wizard-of-roz

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!

Valentine's Mom: We've exchanged thoughts before. It's good to hear from you! And, I'm glad to see that "Valentine" is doing well!

I always warn people who are sitting adjacent to us, at restaurants or theatre's, that a service dog will be exiting from under the table or chair, "please don't be frightened!" I have always been thanked for doing this. Some people are scared to death of dogs and are not prepared to see one come out from under a table or chair.

Service dogs, in public places, should be considered the "invisible dog."

etoile: My quest in life is to educate the public about service dogs and their unique abilities. I also want to see them become more and more visible in the public arena.

The public needs to know that there are service dogs who are trained to do a myriad of jobs that don't always include assisting people who are blind. That is just "one" of the many, many jobs that these glorious animals can perform.

Brenda and I have been asked to leave department stores/restaurants/libraries/hair salons/hotels/airports, etc., etc. I have NEVER walked away without putting up a fight for my service dog. In some instances I've had to show what she actually does and I've produced her CCI/ADA (American's with Disabilities Act) license/city license and registered tags.

In Las Vegas we got our entire stay "paid for" because a security guard tried to escort me out and I went to the Hotel Mangager and complained. I know it's still a battle for service dogs but I'm a fighter and I hope to make it easier and easier. I enjoy the fight!

I know there are some disabled folks who would prefer to take the least path of resistence and I totally understand. However, that said.....I believe that more people (in the general public) would "get it" if more people like me didn't give up. And I won't!

As you've mentioned service dogs can do many, many tasks for many different people. Brenda can push the button on the elevator/open & close doors/pick up things off the floor/carry things in her mouth/tug a wheechair/open the refrigerator/retrieve items in drawers and then shut the drawer. She can alert to someone knocking on a door or alert to a phone ringing or someone saying a specific name or an alarm going off. She's amazing!

Brenda knows over 100 commands......and could learn more...it's up to me to train her.

And, you are so right, when you mention the attitude of the public when they see a perfectly healthy "looking" woman walking around with a big black labrador, aboard a ship or anywhere, in public for that matter.

They have had to leave their dear beloved furry friends with a kennel/mom & dad/grandma or friends. They're missing them and are curious why I can bring my "pet" on board and they can't!

I get the "goofiest" responses, when they see us. Such as, "I didn't know we could bring our pets on board!" Or, "How did you sneak her on?" Or, "You're not blind, how come you have a service dog?" And, on and on!!!!

I hope I haven't bored you all with the above......as you can see I'm very passionate about these dogs and I will defend them to the hilt!

Deb: Isn't life such a "give and a take?" I've given up some of what I used to do; such as horseback riding in Mexico so that Brenda could be with me. I chose her company instead and that's okay for me!

I'm sure that you've found the best place for your "Ruby" to be when you're traveling and that works for you. ;)

I wish you many, many healthy and happy days with her and funfilled, safe and joyful holidays with your DH!

dakwriter: I LOVE having Brenda with us.....she's such a part of me....I don't want to go anywhere without her.....and, my DH is so attached to her. He's a diabetic who suffers from severe neurological pain. When I come home from work, Brenda looks for him; lays down with him and he tells me that all his pain diminishes when she's around!

She works with me but really serves us both! It's amazing!!!! She changes me and lightens his load! I wouldn't think of going without her! She loves the ocean and is a wonderful traveler! She's my heart and soul!

I know it sounds like a hassle and believe me, it was! It isn't anymore...I've learned where to go/how to go and what is the easiest way of doing everything for cruising! Now, it's so much fun!

I love walking her, on deck. And seeing her face when the ship rolls out to sea. She loves the smell of the salt air. We play ball on deck and the attention she gets from the crew and other passengers is always welcome! I can't imagine a cruise without her! :p

Quam: Every ship supplied a waste disposal container, located next to the box, (I pick up/wrap up and dropt it) except for Carnival. So, I picked up the pooh; closed & knotted the bag and left it outside of the box. Next time we returned it was gone. I can only insist on so much!!!!!

Your idea of having a sign which reads "DO NOT PUT CIGARETTE BUTTS HERE, FOR DOG BUTTS, ONLY!" Is a great idea, I'm preparing one as I write this! I'll bring some tape to make sure it doesn't disappear!

"Direct Stop" I will have to look into getting some. That would be perfect and would help me to be more independent! Thanks!

By now I'm sure you've picked up on the fact that I double, triple check everywhere my girl goes, before she goes! All harmful chemicals and mops were removed from the area! And, I introduced her to the side of the ship (while on leash) to show her the ocean and the "drop!") Then she was allowed to explore, her own area, on her own!

The mulch that the ships use is the same that is placed in plant areas on land; in hotels, etc. Walmart or Green Thumb Nursery carries the (cyprus or cedar) mulch that I used and she loved it.

I buy the small bags; carry it with me (it's not heavy) when I go to the information desk to inquire about the box - (DO NOT TRY TO LOCATE THE BOX YOURSELF.....***INSIST THEY TAKEYOU TO IT!***) Pretend your navigationally challenged! I once spent 2 hours :mad: (not kidding):mad: looking for the box and it was not where they said and around and around I went. What a gross waste of vacation time! I'll never do that again!!:(

If I don't need my bag of mulch I leave it there. It's not expense but it will (I promise you) save you so much strife!

***When I insist on something, I always use my softest/kindest/gentlest voice. It goes a loooooong way!!!!!!! :)

Thank you for your helpful hints....maybe, one day, our paws will meet.

Quam: We have not taken "Brenda" on RCCL (those trips were prior to my receiving her!) However, I do have the "Special Needs" Department phone number for RCCL: 800.722.5472 Ex:#34492.

Celebrity uses a 4x4 wooden box (sturdily built) and filled with cyprus mulch. They placed it on deck 4 (starboard, forward), where the public does not go (unless it's an Alaskan cruise.) It's right outside the Theatre so it was very convenient in the evening, after the shows.

Depending on where your cabin is, you must go through the casino, forward and then out the Starboard side. Once "Brenda" did it, I was able to remove her leash once we were out on deck and she would go to her box immediately! These service dogs are so smart!!!!

Princess uses a 4x4 cardboard box (disposable) filled with woodshavings. They placed the box in a stairwell, around the corner from our cabin. It was great! However, if you are in a wheelchair this would not work. The door is extremely heavy, leading to the stairwell and has a huge lip that you must cross. I asked for this placement, specifically. They originally had the box on a deck that was used by smokers and they would drop their cigarette butts in the box. I requested that it be moved.

NCL uses a 4x4 wooden box (sturdily built), with a plastic liner and wood chips (the kind you see in gardens). It was placed exactly 20 feet from our cabin, in a laundry room that the crew uses for washing their mops. It had the words "crew only" on the door and it was the most convenient. I could go there in my pajamas! I loved it!!!!

Holland America uses a 4x3 wood box (smaller than the rest), (sturdily built), with sod, (the kind used for lawns.) It was placed on deck 3, forward. The only problem with this is it was the "wrap around" deck, where people would do their jogging or walking and was a bit distracting for Brenda. Boy, were they shocked when they say her doing her thing! Their hotel manager was the most wonderful. He would check with me, frequently, to make sure we were happy!

Carnival uses a 4x4 wooden box filled with those damn paper pellets. Before the muster drill and when I should have been exploring the ship or having lunch; I was busy trying to get them to move her box and put something else in place of the pellets.

The box was initially placed on the deck where they have a golf simulator (so while pople were playing golf, Brenda was supposed to go potty?) It was also located on a deck where you had to climb two sets of stairs, (what were they thinking?)

The hotel manager had a crew member leave the ship with a bucket and a shovel.....he literally dug up dirt, under a tree, across the street from the dock (this was in San Diego!) Unblieveable, but true!!!!! Once the dirt was mixed with the pellets Brenda easily relieved herself!

The box was moved to deck 10, where passengers smoked (I was always retrieveing cigarette butts out of the dirt!) It was better than where it was and I met with the hotel manager, to explain my displeasure of his being so ill prepared for a service dog and was offered a 15% discount on a future cruise!

Brenda has been in Mazatlan; Puerto Vallarta; Cabo San Lucas; Acapulco; Ixtapa; Zihuatenajo; La Paz; Catalina and more. In Mexico, the only problem is loose dogs. Although my husband became the "look-out" and protector, to keep the stray animals away; Mexico really does not have a "leash/vaccination or license law." So, be careful and watchful.

Brenda has her favorite "travel dish" that we bring on all cruises. It's a regular double/type water & food dish. It's made of plastic and travels well! You really do not need to worry about spilage. It never happens. The stabilizers on these grand ships keep the water in it's place.

She's on Eukanuba kibble; I put each days feeding in a plastic bag, put it in her dish, twice a day & save the bags for recycling. I carry a "foldable" water dish, in my purse. I love it and have used it many times (usually while waiting to board the ship.) I purchased it online from CCI (Canine Companions for Independence.) It has a clip on it so it can attach to my belt or to her vest.

Always get to know the Hotel Manager (he/she will make sure that you're needs are met.) Upon boarding the ship immediately go to the Purser's (Information Desk), introduce yourself and inquire as to where the box has been placed. If you're not happy insist they move it.

I must tell you that they will not always have the "filling" that you requested.....they use a variety of "fillers" from: Paper pellets (Brenda hates these; they're hard, circular shaped and are unpleasant to step on); various kinds of mulch; dirt; wood chips or wood shavings.

I now bring a bag of mulch with me. I pack it in a large plastic bag and place it in my hanging bag. I will NEVER take the chance of her not having what she needs ever again! It's way too time consuming and I miss too much fun, in the beginning of the cruise. If I don't like the filling, I dump my bag on top....mix it around...and, waalah! We're cruising!!!!!!!!!!:p

My suggestion is to try and get a cabin mid-ship this way, depending on where they place the box, you're never too far away! Although my favorite Handicapped cabin, on Princess, is in the aft part of the ship (this is the one I use the stairwell for her potty box!)

When "tendering" into a port. Make sure that someone on the "tender" is prepared to take your dogs leash, until you get onboard. And, the same for when you are re-boarding the ship! It can be a bit "spooky" because the "tender" is always moving and it puts the dog a bit "off balance!"

From what you've written, it seems that you're a pretty saavy traveler. I hope that the above helps a little more....

....Have a wonderful cruise! :)

We travel with a service dog..she is going to be on her 6th cruise in September and 7th in November.....We've learned a lot and have some suggestions for you....

• Don't be hesitant to do it.....it's wonderful! And truly has made our cruising so much more fun!!!!!! :p
  
• We've cruised on Celebrity/NCL/Princess/Carnival and HAL.
  
• The Best (most accomodating-all around) - HAL
  
• The Best set-up (potty-box) - NCL/Princess
  
• The Best crew for dog friendliness HAL/Princess
  
• Passenger friendliness...every ship we've ever been on. We only 1 passenger in all of our cruises who absolutely refused to eat in the Buffet area, with a dog!

If you have any questions about the ship requirements/easy way to deal with "special needs" departments/cabins/dining area/potty box/food/exercise/hotel/excursions/airplanes, etc. Ask away......

I don't want to bore you with all the details...so, I'll let you lead the way! ;)

Special Needs phone number for PRINCESS: Anybody?