wizard-of-roz

Jo: I agree with "foolish remarks" that are made by the public. They can sometimes hurt!!!!!

Take away the source of the obsession......you said that one dog takes his toys to a spot under a table/chair.....remove the table/chair and don't allow her/him to obsess over what's not there!

The mailman issue is also easy.....do a "set-up" several times a day, until the dog becomes desensitized to that, too. It could be the bag the mailman carries/the uniform/the keys dangling....whatever....with the mailman's help or someone dressed as the mailman coming and going several times a day and your using a "no/don't" command everytime he starts to bark....he'll get the idea.....it won't happen immediately but it will happen.

You may have to have a choke collar with a very short lead on it so that you may grab it and "pull it to the side", actually a "jerking" motion (remember dogs necks are very, very thick and it will take some pressure for him to feel the "jerk" and when he starts to bark us your calm/assertive voice "NO/DON'T OR STOP", I promise he will get the idea after a few days. You MUST be consistant!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!!!!

Jo: I'm sure you know that dogs have sensory perception 100 times ours. They will either be trained to the scent of someone's illness or changes in their body movement or actually a verbal command from the owner.

It's a miracle....some dogs will actually push the owner to the floor or roll them over or lick their face or whatever works between the two of them.....

Dogs can sense the changing of cell structure within the human body.....and that is what can lead to a dog alerting to a diabetic coma!

Dogs can be trained to push 911 on a phone and bark into the receiver. The 911 operators are becoming more and more apprised of alert dogs and are installing systems whereby they can tell the address by just having the receiver off the hook. Many, many cities have this technology already! Ours does and I'm grateful for that!

I know, I know it's amazing!

When I see a dog behaving badly and I know what that dog is truly capable of doing....I look at the owner and I'm disgusted at the lack of direction they are giving the dog.

Having a dog is a responsibilty that too many people don't take serious enough!

Dogs are capable of so, so much and under utilized and some treated so badly I want to scream!!!!!

Jo: CCI used to use Corgy's for hearing dogs but men would complain that they wanted a more masculine looking dog. Although the Corgy could fit on their lap and certainly traveled on an airplane easier! There are several who are still working and are so cute to watch performing their tasks!

CCI uses Pedigreed Labs (such as Brenda), or Lab/Retriever mixes. The mixes can come out looking like giant mastifs (with huge heads) but, they still have that wonderful sense of self and they're truly gentle giants.

CCI does not use the smaller dogs (not that I know of). I have heard of some small breeds doing amazing work. They can't pull wheelchairs or assist someone with mobility issues but they could be trained to alert to sounds and tell someone when their blood pressure is too high or sniff out cancer or alert to a seizure.

Hearing dogs will alert to their owners name being called/someone knocking on the door/door bell ringing/alarms going off/phone ringing/smoke detector/cooking buzzers/car horns/sirens/cars coming, on the street or in a dark garage, etc., etc. They alert by tapping their nose on the owners knee,leg,chest or tugging on their sleeve or pants. They can tap their nose on your leg; you ask (sign language) or say-"what"?, and the dog will either lay directly at your feet (someone's calling your name), take you to the noise, look in the direction of the sound, tug at your leash, etc., etc. The training techniques and various ways to "alert" you have changed over the years but the outcome is always the same......Barking does not serve a purpose for the hearing impaired.

The hearing dog can literally be put to work 24 hours a day, if you don't use the "release" command, they will "alert", all day long!!!!!

Training these amazing animals is so, so involved.....You must be consistant; you must be fair; you must insist on finishing the job on a positive note and you must recognize a job well done!!!!!

You can really teach a dog to do most anything you want, if you use the appropriate techniques and are very consistant. Remember, they think in the moment....they don't plot or plan against us and the past is the past....they move-on so much easier then humans do!!!!

I know you don't have children but the techniques that I used for raising 3 successful adults are very similar to what I use for Brenda (allowing for dog v. child) and the child ALWAYS being the leader of the pack, when it comes to the dog.....

I will put Brenny into a "time-out", if she is acting badly and I NEVER allow bad behaviour to go on without a correction. She is fed/watered and toileted regularly and is given praise and lots of hugs and kisses when she acts appropriately! I challenge her as often as I can to learn new skills.....she has close to 100 commands that she successfully completes! Remember, dogs are always 2 years old (in their heads) even though their bodies get older......they stay a 2 year old, forever! If you can remember that it helps to explain why they can act-out occasionally, even though their faces are covered with gray hair!

I don't yell/push/hit or ignore her. I treat her with great respect and I always expect the same from her!

Jo: Wonderful questions....And, no one could take offense to the way in which you asked.

It would be rude to ask someone specifically what is wrong with them? But general questions like yours are very welcomed!

There are lots of different organizations that train dogs. Some are for the blind, some are for the hearing impared, some are for people who have specific health issues.

My organization of choice is CCI (Canine Companions for Independence), main office, in Santa Rosa, California 1-800-572-BARK...they have satellite offices all over the U.S.

CCI trains their dogs for Hearing/Service/Facility and Skilled Companions.

They have Hearing dogs available, right now!

CCI has breeding dogs who have passed rigorous health exams so that they may deliver the most healthy puppies to be raised by puppy raisers (people just like you, CCI needs Puppy Raisers), who dedicate themselves to fostering the female dog who delivers into the world; these amazing, wonderful puppies, who will go through one year of training.

Each puppy is identified with a blue tattoo in it's right ear, (done at about 6 weeks of age); then as the puppy grows, it goes to puppy training and is taken into public areas, wearing an identifiable vest saying "Puppy in Training", the puppy learns to socialize and get used to all sorts of sights/sounds/stores/restaurants/children and slowly becomes desensitized to everything in its environment.

The puppy is watched, closely, in classes as to its personality and character and what the trainers think that it may best be suited for. Is it hyper, does she/he have a very strong work ethic, is it very, very nosey (always looking and listening), is it very big and likes to pull a wagon/wheel chair, and so on!

You (the public), fills out an application for you specific need and then the wait begins. CCI receives the application (which asks many questions about you and your expections/life style and needs!

Once you are accepted and CCI thinks that you would benefit from one of their dogs...the interviews begin. First, by phone, then in person (you will go to Santa Rosa and to the most beautiful facililty, you will encounter for dogs), then you are asked to walk/talk and demonstrate how you are, in general with dogs. CCI (several trainers) observe you and gets to see who you are. You will get to tour their campus and you will fall in love with it all.....I promise!

Then, the letters start coming and the final phone call (it took me 2 1/2 years to get Brenda), now, the waiting is not so long......

Once your accepted, CCI will have a dog for you and a successor dog, when yours retires. It's a lifetime of wonderfulness!!!!!!!

You will live at CCI for two weeks, while you learn dog behaviour/skills/training techniques/grooming and everything you could ever know about dogs. You will work with several dogs (but, by this time CCI knows which of the available dogs is really best for you), they just want to see that the "fit" and "match" is as perfect as it can be. Mine was so spot on......Brenda was born for me!!!!!!

You will have a graduation, at the end of two weeks. Your dog will be taken away from you and given to the puppy raisers to spend some time with. And then, it's very emotional for all concerned. The puppy raisers will hand your dog to you, in front of hundreds of people and tons of tears. And, then she/he is offically yours! I get chills just remembering the moment! The puppy raiser will give you an album of pictures showing you your dog from the time she/he started the program! So cute!!!!!

You will get a license that admits you into every public venue that exists. You will receive a vest/leash/collar and i.d. tags. The cost is $100 (total), if you can't afford it...they will offer you a scholarship. The value of your dog is approx. $35,000.00.....how's that for a great deal!!!!!!!

You are NEVER alone with CCI; there are follow-up classes and retreats, every year and there's re-certification every 1 to 3 years. And they are always just a phone call away! They want you to be successful and fulfilled!

I'm sorry this was so wordy....but, honestly, I could write pages about the experience and what it has meant to me..and, my family!!!!!! :)

If there's ANYTHING that you want clarification of....ask away!!!!!

Roz

Very true!!!!! Sometimes, people see the puppy (and all their puppy charms) and give them that cutsy/little girly name....which has absolutely nothing to do with who they'll grow up to be.....If I were to name her now....She'd be "Magic!"

The name "Brenda" does engender a bit of a quiet/timid/maiden type.....HAH!!!!! I have the wild woman/bucking/bronco type!!!!!

Oh! Well! What's in a name?

Hey! Who else could work with an Alpha female, like me.....we're a perfect match.....I know when to use my "Alpha" self and so does Miss Brenny!

Her Alpha can sometimes get in the way of her trained/obedient side....I have to be mindful of that....She has such a wonderful work ethic CCI just couldn't take her out of the program.

Until they found me or I found her, they used Brenda for training demonstrations. Which is why she's at least 7 months older than the rest of her classmates.

Brenny always wanted the other dogs to do what "she" wanted and would have all of them submitting to her.....not in an angry, aggresive way just a: "I'm the boss, do as I say, way!"

I had to prove that I could control that side of her and it can be a challenge but she shines through and is a wonderful partner!

She does require a "firm" hand and I've got it!!!!! Otherwise, she'd have to be a "release" dog (these are dogs that do not graduate) and are given to someone in the public, to adopt.

Quam: I do appreciate your input and everyone's experiences are different......My dog is an Alpha, she would NEVER backdown or just keep walking, her movement and her trying to make eye contact with the other dog is a "tease" to "come and get me".....I ALWAYS put her in a "down/stay", which puts her in a calm/less aggressive/assertive stance and I then try to scare away the intruder or ask for help, at that time.

Keeping on moving doesn't guarantee safety.....use your best judgement for your circumstances and your dogs safety.....

I have trained dogs since I was in college and I'm much, much older than that now. Every instance with a dog is different and takes your best judgment; knowing your dog and how she/he responds to every circumstance is important. It would also take into account your ability to keep your dog under control.....should the worst happen!

Being in a "down/stay", makes your dog submissive and calm.....that's exactly what you want....until the potential harm passes.

Art & Robin: As long as you have all the necessary Immigration Documetation and have requested the Potty Box be placed conveniently for you....You're done!

Something that you should be apprised of is loose dogs in many of these countries, who do not have "leash laws!"

My dog becomes a different girl when she sees another dog, even a well trained service dog, makes her "hyper", let alone a loose one that would approach her! Don't let this keep you from touring land though. Afterall, even in the states there are dogs that are loose, etc. Just be prepared and use your "down-stay" command when you see another dog approaching! Other passengers will assist you with this.

I've had fellow passengers actually chase away any strays that they saw, long before I saw them!

You may also leave your dog, in your stateroom, while away! The cruise ship will put a sign on your door, stating that there is a service dog resting inside and no one will bother her/him. The ships are very accomodating and helpful! If your dog is left with food and water......and, she/he has had a potty break, before you left......you have a good 3-5 hour window to go on land and then return, depending on what you'd like to do or what he/she is used to!

I have NEVER left "Brenda" behind, ever......It's your call and your comfort zone!

Have a wonderful cruise!!!!!

Jo Ken: I would NEVER let anyone watch Brenda, while we are on a cruise or anywhere or anytime! We, too, have never been separated in the 5 1/2 years we've been together.

Brenda wears a vest that has a CCI (Canine Companions for Indpendence) insignia on both sides and easily identifies her as a service dog. But, that does not stop the myriad of people, everywhere, in life that ask the same questions. Most are very kind and politically correct questions...some are so rude and indignant...you wouldn't believe it! I've learned to "move right through them!"

I allow people to enjoy; pat and sit with her (on a "release" command) only! I totally understand most people's love for these amazingly trained animals and enjoy watching them love her! I do scrutinize the "down time" very closely. And, I bring her back on task very easily; the public loves to watch how easy it is for Brenda to become a working partner, again!

And, of course, when I move so does Brenda....I've had people literally chase me down to ask questions or follow me.....

X: I'm so glad that you're cruising but sad that Declan will not be joining you. It's a wonderful experience for both of you. Brenda also has problems dealing with intense heat. She's a double coated, pure black Lab; meaning that her coat is curly and very dense. I could build another dog, on a weekly basis, with all the hair that she sheds!

I totally understand your reluctance, at this time and so admire your love and devotion to your dog partner. There will be other times, Declan is young.

And, when you speak of his passing.....It so saddens me and I think of my Brenny, who is 8 years old and I lay next to her on the couch and look into her big brown eyes, with tears in mine and I beg her to never, never, never leave me.......

I, too, although having a huge organization to back me, I take on all the expense for Brenda's care....and, I'm extremely cautious when it comes to what and whom she's exposed to.

Thanks for sharing your amazing and wonderful story with us!

Have a fabulous cruise!

Quam: Unbelievable!!! I am so sorry that you've had such difficulties.

I once asked a gentleman, who was admiring Brenda and who was in a wheelchair why he didn't have a service dog.....you know what he said? "Because, a service dog would complicate his life too much!" I couldn't argue with him....he's right, they can.....but, they are so, so worth it!!!!!! And, what they give back makes any of the "crap" the public may give us, so worth it!!!!!

Also,as a CCI Grad. (Canine Companions for Independence)...I am covered by attorneys who are more than happy and willing to go to court with me and represent my side of any issues that may arise out of my service dog, any public entity and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)!

CCI gives us a piece of paper (in all languages; wallet size) that we can present to these entities, warning them about giving me any hassels about entrance to them and my dog!

By the way....CCI has dogs available, RIGHT NOW, for anyone interested in receiving a service dog! 1-800-572-BARK (2275).

Sorry, about the plug...but, they are an amazing organization and stand behind their graduates 100%.

Did you replace your necessary equipment? And, will your organization replace it all for you?

Quam, you have your work cut out for you.....I wish I could help!

Quam: I am so sickened by the "run around" that you had to go through in order to either locate or to "get to" your dogs potty box. That was ridiculous and terribly insensitive of RCCL!!!

They put you and your service dog through unecessary challenges to do a very simple task! And, they should "pay" for it!!!!!!!

I hope you spoke with the Hotel Manager and got a percentage taken off of your next cruise. Because, that's exactly what I did, onboard the Carnival Elation! (Of course, this should be done, the day it happens!)

ALL public entities must be cognizant of the needs of a service dog.

To have your partner be forced to have an accident because he/she could NOT get to their relief station, on time, is absolutely indignant!!!!!!

You're such a great gal and have such a wonderful attitude......I hope you do cruise again!

Be well and take care......

Petro: In answer to your question:

Brenda has been trained to assist with hearing/picking up items/pulling a wheel chair/turning on lights/opening & closing doors. Searching out people in bad situations and alerting to their whereabouts, etc., etc. She knows over 100 commands and has a phenomenal work ethic.

She is licensed to travel on boats/trains/planes, etc.

She can also "just be a dog!" She is extremely playful and is full of joy!

Since cruising has become so much fun for us, it's also become the same for her! It's great "down time" for all of us!

Melika: Yes, we sailed the Pride and loved her....she's a wonderful ship with a great crew!

Our weather was a bit sketchy coming home into the fog and rain. But, it was beautiful in Mexico.

The Pride leaves from a beautiful port and that was fun, seeing the Queen Mary as we pulled out to sea.

I didn't much like standing on deck for the muster drill, I'm so used to Princess who puts you into a comfortable lounge for this.

And, the Pride has two sea days in the beginning of the cruise, instead of at the end....I'm not sure I liked that itinerary better!

The main lobby area is huge; lots of seating areas for just lazing around and meeting up with new friends or just people watching!

The lines for dinner were rediculous...we just waited until everyone got in and then walked in! Don't fall into the habit of waiting in line! You have an assigned table....what's the worry?

Do try the pizza and ceasar salad in the Mermaid's Grill! Yummy! And, the hamburgers/chicken breast and hot dogs with french fries out by the pool were fabulous!

And, of course, the 24 hour ice cream and yohurt are not to be missed (out by the opposite pool area!)

I don't remember the date of your cruise...but, you'll have a really great time! Don't miss the statue of David! As if you could!!!!!

The Oosterdam is a "Vista" Class ship and has refrigerators in your cabin.

At least she did last April, we were in a window cabin and it had a refrig.

Quam: Hi, did you take your cruise, yet?

I love to watch Brenny (all 75 pounds of her) laying quietly, under a table, not a sound, not a stir, not a sniff, not a whimper....NOTHING!!!! ;)

And, then I look around and there are children running "amuck", screaming, walking on the tables, jumping on the booth, manhandling the supplies on the tables, rubbing their handprints on the windows, etc., etc. Need I say more?

I have walked Brenny over to a table or in the showroom of unruly children (of all ages) and reminded them and their parents that children can be taught to behave!

Mind you, I am not comparing children to dogs or any animals of any kind.....I am simply saying that the techniques that are used for training of them can be applied to everyone! To be "calm and assertive", certainly works for me, on the job!!!!!

I have raised 3 very successful children and all I had to do was give them the "look" and there was civility in everyone's lives! :p

Shirley: Aren't they amazing! I always get a kick out of people who can't get their dogs to stop barking or to simply sit.....and then I watch Brenny and dogs that I'm sure you've been involved with and the things they can do and the manners that they've been taught to exhibit and I'm always so impressed and so proud.

The control and attention to detail is mind boggleing!!!!!

I, too, take Brenny into schools and service organizations to showcase her many talents and hard work! I love doing this and so does she!!!

Don't you work with dogs anymore?

No, I am not visually impaired.....I see wonderfully!

Brenda has been formally trained to do "hearing, search and rescue" and does "mobility" work! She's an amazing dog with a phenomenal work ethic!

If you've worked with K-9's who are formally trained to do "one" thing you would be amazed at the quantity and quality of work that Brenda can do!

If we ever meet, I'd be happy to show you just some of what she does....working with these dogs....you would truly appreciate her!!!!!

I've socialized her, a lot! Because she has to live in my world, which is full of "people", all the time...we love to travel...so, she can be a bit too friendly, at times and I have to literally reign her in....but, she comes back to the "working mode" easily and is so food driven, that work becomes the real fun in life!!!!!!

MCDW: How nice to hear from you and Oz!

Brenda does the yawn thing too! Their ear drums are defintely built differently than ours but they do feel the pressure of altitude! I even know of a service dog who suffers from "altitude sickness!" They don't fly anymore!!!!!

I use "latex" gloves (like the ones you would use to wash dishes), for grooming Brenda. They're great for getting off the extra fur that just klings on to her coat.

Your training, for the pups, serves a dual purpose, who knew!

"Set-ups" and desensitization for pups in training and even for our fully trained service dogs is a wonderful thing. It helps to keep the dogs "sharp" and even can keep them from getting bored.

The inconsistency in all security venues is a true amazment to me....the general public will NEVER see it as much as we, with these dogs, will!!!!!! :(

Thanks so much, for all that you do to make sure that folks in need of these miracle workers can get one! :)

Inflatable Man: Yeah! I'm so glad that you're taking Tyrone with you.....He should always be part of your "pack!" Try practicing with the ice (so he gets used to the feel/coldness, etc.) and try letting him hold his urine for longer and longer periods. Brenda thinks the ice chip is a toy and will play with it, in her mouth, until it melts. It's so cute.....

All the practicing is good for everyone. It makes you feel more comfortable when the "real thing" comes along!

The ship we were on, in September and again in November was the Golden Princess. Someone had written about how poor the service/staff/food and maintenance of the ship was......NOT FOR US! It was magnificent.....I loved every moment! I'd do it again, in January but it's time to spread our wings.....We have booked the Costa Majica, in Brazil and the Carnival Pride.

Traveling with a Service Dog lends new meaning to the word "fun!"

Aint life grand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Quam: You always have good questions and comments.....In answer to the TSA NOT being allowed to take the leash of your Service Dog....NOT TRUE.....They may take the leash and the dog and hand both back to you after you've been screened. They may or may not unzip any pouches on the dogs vest...and they may even "pat-down" your dog.......If you need your dog to walk or stand; they may offer another officer to assist you, until they feel your dog is safe! This is never a problem and they are more than helpful!

Prior to 9/11, they were not so "squeemish" about our dogs......everything and everybody is open for question and suspicion.......

14 different times the TSA has handled Brenda 14 different ways......I don't mind any handling of her, as long as they are kind/considerate and respectful of her! I've NEVER been faced with anyone in TSA who treated her badly.....some are scared of her.....I find that amazing, considering their job!!!!!!

We were not allowed to leave the plane because it was shortly after 9/11 and restrictions/rules and regulations were not clear to anybody....I didn't fuss....I wanted things to go as easily as possible for all concerned so I followed what they thought would be the best for Brenny. It worked out okay....although, the Stewardess had forgotten the command for going to the bathroom....Brenda knew she was a "newbie" and went anyway!

The beach with the roaming dogs was part of a hotel.....I don't see how any paid or unpaid area could stop these dogs....obviously, they couldn't! Keep your eyes open and look for them......I headed back into the hotel, for safety the second I spotted them; sniffing their way up the beach! There were locals, at the entrances, to keep out strays, of all kinds!!!!!!

The license tag (from your city) has a paper license, as well. I always put that in "Brenda's Papers" folder! The city license was perused by the authorities when re-entering the USA, at the dock.

Although she wears all her tags on her collar.....they NEVER looked at them.....only the paper documentation.

Going through immigration, the officer looked at the various Vet forms; vaccinations and Agricultural Inspection form...he looked at the date, saw that it was dated in August, 2007 and NEVER said a word.....He simply smiled at me and Brenda and welcomed us home!!!!!!

And, to the folks who made all the negative comments about the Golden....I say...."Pooshah!" Not that their experiences are not their own.....I just never had any bad ones.......The buffet area is a concern of a lot of people; it's not meant to be a straight line buffet.....it's in stations.....much easier to maneuver, once you stop thinking like a "sheep!"

Happy cruising..We're off, again, on January 20th and I can't wait!:p

Long flights can be difficult......the longest Brenda has done is 6 hours. She has problems with the altitude changes and will look at me very sadly when her ears start popping......I simply reassure her that it's okay and I return to what I'm doing!

What I do: She's NOT given water prior to the flight; she's given several potty breaks before entering the plane; I give her ice cubes while onboard (to help with the dry mouth!) Brenda has a favorite toy (a stuffed squirrel), I place it near her, as she lays on the floor. I keep the stroking and talking to her to a minimum. But, try to keep myself within her view. I keep myself in a calm and assertive mode which helps to reassure her!

I also do some "bladder holding" practice sessions before the flight! I rehearse all the moves; lots of potty breaks; then staying in a small area, with her toy; some ice cubes and holding her urine for at least 6 hours.......These dogs are so, so smart....she knows exactly what I'm doing!

She's almost 8 years old (no spring chicken) and still she wants to be part of my world so much; she will cooperate with my comings and goings!

She, now, goes to the front door, when she sees me getting dressed (she knows I'm going somewhere) and, she doesn't want to miss a beat!!!!!

We have taken very long road trips, where she had to hold herself for long periods and did really well!

On another flight, we had a layover but were not to leave the plane....the Stewardess took Brenda off the plane and gave her a potty break and chance to walk, a bit. She was handled like the "President"; very special!

Don't be afraid to fly and to travel with your working partner......They've been in all sorts of situations and most can handle them all....

If your dog has had problems with their bladder or kidneys, I would NOT recommend doing this. It can be too much for them......

I will continue my travels with Brenny, as long as she is comfortable with it!!!!!! She is ALWAYS my first concern.....her health and comfort are the first thing I think about.....I want her to love traveling as much as my husband and I do and that means she is treated the best through it all!!!!

CCI gave me the right Alpha dog to fit into my world!

No matter what you decide have a wonderful trip to Alaska......

We're back and we had an amazing time....the Golden Princess is a wonderful ship.

Brenda was enjoyed by all the passengers (only a few gave her bad looks or walked the other way when we came towards them!)

We were in Acapulco/Puerto Vallarta/Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas (you should see Brenda board a "tender", she's amazing!) I was extremely careful with Brenda since there was a pack of loose dogs walking on the beach in Mazatlan and I didn't want Brenda exposed to them. This is the worst thing that you will encounter while in Mexico....they don't have good laws regarding dogs.

You guys are OVERTHINKING the access requirements by the cruiselines and the country of Mexico......My State of California Dapartment of Food and Agriculture form was dated August 15, 2007 (this was Brenda's last visit with the Vet and the date that he signed the form!) It was perfect and was NEVER questioned. I'm also using this form for my cruise on January 20th. It is NOT NECESSARY to be within 10 days for Health Certificate to enter Mexico.

At some point the Immigration officer will ask the ship for this form and you will leave a copy of all the information about your dog with the Purser's desk....they will hold it for Immigration in the different ports. At the end of port days....go the the Purser and ask for the copies back. You will use these again when entering your country to show to the officials at your final dock.

You MUST be current on all vaccinations, when going into Mexico. You MUST have the above form, filled out by your vet. You MUST carry your Animal License (from your state). (This will help in re-entering the USA/Canada.) I always show a copy of my Passport/CA Drivers Liscense/and the Permit and tattoo number, with a picture of Brenda and me, given by CCI (not all training agencies have these), it sure helps with the ID process. The officials were very impressed at how organized I was.........And, the process went very quickly!

I also did NOT have to remove Brenda's vest or harness........I simply said this is not easily done and it will confuse the dog.

Be firm in your answers. Having service dogs go through inspections and immigration can be very confusing to these officers......they need to be informed and taught......don't be shy to be the teacher! You know you are within your rights.....stand strong!!!!!

Ship/pier security are really watching you and your behavior with your dog.....if there is anything questionable about it....you will be stopped. Make sure you act in a professional manner while with your dog and that he/she is in a sit/stay or down/stay when not walking.

Some securty people will unzip her vest (which carries her baggies for deposit pick-up) and some will totally ignore it. Some will ask to take her leash and walk her, separately throught the screening process (TSA) and some will ask me to command her to walk through on her own (I always insist that a guard be waiting to grab her leash on the other side!) I never, never want her loose!!!!!!!!

Access laws in London are very similar to the States....some places do not follow the laws and will give me static, some will be more accessible....just like the USA....In Paris, dogs are allowed to eat in restaurants, with their owners so I will need to be careful about Brenda being approached by not only humans but also other dogs. I always worry about that but not while INSIDE.

Enjoy your travels with your dog partners. It's wonderful!!!!!!!

Princess has a form: "Responsibility Form"(I don't have the form in front of me so I can't give you the exact name of it) but, it is a liability waiver type form, which is sent by Princess ""Fleet Medical Dept.". In essence; this form states that Princess is not responsible for the feeding or caring of the service dog; and holds them harmless. Carnival has an "Access & Compliance" form, also sent via the internet by my TA.

You will have to fill out and sign the form and fax it back to the appropriate people.

You will also be asked for an "Agricultural Inspection" form, to be filled out by your vet. This form has information about the rabies & various other vaccines given & expiration dates/hearguard and flea & tick usage and geneal health of the dog. The vet must sign and date this form.

NCL was the first cruiseline to ask for the above form; and, once we had it, Celebrity/Princess and Holland America were also given a copy along with our dog's service license (not required by all service agencies-CCI gives this to all it's graduates) and a copy of my drivers license and passports.

On our September cruise, Princess placed her potty box about 10 cabins down from ours, in a "crew work area/closet!" And, on another time placed it in a stairwell (only used by the crew), which was located around the corner from our mini-suite. This was very convenient. Carnival put it on an outside deck/Holland America and Celebrity also used an outside deck area (these areas were covered and protected from the elements.) NCL used a "crew washroom" which was located 2 doors down from our cabin (I could go in my pajamas.)

The ships can be very open to your suggestions, as to where to place the box......

We'll be going to London, next year and they've requested the following: a Microchip/current Rabies Vaccination/blood draw for Rabies serology (done within a 6 month window of travel)/EU certificate issued by USDA Accredited Vet./Tick and Echinococcus tapeworm treatments done 24-48 hours prior to leaving (all to be recorded on the EU Certificate, along with ALL your travel plans, within their country.)

Once it's all done.....You will have the certification to take your dog with you! It sounds like a lot but the proper Vet can get you through all the paperwork and you don't have to be without your partner!!!!!

Happy future travels to everyone!!!!

When you're out, on deck, with your dog.......you will notice that the bars/rails that go around the ship are mainly for children and adults. They were not meant to restrain dogs.

That being said....I, too, was concerned about Brenda's reaction to the ocean, since she's such a "water dog", being a Lab and all! At first, she gingerly walked over to the side....looked over the rail....smelled the air and looked at the sea below.....(I, of course had her on leash and purposely walked to the edge, to allow her to explore!) I wanted her to see that it was quite a drop and that staying away from the edge is a good thing........

We spend a lot of days on deck.......She loves to lay there, in the sun (especially on days when we're docked and most people are off the ship!) It's more quiet and less hectic!

Since you won't be alone with your dog.....you may not get the questions as much as one gets with just one dog onboard......

Cruising with your service dog is a joy.......I highly recommend it to everyone.....Brenda will be going to Europe and Hawaii next year! This Saturday, she'll be doing Mexico for a week, onboard the Golden Princess!