wizard-of-roz

46 minutes ago, Miki_moto said:

I’m booked for a Panama Canal cruise (Southampton to San Francisco) in early January but I think we’re going to change it to the same cruise in 2022.

 

Our Vancouver/Vancouver to Alaska in June was cancelled and I’m hesitant to rebook for 2021.

I love cruising the Canal.  I especially liked doing it L.A./L.A. [very rare!]

I hope that you get to do your Vancouver cruise.  We don't get to see Vancouver or Victoria on our Alaska cruise in July, 2021.  I was looking forward to returning to Vancouver but it looks like I'm going to have to be happy with Prince Rupert.

59 minutes ago, kmg365suzyq said:

I have 1 booked for this November, fingers crossed.  I have another one for next April and then my big 65th birthday one for next November.  All in the Caribbean.  I don't like to fly so I just drive to the port.

Wow!  You really are booked.  I totally understand the no fly thing.  I love when cruises leave out of L.A. and return to L.A.  Definitely not easy to find because the cruise lines- do not have a lot to offer out of L.A.  So, when they do we all jump on board and they book-up very quickly.

Well, is anybody else booked in 2021 on a cruise?  I bit the bullet and booked my cruise to Alaska on board the Sun Princess, July 3, 2021.

I'm hoping that Horty will be able to cruise with me......we'll see how the waiting process goes with CCI.  Horton will be 12 years old on that cruise.

Cindy, did you see my message to Nancy?  It was meant for you.

It's tough getting older and social distancing doesn't help either!!!!!!!  🤪

Just now, wizard-of-roz said:

Nancy, I sent this to you when I should have sent it to Cindy.........I'm sure you knew what I did.......You're so nice, you never said anything!!!!!

How's Jezzy Lou doing?

On 5/2/2020 at 7:46 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

I'm so grateful that you have been around a long time.  We've seen and done a lot together.  And, I hope that we can have fun on board another cruise or two again!  

 

Soon your life will take on a whole new priority list.  You all must be getting very excited for the arrival of your first Grandbaby!

 

I pray that Horton lives many, many more healthy and happy years.  He still wants to go with me daily but he just can't do that "jump" into my car and it's really getting harder and harder for me to deal with his ramp.  I will continue to do the best I can as long as Horty is willing to walk out the door with me.

 

Who knows when CCI will be out of the "pause" state.

 

On the application they asked for a picture of Horton and me......I sent them a copy of the picture we all took on one formal night, so I hope you don't mind but you, John and Oakland are in my portfolio for a Successor Dog.

Nancy, I sent this to you when I should have sent it to Cindy.........I'm sure you knew what I did.......You're so nice, you never said anything!!!!!

1 hour ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Happy Mothers Day to Roz and all the other mothers on this thread! 

Thank you so much Chris.  I hope your day is filled with lots of love! 🌺  

My children have been sending me toilet paper, paper towels, noodles, tuna, chocolate chip cookies, tangerines and lotion.  It's been so much fun to open the boxes and see what they sent their dear old Mom.

People must be making lots of tuna casseroles these days! 😃

16 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Good mornin all.  Jezzy Lou has been having some rear end problems.  I am taking her to a specialist on Tuesday.  It's an hour from home but would rather take her there than the Vet here every 2 weeks to have her glands expressed.  

I hope everyone has a nice mothers day!  😻💖🌺🐾

Wishing you well Jezzy Lou.  I'm sending you lots and lots of love and good wishes sweet little girl!

So much going on: 

First:  I've been doing video's of Horton for Re-Certification purposes and will have an "in-person" interview with a Graduate trainer next week via phone.  I've been showing some of what Horton does for me, his ability to be re-called, his body structure and, of course, his trimmed nails.  CCI will then give re-certs for one year, and then we'll see how things open up.

There will be a Town Hall Meeting next week via the internet for Graduate Teams to learn what CCI is doing, at this time, and how Breeding, Training, Team Training and Graduations are being handled now and in the future.  My questions about a Successor Dog will be answered then.

Second:  I re-booked my cruise to Alaska onboard the Sun Princess for July 3, 2021.  The Sun is an older ship and it's very small.  Not my favorite.  It's going to be very interesting to see how the lines, elevators, lounges, dining rooms and theaters will be dealt with onboard a cruise.

It just feels so good to have a cruise booked.

Happy weekend everyone.   💕 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 💕

1 hour ago, Caribbean Chris said:

That’s so interesting about the Corgis! Never heard about that. I Love Corgis.

My daughter has one named "Daisy", she's quite a little character.  She can't do the stairs in her home without rubbing her belly on the edges.   She manages to bounce on each step to keep herself from getting a rash.  She's young, it's going to be interesting to see her do the stairs when she's a little old woman [the dog, not my daughter!] 🤭

10 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Yes, it really is unfair to the small dogs and so inaccurate. Many Hearing Dogs for Deaf or Hard of Hearing people are quite small. They are just fine at getting your attention with an alert and leading you to the source of the sound, where they sit. My dog just happens to be a big Lab, which I was provided for free, but many of us in the Deaf/HoH world have little dogs rescued from shelters and trained by very longtime, skilled nonprofits like Dogs for Better Lives (formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf).

When I first interviewed at CCI in 2000 they had Corgi's as Hearing Dogs and we were given a demonstration of how these little geniuses do their jobs.  It was amazing to watch this little dog push open doors and alert his handler to sounds in his environment.

CCI stopped raising and training Corgi's because most men did not want this adorable little dog, they wanted a "big manly looking dog!"  

9 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

It hope CCI will be able to get back into full swing. Successor dog applications have priority over new requests, right? That’s the way Dogs for Better Lives operates, I think. I hope Mr. Horty will have a happy retirement when the day comes.

 

At 8, Raylene is graying, slowing down just a bit, but still doing her job and still able to get into the back seat of the SUV. (Although she started hesitating so I had to teach her to do it in two steps - floor/seat - instead of trying to jump up from outside onto the seat.)
 

She had a limp a few months ago whenever she got off her bed, and after an exam, with the vet’s approval, I stepped up her supplements. I give her another Cosequin tab now (3 a day), more Nupro powder, another fish oil capsule (3 a day, 1200 mg each). We also started giving her one Turmeric capsule a day. After a couple of weeks, the limp stopped completely, and no digestive issues from the additions.

 

We have a Christmas cruise booked for this December which is a big question mark...and one next spring out of Tampa, both to the Caribbean. But I wonder when we’ll actually cruise again and whether she’ll be able to go. It’s a journey, isn’t it?
 

 

Yes, Successor Dogs go to the top of the waiting list but with the "pause" that they've been forced to take, I'm sure they're re-thinking all of their processes now.  And, although I'm well aware of Horton's age and his need for more rest than normal, I want him to continue to walk and travel with me as long he doesn't appear to be in any pain, for as long as he can.

Horton is also on all the supplements that Raylene is.  For an 11 year old he looks so good and does really well.    I tried to get him to go onto the floor first in my car and then step up on the seat, it didn't go well and I didn't want to push it too much, I didn't want to take the risk of making him shy of going into my car at all!  He such a great traveler.

I'm so ready to book another cruise but there's nothing much leaving out of L.A. that entices me to spend thousands of dollars.  I'm so curious what changes they will make and still keep our cruising experience special.

8 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

😥 Wow how time flys.  It makes me sad and glad all at once.  I love that tall legged, dark, handsome Horty! I just can't believe that he is that old!  We have been around here a loooooonngg time! ❤️

I'm so grateful that you have been around a long time.  We've seen and done a lot together.  And, I hope that we can have fun on board another cruise or two again!  

Soon your life will take on a whole new priority list.  You all must be getting very excited for the arrival of your first Grandbaby!

I pray that Horton lives many, many more healthy and happy years.  He still wants to go with me daily but he just can't do that "jump" into my car and it's really getting harder and harder for me to deal with his ramp.  I will continue to do the best I can as long as Horty is willing to walk out the door with me.

Who knows when CCI will be out of the "pause" state.

On the application they asked for a picture of Horton and me......I sent them a copy of the picture we all took on one formal night, so I hope you don't mind but you, John and Oakland are in my portfolio for a Successor Dog.

Happy weekend everyone! 

My application has been mailed for a Successor Dog.......It's either going to be a very simple process or very complicated because of all of our new circumstances.  We'll see......when I know you'll know!

Thank you all for being there for me, through it all!

6 hours ago, springredheadsdd said:

Bella is now a full Service Dog instead of a SDiT!!! My mom watched our training yesterday and Bella had everything perfect. She knows all the basics, the more advanced basics and is task trained. I saw a video yesterday from a SD trainer that went over what all a SD should be able to do before they are considered fully trained and Bella checked every box. I am so excited. She is my first SD and I did almost all of her training myself with a little bit of help from a trainer at Petco. Bella was born mid July so is still very young but is very mature. I am just so excited. I have her new patches for her vest on order from Etsy. 

I know how important it is to have a Service Dog in my daily life and I congratulate you and Bella on all your efforts in becoming a team and going out into society with a positive and adventurous attitude.

I don't like to encourage anyone in buying any Service Dog supplies online, and with that being said I do know that "self-trained" dogs are an important partnership and know that it is necessary to have the proper I.D. and equipment that you need to go forward with Bella, and buying supplies online can be your only choice.  I wish you all the best in your future as a Service Dog team. 

I encourage you to keep up Bella's training on a daily basis by challenging her to stay sharp, behave well in public and keep practicing good manners daily.

4 hours ago, dlbutler5 said:

Roz,

I wanted to let you know that Barb passed away of pancreatic cancer March 1st. She is with Valentine once again. I am having a burial at sea for them on the Eurodam August 15 Alaska cruise. 

 

Oh!  No!  I'm so sorry to hear this.  We wrote to each other over many, many years and I always enjoyed her writings of Valentine.  I loved reading her stories of Valentine and how she would push her around in her doggie stroller as she would stand and watch the people lurking at her!  Barb loved Valentine so much.  And got so much joy as she cruised with her.

May they both rest in peace.  Thank you for letting us know.

Happy Weekend [will I ever wear lip gloss again?]

6 hours ago, kmg365suzyq said:

My late husband and I cruised about every other year.  He was able to help me with my PTSD.  Once he passed, with the help of others, I knew I had to get a service dog.  It took a few years before I was able to get back on a ship, but I am glad I did.  Many of the things I learned, quiet areas, private dining areas, staying on the ship when others got off, we had been doing for years. I am lucky Tish is such a good sailor.  Planes, not so much.  Living now in southern Florida, I can just drive to a port and not have to worry about flying.

I also lost my dear husband who had been the most amazing partner for me, my dogs and my various issues.    

I not only had my original senior dog to care for but also my Successor Dog, who I had received shortly before my husband got sick.  Lots and lots of life decisions to make on my own in a very short time. 

Good for you for getting back on a ship, on your own.   I'm glad I did too!!!!  Sometimes I go with my dog alone and sometimes I invite different family members to join me.  Just recently, I took a cruise with Cindy & John [Rangeley] and their SD Oakland.  I must say it was one of my most favorite cruises, ever.

Driving directly to the port is my very favorite way to cruise too.  Unfortunately, here in L.A. we're pretty limited in the ships and destinations that we can go to, which is why they book up so quickly.  I try to catch as many of the great offers to any destination that I can!

13 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Kmgsuzyq,  you are so right about those buffets. We are early risers and the breakfast buffets are usually uncrowded when they open, with plenty of good table choices, so that’s not too bad. The dog just holds a down-stay when I go to get food.
 

But all bets are off at lunchtime! I hate threading the dog through the distracted crowds who aren’t noticing other people around them, dropping & spilling. We try to find a table close to where we entered in a corner and then take turns. 
 

Sometimes we skip the buffet seating and try to find a table outside away from the pool to bring a plate or get pizza, burgers, tacos etc from those stations. The issues there, of course, are that you are more exposed - well-meaning people keep coming up to ask about the dog while you are trying to eat. Or the deck is wet so the dog gets wet.

 

The private dining venues are definitely winners as you said. We’ve been in Luminae and Blu on Celebrity, and Club Orange on HAL’s New Statendam, and all of the staffs were great. They received our seating needs in advance and have always had the perfect corner table held for us the whole cruise.

You're such a great planner!

9 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

Oh you know he loves me more! 😂

Don't tell John, but I do believe that Mr. Oakland is madly in love with his Mommy!!!!!

14 hours ago, kmg365suzyq said:

I don't like crowds myself.  I have been to San Juan and St. Maarten with my dog and there hasn't been an issue.  My vet is a USDA accredited vet and he took care of everything for me.  I wrote to St. Maarten and they also verified what I needed.  Unlike a lot of people, I rarely get off the ship.  That is when I find the quiet and alone time.  I, personally, have found that the buffets were the worst place for me.  

 

I agree a table against a wall and/or near the front of the dining room is the best so that you are not parading the dog throughout the dining room.  

 

Our last cruise on Royal Caribbean, I was able to book a royal suite class cabin with friends.  With that comes a very small and more intimate dining room and private lounge.  For me, that was great.  I think the library on most ships is a good place also because it is quiet.  Because Miss Tish is a small service dog, waiting in crowds is difficult.  She is okay, but I worry about people not seeing her.

 

We are booked for a Princess cruise this November and another Royal Caribbean one next November to celebrate a big birthday.  I hope and pray things are back to normal by then.  

 

 

You sound like you've been cruising with a dog for many, many years.  You have a great plan for Miss Tish.....she's very lucky to have such a smart partner!

I, too, hope that cruising is back to normal by November, if not sooner!

21 hours ago, maddz8039 said:

Hi everyone I'm going to be going on my first cruise with my service dog do any of you have tips or tricks?

 

what do you usually bring on your cruise service dog related?

 

has anyone ever been to St.Kitts , St. Marrten, San Juan/Puerto Rico, Grand Turks?

 

we will be going on carnival breeze if that helps.

 

i get really bad sensory over load is there anywhere quiet except for our room you recommend.

 

anything helps thank you!!!

 

 

You can always find a quiet lounge to hang out......the best time is when everyone gets off the ship in port, then you get to have the ship all to yourself.

2 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

I've been doing the same thing with the groceries. Wiping them down before I put them away. 

My hands are raw from cleaning.......

7 hours ago, kmg365suzyq said:

I started to have my meltdown yesterday.  Thank you Miss Tish for doing what you are trained to do and keep me from completely going to pieces.  Of course, our April 28 cruise has been cancelled, but we do have 1 scheduled for the beginning of November of this year.  Also, I had scheduled a big celebration for next November for my 65th birthday.  I am bring 11 friends and family with me on that one.  I need to look to the future and hope things go back to my semblance of normal

Boy!  Talk about "melt-down"!  This picture should read......"I'm not moving til this whole thing is over!"

5 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

Aww Roz, no meltdowns allowed. We haven't been out at all until Saturday when we went to start our cars and they were both dead. Had to call AAA to have them jumped and decided to go get our favorite roast beef sandwich and a dunkin iced coffee. It's nice but then I get home and I go around and wipe everything down like a crazy woman before we eat. We get a package and I open it outside the apt. I know I'm probably over doing it, but with our health issues we can't be to careful. It's wierd to see everyone with masks on. Alot of CCI people are making masks and sent us some. Still alot of stupid people out there gathering and not wearing masks. 😩

So cute!!!!!