wizard-of-roz

Brenda Training: Hi guys....First; I must tell you Brenny did amazingly well! She kept wanting to "put" the toy back and then "take" it out immediately thereafter! That was the most difficult part, to get her to "leave" the toy in the box and focus on getting another toy.

But, after about 2 hours she had it down really well!

First: I gave her the command to "GET" a specific toy, "LEAVE IT" on the floor and then go back into the box and get another. I took her for a short walk (while the toys she took out remained on the living room floor.) I brought her back into the living room.......

Then: I gave her the command to "PUT IT BACK". Picking up one toy at a time and only focusing on that toy. (All the while using hand signals and voice commands.....everytime she put the correct toy in the box...she got a piece of kibble!)

We repeated and repeated; over and over and over again, until she had it!!!!!!!! Remember what works best, when training dogs dogs is consistency and kindness.......

We tried it again the following day and she did need a little coaxing but she did it.

She did get a bit bored with the whole thing so we decided to "re-direct" her to something else. And, then I brought her back when she was more attentive.

You don't want to "burn them out"....and, you always want to end a training session on a positive note!!!! And, look out for distractions; her favorite ball on the floor; the cat or children running around the room; dogs barking on the T.V.!

Nancy, I don't think it would be a good idea to bring a service dog into your home, right now. Reno is not socialized; he's older; he has health issues and really doesn't need the extra stress! However, when he passes (I know, it's so hard to think of that!) I really think that you would get so much out of a service dog for your health issues.

A service dog would assist you by standing near you and letting you use his/her shoulders in getting up and in making yourself "steady!" They could pick up thinks off the floor and assist in carrying things for you.

Brenny will be on her 10th cruise in November. She loves it and we love taking her! I always make sure her papers are in order before we go:

1. Immunizations-current.

2. Heartguard-current.

3. Advantix-current.

4. Agricultural Inspection Form-current (she visits the vet one month before cruising for an up-to-date form.)

If we're cruisng more than once in the same year, I use the same info.

5. City License tags-current.

Brenda problems: While cruising or out in public I don't always catch her doing something wrong right away and someone in the general public will give me a look and point to her; while she's in the middle of licking the carpet or stretching her nose towards someone sitting in a seat nearby........I just have to "snap" my fingers or "thump" my foot on the floor and she immediately stops....she'll then look at me and put her head down......she knows she's done something she shouldn't.

But still, I don't like it when someone sees her acting "not like a service dog"......I MUST ALWAYS keep my eyes on her.....She was ALWAYS like this, while a puppy; while in school; while in advanced training and even during her graduation from training.....she's a very nosey/friendly girl (that's part of the reason she makes such a fabulous service dog-she's so alert to her environment) but, it's also her biggest nemices!!!!!!! She could NEVER have been a Seeing Eye Dog!!!!!:eek: She'd be leading someone into the crowds of people and onto the stage and into the pool and on and on and on!!!!

Have fun....talk to you soon,

You go woman! Watch you "roar!" :)

I'm going to teach Brenda a new skill, this weekend. She consistently takes all her toys out of her toybox and leaves them all over the living room for us to trip over!

I'm going to teach her that when she's done, she MUST put them back. I will use the word "put"...since most other common terms are used for other commands.

She's so smart, I'm sure by Monday she'll be putting her toys where they belong!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks Nancy for all your efforts......Every CCI Puppy in Training thanks you!!!!! :)

Nancy: Don't fret about not finding a shopping place to donate to CCI - Just keep saving those extra pennies and write them a check.....I have automatic withdrawl from my checking account, every month. I can't think of anywhere else that I would rather have those "write-off" dollars go to!

Also, I just got my new Brylane Home catalog and the shopping cart is now $49.00 instead of $39.00 (so what else is new?) God forbid the price of anything should stay the same.........Oh! Wait! It has! The cost of receiving one of the most phenomenal assistance dogs in the world has stayed the same for many, many years! LIFE IS GOOD! :)

I'm into the "Cruising Mode" again....planning for our upcoming November cruise. I love the anticipation thing!!!!

MUST DO'S:

1. Update Brenda's Agricultural Inspection Form, from the Vet - (This is important for Immigration at the various ports.)

2. Schedule her beauty shop appointment.

3. Order more Heartguard and Advantix. (Your dog should be on both of these, anyway but especially while traveling abroad.)

4. Order more Virbac chews.

5. Pick-up ear relief Pet Swabs - (these are Q-Tips for dogs, with a solution inside for cleaning their ears - I also use the ones for her tear staines around her eyes.)

6. Check with Princess and make sure they are prepared with her "potty box", upon our embarkation.

GO SHOPPING FOR ME!!!!!! :) You know that "fun" stuff that every gal needs!

Nancie: Thanks for the info. on the scooter....Now, the really important stuff....CCI (Canine Companions for Independence) trains dogs and gives them to people with all sorts of physical challenges (except vision!) They train Labradores and Lab/Retriever mixes. From the time they're puppies....they have their own breeders and puppy raisers....so, they know their dogs from the moment of inception!!!!! No surprises!!!!!

Before the dogs are handed over to a person....there is a process....It's not difficult; it's wonderful and changes your life forever....in so many positive ways!

There are:

Service Dogs: Assist adults/children with physical disabilties for performing daily tasks.

Hearing Dogs: Alerting the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds.

Facility Dogs: Work with a professional in a visitation, education or healthcare setting.

Skilled Companions: Enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities.

If you fall into any of the above categories and can obtain a letter from your physician stating your physical challenges and that a Service Dog would enhance your life; there are interviews/training classes/tests/graduation, etc., etc. It's so much fun!!!! And, when your dog retires....CCI will help you get a "successor dog!" And the process will continue for you, the rest of your life!!!! As long as you can handle and care for your Service Dog....you'll always be part of their program!

CCI is located all over the USA. In California the main office is in Santa Rosa (near San Francisco) and they have a facility in Oceanside (near San Diego.)

I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who themselves has or has a family member with some of the above issues....look into a Service Dog.....imagine; going on a cruise or in an airplane or on a bus or train with a wonderful/amazing Service Dog by your side......life doesn't get any better than that!!!!!!!! I promise you!!!!!

There is NO FEE for these wonderful dogs from CCI (who are worth in the range of $30 to $40,000.00)....(except for a nominal $100 to cover the cost of the collar/leash/feeding bowls, initial vest and grooming supplies that you will be sent home with, after graduation.)

If you want help in finding out more information go online and look into their organization.....They are a wonerful, non-profit agency, that knows exactly what they're doing...... :)

Nancie: I will look into the "Pride" and see if my DH can keep "his" and still use it!!!! :o

The cart has four wheels/the handle adjusts to three different heights and has a comfortable grip (works great for us because we're both tall) and, as I've said, we use this cart all the time, everyday; it's heavy duty in construction with a coated, white finish; it folds flat; the back wheels are larger than the front and the front wheels swivel for better control. It holds up to 75 pounds (I've put my grandchild in it, when we were in Disneyland!) Along with my purse, camera and Brenda's food and water dish. It's 21 1/2" High, 17" in Width and 15" in Diameter.

I purchased mine from the Brylane Home Catalog for $39.99. It can come with a liner for another $8.99 (never tried the liner).

I have loaded this cart with ALL of our bags and incidentals for every cruise, in the past 8 years. It really takes a lot of abuse! And, has saved my back and given my DH a wonderful sense of stability. It folds into the back of our SUV (on top of the bags) and is the first thing out, when we unload! It folds flat against the wall, behind the drapes in hotels and on the ship. It's been a God-send!

My DH feels good using the cart; as he has said, "it doesn't make me feel like an invalid!" No one has a clue that I'm using it for walking assistance or just for the load that we carry! It's a personal thing for him!!!! But, needed very much!!!! :) ;)

I have seen some carts with attached seats that can fold down, I have not tried them, yet!

Nancie: Welcome! Do you have a Service Dog? With neuropathic symptoms....the presence of an SD can be extremely helpful! I know they don't eleviate the symptoms but they sure do help psycologically and emotionally! My DH has a whole different look on his face when he's stroking Brenda, as she lies next to him! And, she's always "there" for him to grab her shoulder for a lift up!!!! Or, to pick-up something he's dropped!

My DH is not ready for a scooter, yet! We use a "cart", you know the kind; my grandson refers to them as "Granny carts!" We take it everywhere with us. We put ours and Brenny's stuff in it and wheel it to the airplane/train/boat (well, you get the picture). It serves a dual purpose and only gives the impression that it's being used for all the "stuff" we need to take along! DH likes it this way....and, it's all he needs to keep him steady, until he can find the next place to sit!

I find myself using it too! For the convenience of it all! The TSA and cruise authorities allow us to roll it through the screening process, without having to pick it up! Of course we have to empty all the contents onto the conveyor belt but he still uses the cart to walk along with.

Nancy: I've seen many cruisers with scooters and I've seen that they come in all shapes and sizes (the scooters, that is). On some ships they don't fit through the doors in "regular" cabins and, seem to do better in handicapped cabins. They need to be folded-up or taken away and then retrieved again from the steward (since it's against cruiseship policies to keep them in the hallways).....an inconvenience, for sure!

Sunshine: I am ALWAYS amazed at Brenda's reactions to the hospital environment.....she's very, very hypervigilant....it's all the smells and sounds that are so different than the norm! She looks like a "sentry" onguard for the "attack!" It amazes me!!!!!!

Each cruise dock has it's own pros and cons.....I've learned how to manipulate L.A. and Long Beach. Easier than San Diego....but, would not refuse to leave out of it....if I loved everything else about the cruise!

Hopefully, one day, we'll meet onboard one of those fabulous ships!!!!

Nancy: I totally understand about not leaving "the boy!" However, if you change your mind, in the future (beyond November), we'll also be on the Sapphire on April 18, 2009.

We love Princess for a lot of reasons......one being, they treat Brenda very well! HAL holds a very close second.....I just love the convenience of the L.A. dock (where we live-45 minutes away) as opposed to San Diego. I know it's not that far, just a 2 hour drive....but, when you're coming off a long cruise and you're still in the vacation mode....that two hour drive seems like a lifetime!!!!

I love L.A.!!!!! I was born in Pittsburgh but was transported here when I was 3 years old.....My DH was born in Detroit and brought here when he was 9. It's really "home!"

We won't fly and cruise anymore.....way too much trouble for the DH and the dog!!!!!! Security and pricing has also become a terrible pain!!!!!

We've traveled all over the world.....cruising, to us, is ALL ABOUT THE SHIP......We may NEVER get off! We stay onboard and just enjoy the beauty of being in a hotel on the sea!!!!:)

Nancy: How scary was that? I'm used to seeing these critters, living in the desert-like surroundings that inhabit Southern California and I've been surprised many a time on our walks. But, as long as they stay away from me I'm fine with them! Otherwise, I turn into a "screaming-meemie" at the sight of them! :eek:

My DH suffers from Neuropathy caused by his Diabetes.....He can lose the strength and muscle control in his legs, at any time and has been known to simply collapse while walking! He wound-up in a wheel-chair on one of our cruises on the Oosterdam (a perfect ship for a wheel-chair bound person!) This ship is so wheel-chair friendly, it even has power activated doors with heavy-duty magnets to hold them open when approaching an outside deck. Very convenient for a person with mobility issues.

When not in a wheel-chair he will look for a place to sit, while I do all the "paperwork" stuff at the dock; in the airport; in the hotel...etc., etc.

He looks like a strappingly healthy older man....but, he definitely has his limitations.

It doesn't stop us from cruising and traveling as often as we can!;)

We'll be going to the Mexican Riviera, on November 15th, aboard the Sapphire Princess....come-on, we'd love your company! And, Brenny will be onboard for the extra pats! :)

Okay! That's it! You have to stop giving me these visuals....I know it's not funny to be stuck in a chair you're afraid will fold you into a pancake but, admit it, it is funny!!!!! :p

He's definitely a book in the making......what a cute guy!!!!!

Nancy: That's so funny!!!! Reno sounds more like "Marley!" Did you ever read the book "Marley and Me?" It should have read "Reno & Me!"

Can you imagine this "bad boy" on a cruise ship?

Nancy: What a handsome boy!!!! :) The picture is very easy to see now!!!!

Brenda is black......it's very hard to see her and when you try and look for her eyes, in a picture, it's even harder!

I'm a "sucker" for Golden's and Yellow Labs. Don't tell Brenny!!!!! ;)

S.S.: Good job!!!!! See, how smart you are!!!! Now, if these old eyes could see better! :o

S.S.: Remember, dogs will not continue to do something if there's no reward in it for them!!!!! I know, I know you think it's too late to teach him......Guess what? It's NEVER too late for them.....but, sometimes, we (humans) just don't have the energy or skills to teach them!!!! And, it does take a lot of energy and consistency.....

You love him, he loves you....you're used to his antics!!!!!

I'd love to see a picture of him....Go to the upper left hand corner of this board (under the Cruise Critic sign), you'll see the words "User CP" click on it and you'll see lots of information. One is "signature picker" and another is "countdown clock"; and, much more....experiment, you can't hurt the system. Maybe we'll get to see a picture of your baby, yet!!!! ;)

Sunshine: You can say all you want about that "inside" "outside" thing......but, I, like you, absolutely "melt" and, have even been known to turn around my car to go look at a Lab walking down the street, just to take a second look!!!.....So proud, So regal, So beautiful, such a hulk of a dog!!!!!! And, those mixes.....LOVE EM!!!!! :)

Well, it's official I've made our final payment on our cruise in November. I love the anticipation/shopping/planning/booking grooming/nail/hair/vet appointments (guess which are for her and which are for me???:p )

Nancy: What a good idea....take the house "outside" so the lizard is happier!!!! I don't think that Lizards need to eat or drink for a very long time....hence the two weeks on the drapes!!!!!!!

And, I too, can not resist Labs.....I've been known to spot one walking with its master, down the street and, I will literally turn my car around to see if its an English or American Lab and to just look at their faces....they can make me smile!!!!! Doesn't everyone have that same reaction???? ;)

Brenda is over 70 pounds and when I first put her life-vest on, which is exactly the same one as Bailey...I couldn't imagine anyone being able to pick her up...I'm told; if they can pick up a 200 pound man....they can pick up a 75 pound dog.....what a relief!!!!!

Darcie: I loved the picture of Bailey.....I totally understand the "fit", she's not built like a Lab or Retriever (where the vest literally "hugs" their bodies)! She's got a very special body and, it looks like it's snug, where it needs to be and as longs as the "rescue people" can pick her up, out of the water (God forbid) and it doesn't come off, you're set!! Also, I would test her movement, in the vest, by putting it on her and letting her go into a pool, see if it allows her to move her front and hind legs, easily!

OHHHHHHHH!!!! Just like a politician to totally confuse the masses!!! :p

I saved "Marley & Me" for reading, while resting on a cruise ship! (The Diamond Princess)!

I wound-up crying more on that cruise than resting! What a great book! What an amazingly wonderful dog (a bit naughty but wonderful)! I can't wait to see the movie!!! Although, it will be a tear-jerker!!!!!

Now, go back to doing what public servants are supposed to do....????:rolleyes: ;)

nseagirl: Maybe I've been training dogs too long........but, WHAAAAAT????? :confused:

Also, Canine Companions for Independence has a wonderful web-site and an online store; where you can buy books on the subject of "Service Dogs!" or you may go to Amazon.com and type in "Service Dogs", there are a lot of wonderful books there, as well! :)

nseagirl: There's lots of volunteer tasks that you can do for CCI. If you happen to live close enough to a kennel (look at their website for locations, in your area) hopefully, there is one and you can help with team-training and graduations; in the kennels; in the Vet Clinic or you can become a Puppy Raiser. Call them......

And, more importantly, THANK YOU, for caring so much for being willing to be an advocate in any way! We need more of YOU!!!!!! :p

Peter; Your stories of our friend Cameron and Werin are always so, so touching and heartfelt. I am very familiar with CCI's routines; the interview process; the training and graduation.....it must have been a very emotional day for all of you when Werin actually came home with you!!!!!

CCI only trains Golden Retrievers, Labs, and a cross between them; which makes for the most amazing genetic construction of a dog! They've been known to train poodles (for very special circumstances) and, they used to use Corgi's for Hearing Dogs. A lot of men complained that they wanted a more "masculine" dog.....hence, the Golden/Lab! The Labradoodle is on the horizon!!!

I, too, have had problems with Asian "style" restaurants. We have stopped going to one, in our area, just because they gave us such a hard time. Their loss!!!! We eat out a lot!!!!!:(

Honestly, if you're not blind, some of the public has no clue about any other types of service dogs!

Making us all more "public" is a great idea. And, with all the dogs being trained and available, at CCI for the Hearing impaired or people who need help with their daily activities; the public will get to see more and more of these dogs, in the near future!!!!! IT'S A SLOW PROCESS!!!!

And, the general public does not learn quickly or easily. People are very reticent to change what used to be considered "normal" in their environment! :rolleyes:

AWWWWW!!!!....nseagirl: Please, please don't avoid us and don't go to the other side of the ship.....we welcome your good questions and your friendships. We even allow for "patting" time. It's such a joy to watch these dogs behaving so well in any venue!!!! :)

When we talk about folks behaving badly and our frustration in dealing with them, they're very few and far between. Where we get the most frustrated is the TSA or scheduling agents who should understand and realize the "Service Dog" and their need to be in the public. Afterall, if it weren't for the "Drug/Bomb Sniffing/contriband control" Dog, we would all be in a lot of trouble.....and, of course the "Police and Service Duty Dog", these heros do more for all of us and aren't always, "in your face!"

I'm sorry about your loss of your "furry-friend", you had me in tears. It's a reality that we all have to face, eventually but it never makes it easier knowing we have to face it!!! :( Thank you for sharing your story and for explaining how most of the general public feels!

There's a lot of stories being done on T.V. about the Service Dog. There was one, just recently, on 60 Minutes......some people are not interested in learning or seeing what's happening in the SD world. It's amazing stuff!!!!! But, you're right, there should be more.......

There are: Seeing Eye Dogs; Hearing Dogs; Facitlity Dogs (work with a professional in a healthcare setting); Service Dogs (assist adults/children with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks); Skilled Companions (enhance independence for children/adults with physical/cognitive and developmental disabilities); Dogs who alert to seizures; heart and blood disorders; changes in diabetic control and on and on.

A Skilled Companion Dog would be perfect for a child with Autism....It's a wonderful thing to watch the difference that these dogs can make in completing these children's worlds!!!!!! ;)

Pretty amazing! With the right training and behavior modification a dog or for that matter other animals can be taught/trained to do a myriad of tasks that are requested of them.

Again, thanks for showing interest and for caring!!!!! :)

Nancy: It's so weird that you mention a lizard.....one has crawled its way into our office....and, my boss jumped on top of his desk! Too funny! What a whimp!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

The poor thing is now under the cubicle, somewhere. I hope it doesn't pop out when Brenny sees it.......I'm sure she'd want to play.

It's about 105 degrees outside and I don't blame him for wanting to come inside.....the lizard that is!!!!:p

We're back!!!

Will travels with a Service Dog ever become easier?????

We've flown, with Brenda and this route about a dozen time....back and forth to Eugene, Oregon....Direct flight...Bulkhead seats....And, there's always someone new (who works for the airline) who doesn't know what to do with a Service Dog; where they may or may not sit; what their rights are....etc., etc. I know I should use my best face and a lot of patience...but, sometimes it's really hard.

Remember: When traveling with a SD give yourself a lot of extra time for the folks in "Check-In" and the "TSA" who don't have a clue how to handle the "Service Dogs!"

Mary: I, too, loved the story of the "gum" and the "pooh"!!!! What a good "Mommy" you are; to protect your pup and his pooh!!!!!! I would have felt just like you! Embarrassment and "what else can I do?"

acs: The Mexican Riviera, on Carnival, will be a lot fun for all of you. If you have a veranda cabin, they will place a 4x4 box filled with mulch/sod or wood shavings directly on your veranda or in a crew working closet (near your cabin) or on a public deck. On Carnival, we've had it in all of the above places and because they were not prepared for us, they litereally went off the ship (in San Diego) and got a bucket of dirt (from under a tree) for the box.

Each cruiseline has a "Guest Access Services Department".....You will need to fax to them: Name of Ship; Date; Cabin Number and all the dogs paperwork (below).

Carnival: Fax: 800.532.9225

Phone: 800.327.5782

I also brought a sign that read, "DO NOT PUT TRASH OR CIGARETTE BUTTS IN BOX; FOR DOG USE ONLY!" If the box is placed on a public deck - Sometimes the public can be pretty unaware of the use of the box! Also, don't forget to bring some litter removal bags, so that you can pick up the "pooh"! And, just leave the bag outside of the box and the crew will dispose of it! (if they don't supply a waste recepticle for you!)

Documentation needed:

• Passport (current)
  
• Agricultural Inspection Form (from Vet.)
  
• Updated Veterinary Exam. (with updated immunization record-from Vet.) This should also state that the SD is on Heartguard and Flea & Tick prevention.
  
• City License (most U.S. cities require this of all dogs. (Service Dogs get them but don't have to pay.)
  
• Organization Training Certificate (some orgs. don't give these.)
  
• Copy of ADA Access Laws (not required but certainly helpful.) It's actually on the back of the Graduation License given by CCI. (Canine Companions for Independence), where Brenda was trained.

When you arrive, on board, go to the Purser's Desk and give them a copy of all of the above. They will present it to the Immigration Authorities when the ship docks in every port and you're good to go!!!

Celebrity will require exactly the same thing.

Have a wonderful cruise(s) and soon it all will be second nature to you!

Remember; a lot of folks will ask to "pat" your dog or will just reach over and "grab" a touch of him/her! It's instinctual to some folks who just can't resist a well behaved dog. Don't get upset, tell them that you'll be sitting somewhere later and they can come by and "pat" him then! Don't be afraid to stick to your rules of behavior!!!!!!

You will also come across some folks who do not want your dog near them, anywhere! Be prepared for them! Although this is a "public place!" They were not expecting to see a dog on a cruise ship!

YOU BOTH HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE ANYWHERE ON THE SHIP THAT THE PUBLIC CAN GO!