wizard-of-roz

Darcie: You are so welcome! I hope your move goes well!

When you take that cruise please write about it and let us know how it went!

Perfect, unless there's a problem you won't need to hear back.

Immediately after you board the ship, visit the "information or Purser's desk and ask them where the "potty box" has been placed, ask them to have someone physically take you to it. Unless, of course they state that it was placed on your veranda!

Make sure that you have copies of all his/her documentation with you, all the time. I actually had to show a policeman, in Mexico, all of Brenda's papers before he would let me get into a taxicab with her! I keep a copy of everything in a zippered pouch that fits into my packback and or my purse.

You're going to have so much fun.....look out for the "secret patters!" These are people who will reach out to just grab one little pat. They're all missing their own fur-babies that they had to leave at home with baby sitters or at the kennel. I put Brenda in a "sit" or a "down/stay" position and then I allow them to touch her!

Nancy: Too cute! Grandson being raised by Grandparents and one big dog! How lucky is he!

Nancy: I loved "Marley and Me", I can't wait for the movie. I read it onboard the Diamond Princess. Great reading!

Brenny is 8 years old (considered a senior with her service org.) She can work as long as she is willing and able. I want her retirement to be filled with good health and some more fun. But, as long as she gets off her bed and meets me at the door, she's going where I go. I know she'll let us know when she's done and when she's ready to stay home with PaPa. Then I'll go for a successor dog but not until Brenny's ready.

Maybe we'll see you one day, onboard the many cruises that we take. You'll know us....we're the ones with the beautiful black Lab.

Lots of Love and Licks,

Roz & Brenny

S.S. Cruisers: Well, you have got me tearing! What is that thing? Someone just has to mention Brenda, how beautiful she is and share something about their own beloved, furry children and I'm tearing.

Brenda is 73 lbs and solid. I didn't get to enjoy her as a pup. I got her when she was 2 years old. I missed out on a lot of wonderful stuff. We're making up for it with all our cruises and travels.

Your boy is 110lbs, wow! He must be gorgeous!!!!! And, the best part is 13 years old! I'm impressed, you're a wonderful caretaker! I baby Brenny so much, even for a hard worker! I pray she lives a very long life!!!!!

I'm truly looking forward to our round trip to Hawaii, in November. Brenny loves the ocean and walking out on deck. She raises her nose in the air and gets in every last ounce of ocean breeze and sea mist!!!!!! She's truly an old sea dog!!!!

Take care and thanks so much for sharing!

Sundagger: A "Hearing Cat".... Now, there's a concept....maybe something in the future!

This would be a good time for a Hearing Dog. Not really a waiting list...CCI is training them right now, more often and having more graduates than ever.

If you re-think your position and needs call them......1-800-572-BARK.

Agricultural Inspection FORM! I hate fast spelling and the errors that go with it!!!!!!!!!!

I forgot to mention: Each cruiseline will ask you to pre-fax all the information about your Service Dog to their "Special Needs" department.

Be sure to have an Agricultural Inspection From (given by your Vet). It has all the information that the Immigration Authorities will need to know about your dog.

Also, have a copy of your Passport any city license or certification (it never hurts to have it all, if you have it), it certainly shuts down anyone who is not familiar with Service Dogs and the laws that pertain to Public Access!:)

TiredSmile: Welcome! Welcome! Aren't Service Dogs the best thing since, well, since anything!!!!!!!

Let's start with the box.....Build it and they will go!!!!! Practice, practice, practice. That's what we did with Brenda. She had NEVER gone potty in a box before. You can buy some cheap 4x4 pieces (studs) at Lowe's. Nail them together; lay the trash bags (2) flat; put the 4x4 nailed square on top; fill it with wood shavings/sod/or paper pellets. And, start him using this. Once he gets used to it you'll be amazed at how easy it is to pick up or replace the stuff inside.

Don't forget to bring the plastic bags to pick up the pooh, on your cruise.

Princess uses wood shavings, and places the (cardboard 5x5) box in a closet close to your stateroom or on your veranda. They did not provide a recepticle for the plastic bag filled with pooh so we layed the bag outside the box and it was gone the next time we used the box.

Holland America uses a smaller box (3x4) and they placed sod in it. (Once your dog has gotten used to the box, it won't matter what size it is!) Again, they will place the box on your veranda or on an ouside deck. They don't use a closet. They provided a nice recepticle to place the plastic bag filled pooh.

NCL uses a larger box filled with mulch (the best one) and puts it in a closet near your cabin or on your veranda. They provided a nice recepticle to place the plastic bag filled with pooh.

Carnival uses paper pellets. It takes a while for Brenda to get used to them, they're hard to stand and walk on. We finally brought our own mulch to one ship and asked them to remove the pellets. They do not provide a recepticle.

Yes, you may leave your dog in the room. Carnival will give you a sign, to hang outside the room, that states "Do not disturb, Service Dog in room!"

On the other ships it's a good idea to let your cabin steward know whenever you do this.

Service Dogs know how to behave and how to be alone. We have NEVER left Brenda alone......she's by my side at all times. But, you can, if you want to.

Princess even supplied us with a "Doggie Life Vest!"

The ships are so accomodating to you and your Service Dog! They will NOT provide food, you must do that.

Celebrity offered to walk her for me and put the 4x4 box on an outside deck. I, of course, refused, but wasn't that nice?

My favorite cruiseline for Service dogs is......PRINCESS! They are all getting the idea of what to do and how to act. So, I really like them all, now.....in the beginning it was not always this way.....they were learning, like any public venue, they were a bit slow. But, it's much better now!!!!

Go cruising with your SD have fun; venture out......

I do not bring Brenda's crate, you won't have to either.

Sundagger: Thank you for writing. Isn't it interesting how Service Dogs can come in so many different shapes and sizes!

CCI used to use Corgi's a lot because they fit into spaces so easily such as; airplanes (under the seat or on the lap); theatres, etc., etc.

However, not all men liked them because they wanted a more "manly" dog! I know of a gentleman who has a Corgi Hearing Dog and they are the most amazing team. I, personally love the Lab or the Lab/Retriever mix. CCI now uses the Lab and the mix in all their puppy programs.

Now, about the woman who was having "I'm the pack leader" problems......she was not having a very good day! Did you notice the vest the dog was wearing and who the training org. was?

I must say I've had occasions when Brenda and I are not "jelling!" That's the day (usually just moments, not a full day) that I put her in her crate or somewhere, away from me......I take a breather and then re-approach my dog skills and handling!

How your feeling and acting literally travels down the leash to the dog.....they know when you "off"! And, they will take advantage of it!

Dogs are always 2 years old (emotionally and mentally) and will always test yours and their limits.....sounds like this lady needed to re-adjust her calm, inner self!!!!

It's also wonderful to watch how easy it is to bring a mis-behaving dog into focus.....it just takes an assertive/fair leader to do it! :)

Do you have a Service Dog?

Barbara: You are a real traveler with Valentine.....It's much easier for you guys with those "littler" furry workers. My Brenda is like taking an extra "full person" and room and accomodations must be accounted for!

I wouldn't trade the inconvenience for anything!

Andar: You and Bailey are a trip. Did we actually have lives before these amazing friends came into them?

Here is some information for traveling to Europe with your SD.

You'll need:

1. Microchip (Brenda has a tattoo, they accepted that)

2. Rabies Vaccination

3. Blood draw for testing at an approved Lab for rabies serology

4. EU Certificate issued by USDA Accredited VET and endorsed by USDA-APHIS (ask your Vet.)

5. Tick and Echinoccoccus tapeworm treatments done 24-48 hours prior to checking in and recorded on the EU Certificate.

If you have any further questions about Europe and your dog - the person to contact is:

Liz Shickle Verterinary Officer

Animal Health

Heathrow Border Inspection Post - Live Animal

P-+44 (0) 208 759 7002 F + 44 (0) 208 564 8939

Elizabeth.Shickle@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk

You should have a much easier time than we did. Brenda's size was certainly a factor in getting her on and off the plane/boat/train/bus and going through security.:o I can't carry her through anything, can you carry yours through any of the inspections?

We will be going to London in January of 2009. As long as Brenda is willing and healthy I will let her experience everything she can. She's now 8 years old and should have retired 3 years ago, according to the standard retirement age of an SD with her responsibilities and her size.

She takes vitamins and Salmon Oil, every day. I look forward to at least 3 more years of assistance. Then, she'll retire, stay home with her "boyfriend", my DH and I'll apply to CCI for a successor dog! I want her to have a healthy and fun retirement!!!! :)

I've had her since was 2 years old (she stayed in the program an extra 10 months!) She became the dog who trains the dogs. She's an amazing leader!!!!

Then, we met and it was "true respect and love" at first sight.....they gave her up for me! We're a great team! ;)

We are on the Golden Princess to Hawaii (two weeks), on November 12th. Then we do the Mexican Riviera, again, on April 18, 2009, on the Sapphire Princess.

I'll plan more in 2009, when we're onboard in November. I'd like to do more in Mexico and for longer than a week.

My DH thinks Princess food/shows/crew and staterooms are the best! I like HAL and Celebrity too! All of these lines have treated Brenda with the utmost respect!

Aren't the "chews" the best? Brenda loves, loves them. She'll do anything for one...She gets two a day; one in the am and one in the pm. They have really made a difference in her gums and teeth. The Vet is very impressed as to the condition of her teeth, for her age! And to not have bad breath, they're so worth it. I have everyone in my office, who has a pet, hooked on them!!!!!

I even pack them for our cruises. Although, she must have a tennis ball to chew on, when she's through and then a full bottle of water to wash it down....she has her ritual! It's not something I can give her on a long air flight or car ride. Unless I can give her the rest of her ritual to go with it!!!!!! So funny!

Andar: Welcome! I'm so glad to see so many of us venturing out on cruises.

Brenda will be on her 10th cruise to Hawaii, in November, onboard the Golden Princess.

I always fax the following to: Rosella-Princess Fleet Medical Dept. 661.753.1307

1. Fleet Medical Passenger traveling with Service Dog Form

2. Dept. of Food and Agricluture Form (this has all immunization records and Vets signature)

3. Vet current examination receipt.

4. Rabies Vaccination Certificate

5. City Dog License Form

6. Permit form from CCI (with Tattoo number and training org. phone/add. With ADA rules)

7. Copy of my passport

I have NEVER had these papers within any certain date of departure to the Mexian Riviera (and, she's been there 7 times! On many different lines.) The paperwork and immunizations were ALWAYS CURRENT! Leaving no room for questions. And the authorities NEVER stopped us from entering.

Brenda is also a very aggressive chewer.....we give her Virbac C.E.T Oral Hygiene Chews. They clean her teeth/gums and breath, while allowing her the opportunity to get her fill of chewing on something.

I buy them from EntirelyPets.com.....along with her ear swabs to keep her ears free from dirt and wax. You can't find the Virbac Chews in a pet store. They're only found at the Vets and not all Vets carry them. Besides, they're way too expensive anywhere but online!!!

Have a wonderful cruise and please tell us all about it.

Betty: Please remember there are amazing Hearing Dogs for the HOH.......and, they are very welcomed on cruise ships.

A hearing dog can make a truly significant difference in your life!!

Please contact Canine Companions for Independence for more information: 1-800-572-BARK (2275).

There is no way that Brenda could fit underneath a seat (in front/in back) or anywhere else on a plane. She weighs 70lbs and is built like a true English Lab....broad and stocky! She barely fits into the bulkhead space on those small jets, on Delta, from L.A. to Eugene.

As a matter of fact, I have to rearrange my legs (I'm 5'10"), just to allow her butt in and as it is, her nose is laying in the aisle!!!!!

AmTrak does not know what to do with Service Dogs. We took it from Santa Barbara to San Diego and Brenda sat by my side on the floor (taking up another seats entire width!) The conductor was very surprised and wanted to know what the dog did, etc., etc. Just the usual curiosity. When I made the reservation, it took forever because the agent did not what to do!!!!

First Dog: I'm curious about your organization and what type of Service Dog training that you provide, what type of dogs do you use and where are you based?

Also, in answer to the question about Saint Martin: We had our Vet Certification; Agricultural Inspection Form; L.A. City Dog License; CCI Permit and my Passport. All of which were current but not done within any certain date of departure (Brenda had her Vet check and immunizations about 3 months before we left!)

Copies were given to the Purser's desk upon embarkation, they gave them to the Immigration authorities when our ship docked at the various ports and we were set to go! We have never been refused admittance to either the Caribbean/South America or Mexican Riviera land venues.

I believe that we have always been given our freedom to go and come onboard and off a cruiseliner because the paperwork was so complete and was given the moment we boarded. We left no room for question or error!!!!!!! Now, if only some of the passengers were as accepting!!!!!!!:rolleyes:

Candy: You are a "dictionary" of information. I'm so glad about the rodent and spider thing too!!!!!! I can train and handle any dog/horse and probably a monkey but just put a spider into the mix and I become a screamy/jumpy/extremely fearful fool!!!:eek:

Isn't it amazing how everything has to be "spelled out" for some people!!!!!!

I can pass by a person who absolutely can't keep her/his hands off of Brenda, for their love and admiration of what she does....and, in the very same group will be someone who hates and is sickened by the mere sight of a hairy/four legged animal near them, let alone on the same boat/train or airplane as them!!

Candy: Your pig story is very funny!!!!!! I have yet to run into a pig/monkey or anything other than a dog that assists.

I, too, am in favor of any service that the animal may perform to help to make their handlers life a better/easier one!!!!

If that means sitting or standing in areas that are not of the "norm", so be it! As long as the service animal is performing with good manners towards others......that's all I need to see!

The person who made and approved the "bulk-head" seat move.....was a "reservation agent".....she was NOT the manager/supervisor or any way in authority......she was just accomodating and that was, as I stated before, wonderful!!!!!!

Any person who makes your reservation for you has the ability to move passengers and accomodate a Service Dog!

How do I know? I asked the person on the other end of the phone!!!!

Don't be put off by anyone who says they can't help you......they can!!! And, with a little bit of help or information from you.....they will!!!!!

This is important for all who read these boards to know........You DO NOT HAVE TO SPEAK to anyone special to get your reservation needs met!

Although, some cruise lines are now keeping "special needs" requests to a special department.....my TA will handle any of my requirements for Brenda, on any cruiseline.

The individual "special needs" departments will have their various forms that must be filled out and your agent can forward or email them to you.

The airlines only need to see your dogs vest/cape and your through the line......

Once they witness the amazingly good behavior of your dog.......they don't need to see anything else!!!!! They stand in awe at the mutual respect each of you gives each other!!!

You want to smile, really big? Watch a service dog behave when approached by officials at the airport........they don't make any sudden gestures or movements, they don't lurch forward, or pull their handler off their feet, they don't try to lick and smell everyone and everything.....they're a joy and a pleasure to have around!!!!!

I could spot a "fake" immediately! And, I wouldn't be shy to call the owner on it!!!!!!

ala-kat:Thank you for your interest. As a person who goes through life with a Service Dog (everywhere from stores/restaurants/air planes/cruises, etc., etc.) I can tell you that it is NOT EASY to always please everyone in the public. (Especially, those who don't care for dogs, in the first place!) I have gotten everything from dirty looks and verbal attacks to absolute refusal to serve me!!!!! I don't leave; I don't back down....I stand my ground, with my SD and I always win!!!!!!!

Carrying a license (just like those who drive have to) is truly the only answer for the Service Dog population. And, even trainers or Orgs. that don't have these licensces, yet, should start using them; therby encouraging EVERYONE to use them!!!! It would scare away the abusers!!!!!

And, yes there are selfish people in our society who could care less about us or our issues. They want to bring "Fi-Fi" along with them, wherever they go and they know that the only way they can do it is to lie or cheat their way into the public venue!

You're right, it is too bad! But, it makes it so difficult for the rest of us!!! :(

Thank God there aren't too many of them!!!!!

I just made reservations to fly to Eugene, Oregon (through Delta), I was told that the "bulk-head" seat was taken. The reservation agent asked me to wait; she came back to me and said that the "bulk-head" passenger was moved and Brenda and I would be okay to board, now!!!!

On these smaller jets, there is absolutely no room for a Service Dog other than the bulk head. The airline understood, they went out of their way to please me and to accomodate my SD! How wonderful is that????????:)

I recommend that ALL service organizations require a License (just like our drivers license.) To be given to the person who handles the service dog.

The license will contain all pertinent information about the "Team!" The date of graduation; expiration date; any identifying information about the SD; ie. color/sex/age/tattoo/chip, etc. The name of a contact person at the organization; what type of service the dog performs, ie. service/hearing/skilled companion. The handlers and sd's name would appear on the card.

The back of the card should explain the ADA access laws.

****Until EVERY service organization supplies and requires these I.D. Cards and their graduates to carry them and the expectation of planes; boats; trains; bus's, etc, etc. would be that if you have a valid license and you show it........ you are not a fraud; we will continue to have the "fakes", who think that ALL IT TAKES IS A VEST OR CAPE, and simple words to get onto or into the public venue!!!!!!

MCDW: I'm so sorry to hear about "Oz's" encounter with the "who knows what it is" food source. Brenda, on occasion, has gotten something from underneath a table, in a restaurant, (we've learned to puruse the floor, before she's placed there) and has had a tummy ache with all the symptoms that go with it!!!!

I certainly hope he's feeling better! Your wonderful attitude helped to make a terrible situation, bareable!

I, too, am upset about these vests and capes being sold on the internet. Which is why I always like to show the full paperwork, from CCI, verifying Brenda's accreditation!

On all the cruises/plane and train travels that we have done (for the past 5 1/2 years)....I have yet to run across any service dog, other than two seeing eye dogs and three dogs wearing a CCI vest, who either looked like a "fake" or acted in any way other than a professionally trained service dog!!!!!

I'm afraid I would be the one to turn the "fake" in! I'd probably wind-up confronting them; insisting on seeing some sort of documentation that the public venue wouldn't realize the person should be carrying and asking where the dog was trained? What does the dog do? Etc., etc. The "fake" would have "no clue", that some of my questions were illegal (as "Quam" would put it), no matter, I would be insistent! I would then go directly to the Hotel Manager (and, if they were a "fake"), I would request that they either be thrown out or be asked to keep their "fake" in the cabin, until the cruise were over!!!!!!!

I worked and waited too hard and long for my service dog to allow ANYONE to "fake-it" with a vest that they purchased "on-line!"

It's up to us to make sure that the "fakes" are found out and that it not be made easy for them to bring their "pets" into the public venue!!!!!

The vests that are given to CCI graduates can not be gotten any way, except thru CCI. The detailed "logo" on both sides can not be easily copied!!!!!!!

Another reason why "Permits" and documentation should ALWAYS be asked for and shown in the public arena!

Any paperwork can be falsified, it would just make it more work for the "fakes!" And, of course, if the dog were behaving badly (even if licensed), they could be asked to leave.......................

I'm sorry this is so wordy....

Thank You, Quam! :)

Quam: I so appreciate your input.....That being said: I don't think an Organization such as Canine Companions for Independence, who is highly respected in the Service Dog training arena, for over 30 years, would appreciate your comments on the "Permit Cards" that are given to service teams, following their graduation.

The permit states the Tattoo Number (every SD had an identifying Tattoo in one ear); Participant Graduate Name; Canine Name; CCI Regional Program Manager; and Expiration Date of SD's service permit (since CCI dogs are required to pass public access tests, every 1 - 3 years.)

The back of the permit express's the ADA laws and has the phone number or address for people who are questioning the SD so their good questions may be answered by a training professional!

Some folks who walk or wheel with an SD don't have the capability of speaking or hearing and don't always have someone with them to explain the SD. PLEASE STOP being so negative about these permits. They do serve a purpose for many and are NOT illegal in any way!!!!!!!! They CAN NOT be gotten by everyone (not sold on the internet or in any other way) and are highly prized by those who have earned them!!!!!!!

If you can easily express yourself, verbally....that is a wonderful thing. Some can not!

Also, a 70-100 pound SD can not maneuver itself onto the floor of a car (cab), the seat, in front, may be pushed all the way back or there simply is not enough room for the dog and to expect him/her to fit into all floors of cars is not always possible (especially with the down sizing of foreign cabs) and, could keep someone from venturing out into life (also, some SD's must be very, very close to the person they are working for: to alert to heart rhythms/blood pressure/diabetes, siezures, etc)......it is in no way intrusive of the SD to lay on the seat, next to their owner. These dogs are trained not to stand or in anyway cause obstruction or to be rude..........

I hope that I've been helpful.....All of what I mention is to be informative and to apprise the public of the differentials in Service Dog Training and what you may encounter when you/they see one!!!!!

Just as with people.....Service Dogs come in different shapes/sizes and colors. They perform a myriad of tasks......The public does very well when they are informed.

We walk/wheel with these wonderful beings and only we know how difficult that can be, sometimes.....Let's be more understanding and accepting of each others way in which we do our walking or wheeling!!!!!!

Peter: I use Hotel transfers......What ever hotel we've stayed in the night before is what we use to transfer to the dock. They're very accommodating. Or, we will rent or drive our own car. We live fairly close to L.A.; Long Beach; San Diego or San Francisco. I park in the garage of the hotel or in a public area. Some hotels offer a "Cruise and Snooze" package, where you park you car in their garage and you can leave it for the duration of the cruise for a smaller price than the public lots offer.

I try and find cruises that leave from the above docks. If I can't, I play the "Cab/Me/DH and Brenny Game"

THE GAME: I put my DH and Brenny on the curb. I appear to be alone; I flag down a cab; I hold the cab door, while warning the driver that there are ADA laws that could fine him heavily if he gives me any problems. I motion to DH to come over, I then promise the driver that I will be very careful as to not scratch his "pleather" seats!!!!!

I sit in first, DH holds onto Brenny; I then invite her in by motioning to the floor; she steps in (usually it's a large, loping, lunge onto the back seat of our car); I nudge her butt to the seat; pull her onto it; DH gets in and the driver is very impressed as to how gingerly and carefully this huge, black lab is put into his "precious cab!"

I'll play any game it takes to make our lives easier and to keep some kind of "comfort zone" for the next person using a Service Dog and just what or who they may encounter!;)

Peter, Peter, Peter........So sorry, I didn't know it was you!!!!!

Wow! You are my hero! And so is your wonderful Werin! You guys really get out there! I'm so glad to see that!!!!!! So do we! Every chance we get! I'd love to see Werin and Brenny together, doing their CCI thing.

I'll buy the book on rest stops and grassy areas. Actually, it would be kind of funny. Kind of a "Werin and Me!" Kind of book!

Thanks for the information and travelog! I'm actually envious of some of the spots you've been to! I'm gonna have to do some heavy duty catch-up here!!!!! I want to take her to New York, at Christmas......I'd think the NY'rs wouldn't even "blink" at a service dog!

Stay well and keep on traveling. Let us know about your upcoming cruise. And what your next travels will be!!!!

You and your family are an inspiration to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!