on video so you all can see. It's too funny! We are leaving on Wed 8/11 to go to NJ. We are going to visit our puppy raisers and a few of our fellow graduates. Then on Friday we will head to Long Island for the grad on Saturday 8/14. Of course we will be stopping at CCI to see everyone there, and having dinner with our favorite CCI employee. DKD I hope to see you and your family at the grad!!

 

We went to the Red Sox game this weekend and Wex had a great time. I'll post a few pics.

 

Today John is at the VA in Boston being a guinea pig for some study on quads. They will be poking and proding him all over!! His appointment was at 1:00 and he couldn't eat anything before. He going to be starving by the time he gets home. We have some family reunion this weekend and I'm not looking forward to it. It's Johns fathers(he's passed) family that no one kept in touch with. John doesn't even know them so it should be fun right? :confused: Don't know.

 

Whew thats enough crap from me. Make sure you check out the pics, Wex is so cute!! hehehe

 

Cindy

 

PS threw pic of Wex in his tux in there too!

Edited August 4, 2010 by rangeley

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey Hey Hey....No more blubbering!! I'm not around for a few days and you guys are falling apart. Actually I'm not having a good day today. Little Miss B has been on my mind alot lately. I miss her so much. So since all dogs go to heaven, I know she is up there playing ball til she can't play no more! Now enough of that!!!!!! :mad: I know we have lost alot of babies in the past few years. But we have to live for the ones we still have. Brenny still has alot of time left and you can't dwell on her dying. Crackers is gone but just think how happy he is making that little girl. You see how Wex, Brenny, Orson, Valentine, and even our non service dogs Jezzy Lou and Sandy make us feel. They make us complete. Even though Wex is a pain in the butt!! His obsession with belly rubs is really getting to be a pain. I never get to see his face anymore. He has a signature move where he dives head first and flips himself over. I will have to get it on video so you all can see. It's too funny! We are leaving on Wed 8/11 to go to NJ. We are going to visit our puppy raisers and a few of our fellow graduates. Then on Friday we will head to Long Island for the grad on Saturday 8/14. Of course we will be stopping at CCI to see everyone there, and having dinner with our favorite CCI employee. DKD I hope to see you and your family at the grad!!

 

We went to the Red Sox game this weekend and Wex had a great time. I'll post a few pics.

 

Today John is at the VA in Boston being a guinea pig for some study on quads. They will be poking and proding him all over!! His appointment was at 1:00 and he couldn't eat anything before. He going to be starving by the time he gets home. We have some family reunion this weekend and I'm not looking forward to it. It's Johns fathers(he's passed) family that no one kept in touch with. John doesn't even know them so it should be fun right? :confused: Don't know.

 

Whew thats enough crap from me. Make sure you check out the pics, Wex is so cute!! hehehe

 

Cindy

 

PS threw pic of Wex in his tux in there too!

 

Cindy, Yeh! You're back....I missed you. See, every group needs a moderator.....your ours! I love Wex...he's such a riot. Brenda would love playing with that "bad boy!" He's really got you guys trained. I know you miss "Miss B". I do too! I loved your stories about her and her antics. Thank you Cindy for reminding me to "shape-up" and enjoy my Brenny right now!!!! Believe me, I do! I cleaned-out her "lab ears" today, like I have to do, almost every day and I was thinking......Oh! God! There will come a time when I'll wish I could do this......so, I suck-it-up and do it!

Wex is such a handsome dog. Is he as big as he looks? I love the pictures.

Poor John. I'm sorry he's getting poked. He'll need an extra special hug from you [not to mention a really fabulous meal] and some "bellie rubbing" time with Wex.

I come from a family of 6 children. My parents have passed but my 3 brothers and 2 sisters are still around. Do I love them, oh yes. But the different personalities can literally drive me to drink. I fall right in the middle. I have an older brother and sister and two younger brothers and 1 sister. The baby sister is the bossiest and most demanding. The older sister is the "blaming" one, "you never did this right", or, "that right" or blah, blah, blah! Right now, I'm NOT responding to any of her phone calls or emails. It's the usual "cooling-off" time so I don't go balistic!

When we all get together with our children and grandchildren there's almost 95 of us!!!! :eek:

See, Cindy, we all have craziness in our family lives. Some more than other's. I'm just grateful that I have my Morey and my children to divert me away from my siblings.

Let us know how John's family visit goes.

Stay well.

Love,

Roz & Brenny

[Valentine's Mom]

Hey Hey Hey....No more blubbering!! I'm not around for a few days and you guys are falling apart. Actually I'm not having a good day today. Little Miss B has been on my mind alot lately. I miss her so much. So since all dogs go to heaven, I know she is up there playing ball til she can't play no more! Now enough of that!!!!!! :mad: I know we have lost alot of babies in the past few years. But we have to live for the ones we still have. Brenny still has alot of time left and you can't dwell on her dying. Crackers is gone but just think how happy he is making that little girl. You see how Wex, Brenny, Orson, Valentine, and even our non service dogs Jezzy Lou and Sandy make us feel. They make us complete. Even though Wex is a pain in the butt!! His obsession with belly rubs is really getting to be a pain. I never get to see his face anymore. He has a signature move where he dives head first and flips himself over. I will have to get it on video so you all can see. It's too funny! We are leaving on Wed 8/11 to go to NJ. We are going to visit our puppy raisers and a few of our fellow graduates. Then on Friday we will head to Long Island for the grad on Saturday 8/14. Of course we will be stopping at CCI to see everyone there, and having dinner with our favorite CCI employee. DKD I hope to see you and your family at the grad!!

 

We went to the Red Sox game this weekend and Wex had a great time. I'll post a few pics.

 

Today John is at the VA in Boston being a guinea pig for some study on quads. They will be poking and proding him all over!! His appointment was at 1:00 and he couldn't eat anything before. He going to be starving by the time he gets home. We have some family reunion this weekend and I'm not looking forward to it. It's Johns fathers(he's passed) family that no one kept in touch with. John doesn't even know them so it should be fun right? :confused: Don't know.

 

Whew thats enough crap from me. Make sure you check out the pics, Wex is so cute!! hehehe

 

Cindy

 

PS threw pic of Wex in his tux in there too!

 

 

Cindy,

 

Those pictures are so cute ! When I looked at the last one of Wexy sitting alone I could have sworn that he was smiling teeth and all. He does have a cute doggy smile. I have seen dogs on tv that when asked to smaile will show their teeth and that's what I thought Wexy was doing.

 

Valentine has a special move to get her belly rubbed too. She refuses to lay on her back but she will come and sit on your lap and hold up a paw and give you the look. LOL People that don't know her trick thinks that she wants to shake hands.

 

I do like the names Skooter and Missy I'll have to give them a try next time we are out. Thanks.

 

Barbara

[sunshine426]

OK, no more pouting from me either!! Had a nice work session with two of Cracker's siblings. They have a very similar sweet face and it was nice to snuggle a bit. Working with older dogs reminds you of the important job they do. We had some relay races with the dogs and I had to drive a motorized wheelchair with a dog at my side. The dog did well, can't say much about my driving ability though. My friends tried not to laugh.......

[DisneyKidsDad]

Hey Hey Hey....No more blubbering!! I'm not around for a few days and you guys are falling apart. Actually I'm not having a good day today. Little Miss B has been on my mind alot lately. I miss her so much. So since all dogs go to heaven, I know she is up there playing ball til she can't play no more! Now enough of that!!!!!! :mad: I know we have lost alot of babies in the past few years. But we have to live for the ones we still have. Brenny still has alot of time left and you can't dwell on her dying. Crackers is gone but just think how happy he is making that little girl. You see how Wex, Brenny, Orson, Valentine, and even our non service dogs Jezzy Lou and Sandy make us feel. They make us complete. Even though Wex is a pain in the butt!! His obsession with belly rubs is really getting to be a pain. I never get to see his face anymore. He has a signature move where he dives head first and flips himself over. I will have to get it on video so you all can see. It's too funny! We are leaving on Wed 8/11 to go to NJ. We are going to visit our puppy raisers and a few of our fellow graduates. Then on Friday we will head to Long Island for the grad on Saturday 8/14. Of course we will be stopping at CCI to see everyone there, and having dinner with our favorite CCI employee. DKD I hope to see you and your family at the grad!!

 

We went to the Red Sox game this weekend and Wex had a great time. I'll post a few pics.

 

Today John is at the VA in Boston being a guinea pig for some study on quads. They will be poking and proding him all over!! His appointment was at 1:00 and he couldn't eat anything before. He going to be starving by the time he gets home. We have some family reunion this weekend and I'm not looking forward to it. It's Johns fathers(he's passed) family that no one kept in touch with. John doesn't even know them so it should be fun right? :confused: Don't know.

 

Whew thats enough crap from me. Make sure you check out the pics, Wex is so cute!! hehehe

 

Cindy

 

PS threw pic of Wex in his tux in there too!

 

Cindy,

 

If Orson's puppy raisers dog, Tucker, is graduating, then we are planning on being there. We plan on stopping by CCI first to see everyone. Hopefully this all goes as planned. I think today is the day when the dogs get placed with their potential people. It may also be the day when the puppy raisers get notified if their pups are graduating. Have to check on FB when I get home from work.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Just came across this story. Bout time!!

 

Weary of taking your pet with you next time you travel? Don't be because Philadelphia International Airport is making it much more convenient -- and comfortable -- for you and your pooch.

A total of seven pet ports are available, outside, within walking distance of the terminals.

The pet ports give owners a place to take their pets for a walk or to relieve themselves.

The 250-to 600-square foot pet relief areas feature a mulch surface, bench, faux fire hydrant, biodegradable waste bags and a concrete dog paw print. Each pet port is enclosed by a fence with a latching gate. Philadelphia International is the first airport to provide animal relief areas. In fact, they got doggy bathrooms a year before they were required. The overall cost of over $200K was covered by the airport's general funds, not tax dollars. And the best part? Passengers who step outside with their pups are expedited back through.

"We have an agreement with the TSA that you can come out here and then they will escort you back through the security line and you don't have to wait in a long line," airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said Wednesday.

[rangeley]

Cindy,

 

If Orson's puppy raisers dog, Tucker, is graduating, then we are planning on being there. We plan on stopping by CCI first to see everyone. Hopefully this all goes as planned. I think today is the day when the dogs get placed with their potential people. It may also be the day when the puppy raisers get notified if their pups are graduating. Have to check on FB when I get home from work.

 

DKD, Looks like we may be seeing eachother sooner than later. Should be fun!

 

Cindy

[rangeley]

Cindy' date='

 

Those pictures are so cute ! When I looked at the last one of Wexy sitting alone I could have sworn that he was smiling teeth and all. He does have a cute doggy smile. I have seen dogs on tv that when asked to smaile will show their teeth and that's what I thought Wexy was doing.

 

Valentine has a special move to get her belly rubbed too. She refuses to lay on her back but she will come and sit on your lap and hold up a paw and give you the look. LOL People that don't know her trick thinks that she wants to shake hands.

 

I do like the names Skooter and Missy I'll have to give them a try next time we are out. Thanks.

 

Barbara[/quote']

 

 

Barbara, He does seem to smile at times. Especially when he is upside down, he makes sure all his teeth show.

[rangeley]

OK, no more pouting from me either!! Had a nice work session with two of Cracker's siblings. They have a very similar sweet face and it was nice to snuggle a bit. Working with older dogs reminds you of the important job they do. We had some relay races with the dogs and I had to drive a motorized wheelchair with a dog at my side. The dog did well, can't say much about my driving ability though. My friends tried not to laugh.......

 

 

Those wheelchairs are tricky. I have a hard time with Johns manual or power assist chair. We will be meeting Wexlers sister this week. They say "dogs live in the moment" but I'm not sure if I believe that. So makes me wonder if Wex will know his sister.

 

Cindy

[rangeley]

Wex is such a handsome dog. Is he as big as he looks? I love the pictures.

 

 

Roz, Wex is so cute! And with his personality added to that, he's just a doll. He is only 70lbs but he is sooooo tall! He's alotta legs. And he has a habit of crossing them all the time, it's so cute! :D

 

Cindy

[wizard-of-roz]

OK, no more pouting from me either!! Had a nice work session with two of Cracker's siblings. They have a very similar sweet face and it was nice to snuggle a bit. Working with older dogs reminds you of the important job they do. We had some relay races with the dogs and I had to drive a motorized wheelchair with a dog at my side. The dog did well, can't say much about my driving ability though. My friends tried not to laugh.......

 

 

I'm glad to hear this....have a wonderful weekend.

[wizard-of-roz]

Just came across this story. Bout time!!

 

Weary of taking your pet with you next time you travel? Don't be because Philadelphia International Airport is making it much more convenient -- and comfortable -- for you and your pooch.

A total of seven pet ports are available, outside, within walking distance of the terminals.

The pet ports give owners a place to take their pets for a walk or to relieve themselves.

The 250-to 600-square foot pet relief areas feature a mulch surface, bench, faux fire hydrant, biodegradable waste bags and a concrete dog paw print. Each pet port is enclosed by a fence with a latching gate. Philadelphia International is the first airport to provide animal relief areas. In fact, they got doggy bathrooms a year before they were required. The overall cost of over $200K was covered by the airport's general funds, not tax dollars. And the best part? Passengers who step outside with their pups are expedited back through.

"We have an agreement with the TSA that you can come out here and then they will escort you back through the security line and you don't have to wait in a long line," airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said Wednesday.

 

This is wonderful news. It's the biggest nightmare, when traveling. Where is the closest area to potty? This will make life so much better.

Hopefully, it won't take too long for more airports in the USA and internationally, to catch on!

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz, Wex is so cute! And with his personality added to that, he's just a doll. He is only 70lbs but he is sooooo tall! He's alotta legs. And he has a habit of crossing them all the time, it's so cute! :D

 

Cindy

 

Makes me chuckle, to just picture it. You love him.

Brenda stands on very "squatty" legs. It's the English Lab thing. She can look like a bull dog, at times! Of course, there's that Lab, square head that makes her look so cute.

[wizard-of-roz]

Those wheelchairs are tricky. I have a hard time with Johns manual or power assist chair. We will be meeting Wexlers sister this week. They say "dogs live in the moment" but I'm not sure if I believe that. So makes me wonder if Wex will know his sister.

 

Cindy

 

Let us know how he reacts to her!

[DisneyKidsDad]

DKD, Looks like we may be seeing eachother sooner than later. Should be fun!

 

Cindy

 

You are right Cindy. I can't get there till around 5:00 PM. Hopefully you guys can hang around that long. Believe me, you will be entertained.

[Quampapetet]

This is wonderful news. It's the biggest nightmare, when traveling. Where is the closest area to potty? This will make life so much better.

 

Hopefully, it won't take too long for more airports in the USA and internationally, to catch on!

 

All airports in the US are required to have relief areas for service animals. The airlines are also required to have somebody escort you to the relief area (not just tell you where they are) if you ask for it. (Being escorted through security is not required.)

 

Most relief areas are outside the secure area, unfortunately.

[rangeley]

DKD, We met her at training. Shes something else. I'm sure we will still be there when you arrive. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

 

Cindy

[wizard-of-roz]

All airports in the US are required to have relief areas for service animals. The airlines are also required to have somebody escort you to the relief area (not just tell you where they are) if you ask for it. (Being escorted through security is not required.)

 

Most relief areas are outside the secure area, unfortunately.

 

They may be "required" to have it but most have not met the necessary standards and some are so inconvenient that they make it almost impossible to go to the gate and then have to walk way to far to go back to the potty area.

 

You really "MUST" remember to go to the area before you enter security and surely before you go to your boarding area.

 

To put the box closer to the tarmack would be the best idea but probably the least desirable for TSA.

And, if you get really unlucky to be on a flight that is delayed and you're stuck inside the plane, on the tarmack, for way too long and, you know that your dog will NEVER relieve herself on concrete, going potty can be a nightmare while traveling. [A stewardess took Brenda off the plane, she was given the command for going potty and walked Brenda in the most amazing circles] until finally, out of desperation, Brenda went potty!

The Stewardess handed Brenda back to me and she looked totally exhausted!!!!

These are some of the trials and tribulations of having a Service Dog!

[Quampapetet]

They may be "required" to have it but most have not met the necessary standards and some are so inconvenient that they make it almost impossible to go to the gate and then have to walk way to far to go back to the potty area.

If you come across an airport that doesn't have a potty spot, report them to the DOT. There aren't very many standards and there's no requirement that it needs to be convenient (unfortunately!).

 

You really "MUST" remember to go to the area before you enter security and surely before you go to your boarding area.

The main ppl using a potty spot at an airport would be ppl with connecting flights. So, it is too bad that they did not require the spots to be within the secure area!! :mad: Less than a handful of airports have them within the secure area.

 

And, if you get really unlucky to be on a flight that is delayed and you're stuck inside the plane, on the tarmack, for way too long and, you know that your dog will NEVER relieve herself on concrete, going potty can be a nightmare while traveling. [A stewardess took Brenda off the plane, she was given the command for going potty and walked Brenda in the most amazing circles] until finally, out of desperation, Brenda went potty!

 

 

Thankfully, now there are rules against airlines keeping you in the plane on the tarmac for over so many hours.

 

I always carry a potty pad with me when flying, just in case my dog needs to go (we can go into a bathroom and use it, then dispose of it like a child's diaper).

[wizard-of-roz]

[/b][/color]

 

 

[/b]

 

 

 

 

 

I always carry a potty pad with me when flying, just in case my dog needs to go (we can go into a bathroom and use it, then dispose of it like a child's diaper).[/quote

 

I wish Brenda would use those "pads", she is so focused on the "refusal" she will not focus on the pad. Believe me, I've tried.

 

If I rolled-up some artificial turf [she'll go on this without hesitation]and used it [i'd probably have to dispose of it after because there's really not a good way to rinse it off and have it dry]...I guess I'd have to be willing to just toss it afterwards. A bit expensive. Too bad I can't grow this stuff.

 

Brenda has some idiosyncracies and I don't have the energy or the fortitude to struggle with a 10 year old dog over it.

 

My life is simply made more simple if I potty her before the flight and then do not give her any water [except for an ice chip or two], to relieve that "dry mouth" thing while flying.

 

I really want to do the cruise that goes to Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Coast but, I dread the flight.

 

I suppose we could drive to the East Coast.....Hmmmmm! That would take most of my vacation time, just to drive. But, I could visit all you guys back east! Don't expect me to do this one very soon. :o

 

Also, I bet you're wondering what I'm doing up so late........I love to stay-up late on Saturday nights and sleep-in on Sunday. ;)

 

Brenda's sleeping on my side of the bed and just hates when I come in and disturb her. She finally gets up and literally lays herself on top of Morey......it's such a sight and, he's so wonderful with her. He's got this 65 pound Lab laying on top of him with her elbows in his stomach.....it's almost comical! He just strokes her head and, she lays her head on his chest and just stares at him adoringly. It's so cute.

 

Then, they both leave me, close the door and she goes to the couch and he goes to his LazyBoy recliner. Such habits! What a trio we are!!!!!:rolleyes:

[Quampapetet]

I wish Brenda would use those "pads", she is so focused on the "refusal" she will not focus on the pad. Believe me, I've tried.

 

If I rolled-up some artificial turf [she'll go on this without hesitation]and used it [i'd probably have to dispose of it after because there's really not a good way to rinse it off and have it dry]...I guess I'd have to be willing to just toss it afterwards. A bit expensive. Too bad I can't grow this stuff.

Have you tried putting a pad under the turf and then slowly taking the turf away over time (making it smaller)? The pads are scented, too, so she can tell they are under there.

And, yeah, these fake grass things are pricey! I wish I had kept mine from last cruise that were scraps from my region's faux grass installer. Now he doesn't keep scraps anymore, so I have to buy some for $200. I won't be leaving THOSE behind, that's for sure!!

 

My life is simply made more simple if I potty her before the flight and then do not give her any water [except for an ice chip or two], to relieve that "dry mouth" thing while flying.

That's what I always do, too. And I don't feed her that morning for a morning/noontime flight. For an afternoon/evening flight, I'll get up very, very early in the morning to feed her (and go back to sleep after, don't worry!) to make sure she has time to poop before we have to leave for the airport.

 

I really want to do the cruise that goes to Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Coast but, I dread the flight.

Do it! Don't let a little flight get in your way!

[wizard-of-roz]

[/b][/color]

 

Have you tried putting a pad under the turf and then slowly taking the turf away over time (making it smaller)? The pads are scented, too, so she can tell they are under there.

 

And, yeah, these fake grass things are pricey! I wish I had kept mine from last cruise that were scraps from my region's faux grass installer. Now he doesn't keep scraps anymore, so I have to buy some for $200. I won't be leaving THOSE behind, that's for sure!!

 

[/b]

 

That's what I always do, too. And I don't feed her that morning for a morning/noontime flight. For an afternoon/evening flight, I'll get up very, very early in the morning to feed her (and go back to sleep after, don't worry!) to make sure she has time to poop before we have to leave for the airport.

 

[/b]

 

Do it! Don't let a little flight get in your way!

 

When we go to the workshops [once or twice a year] these are great issues to bring-up to the trainers.

 

For those of us who do a lot of travel [other than the car] we really need to have the ability to take our dogs into the public restroom and have them relieve themselves in a convenient way to the handler.

 

If I put Brenda on a puddle-pad she forever circles it [making it turn into a ball of worthless material] I have to continually unravel it as she's moving on it.

 

If there were a really strong tape on each corner [so it could be attached to the tile floor] and it had the feel of grass [what an invention!] Then we could pick it up [undoing the taped corners] and toss it into a trash can [not any worse than a dirty diaper.]

 

If any of you have seen this product please let me know......I'll be buying it.

I could bring the pads along with us to events [in hotels and ballrooms] use the handicapped restroom, lay down the pad and waaahlah!

[Quampapetet]

If I put Brenda on a puddle-pad she forever circles it [making it turn into a ball of worthless material] I have to continually unravel it as she's moving on it.

Correct her and give her the cue to potty again. (I say cue rather than command 'cause I don't believe anybody, animals included, should have to potty immediately on command. But, a cue to tell them it is time to go and this is the place to go works just fine if they have to go. If they don't have to go, no reason to stress them out trying to produce something that isn't there.)

 

If there were a really strong tape on each corner [so it could be attached to the tile floor] and it had the feel of grass [what an invention!] Then we could pick it up [undoing the taped corners] and toss it into a trash can [not any worse than a dirty diaper.]

 

If any of you have seen this product please let me know......I'll be buying it.

I don't think the feel of grass would be reasonable on it and it would cost too much and take up too much room in your bag (whereas the pads take up no space 'cause they are so thin and can be shoved in any space). But, sticky corners would be reasonable. I guess you could bring some ticky-tack stuff with you (that blue gum-looking stuff you use to hang posters and temporary signage up) or double-sided tape (though that might not be strong enough on all types of floors, especially tiles with grout spacing). There are potty pad holders you can buy, but they aren't convenient to pack in a carry-on bag for a plane since they don't fold up or anything (they are hard plastic). Suction cups attached somehow to each corner may or may not work (depending on the floor type).

 

I could bring the pads along with us to events [in hotels and ballrooms] use the handicapped restroom, lay down the pad and waaahlah!

 

To conferences, events, etc. I just go outside and find a spot of grass, mulch, dirt, etc. (something absorbant - nobody wants to step in a puddle only to find out it wasn't water! :eek: ). I think it'd be more trouble and time to use a potty pad in those situations.

 

BTW, the word is "voila" not "wahlah". ;)