wizard-of-roz

Meg: What a great story about the cupcakes.....these "furry folks" can be amazing and so diligent when it comes to getting their needs met.

Thanks for sharing your story and especially for your warm regards for our hard working friends!

Quam: The first page of the "form" I mentioned, from Royal Caribbean, asks about Air/Sea Travel/Mobility/Wheelchairs/Visual and the various RCCL policies that relate to each. The second page asks about Hard of Hearing/Deaf, Diabetis/Oxygen needs and their policies. The third page asks about Pregnant/Dialysis and Guests currently undergoing medical treatment. It then has a section for special requests.

This form is for our future Celebrity Cruises (which is owned by RCCL.) And, it is from Royal Caribbean International.

As far as the Health Certificate question, when the forms ask for the address or phone number of where I will be traveling to, I give them the name of the country i.e. Mexican Riviera/Canada/Panama, etc. and the Ship. This has always seemed to be sufficient enough for the 6 cruises "Miss Brenny" has been on.

All the stories of getting pills down the throats of our pals, makes me laugh because, I swear, as long as it's not nailed to the floor, Brenda will eat it!!!!! So, swollowing pills has never been a problem.....thank goodness for that "Lab thing!"

Quam: Is that beautiful black/white dog your service dog? What a cutie pie!!!!!!!!! I don't think I would be able to have him/her around without always smiling!;)

pmfan: We have cruised with RCCL, into International waters. Sometimes we debarked and sometimes, we stayed on board.

We were asked to supply them with the following:

1. A current listing of all Vaccinations i.e. Rabies/DHLPP and their expiration dates (your vet will give you this).

2. Animal License (city of L.A., where we reside) requires this.

3. State of California Department of Food and Agriculture (Certificate for interstate or International Movement of Small Animals). (Your vet can give you this, completely filled out - this must be current).

4. Copy of my Passport and, since Brenda was trained and Certified through Canine Companions for Independence, who supply their Teams with a License which certifies that Brenda and I are fully trained for public access, I give them this, as well! (Not all SD organizations supply their teams with this).

RCCL is now sending you, as soon as you book, a form (3 pages), that must be filled out and faxed back to their Access Department. It asks questions about your disability and special needs.

Your TA or RCCL Access Department (800.722.5472 X:34492) will assist you with all the necessary documentation.

I hope this helps......Please don't hesitate to ask questions......Brenda loves the cruise experience and I believe it's because we take care of every detail and she has a definite "comfort zone!"

I think your right.....it's her being careful, not to be stepped on! It's not such a bad thing.......she's clears the way for me to walk!

Because when most kind souls see her coming they do (most of the time) allow us to walk without impedence!

I've also have had, on occasion, the folks who stare at us; don't move; and actually watch (while standing right in front of us), to see just how we're going to maneuver the walk space (with them not making any room for the service dog to walk!) I never can figure these people out and just what they're thinking! :( :rolleyes:

Quam: I'm like you....I don't gamble....I'm a very poor sport when it comes to throwing away money. We would go for the shows/food and shopping...and, Brenda's "stalking" (in a casino setting) was hysterical. She would see someone's purse or bag near the slot machines or sitting in back of them, at a gaming table and she would stare at it (she has been trained to assist in getting/ picking up things), and she would wait for my command, of which I never gave. But, it was interesting to watch her face as her attention was diverted from time to time. And, I'm sure if I commanded her to do so, she would have retrieved any purse I requested her to......how scary is that?

We were told during training how these dogs could easily be abused, when put in the wrong hands. Can you imagine a thief using Brenda to steal purses? I don't even want to go there!

And, for some reason, none of which we can explain; when we are in a crowded casino or in a crowded area of people, in general; she will walk in front of me (as opposed to beside me), as if leading me. If I were to put on sun glasses, I would definetly look as if I were using a seeing eye dog!

We and the trainers are not clear why she does this, other than to be in a "protective" and "leading" me through the masses, kind of mode!

I've stopped correcting for this.......:rolleyes:

I don't know what's up with my TA's changes (within his office), the owner of the company (a huge online service company), wants to "monitor" all handicapped/special needs requests. I like this gentleman and will continue to use him...you should see the questionnaire that I have to fill out for Celebrity....

We last took Celebrity in 2005 and we didn't have to fill out this form.....as I read on I can see that the questions asked are really about any special needs that I may have and that they may be able to fulfill for me. i.e.; special menues or ship newspapers (for the blind), special assistance with wheelchair or with an emergency; special orientation tour of the ship (they remind me that a 4x4 wooden box, filled with cyprus mulch, will be provided.) They offer special devices for listening, in the shows or in your room. They are so kind and willing to help in any way!

The last time we were on a Celebrity cruise, we got a knock on our door and standing there was a crew member, in white gloves; who wanted to know if he could walk "Brenda" for me. How nice was that?

Celebrity, (who is owned by Royal Caribbean), really reaches out to guests with service animals......and that's a very, very good thing!!!!!! :D

We also found that Holland America (owned by Carnival) also wanted to help, in every way!

Remember that Celebrity and Holland America are the "upscale" of these two lines. Because, Carnival (Elation), itself, had a very difficult time getting the "potty box" right, in May, 2007. (I pushed the point to the Hotel Manager, that they had made a huge mistake and we got a 15% off of our next Carnival cruise!) We'll see how she does in January, 2008 (Pride.)

Quam: We've realized with the price of gas, that it is more cost effective and much more fun to cruise than take a land based vacation. We try and take as many cruises as we can leaving from L.A./Long Beach or San Diego; all of which are driving distances from our home. :) We still take an occasional trip to San Francisco to visit relatives but Las Vegas doesn't hold the same interest for us, anymore! And, we used to do that trip, at least 3 times a year. Brenda loved making her way through busy casinos; like she was on a safari, stalking out the prey!

I've been on my job for over 10 years and that gives me 4 weeks paid vacation......I will be taking full advantage of that in 2008!

I too, have ALWAYS faxed Brenda's documents prior to cruising..... and show them, again, when I get to the dock and, again, I carry copies with me when leaving and entering the ship, just in case.

We'll be doing Princess, on September 30th and they've asked for an updated "Department of Food and Agriculture" Certificate (first time they've ever asked for this.) Usually, only NCL will ask for it. Doesn't hurt to have one. I'll pick up one from my Vet, today.

I just booked a 15 day cruise to Hawaii, on the Celebrity, Mercury and Hawaii must have a Rabies Titer blood test, before she can enter Hawaii. So, we'll have to have this done prior to that cruise.

Also, my TA has just informed me that his supervisor wants all service dog clients to go through their "special needs" department...He's going to keep working with me....until he's formally told to stop. I like being able to work with the same TA who knows my personal likes and dislikes! We'll see!!! :confused:

Quam: Let's be helpful towards one another....it's enough that we have to deal with people in the "public" who can be adversarial...WE need to SUPPORT each other and celebrate our differences....we have so much in common and yet, we are so different! ;)

Be well, take care of your girl.....Brenda is always called a "he!": What's HIS name?; how old is "HE"?; what does "HE" do? Brenda doesn't seem to mind and when I go to leave and I give her the command; "BRENDA, LET'S GO!" They ALWAYS give me a smile!

When we got off the ship in Ixtapa and in Acapulco the ship had given Brenda's Doc's to Custom's. I carry a copy of everything, along with my Passport, just in case I'm asked again, while off the ship and when re-boarding.

In Los Angeles and Ventura counties a "City Dog License" is needed. I'm not sure about other counties within the State of California. Service dogs do not have to pay the fee but must be licensed by the city, anyway!

Usually, your dogs working vest will get you both into most public arenas. I have a "Permit" (It states: "This specially trained Canine Team is Hereby entitled to all rights, privileges and access to common carriers or public accommodations as provided by law") it has a Permit Number, her Tatoo number and a picture of her and me and the ADA Rules/Regulations as to admittance rights, on the back. I have used this"Permit" exactly 3 times in the past 5 years. It really drove the "point" home when I was asked to leave the lobby of a hotel and I "whipped" it out. It really leaves no question in anyone's mind! It's great for cruising and travel in general!

Every service dog org. who trains, should have some sort of "Permit" that the Graduate Team can use. It just simplifies things for everyone and makes for an easier journey.

Proof off all Vaccinations and your dogs good health, for travel, is gotten upon completion of the Vet Exam. The State of California Department of Food and Agricultural Certificate (movement of small animals from one country to another) was only requested by NCL....no other cruiseline has asked for this. It shows proof of Vaccination and use of Heartguard.

Quam, there's a lot of duplication, when it comes to proof required by the public...I'm sure your used to this, by now! :) Or, at least have acquired a thicker skin for those who ask, over and over again!

Quam: We are right in the middle of our "paper work" for our cruise on September 29th, on the Golden Princess. We will be taking Brenda to the Mexican Riviera. Although, she has done this trip 6 times before (once on the Diamond Princess and on other lines), we have to literally start from scratch.

The Fleet Medical Department of Princess Cruise Lines (Barbara Quam, Medical Coordinator - 661.753.2672 (Fax) 661.753.1303 or bquam@prinesscruises.com) has requested that we sign a full disclaimer about our responsibilities; and eleviating Princess from any all liability or expense. This is very common. And, in answer to your question she further states:

The Fleet Medical Department does not track the specific regulations

regarding bringing animals into the countries to which the ship will be in port. It is the responsibility of the passenger to contact the Port Agents in the countries in which they will be disembarking to determine specific policies and possible permits that may be required. Please contact the Shore Operations Department by fax: 661.753.0163.

I hope the above is somewhat helpful. Although, you might not be cruising on Princess...It's pretty much standard-wide, in terms of requirements for service dogs.

WHAT HAS BEEN ASKED FOR:

1. RABIES INFORMATION (Expiration Date;Tag#;Serial #;Type of Vaccine)

2. RABIES VACC. CERT.(This Cert. has all the info. of the Vet & the VACC)

3. ANIMAL LICENSE (from the city in which you live.)

4. STATE DEPT. OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CERT. (from your vet.)

5. DOGS PERMIT/LICENSE WITH NUMBER (from training/service agency.)

6. YOUR PASSPORT/DRIVERS LICENSE

Along with any forms (from cruise line), I additionally have been requested to send the above information. I also enclose information about dining requirements and potty box requests.

I hope some of this helps!

Valentin'e Mom: Isn't that wonderful!!!!! What a blessed little being!

They're sense of our needs is remarkable. :)

My husband suffers from osteoarthritis and severe bouts of depression. He is sometimes delegated to a wheelchair. When I get home from work Brenda (who has already served a full day of work with me), will immediatly push open the door and run to "PaPa" to check on him. (He's retired and can, usually, be found sitting in his recliner!)

She will check to see if he's awake or asleep and she'll lay at his feet. She started doing this, on her own, about 4 years ago. He will lower his arm to touch her head and a BIG SMILE comes over his face. She will then sit up and place her head on his lap. It's such a beautiful sight and he truly looks forward to her arrival every evening.

She, definetly serves two masters. I don't know how she figures this out, she just does.

Your mother's spirits are being lifted by Valentine and hopefully so will her pain!

You have a full plate, my dear. I wish you well!

Quam: You are so right! It does seem funny to talk about this...but, it's a fact based on such reality, that you'd have to see her to believe her.

She doesn't quite do a spin, but if she sped up her circles it would be!

And, she does exactly what yours does; she'll sniff out the spot; do her circles; squat down and then (while still squatting) move herself to another spot.

On a cruise, she basically does the same thing but in a smaller area. She has NEVER missed laying her "stuff" inside the box!

If people are walking by as she's doing her "Thing" I simply tell them that she's a "plumbing inspector" looking for the "perfect toilet!"

God bless her! I hope she lives a long and healthy life and keeps me and others in stitches, with her toilet habits! ;)

I always keep her "clean up" baggies in her zippered pocket of her service vest and if they have a trash diposal unit next to your box, I place it in. If they don't supply me with one, I simply tie a good knot in the bag and place it outside of the box. The next time I return, it's been picked up by the "clean-up fairies!" :p

Not all cruse lines supply a trash container (they're afraid people will drop their lit cigerettes in it!)

I took Brenda for a Vet check yesterday and told the doctor how much I find myself talking to Brenda and just laying beside her and kissing her face.....I couldn't help but tear-up and so did the doctor!

She shared a story about a woman who can't fall asleep unless she is laying next to her chocolate lab. This dog is not a service dog so the woman suffers from complete exhaustion, everytime she goes on vacation.

I don't have this issue but then again I don't have to. Brenda goes wherever I go. Aren't we lucky!

Before I got her, I always felt so "down" and sorry for myself, since she's been in my life.....I'm soaring! ;)

Have a wonderful cruise with your working buddy!

Isn't it funny how these amazing animals, with their phenomenal work ethics, can have such "weird and personal behaviors", when it comes to toileting or playing.

In my office Brenda has her exact space to either lay in her "plush/lambs wool" bed or her "doggy crate." Of course, there's no door on her crate and I've installed a furry/plushy rug in it, so she's so comfortable (this dog was trained and lived on concrete floors for almost 2 years! Until I came into her life!)

Then I take her to the bathroom which is located in back of our offices. It's a huge, grass lawn with a "dinky" little (just a baby) maple tree in it. She must and I mean MUST pooh under this tree. It's so funny, she weighs twice as much as this "twiggy" little tree...but, she staked it out (it has hardly grown in the past few years) and, that's where she does her "circle" thing and her business!

I can just picture your little dog sitting in one of those box's; making it's claim on it and then finally deciding to initiate it!

Gotta love their brains and how they reason things out!!!!!! ;)

You're so cute.....she would make "shreds" of these.....she weighs 70lbs and she's never missed hitting the 4x4 or 4x3 box's that have been provided by the different cruise lines (and, that's with her amazing "circles" that she does, in one spot, before she's approved of the "spot!")

She would NEVER be able to be dainty enough to not "shred" the pad and then she'd be totally giving me "dirty looks", like, "what the heck were you thinking, blondie?"

She's PERFECT in every way and has NEVER had an accident in all the years we've had her....Why try to fix something that aint broke?

Thanks for trying...I'm always open to new and easy ways to travel.....she's get a plan and it works for all of us, so far! ;)

HHFamily: I have tried to train Brenda on the pads. She doesn't like them. She loves to "hover" over her toileting spot and does several swivels! When she does this and when the pads moved under her paws, she walked away and refused to use them, even when I placed them on dirt (hoping that would keep them from moving!)

If it moves, while she's hovering, she's suspicious and walks away. It's her own idioscincracy. We've had her for 5 years, she's perfect in every way, except this......I'm assuming it all started when she was intially being trained as a pup! :rolleyes:

Agutaya: You're doing such a wonderful job...Thank you so much on behalf of all the lucky people who will benefit from all that you do!

I'm sorry to hear about Southwest....and the puppies who, as you've stated, need this integral training to be fully well-rounded and be able to fly with their partners one day.

Education is so vital.....we have to use our resources to train everyone....you should call CCI and ask them what they do with puppies that have to be flown across the country and Southwest is the only choice? CCI - 707.577.1700. Please let us know.

I know that licensed service graduate dogs have no problem on Southwest....but, these pups are so important....they're our future!!!!!

Be well and please don't stop doing what you do.....we need you!!!!!

I'm humbled by your good work!

gg3: You made me cry.....Thank you so very much for your kind words. Brenda and all that she does for me is a miracle. I love her with my heart and soul! My respect and admiration for these amazing service animals fills me! Again, thank you!:)

Mary: What a great "blog"...I enjoyed every picture and tale about Mason and his "friends!" I haven't finished reading everything but what I did, I loved! What a beautiful dog! I adore the faces of this mix! You inquired about what to do about the dogs and entrance onto Southwest....Are you a member of IAADP? (Independent Associtation of Assistance Dog Partners) they have a website...if so, contact them and they will direct you to help! (Even if you are not a member they still may be able to assist you in getting admission to an airline!)

Quam: CCI, upon graduation, fits all their graduate dogs with a proper fitting vest/harness or whatever is needed to make your life better. They will also replace the vest (at no cost) when it wears out or the dogs size changes. CCI also has HEARING DOGS AVAILABLE WITH *NO WAIT LIST for hearing dogs....just the normal interview process. *It's important to understand that this changes quickly. So, if you know of anyone who has the need for a *hearing/facility or skilled companion service dog please contact CCI. They are located all over the United States. I don't work for them....I'm just a very grateful graduate!

Not every organization fits everyone's needs. That being said we MUST all be good steward's both to our working dogs as well as to the public. And, what fits for you may not fit for other's!

I absolutely would NEVER recommend anyone order these vests online.......I am very troubled by the ease of ordering online and what it opens up to ANYONE who can do this.......and, the problems that it makes for legitimate service dogs and the downgrading of our legitimacy!

Brenda has had 2 years of formal training...I had to live on CCI's campus and go through rigorous classes and training with several service dogs and then have daily written, oral and hands-on testing in order for me to EARN my public access license; and, she must be re-certified every 1 to 3 years, depending on her abilities in order to earn HER public access. Between $25,000 and $35,000 is invested into these service dogs to qualify them to become the workers that they are.....and then Ebay comes along and offers a "Service Dog" vest to anyone who can pay for it. And, then they bring their pets into public places; they're not trained; they act badly and give all of us a "bad name!"

Sorry, about my "high horse" about this issue......I'm very passionate about the perfection of the "licensed service dog!" Let's not push the internet for the freedom of the purchase of these vests!

You know what to do; go to a service dog organization and order your vest through them.......or contact the Lions Foundation and ask them.......Please!

The "working vest" that Brenda wears is formally from CCI (Canine Companions for Independence), based in Santa Rosa, California. It is Blue & Yellow, with the CCI Insignia on it. The top of the vest can or (if we wish) not have the service dogs specific job on it.

Why don't you request the replacement jacket/vest from the organization or school that did the training? Where did you get the initial vest?

You may contact CCI at: 707.577.1700 - TDD: 707.577.1756. They may be able to help you get a vest.

MCDW: Welcome! It's amazing how our furry workers come in all sizes; breeds and shapes. I have NEVER seen a small/poodle type "Hearing Dog!" I'd love to see what she/he can do!

The organization that we got Brenda from is now working on the "Labradoodle"; the cross between the Lab and the Poodle. I'm looking forward to one of these when I need a successor dog. Right now Brenda is 7 and is not ready to slow down a bit! She is "perfection" when it comes to working and traveling!

Washing down the decks is a "must" on cruise ships. Depending on where they place the box this can be a problem and a hazard.

On Holland America (Oosterdam); the deck was so wet and slick for our am walk to the box, that we had to request that they wait until we had finished before they start doing it. They have teakwood decks and they can be like ice when wet. Just tell the deck hands or the Information Desk what time you go in the morning and they will wait until your done to begin washing that portion. Also, ask them NOT to wash the box, while you are on board. It is unecessary until you disembark. Unless your cruise is more than two weeks....the dogs stool is all that is necessary to be removed after each potty break!

I have NEVER had a potty box placed out in the open, exposed. It can be placed in a closet (NCL)/stairwell (Princess)/Hallway (not used by the public-(Celebrity)/out of the way corner-on Promenade Deck (HAL)/on deck, under an overhang (Carnival.) As you can see each ship uses a different area. IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE PLACEMENT, TELL THEM (The Hotel Manager), and they will hae it move for you! I bring my own bag of mulch (in case I don't like what they offer!) If I don't use it, I leave it...it's not expensive and I'm never disappointed. I've seen it all when it comes to the potty box and I make sure, (the second I board the ship; it's the first thing I check out), that it's where I want it (I carry my bag of mulch with me, with Brenda in tow!) I will NEVER be surprised or unhappy about this again!

I ALWAYS allow the public to pat Brenda.....I've had her for 5 years; she's an amazing dog; with a wonderful work ethic. She immediately goes into "work mode" when I say the patting is finished and I give her the command to resume working! I ALWAYS INISIST that they ask first (in case they've tried to sneak a pat, on their own!) I simply remind the public of why she's with me and that the "patting" distractions, when she's not prepared for them, can be dangerous to both her and me! It's best for me to remain positive and not punitive! I always put on my "teaching hat" when the public is around!

Once the public understands that they will get a turn to touch and take pictures of her, they are amazingly diligent the rest of the cruise, when they encounter us!

I show them what she does and how she does it.....they love this....and it's a great learning tool for them; they become much more respectful and interested in service dogs!

What we do as service dog handlers is, for the most part, a mystery to the public and most of them are so, so curious about us and our dogs. Why not be open to this curiousity and help them (which, I might add, also helps every single other person who has a service dog and may come their way!) You're on vacation...be in that train of thought when other vacationers come your way and encounter you! BE KIND AND HELPFUL...If they ask, it's because they really care!

I'm not saying that you should allow bad behavior from your working dog or the public....just be a positive roll model for all of us!

I'm so glad that you're having fun with Oslo and getting "out there!" Enjoy your cruising! And, I look forward to meeting you all, one day!

TEETH/GUM ISSUES IN DOGS & CATS: During our classes and before I graduated from CCI (Canine Companions for Indepence), we were taught about teeth and gum maintenance.

We were given a bag of CET Chews (made by Virbac); they are a large "chew type stick", with a smell like a pot roast cooking. We were told by the Vet that these chews had a natural oral defense mechanism that dogs love. Once they start chewing them there is an enzyme that is released that will clean the dogs teeth/gums and breath and when the chew hits the stomach it literally dissolves. I can't believe how much Brenda loves them. You must be careful to be present when they're chewing them because the dog tends to want to swallow them too quickly.

We've been using the chews for over 5 years and guess what....every time we go in for a teeth cleaning the Vet wants to know how I keep her teeth and gums looking so good and sends me away!

You can't find them everywhere. I buy them from Entirely Pets.Com....look under "Dental Products!" We have a Vets office, near my office who sells them for twice as much as I can get online!

Now, my entire office and family uses them....they're a miracle! :)

Quam: I truly appreciate your enthusiasm....it can be contagious! And who doesn't want that?

Rangeley: Thank you for your kind words!!!!! I think she is the most beautiful dog in the world!!!!

Quam: Please take this in the spirit in which it is intended; I don't think it's a good idea to judge each other on how effective or where it's best for our service dogs to be released/sit/work/play or how we, as individuals use our service dogs or how we adapt them to the public.

We all use our service dogs for various reasons and what works best for each one of us is what we ALL should feel free to do (within the guidelines of our service dog license.) Without being judged by each other.......

God knows, we have the general public who may judge and collectively make it more difficult for us.....

As far as costs are concerned for any tests that are required for a service dog....please contact the IAADP - International Association of Assistance Dog Partners..they have special programs that will help you defray any costs that are exorbinate for any person who has an assistance dog. Their website is www.iaadp.org. They do have a membership fee but it's minimal and the good that you will get from them, is well worth it!

In answer to the question about the litter used: HAL offered a potty box that was 4x3 (smaller than most) and they put sod in it. At first, the sod was upside down..and, Brenda didn't seem to mind to go on the dirt side....so, I left it that way.

Most ships will use whatever they want....it's very difficult to get that part of cruising, with Brenda, to change.....so, I bring my own bag of cedar mulch, it's not expensive, it's light in weight and if I don't use it...I just leave it there!

Princess uses a cardboard box...very light weight and they filled it with sawdust, I interspered the mulch with it and it was perfect for an 8 day cruise. It really would have been okay for a 14 day or longer cruise, as well!

I encourage EVERYONE to take their service dogs, wherever they go....that being said....do what works best for you, as an individual!

Be brave; be insistent; be a good caretaker and watchguard for these amazingly brilliant and wonderful workers!

Boy! Talk about turning off service dog handlers from cruising......

The paperwork for traveling to Mexico is:

1. Current Service License from an accredidated organization

(this should include Tattoo number/chip etc.) Some have a picture of you and your dog, some do not.

2. City License (current) within the year

3. ADA info. Usually on back of service license. Some don't have it.

4. Vaccination Status (from Vet.) Must be current on Rabies/DHLPP(tag #/Serial # and type of vaccine will be on the form.)

(the Vet form will state expiration dates on these vacc. This form should also mention Heartguard use and Advantix (whichever you use for flea and ticks). MAKE SURE YOUR WELL WITHIN THE EXP. DATES.

5. NCL requires a Dept. of Food and Agriculture form. A visit to your vet will get you this. (He/she has the forms.)

Taking your service dogs onto land in some of the ports....is just NOT a good idea, anyway! Many of them, as I've said before have NO LEASH or VACCINATION LAWS! PROTECT YOUR SERVICE DOG!

The experience of cruising is such a wonderful one...and, has become "about the ship" sometimes, for us! You will love these amazing ships and what they have to offer, while in port. You, virtually, have the ship to yourselves and there's always something to do! The casino and shopping will be closed but the crew have classes/games and just plain relaxing available all day! There won't be long lines or traffic issues.....it a joy!!!!!

I promise you will love cruising, even if you can't go into some of the ports. On sea days the gift shops will be open and the myriad of things to buy is endless!

The windchime idea is wonderful....however, it's not always used. Don't depend on it. The potty box will be set up in an area that is very accessible for you. If it is not.....let the "Information Desk" or Hotel Manager know and they will have it moved to a more convenient spot for you. They want you happy!

Having your information put into the daily paper is a great idea! Tell them that there will be a "petting time" when guests will be allowed to touch your dog........they will love this and you for it!

The ship may tell you they do not have an empty room available for the dogs to roam freely. If you wait until it's a port day and most everyone leaves the ship, you will find an empty lounge, on your own as we have done. And, we let her off leash and throw her ball, she loves it! There may be a crew member in the lounge repairing or painting something (they use these days to clean-up the ship), don't let him/her stop you....it's your ship to enjoy!!!!!!

Many times I will put Brenda into a seat in the theatre....just for her own safety....she is black....and, when lights go out, she's invisible! I feel more comfortable about her not being stepped on. I have never had anyone complain about it! I also carry "Caution Tape" with me. I keep it all rolled up in my purse and I use it when I go to the movies or can not put her up on a seat (it's yellow & black) and can be seen in the dark. I lay her between two seats or in a handicapped area and string the tape across the two seats. (You can find the tape in a hardware store.)

I ALWAYS enter or exit the plane/train/bus/cruise ship before anyone, with the other handicapped or preferred guests. You may have to request this from the registration/security people prior to doing it. I have never been refused. This will allow you to pre-board and go to the Information Desk to find the location of the potty-box/explore the ship; before the rest of the passengers board.

Even if you are able bodied (not in a wheelchair) but you do have a service dog.....go to the handicapped registration area. You have the right to be there.....don't be hesitant or shy about getting special privledges.....your dog must be protected from the hordes of other people's feet! The registration folks will see your dog and know that he/she is with you for a special reason. They are not permitted to ask what the dog does for you. Some still ask out of curiosity. You would laugh at some of the answers I've given them!

And, if you've never cruised before, you won't believe the hordes of people's feet you & your dog will be encountering!!!!!!!! Protect them!!!

I do allow people to touch Brenda....only upon being asked first. It's very difficult for some people, who are missing their furry friends, to hold back. And, rather than having them "stealing pets", when I'm not looking I allow them to touch her........Brenda loves, loves children and when the parents see the children walking right up to her nose and see her, with her loving eyes and sniffing at their faces....they light up!

I have literally turned a "sour on dogs" ogretype person into a very gentle, loving soul after he watched Brenda interact with his grandson! I don't give much time for this..... I give her a "release" command, I allow just short pets and interactions and then she's put right back to work.

Unfortunately, you will find that the elevators on cruise ships are highly used and are, usually, always very full. It's a perfect time for me to show how well behaved she is with the above command and some "down time" with inquisitive and friendly fellow passengers. They will love you the rest of the cruise for this! And become more welcoming. I do realize that with "seeing eye dogs", this may not be possible! Use your good judgment...and know that most people who ask about the dog and true "dog lovers!"

Don't be turned off by some of the "hoops and whistles" it appears you'll have to go through.......just don't get off the ship!

When they anchor the ship, near land and you can see the hills/homes/villages/flora and fawna right from the deck or from your veranda; it's all you need! IMHO! Getting into a tour bus (that may or may not have air conditioning) or battling the crowds on a humid/dirty/crowded back street is just not always necessary to get the "lay of the land!" The food and ambiance of the country, your visiting, can be enjoyed, right on board!

Some ships bring the local culture on board to entertain you and you can purchase the very same "goodies" right in the gift shop!

I am reached through email notification....

Relax, bring your service dog with you and have a wonderful cruise!!!!!!

Again, call the Special Needs Department of RCCL - 800.722.5472 x:34492 - Ask to speak with the person who handles "On Shore Compliance & Regulations" for Service Dogs, in foriegn countries.

Some of the ships require that the Service Dog stay on the ship, with one of the passengers and you would have to take turns going ashore.

If you are traveling with a kennel that has a door on it, that can be closed, you may have to leave your dog in that while you go on your excursion. The door to the kennel must be closed and locked!

You should NEVER leave your Service Dog in the cabin, loose and unattended!:(

I hope some of the above helps!

The best resource for traveling with a Service Dog is your Vet. Or simply contact the Tourist Bureau of each country.

Also, NCL Cruise Lines required an Agricultural Inspection Form from our Vet. No other Cruise Line required this form.

Which can also mean that different foreign countries require different forms, as well!

I love your avitar and the dogs both look like Brenda....it makes me smile!:p

Brenda's mom is yellow and her dad is black. Brenda is black and all of her siblings are yellow!

I never wanted a black dog until I worked with her, 5 years ago...now, I can't imagine my life without her!

Oh! I've got black hair all over my house..in places where you would never imagine hair could go! And, I'm a bit of a "clean freak!" That also changed, it took me some time to get used to the change...but, it's so worth it and so is she!

Rangeley: I've inquired about putting the "potty box" on our veranda and have been told that it's a "health issue!" That neighbors on either side or top or bottom might not like it......not that we would leave any droppings in the box....and the urine smell would take at least 2 weeks before it would be noticed.....none of the ships, we were on, would allow it!

Going to the "potty box", is a good thing! It gives you both a chance to walk and Brenda always appreciates the stroll and the chance for all the different smells. It's a great way for her to get the necessary exercise she needs.

My DH and I always look for a secluded lounge, to play tridominoes, when everyone else is ashore. I bring Brenda's favorite ball and throw it for her, it gives her a chance to let out some of that energy and be off leash. I also find a deck; take her off leash; throw the ball (so it doesn't bounce) and she loves this. All of the ships have a "lip" around the sides so if the ball rolls to the side....it doesn't go overboard. Don't throw it high! Keep it low!

I definitely had to train Brenda to go into a box before cruising. It's very easy. Make a 4x4 box; put some mulch in it (keep it pretty thick to begin training, it gives them good footing); put it on your patio or in your backyard; (make sure it doesn't move, in any way) put the dogs leash on and lead her/him to the box; while holding the leash, walk to the other side of the box and use your command for going potty (while pulling on the leash.) The dog will, at first refuse, keep it up (you can use an intisive treat to lure them); until they urinate; give a treat and lots of praise. Repeat; repeat; repeat.......it's amazing and it's so convenient!

If you need further help with this, let me know!