wizard-of-roz

Happy Weekend Everyone.

Horton is doing very well.  He's now on Senior Vitamins and Probiotics [both put in his food, twice a day.]  He greets me everyday with a Horton smile and I love it!!!!  I can only hope that he continues to improve and live out his golden years pain free and happy.

Thank you all for your support and good wishes.  I so appreciate your wonderful and kind words!

Happy, Healthy Weekend Everyone. ❣️ 

Saw the most adorable little girl in Target today with the cutest "Hello Kitty" mask on.  What a brave little girl, maybe 3 years old, to keep her mask in place while she was looking at the "stuff" on the shelves.  

Welcome to our new normal!

Well, Horton had his Internal Medicine "Second Opinion" visit today.

Doctors words:  "Take Horton OFF all meds.  He's looking and sounding as well as could be expected from an 11 year old dog".

The Vet feels that Horton was subjected to some sort of infection that effected his internal organs and mirrored Cushings Disease.  The rapid response with IV antibiotics and Vitamin injections were a life saving decision that made all the difference in his immuno response.  Thank you, Mobile Vet.

Hallelujah!  All I can say is THANK YOU for all your prayers and good wishes. If Horton is still doing well in two weeks......we're in the clear.......The doctor wants him to stay on the "old man diet" that I put him on with some added multi-vitamins to help him thrive-on.  

None of the requests made by Crystal are terribly out of the norm.  I wish that all cruise lines would make it more difficult for those who can't leave home without their PETS by their side and literally make their whining, nippy, barking little stowaways miserable, along with the rest of us, for the entire cruise.

• Letter from your doctor is easy enough.  Your doctor will just need to let the cruise line know what your dog does to mitigate your disability.  No one has the right to ask, "what is wrong with you!"  Just, what does your dog do for you?
• A picture of the two of you makes good sense so that they can recognize you and your dog.  Take one with your camera and print it out, keep it with your paperwork.
• There is no such thing as a "Certification".  Some orgs. like CCI gives each handler a card with a picture on it of the handler and the dog, with an expiration date [usually 3 years] for the dog to be re-certified before the date ends.  I, personally, like having the I.D. Card, some people object to it because it makes it more difficult for those who don't have such an I.D. Card from their training org., or for those who self-train.  You do NOT have to have any excuses for not having such a card, and, if they insist, you simply need to let them know that it is not necessary to have.  The ADA does not require that a dog handler have such a card, at least not yet!!!!!
• Your paperwork to board the ship will have the necessary authorizations from the various port authorities that are needed.  Some ports like Hawaii need lots of paperwork and even some blood titers to be done.  Your Vet will let you know what is needed or you may ask the Special Needs Dept. of your Cruise Line, who will have the necessary answers for you to board and go into each port of call safely with your Service Dog.

4 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

If my next cruise in April2021 happens we will be flying into Orlando and staying a couple of nights. I decided I want to go to Disney Springs since Disney World will be a little out of the budget right before going on a transatlantic cruise. Anyway it got me to thinking...I wanted to see service dogs at Disney.

 

I suggest to everyone, Google "Service dogs at Disney" and click on images! I was pleasantly surprised at how good the pictures were!

I can't wait to log in and watch the Service Dogs at Disney.  Thanks for sharing this.

2 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

Mila still has a lot of puppy in her, and she loves EVERYONE! She's usually pretty good if she's on her leash but sometimes she will see someone that she so badly wants to play with, she ends up wiggling around all excited. I also own her though so no one is taking her from me! I also just found out the first public access class on Saturday is meeting at a mall. I'm excited to get these experiences with her! 

Good luck at the mall.  I'm sure you will do very well.

Horton is easy to distract from the public, I just need to use a one word command to bring him back to my attention.  Brenda was not so easy.  I had to walk her in circles when other dogs or people came walking towards her.  I would always have pieces of kibble in my pocket to re-direct her eyes and distract her thinking. 

My friend keeps pieces of hot dogs [really high value treat] in her pocket to keep her dog focused on her.

2 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

 

So far I have only had two people scared. I work at a hospital lab and I've brought her in a couple of times (just in the hallway, I think the actual lab would be dangerous for her). One coworker is very scared of dogs but I didn't push my coworker, and we just stayed far from each other. Another time we were outside of the hospital and a worker asked if she bites. I assured her that she doesn't but also said I will make sure she doesn't go too close to her. She seemed okay with that and walked by us. I just hope I can handle these situations in public. 

I know exactly what it feels like to have co-workers who are either afraid of dogs or say they are very allergic. I used to work with two gals who wouldn't sit next to me at staff meetings and wouldn't go into the staff lounge if Horton was there.  They actually asked me if I could keep him in his crate during meetings and times that I may want to go into the lounge.  I tried to be as accommodating as I could be when it came to them, but, I didn't have to be.  I had worked with my company for over 21 years and had my dogs with me for more than 15 of those years.  I knew me and my CCI dog weren't going anywhere and I actually would make bets with my family and friends for how long these complainers would last!  I outlasted them all!!!!!!!

I've learned to grow a "thick skin" when it comes to whiners and complainers about my dog no matter where I am in life, whether I'm shopping and eating out locally or I'm traveling, there will always be people who either don't understand the working dog or simply don't like you and your dog in their space!!!!! 

Remember; you and your dog have as much right as they do and unless your fellow workers and the general public are coming to work or living life in general with their heads shaven and are naked, they're carrying in as much dander as you and your dog are, especially if they live with a cat/dog, or any fur-bearing animal at home. 

4 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

 

Mila starts her public access class next weekend. For 5 weeks we will be meeting at different places that are not pet friendly, so we can learn how to handle being places with our service dogs. I have severe anxiety and I think this class will help me more than Mila! They are going to teach us how to handle different situations with people (like rude comments, people afraid of dogs). That being said, it's very helpful for me to hear how other people with service dogs handle situations like the one you were in at Target. Thank you for always sharing your experiences! 

It can be very daunting to come face-to-face with folks who are deathly afraid of dogs.  You have to reach deep within yourself; stay calm, and assertive and remember you are your dogs leader and the public is expecting your reaction to be absolutely "spot-on!"  You might be shaking and even a bit scared yourself.........but, no one has to see or know this but you!  Reassure your dog that he's doing a "good job" as he sits and watches the fearful folks walk on by.  

You can have your own personal "break-down" when you get to your car or home.

My experience at Target yesterday:  I was walking down an aisle and a woman was walking towards me, until she saw Horton.......You would have thought she had just seen a four headed, giant, prickly-furred MONSTER!  She let out a scream and started walking backwards.  I said, "are you afraid of dogs?"  She shook her head, so hard it almost flew off her shoulders.  I said, in a very calm voice, "please keep walking forward and past us,  I promise my dog will sit and only watch you!"  She moved forward, very slowly and literally shaking so hard, she was rattling the cart.  Horton sat and watched her, as did the rest of the folks in the aisle.  I think she went directly to check-out because we didn't see her again.   

Sometimes training the public can be more difficult than the dog!   That said, I have deep respect for people who have horrible fears of dogs and certainly do not expect to see one walking in their supermarket.  Horton is big and, unfortunately, the black dog can be very feared by many.  

34 minutes ago, rpclmc said:

Details please.  We might be taking a cruise off the west coast next May.  Curious if it would be with you guys.  I would love to travel with a(nother) service dog.  Rich is so stressed about it, that he is insisting we start cruising without Halo.  I would like for him to see it doesn't have to be stressful.

 

Linda and Halo

Linda, I totally get where Rich is coming from.  We want our cruise to be about that long sought-after vacation and then it becomes about our Service Dog instead.  

Traveling with your Service Dog can bring some added worrisome moments......but, they are just "moments", they don't obscure all the wonderful hours that fulfill our bucket lists onboard a cruise, I promise.

I must admit traveling with another person who has a Service Dog truly adds to the wonderful experience and certainly brings much more fun to the whole cruise......Thank you Cindy, John and Oakland for all the amazing hours of fun and joy that you brought to my California Coastal Cruise before all hell broke loose!

3 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

That sounds like a great alternative for your Hawaiian cruise Chris. San Diego is a fun place to visit too. It’s disappointing to have all these cruises canceled.

 

We just canceled our October Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Ft Lauderdale. We moved it to a back-to-back Pacific Coastal and Alaskan cruise in May. If we stay on the west coast we could always drive home if we had to.

 

Fingers crossed that we can all be back to cruising next year!

I'm booked for July 3, 2021 to Alaska.......praying for the Covid vaccine and continued good health!

4 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

So we were booked on a Christmas cruise this year, and have been sure for a long time that it would cancel. Got the email this week that Holland America sold four of their ships, including Amsterdam, our Christmas ship.

 

So after more than an hour on the phone with the TA, we have rebooked for a Thanksgiving 2021 cruise to Hawaii, 18 days, RT SanDiego. I looked at the records for my dog’s Hawaii titer, and it will still be valid for entry. This cruise will take the place of our 40th anniversary Hawaii cruise that was Covid-cancelled back in March shortly before departure date. I hope things are normal by 16 months from now, but who knows?
 

After going through the Hawaii dog drill earlier this year, I now know the ropes, no stress, thanks to everyone’s help here! The itinerary has Honolulu as the first stop, so no hassles with lining up a vet in one of the other islands.

Sounds so good......doesn't it feel wonderful to have a cruise in sight? 

5 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Roz, what happened with the appointment for a second opinion on Horty that CCI requested? (Maybe you posted and I missed it.)

The second opinion is scheduled for July 22nd, next week.  I'm not looking forward to handing Horton over to strangers and then they putting him through a physical and blood draw with me no where in sight.  It's truly a sign of our times, but to do it when it's not absolutely necessary makes me nuts!

Thanks for asking Chris, I'll let you all know how it goes afterwards.

I wish everyone a good weekend ahead.  

Horton is doing very well on his Thyroid and Cushings med's.  He's playful and loving life again. 

I had my phone interview with CCI and am looking for my invite to my "In-person interview."  I will be going to Oceanside for a "Service Dog" when I finally get to the "Team Training" portion of my wait for a Successor Dog.  In the meantime, Horton is by my side [asked to do a lot less than usual], but he's with me and I'm very grateful for each and every day.

With what is going on in our world today, any way, we're both taking life as easy as we can.  I do venture out when I have to and he goes with me.  It's not easy because he must use a ramp to enter and exit my vehicle and he does tire-out more easily.  Honestly, we both tire-out more easily!!!!!!!  His afternoon naps are very LONG and very DEEP these days.

I love zip lock bags and pack his two meals a day [when he was cruising] individually in a bag: Kibble, a squirt of salmon oil, and glucosamine/chondroitin chewables.  I bring enough for the entire trip plus a few extra's for an emergency feeding.  I throw the bags away when empty.   The oil really makes them impossible to re-use. 

Horton's food stays with me as I'm checking in and the rest of his supplies go into his own suitcase.  REMEMBER:  You should NEVER have to pay extra for any supplies/food/etc. or for your dog.  It is all considered "durable medical equipment" and is not subject to any extra charges from airlines or other carriers.

5 hours ago, springredheadsdd said:

We do not have a cruise booked yet but do have a trip to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks planed for September. I have been working on a packing list and am wondering if I am forgetting anything?

 

Food bowl, water bowl,  collapsible water bowl, dry food, wet food, can lids, pumpkin, cosequin, fortiflora, toys, bones, treats, training treats, treat pouch, poop bags, poop bag holder, SD vest, hands free leash, traffic leash, flexi fleash, harness, reflective bandanna, health certificate, vaccination records, ada access cards, grooming wipes, rain coat

 

I know it seems like a lot but I want to be prepared. What are peoples thoughts? Am I over packing? We have been unable to find boots that work for her. Each pair we have tried rotated on her feet so the sole was on the top of the food. Bella does not have dew claws. 

If Bella is subject to ear infections, don't forget to bring her med's, just in case.  I'm like you, I like to be prepared for anything and everything.

3 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

 

Luckily if I have to have surgery it won't be super invasive. It's basically to go in a clean out a bunch of scar tissue. I'll probably find out for sure within the next couple of weeks. I just want to make sure my foot doesn't hurt when I go on my next cruise! 😄

 

 

No one knows when that will be but we're all looking forward to it!!!!!

2 hours ago, Roger88 said:

Are there like special cabins for those who has a service dog? Do they offer dog food on board? I have never actually thought of that. I wonder how dogs are feeling on board the ship and whether they have fellow dogs to play with there 

If your Service Dog is cleared to board he will be able to travel in any cabin that you choose.  Service Dogs are trained to travel on all venues and usually do not suffer with motion sickness.  YOU must supply EVERYTHING that is needed for your dog and that, of course, includes the food.  The ship will supply a potty box, with filler, for you.

It's best that you do not allow your dog to interact with other Service Dogs onboard, unless you can find a private space that will not interfere with the public.  And, you want to make sure that they will NOT make any disturbance or mess of any kind.  Most people love to watch the dogs play together and then there are some folks who don't want to see or hear the dogs at any time!  You never know!

9 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

I hope everyone had a safe July 4th!

 

I moved this past week and it's SO MUCH BETTER for Mila! Previously we lived on the 3rd floor and it was such a pain. I also was recently put in a cast boot by my podiatrist and will possibly have to have surgery on my foot. I moved into a 1st floor apartment and it's the best decision ever! I was able to put a little tie out on the patio so I can sit outside with Mila when she needs to go out. There is also a small bark park across the parking lot. She is so much happier there already. I am able to exercise her a lot more without hurting myself more. 

 

Also our last cruise was cancelled... we were supposed to be on Odyssey of the Seas in April. Now we are going on a different cruise on Harmony of the Seas in April. I'm hoping this one sticks!  

Your new apartment sounds perfect for you and Mila.  And, you have a cruise to look forward to.......Awwww!  Life is good!!!  🎈

5 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Thanks Roz for the well wishes for the weekend.  We thought we were in the clear, it has been quiet for a few nights, Then last night as we were getting ready to go t o bed at 11:30 pm some Jack Wagon decides to light off fireworks!  And of course not the safe and sane ones, the unsafe and insane ones. Fortunately it only lastest about 15 minutes but long enough to send Jezzy under the bed and LeAnn Emily threw her dinner up!  

Oh!  No!  Nancy, I'm so sorry that your babies had to go through that. 

I hope that whoever is setting off these fireworks thinks twice before doing it.  I don't like to wish bad things on anyone but these mindless idiots have absolutely no heart or thought to what what they're doing!  And, to how horrible these sounds are to many beings.  Including some wonderful and brave folks who fought for our rights!

Please, let's try to be kind to one another!

Happy Weekend to ALL!  May it be a calm, no fireworks, relaxing, Covid-free weekend for everyone!!!!  🐾

36 minutes ago, rpclmc said:

I went to Vegas from july 5-7.  Here is my take on traveling right now.  I flew Allegiant from Boise to Vegas.  They are filling the planes.  Thank goodness I was traveling with my daughter and her boyfriend and we had a row to ourselves.  The airports are fairly empty and are trying to do the social distancing.  All employees at the airport had on masks and most had gloves.  Most passengers in the airport were wearing masks and properly - most, some had it below their noses.  There was a little lack of distancing in the TSA lines, but it seemed groups stayed together and I saw some notice they weren't distancing and moved.  

 

Allegiant loaded in people of 10 and spaced everyone out coming down.  The planes were very clean.  Everyone was friendly.

 

Vegas is doing an amazing job.  I felt safer there than in Boise.  Everything is at 50% capacity or less.  Masks are required and there is a ton of security around that will remind you to pull up the mask properly.  Lots of stations with masks, gloves and sanitizer and hand washing stations throughout.  Restaurants totally have the distancing down; it was quite nice to be able to get to my seat easily in my wheelchair, I am so used to bumping people or chairs.  Shops only let a certain amount of people in at a time and you have to wear a mask.

 

The pool was the only place masks weren't required, but upon entering the pool and finding your seat you were to mask and going to the bathroom or up to the grill masks were required.  The life guards and all employees around the pool had masks.  The life guards in the wave pool even had on masks, the life guards in the chairs, once in the chairs could take them off.  

 

We stayed at Mandalay Bay and it was so clean.  The black jack and poker tables had dividers between the players and also between the players and dealer.  The slots were turned off every other one and/or spaced out.  The roulette table did not have any barriers and people seemed to crowd those tables.  Craps tables had barrier shields.  If it got crowded, we just moved away, but that never really happened.

 

I came back on Southwest.  The are leaving the middle seats empty and are really spacing things out.  I had a row to myself, my daughter and her boyfriends stayed two more days, and the row behind me was empty.

 

It was nice to get away.  My boy, Halo, is totally clinging to me since I got back.  Rich did not go, he thought it was too risky, so he stayed home and took care of Halo.  

 

Linda and Halo

Linda, thanks for the Vegas and airline report.  I keep getting all kinds of invites and enticements from the Wynn Hotels and am so tempted to just bite the bullet and take the drive.  It might be fun for Horty and me to just do a "get-away" before he is totally retired.  I talk big.....but, I'm not so sure either he or I am ready for such an adventure.  

Yours sounds like it was fun and I'm glad you got the chance to go.

4 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Roz, so glad to hear you and Horty are just chillin '. Hopefully some o f his playful moments bring out his goofiness for Mom.  I guess he likes your cookin' !  🍗🍔🍕  BOL.  I

 

As for cruising, I have been thinking, 1.). Will it be a "light" crowd because peop!e are still afraid to travel or 2) Everyone will want to travel because they will have killer deals to fill the ships.  Could go either way.  Keith and I discussed just going and staying in our room, with a balcony.  Just order room service!  It won't happen.  I think he has left the house about 3 times since he came home from the hospital in first part of Febuary.  

 

Nancy, I can't wait for the day that you're telling all of us that you're going on a cruise.....it's been way too long for you!

Hi AlI, first Horton is doing very well.  He's on two medications daily and will have a second opinion from an Internal Medicine Vet on July 22nd, as requested by CCI.  His energy level is good, not quite what it was before his diagnosis but certainly better than the day that he refused to eat, drink or go potty.  He's eating, drinking, going potty, walking with me and having playful periods.  I'm grateful for how he's responding to med's and I certainly hope that he remains doing well.

I had my "phone interview" with CCI today [for a Successor Dog], it was wonderful to speak with Ken, in Santa Rosa, the trainer who worked with me on my "Side Placement" with Horton.  Such a nice guy.  The interview went well and we talked about traveling and future wants and needs from another dog.....I told Ken that it would be very, very difficult to not travel and cruise with Horton and, of course, some tears were shed.  This time I'm not in any rush to retire Horty and love having him in every aspect of my life.  There's really no place to go and Horty is the perfect partner to "isolate" with!

I still have to have an "In Person" interview and then the waiting period begins.   They really don't know how the process will go, in terms of waiting time.  Covid19 is changing everything for them.  They have to put together a class of people that can travel to CCI and there has to be dogs who are in or finishing advanced training.......there's lots of stuff that has to all come together so that there can be a class of folks to train for two weeks and then graduate in a safe and healthy environment.  I'm not in any rush. 

There's lots of time to be with my boy and enjoy our time together and I'm doing just that!  I can't wait for the day that the first cruise actually leaves our L.A. Port!!!!!!

4 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Roz, I hope Horton and you can find a safe level for both of you with the stupid fireworks.  Jazzy had her Thunder Shirt and benadryl last night and still climbed under Travis' bed panting.  She won't let me hold her. She is not a cuddle bug.  Then I am babysitting  a nice German Shepherd.  I hate leaving him home alone, but can't bring him to our house.  I didn't know last night was going to be a war zone.  I didn't put his Thundershirt on him, I didn't want him to get too hot.  I will put it on him tonight.  I left the stereo on.  Hopefully that muffled the sound.

Hope everyone else has a good 4th. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy, thanks for asking.  Horty is absolutely terrified of the fireworks.  He goes off to the bedroom which seems to muffle the sounds better, but this is definitely the worst I have ever heard since I've lived here and that's 27 years. 

I suppose it's all the social distancing driving the anti-social idiots so crazy that they feel forced to make big noises in their environment.  I'm hoping that after this weekend we should be able to enjoy our evenings with more relaxation.  Last night the fireworks went off until after 2:00 am.

My heart goes out to the folks who suffer from PTSD.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY........Be safe, be happy, stay well ❣️