wizard-of-roz

9 hours ago, maddieking said:

 

Here is how my first cruise with my service dog went!

 

We thankfully had stayed in a hotel the night before so it was not as exhausting getting onto the ship. It was remarkably difficult and took a bit longer than I assumed it would. They didn’t know what papers they wanted and just took one copy of each record I had brought with me (I carry all my vet records everywhere with me). It was a bit frustrating, but nonetheless we made it onto the ship. 

We immediately went to ask where to potty box was. Again, it took a long time waiting for the representative to find out where it was placed, and even then they were unable to give very good directions to it. We looked and looked and could not find it for the first couple of hours after the muster drill. When we did find it…. Boy oh boy. I should have brought my own potty filler! They put about 1 layer of paper cat litter in there. The filler wasn’t a huge deal, location was a deal breaker. I had to go into the crew area through HUGE heavy doors. Let alone it was indoors and I have never asked Gunner to potty indoors. I got crushed by the door one time and went back to guest services about moving it. I got a big runaround about how they had to have it in the crew area, I was polite, but adamant that I was incapable of going through the crew doors and eventually got it moved to the end of the outdoor smoking lounge. Not really a total win, but I could at least open the door and it was outside.

Apart from the potty situation, the cruise was AMAZING!
The crew was respectful, we had a PERFECT spot in the dining room. We were in a corner round table so Gunner was able to be comfortable every evening at dinner in his own space (he does fit under the table, but it’s nice to have some leg room).

We occasionally had problems with other adult cruisers, never the kids (maybe they teach this in school now?), but nothing I wasn’t used to off the cruise.

No seasickness (which I was prepared for just in case).

I did learn Gunner is not a fan of the huge flash photography boxes, but that wasn’t a big deal and easy to work on.

He makes my life 100x easier and made this my best cruise yet!
As for the ports, we stopped in Cozumel and Progreso.

We met with port officials each morning we ported where the excursions meet. For getting off in Cozumel the Mexican official just wanted to see the original copy of his rabies vaccine and had a look in his ears (presumably for external parasites). Then we got a sheet of paper says we were good to disembark whenever. The funny thing was that when we did try to get off, the official at the ship’s exit didn’t think our certificate from the previous officials was good enough and called his superiors to ensure we were good to get off the ship. It only took a few minutes of standing to the side of the line and we were off. It was incredibly easy to get a taxi, get on an all inclusive beach and to relax the rest of the day. We did a little shopping before getting back on the ship and none of the shops asked for him to stay outside so that was very nice as well.

In Progreso, we went to the excursion area as before, but the official was not at work that day so they said to just use the paper from yesterday. When getting off the official didn’t as much as glance at the paper and let us off. It was super! This was our first time stopping in Progreso so we were not sure what to expect and planned to just explore on foot. It was quite an experience to say the least. Gunner was so excited to be off the ship and was looking so hard for a tree to pee on, but it was a very crowded city-scape. LOL We walked a ways to the beach and walked down the shore for about an hour. We saw a few stray dogs and I was careful to keep myself between Gunner and the stray dogs, but they showed no interest in him or us. 

I’m thankful he is able to cruise with me and look forward to all our future cruises together. 

 

What I learned and wish I had taken into better consideration:

Kennels: There was not enough room in our cabin for a pop-up kennel. Gunner usually sleeps in a kennel just because that’s where he is most comfortable, so we made do with his bed just beside ours.

Shoes: I so wish I had thought to bring his shoes with us. There was a lot of glass on the streets in Progreso and in New Orleans where we left from.

Potty Box: I thought we were so good with potty-ing on our mulch at home in the kiddie pool. Nope, not even close. I will DEFINITELY be bringing my own turf to put in the potty box just so we have some sense of “oh yeah I know I can potty there”. It was a nightmare at first. 

And a quick list of the resources I used apart from this WONDERFUL forum. 

 

Kisor, Henry, and Christine Goodier. Traveling with Service Animals: by Air, Road, Rail, and Ship Across North America. University of Illinois, 2019.

 

Facebook Group:

https://www.*****/Accessiblecruising/

 

Other websites:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

 

https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs/service-dogs.aspx

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your cruising experience with us. 

The potty box will ALWAYS remain a conundrum while cruising.  Again, bring your own litter cover  [a piece of artificial turf] and make sure that your dog has some home training with it, so he uses it easily.  It packs easily or can be carried on in a plastic bag.

I'm glad that you were able to enjoy your time with Gunner.  Your first experience is now behind you and you know what to expect for your next cruise.  Although, I have learned, over my many cruising moments that each time is a different time!!  

FYI:   For those who use a walker or wheel chair most cabin doors will not allow a walker or wheel chair to go through without folding it up.  This can be difficult for those of us with mobility issues.  And, most cabins do NOT have the floor space to add a crate for your dog to lay without being in the way.   It can get a bit tight in most cruise ship cabins, with a Service Dog.

Horton also makes my life much better by making everything easier for me!

Happy Weekend Everyone.  My air conditioning is running today so I guess I don't have to tell you that we're having some really warm days here in L.A.  One of the reasons I love living here, you can ALWAYS count on that sunshine coming through!

30 minutes ago, rangeley said:

 

We haven't done Alaska yet. I've never wanted to fly that far. Haha 😂  

Well, you've already done the flying thing....so, that's out of the way.  And, here's a great incentive:  Princess has been offering; free WiFi, free gratuities and free drinking package......what more do you want?  I don't know if they're still offering this package but it sure was the draw for me to book it.  

4 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

Hey I was nice!! Not my fault you got hair and drool all over you! He misses Auntie Roz. ❤️

Hey handsome, Auntie Roz and Horty miss seeing and playing with you every day!  Have a super weekend, we miss you all very much and hope that one day we can share a cruise together again.

I don't suppose you'll be coming to L.A. to hop on board the Golden Princess to Alaska on May 30th?  It's two weeks and that would be so much fun.......I can dream can't I?  I know you must be pretty much cruised-out this year......but, it would be such fun!  Love you all to the moon and back! ❤️

8 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

First it would take you an hour to find that spray in your suitcase size purse. And I'm glad Oakland and I didn't get sprayed!! 

Hey!  Girly Girls need to carry their purses wherever they go!  You never know when you'll need something.......like;  caution tape, band aids, mascara, lip gloss, scissors, needle & thread, safety pin, HAIRSPRAY, etc., etc., etc!  I can't help it, I feel naked if I don't have my "stuff" with me!!!!!

You should have seen what my babies diaper bags looked like........I carried everything but the baby in the bag!  We could have lived a week out of that bag!  It did drive Morey crazy because he was usually the one who had to shlep the bag!

And, don't think that you didn't come close, at times, to getting a spritz or two!  Ha! Ha!

8 minutes ago, rpclmc said:

I am back from my brother's funeral.  I feel like there is something really wrong with me.  I have barely cried.  When at my parent's I keep waiting for him to show up or thinking he is just busy and can't make it.  I did get completely worn out and am paying for it big time.  I was in the hospital for a possible stroke, it is inconclusive and I have follow ups scheduled, when I got word of him going home on hospice.  I informed the nurses to do what was necessary to get me out.  They where wonderful and kept me up to date on everything and pushed a lot of the tests through.

 

Then I get home and have a day to get 3 days of office work and house cleaning done before my husband's sister arrives for a couple days.  I then get word that my brother has passed.  Rich's sister arrives and we have an incredibly busy next 3 days.  Including my driving evaluation for hand controls.  I thought it was just a base line visit but was informed by the OT that she thinks I am ready for hand controls.  Turns out I am really limiting myself to going out.  I didn't admit it to myself, but she sure pointed it out.  Said that is fine if that is what I want.  No, I don't want that, I want to be independent, but think I have been scared of the adjustments.  

 

After my sister in law leaves, I have the morning of the trip to pack and leave.  Then all the activity with the family and visitors.  I am kind of thinking I really haven't had time to grieve.  And upon my return, got back late last night, I have lots of end of year business to take care of (we own are own commercial construction business) and lots of appointments I need to make and get to.  I will be ok, but it has been a lot.

 

So, as to my SD - Halo and the sun.  He loves to sun bathe.  He is also a big beach dog.  He will not jump into the truck, my husband has to help him in (the back seat, not the bed), but if he sees us take the beach bag out there he has no problem getting in on his own.  We were in Illinois with -5-16 degrees, he was not happy.  Today it was not warm here in Florida, but it did get to 60 degrees and he spent an hour or two out in the sun.  He is definitely like his mama, loves the warm sun and beach.

 

Southwest is now asking if dogs are an ESA.  They are requiring documentation for the ESA's.  They are also asking what task(s) the SD is trained for- no demonstration, just the legal question.  I don't get asked it, I was told my disability is noticeable.  I also get complimented on Halo every time he is out with me.  I have seen a lot less dogs in general and certainly less uncontrolled/misbehaving dogs or dogs on a retraceable leash.  Makes me so happy.

 

Linda and Halo 

Linda, you've certainly been challenged.  I'm so sorry about your brother.  May the good memories that you shared comfort you in the days ahead.  

Life has thrown so much at you.......be strong, keep your head up and know that you have friends here and that we send you much love and strength.

I am very much in favor of the airlines getting tougher on their guidelines for SD's.   I hope that all passenger transport agencies follow in suit.

Take care of you.

11 hours ago, Kaik9s said:

Wizard of Roz MurphySD is the same way as Horton, just a big love!  He’s been trained in threat assessment, so he observes many things going on in our environment. He loves other dogs still on the occasions we’ve been barked at, especially aggressively and lunged at, he’s kept his cool and eyes on them as we leave the area, including looking back behind us to make sure the threat is gone. I either reroute to avoid them or put myself between him and any dogs that I feel maybe a potential problem. I’m ready to step in to protect my SD, just i have for our pets when aggressive dogs approach on walks.

I must say my first SD was not as gently spirited as Horton.  She was a true Alpha dog.  She wanted all other dogs in her environment to be in a submissive state.  She wouldn't allow Horton near her couch and did not like sharing her humans with him.  She did it, because I told her she had to, but she didn't like it and showed her displeasure by giving Horton the "side-eye" every chance she got.  She didn't bite, or growl but she sure had a way of giving some mighty sour looks of displeasure.

CCI had a very difficult time placing Brenda because she was a lot to handle.  I loved the challenge and we were perfect for each other!  She took her work very seriously and was truly the smartest dog I've every known. 

Horton ALWAYS backed away from her and would lay down in front of her, as if to offer himself to her.  She thought she was the Queen of everyone and he knew exactly how to handle himself around her.    She would pace back and forth on the couch in the living room, making sure that everyone was in the right place.  She passed in 2014, at the age of 14, and Horton still will not go near the couch!

Horton was practically twice her size.  She was a shortish, pure English Lab and Horton is a cross between an American Lab and a Golden Retriever.  He's a very big boy.  It didn't matter, she ruled over him easily.  I didn't think I could love a dog more than her but I am crazy about Horton Jeffrey!  

7 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

Today the Department of Transportation released its proposed rule changes to the Air Carrier Access Act which will impact service dog teams. The DOT proposes to align its definition of service animal with the ADA definition which does not recognize emotional support animals and limits service animals to dogs that have been individually trained to do work or perform a task for an individual with a disability. The definition would limit service animals to dogs and airlines would be allowed to treat emotional support animals as pets. Other proposed changes refer to size of the service animal, limiting the number to two per passenger and leash, tethering or harnessing requirements. The DOT would also develop standardized forms that each airline would be required to use (health form, behavior and training attestation and relief attestation for flights over eight hours).

 

These are not the final rules - they can be changed based on comments received for or against.

 

The comment period for the proposed rules is open for the next 60 days. Comments must be identified by the docket number DOT-OST-2018-0068 and can be made:

• at the Federal eRulemaking Portal: go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online

instructions for submitting comments.

• by Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey

Ave. SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

• by Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New

Jersey Ave. SE, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

• by Fax: (202) 493-2251

 

You must include the agency name and docket number DOT-OST-2018-0068 or the Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for the rulemaking at the beginning of your comment. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

Love it!  Bring on the rules and laws.  I'm prepared to follow all regulations and welcome them.  I just want the general public to adhere to them as well!

7 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

I had wondered what Henri might do if attacked by another dog. She is so gentle and does not have an aggressive bone in her body. I was hoping I would never have to find out what she would do, but she was attacked by a small dog last year. She went down in a heap and covered her head; she did not try to fight back in any way. I am very protective of her and try to recognize any potentially dangerous situations ahead of time.

Oh! No!  It's a good thing I wasn't there or the owners of that little dog would have walked away with two black eyes. 

I feel just like you do.......I protect my big boy with all my might.  I'm very careful when folks want to pat him.  I watch just how hard they're stroking him so that they don't over do it.  He's my baby.......seriously, he's MY BABY!!!!!  His heart and soul are pure and he's so lovely.  You hurt him you got me to deal with!!!!!!

4 hours ago, Mavis and Me said:

allies-daphne - In some states SDiTs do have the same access rights as SDs.  It depends on your state.  However, SD or SD in Training, the man should have either quickly corrected the behavior or removed the dogs from that situation.  SDiTs should not be working on dog aggression or basic manners during public access work, they should be done with those lessons by that point.  Public access work is more about getting our well-behaved dogs used to standing in lines, getting bumped into, leaving merchandise alone, etc. NOT working out animal/human reactivity! 🙂  You would have been well within your right to ask management to remove those dogs from the Costco.

I find myself becoming more and more aware of other dogs in the public forum, for this reason I carry a small can of hair spray in my purse.  It works wonders on scaring away aggressive behaving dogs.  Usually, just the sound of the spray above their head is enough to make them back off.  It doesn't hurt them but it does sting their eyes if it happens to make contact with them.  It gives you enough time to get away and is truly harmless in the long run. 

Thank goodness I have not had to use the spray on a big, aggressive dog, but I must admit that I don't put Horton or myself in situations where I might have to.  If I know there are unfriendly dogs around I stay away from the area.  Horton would not be of any help if we were to be attacked, and, I'm afraid I'd be a screaming wreck of a human being, trying to protect my beautiful boy before myself! 

Horton must look like a menacing terror to other dogs, he's huge, black and does not back down from confrontational stares.  He'll stare at another dog and I know what he's thinking, "hi, wanna be my friend?"  They're probably thinking that he's saying, "hi, wanna fight?"

I have to place myself in between him and other big dogs we may come in contact with so he doesn't get eye contact with them.

Horton takes ALL eye contact as an invitation to cuddle and play!  Wouldn't it be nice if the whole world felt this way!

3 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

I’ve just started reading through this whole thread and you are such an amazing help!

 

I’ve previously worked with Mila on a fake grassy patch on the balcony (I live on the 3rd floor). I am going to get a mulch box and start using that. She is also doing a two week boarding training session so I’m going to talk with that trainer about working on the mulch box. 
 

I know during Mila’s public access class we take the dogs to the airport. Sometimes they are able to work something out with an airline for the dogs to go on a plane just so we get an idea of how a flight will be. The last time I flew I was super lucky to have a service done in my row so I was able to get a little bit of understanding of it. The handler was super nice and helpful when I told her I had a service dog in training. She helped answer a lot of questions!

 

Mila is still training but she will be done before our cruise. She has already been such a blessing to me! I kick myself for not getting a service dog before, but at the same time I think I was meant to have Mila.

 

I’m sure I will have a ton of more questions once we get closer to cruise time! 

It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job of preparing you and Mila for her first cruise.  

Actually, once your dog gets used to going potty in a box, she'll do really well on whatever filler is used.  The only time my dogs were a bit reluctant was when the ships use those darn pellets [these are usually used by Carnival.]  I buy a 4x4 square of artificial turf that I take with me to cover whatever the cruise ship decides to use.  I just fold it up, place it in a plastic bag and put it in my suit case or carry it on board.  I leave it behind when the cruise is over.  It's inexpensive and my dogs like how it keeps their paws from hurting from whatever the ships uses.

30 minutes ago, Mabbiez said:

I’m so happy to have found this thread! I had just posted a topic asking about cruising with my service dog to Rome, but I hadn’t seen this thread yet! I may have to read a lot to catch up on everything. I’m taking my service dog Mila on her first cruise in November. I’m so nervous about it all but I think once we get on the ship I’ll be okay. It’s nice to meet so many others that have service dogs and cruise with them!

 

Welcome!  You will love cruising with your Service Dog.  

May I suggest that the very first thing you want to do is get Mila used to using a "Potty Box".  The more she uses a box filled with mulch/bark/grass/wood shavings, etc.  The easier your cruising experience will be, for both of you.

Please don't hesitate to ask your good questions.  There are some truly wonderful folks on this thread who love to be helpful, teaching and caring.

Good Weekend All!  Stay warm and safe. 💕

5 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

So far Oaklands weakness seems to be bugs. He's fascinated with them but doesn't want them near him. He will follow ants everywhere. He tries to catch flies. In Key West, these big flies were bothering him. I don't know if they were biting him, but he was freaking out jumping around jerking Johns arm. 

I know this isn't funny.....but, it is. 

In the summertime when the flies are very active and one manages to make it's way into our home......you'll find Horton snapping at the air to catch the flying buggers.  I think I've mentioned that he's been known to bring crickets in that he's befriended and he'll de-wing or de-leg them......not to be mean, it's just because he likes to play with them and gets overly excited when they jump around!  Hate it!!!!!

9 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

I'm sad you never got to meet Wexler. He was a special boy. But he would not have played with Horty. He would have plopped his head on your lap. And with alot less drool!  Haha

I would have loved on him, that's for sure!

8 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

The thing that makes us mad is the lack of communication between all parties. The off ship access dept seems to have no communication with the on ship people. We send all paperwork to access before the cruise, you would think they would already have it when we get on the ship. Yet they are asking us for it constantly. When going to HMC the guest services girl told us we would have to bring the dog down. We have never brought the dog down there. They actually never called us. She did however ask for more paperwork. They had the health certificate and the 2 Bahamas permits. What more do you want? She came to our cabin and I gave her a copy of the rabies certificate, which was already noted on the health certificate. She called a few min later and said we were all set. 

 

I'm going to try ignoring their early morning phone calls and attending their early morning meeting [where they ask for the same paperwork that I gave them, not once but twice, when I boarded!.]  They have a lack of communication problem and me and my dog get caught up in their never ending spin cycle of nonsense!

They may have to come looking for me.......They can find us in the potty box room, two miles, down the hall, past the many, many service carts that don't allow a walker or a wheel chair to pass, from my cabin!  

Did I mention that I ALWAYS purchase a veranda cabin, just in case they decide that the best place for the potty box is actually my own, private veranda!

3 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

Henri loves to lay on the balcony in the sun (black lab). On our Panama Canal cruise I had to make her come back in the cabin, otherwise she was out on the balcony lying in the sun in 90 degree heat and 90% humidity.

Horton also loves to get his fur so hot you can hardly touch him.  He also loves to lay in the freezing cold and turn himself into a big, black, furry popsicle!

2 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

Even when they come from the same training program they are all so different. Henrietta doesn't mind glass elevators or flying. So far, the only thing I have noticed that makes her nervous are small dogs that bark a lot.

Brenda got nervous about glass elevators, floating staircases, big glass windows and other dogs.  Nothing and I mean NOTHING makes Horton tense and nervous except for fireworks [that's his weakness.]

12 hours ago, Algebralovr said:

Definitely, Roz! 
Allen and I have been together since late 87, and I can’t imagine life without him.  He has taken amazing care of me the last few years through many challenges.

Awwww!  So nice to hear!

Interestingly, I don't have any envy or jealousy when I see couples together [it's really our society anyway],  I find great joy and happiness in watching couples interact with each other.....I had that and I loved and appreciated it!  

I travel with a huge, four-legged wonderful being, as you all know, named "Horton".  I talk to him and pass along minute-by-minute information about our travels, as he cocks his head and looks at me, as if he understands every word I'm saying.  I say "good night" to him at the end of our day, and greet him each morning with a loving and sweet "hello, sweet love!"  Call me crazy, but he's great comfort to me and fills any lonely moments in my life!

For those of you who have a faithful Service Dog and a wonderful partner, as well......how lucky you are.  Cherish your moments together!

5 hours ago, Algebralovr said:

 

I love this photo.  That is what I can see Scooter doing.  He likes laying in the sun and being a nappy sun-puppy.  I think it is the yellow color compared to the black.

 

That 6am bit is part of what keeps me from taking Scooter sailing.  That and how much he hates flying.  I mean HATES.  So, he gets to stay home and chill here with friends on flying trips lately.  I just make hubby do all my retrievals when we travel without him.  🙂   Less packing as well.  

I totally understand what you're saying.  Take good care of your hubby......My Morey did so much for me, not until he was gone did I truly realize how much he did!  I miss him every minute of every day!  He was a wonderful, devoted and loving partner for many, many years.  I was very lucky!   

15 hours ago, Miki_moto said:

So I’ll need the titre test?  Darn!

I'm such a believer in; if it's not necessary; if it's over testing; if it's over immunizing-DON'T PUT YOUR DOG THROUGH IT.....I know this is contradictory to my previous comment but I do recommend that you have the 7001 form, with all complete immunizations listed, have your Vet sign it and then use your good judgement.  I think that some of what these ships and ports ask us to do is overkill!  And, sometimes, just another way to make money for them!

Just know, they will NEVER TAKE YOUR DOG AWAY FROM YOU.  Once you're on board the ship they will NOT make you disembark.  The worst they'll do is deny you entrance into that specific port that requires the Titre test.

Again, the ships Access Dept.  may ask that the test be done......if  THEY do, then you really have no choice but to have it done.

8 hours ago, rangeley said:

So we are back. Cruise was great. Oak was perfect. Boy he loves the balcony. Wexler hated it and would never go out there. He also hated glass elevators. The ship was beautiful. Food was great. 

 

They had this new thing that in Key West we had to go through customs. They came on the ship and we all had to go down and show them our passports. Of course our favorite guest services girl has to call us 5 times to set up us going down with the dog. Customs was there for a few hours but she wanted the dog at 730. The ship didn't even get there until 8. John told her he would have to get up before 5am to be ready. So I took him. It's not a foreign country. The dog is from the US. I guess it's something new and stupid. I assumed it was going to eliminate customs in Ft Lauderdale, but no. 

 

The guest services lady was a pain. She wanted us on "standby" for all these islands. Not much of a vacation when I have to get up at 6am everyday and wait for her call. And she always asked me to bring the paperwork when she had it and obviously gave it to them before I got there since they never asked me for it. 

 

Oakland had a problem with the flight. He was acting very strange. Same on the way home. I'm thinking he didn't like the bulkhead seats. Maybe the wall freaked him out. We just don't know. He is very glad to be home. 

 

His favorite spot on the balcony below. 

Hello Handsome!  I love this dog!  He's such a chill, adorably funny, wonderful boy! 

I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.  That meeting with the officers in the AM drives me crazy too.  I told you that once I was so annoyed by the early wake-up call that I made one of the officers come to my cabin and take Horton for me.  I've NEVER done this again.....but, if they push me hard enough, who knows!!!!

9 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

Don't make me cry now Roz. I know Horty now so that makes it more emotional. We have never retired a dog. They have always worked until they passed. I hate those later years when you don't know what to do. I know you don't have Morey but you have your family and you have all of us for support. ❤️

Your wonderful words and heart behind them means the world to me! 

I can't believe you never met Brenda or Morey.....it seems you've been in my life for so long.  I'm glad about that!  👩‍❤️‍👩

8 hours ago, Miki_moto said:

I’m doing a 27 night Panama Canal Cruise (January, 2021) leaving from Southampton and stopping in Hamilton and Montego Bay.  The paperwork, especially for Jamaica, is intense!

 

I’m not planning on getting off the ship at either port so can anyone tell me how that works?  Do I still need the titre test and all the rest?  I live in Canada, anyone know if there’s anything other than the Canadian International Health Certificate I should look into?  Nico has his UK/EU Pet Passport I’m good to go for the UK.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Even though you say you are not getting off the ship, it is still required that you have all the necessary paperwork for your dog. 

If there were an emergency and everyone were asked to disembark in any given port, and that port required a titre test to be done........they will expect that you had all required paperwork in order to board the ship.

Nancy, I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister.  I hope that the good memories that you have of her will sustain you through the days ahead.  Let the rest go.........