PennyAgain

I don't understand what sort of decorations ruined the walls. I certainly don't want them in my home so please describe what they are. I've never had any trouble with window 'clings'. Is that what they are?

I do take along battery operated strings of lights when I cruise at Christmas and have a travel sized Nativity that I decorate with fresh flowers. We also bring along cards from family and friends to open and use to brighten up the room. No tape, etc.

Recent experience in the Copenhagen airport has shown that we need more than 2 hours arrival ahead time just to get through all the security to the USA. Flights to other destinations (especially within Europe) require far less screening and standing in line.

guitarest, Bravo to Blitz and thanks to you for your continuing service.

I am very proud of both of you!

A friend of mine owns a small business that makes logos, shirts with logos, etc for businesses and organizations. It's an after retirement thing for him. I'm sure there a such all over the country.

If no one else is willing to do it, why don't we start our own ad hoc organization and recognize the service animals that we respect and admire? We could have patches made and give out awards.

I'm not entirely kidding.

For years I've printed up my own note to leave on cars that parking in H/C parking spaces without a permit and no driver or passenger with any a such.

We could carry on with our own battles against people who are unfair.

Me too! Full agreement Roz!

Our little guy came to HIS person in about 1995 when service dogs other than for the blind were very rare. His small size and his color (lively red) caused many people to wrongly assume he was a pet.

Hoping to find his genius in his blood line, we have 2 relatives of his but neither have a shred of his talent (but are nice pets). Well trained nice pets.

We have seen people with dogs on cruise ships who outright lie and say their dogs are service animals. It is so obvious! The most common excuse is that they are for COMFORT. Now that makes me furious.

Thank you for sharing your amazing story with us. What a wonderful dog. I hope that you'll be able get another dog to replace this remarkable little hero.

We have been told by many service dog experts that there are all sorts of service dogs that in one way or another react to seizures, but not all can do everything and some can only calm the person afterwards.

Although there have been news reports that might cause the public to believe that seizure dogs can help everyone with seizures, that isn't true.

The dog has to be born with the desire to work and to help. In this case the size of the dog is less important that the dog's desire to help.

The dog who helped our person out so much was taught early on to 'stay with me' and that he did with his person. When for a good reason he had to leave his person for a few minutes, he didn't dawdle around. He returned quickly.

He saved a particular bark to alert others when there was a seizure coming on. A small bark that meant only one thing. A baby bark. Always amazed that he could be taught to do that.

I did order his new harness and vest over the internet with no proof. Thinking about that now it dosen't seem right.

I love Blitz's face! Fantastic ears!

For many years a younger member of our family had a service dog who was able to predict seizures. A little red poodle. Thanks to this wonderful little dog our family member had a much happier life and was able to do more.

The dog died very suddenly before we were able to bring another dog into the household so that the elder dog might be able to train the younger one to predict seizures.

We have never been able to get over his loss.

There was never any question that he was a service dog as he was very well trained (no marking) and had a harness with his information and a pocket with his certification papers for all to see.

We are grateful for his time with us and how devoted he was to our family member.

Its Blitz Magic...... lol First you need to create a gif (this type of picture with a series of photos) then put it on the internet at your server or any number of free posting sites. I can help create a Gif if you need help, let me know.

Thanks! Blitz is fantastic! I love those ears and that beautiful conformation.

Don't see many dogs that look that good.

Go Blitz Go...

 

How did you post this?

Thanks Cindy I'll hold the fort down....... We are supposed to have rain and nasty weather here, no problems we need rain. My back yard looks like a dust bowl.

My family are all strong supports of the Wounded Warrior project and have met many fine people doing so. Very glad that you have Blitz and also the rain. We are in a severe drought area and certainly understand that.

I hope that the lady from San Francisco comes back after her cruise to share what she has learned.

Thank you Penny, the larger pup up front is Blitz and my best friend in the world.

Blitz has fantastic ears and a beautiful head!

I love that wonderful green grass as well. We're short on that just now.

Thank you. What a handsome pair!

Service dogs are trained to potty on command and in the correct and allowed places. Peering on deck is absolutely not going to be tolerated.

Contact the trainer of the service dog to find out how this dog was trained and how to bring back that level of training.

The frozen food is going to be a big issue and will require an agreement with Cunard as they will not let any passenger food (or dog's food) to go into the ship's freezers.

Keith, here's a link to Kodiak's newspaper. You might find out more about what to do there and how to do it.

Here is the winery's WEB page. I would telephone them and ask how to manage.

Penny, thanks again for the excellent advice and the good wishes.

 

Keith

Keith, after everything you have done for all of us over the years, my bits of advice are the least I can do.

Keith, I own a closet full of IceBreaker brand Merino wool clothing from New Zealand. Wonderful stuff, travels well and requires very little washing out (you air it out after wearing). It comes in various weights. Fantastic stuff.

Yes to a scarf!

Dry skin hits me every visit to Alaska. One would think with all that water around, dry skin would not be a huge issue, but it is for many people. If you look at people's faces in Alaska you can certainly tell that the weather has been hard on them.

I have always wanted to sail from Osaka to Alaska as I've heard tall tales from those who did that prior to air travel. What a fantastic trip you have planned!

I can't recall that a very fine passenger ship has ever visited Dutch Harbor. Expect a fuss about that!

Bon Voyage!

Keith, this cruise has to be a record breaker for cruise travel to Alaska. April in Alaska tends to be the end of mud season in some areas and people are still skiing in others.

You will need more jacket than you usually pack along for your long trips.

Full warnings on dry skin issues! You are going to need the best stuff you can find.

Do you want me to UPS you a storm parka?

In Singapore buy the 2 of you some nice cashmire sweaters, socks and glove liners. Yes, I'm being serious here. Singapore or in Australia for Merino wool. The old story about doing layers.

Northern Aurora, thanks so much for the great update! Information I am saving for future use.

Keith, I can honestly say that there will be few to no other tourists in Dutch Harbor and Kodiak when you arrive save for your ship mates.

You should be able to buy a lunch of very fresh seafood. Not sure of what other American cruisine you might be willing to eat. Skippy peanut butter would be one of my first desires after being out of the country for a long time.

Keith, you are going to see some real Alaska!

Kodiak is very likely going to have fog. I would check out the World War II museum as the story told there is seldom heard and is very interesting. Here is a link: http://www.kodiak.org/explore-kodiak/history-a-culture/world-war-ii.html

It is said that the weather saved Kodiak from bombing and invasion by the Japanese.

You will need to add a layer of clothing to what I know you pack for your usual wet and chilly weather turn out. Special attention to foot wear for non-slip and staying dry.

You can picture me sitting at the airport in Kodiak waiting and waiting for clear weather in order to fly.

It should be very interesting. Won't be crowded. I promise!

Do a search on Thane Ore House. They will pick you up and bring you back to your ship. A beautiful place to enjoy Alaska and very good food in a nice atmosphere.

I did when my leg was at its worst state of injury. No problem with the request. I was brought a much better and more comfortable chair without arms and it did not slide around when I tried to get in and out of it.

I've been thinking about your soggy Olympus. There is a chance that it could be an electrical connection failure. I would (at least) have it looked at.

I think that most people do not do well with longer lenses especially if they have not practiced. I believe that considering you and your Nikon just met, you did very well.

I'm going to suggest that you park the idea of replacing the Olympus body unless you have a trip coming up soon. I am suggesting that you concentrate on learning the Nikon and keep your money for another Nikon lens in future.

On your wet scenes (from the kayak) and some shots you had of lichens, you show a very good eye for macro work and close up photography.

I would like you to think about that for a while. Just think. Don't buy anything yet.

If you are thinking of getting into high quality photo printing or are already doing so, the small world work (lichens, your parts of trees, starfish, etc) may be just suited for you.

In any case, please think about it.

I read on another post about you teaching people how to spot wildlife. I need lessons. I see a lot, but I admit when it comes to spotting birds in trees or wildlife from a big distance , I have a hard time

Practice every day. Watch out for birds, cats, loose dogs and whatever is local to your area.

I advise people to go to zoos, to wildlife parks and to drive country roads looking for wildlife to spot.

I practice on cattle other livestock just to keep my skills up.

The more you practice the better you will be.

All the while be practicing on taking photos of living things. Digital photography costs nothing and you can delete your failures. Take hundreds of photos.

My husband isn't a good spotter (he depends on me too much) but he is a supurb photographer. He nearly always uses a tripod/monopod and takes his time. I really enjoy his photos.

I enjoy YOUR photos! I

wish I could help you more with this, but the internet isn't the same as standing next to someone. Just keep practicing and you will get improvement in your results.

Your photos are excellent. You asked how your wildife spotter spotted so well. Actually with experience it isn't that hard to do.

Glad you had a great trip!