Dog on Summit to Hawaii 1/29/06

[Moeve]

Perhaps self centered is not the word I am looking inconciderate is probably better....

[tuggers]

So do you have this phobia, moeve?

[critterchick]

Perhaps self centered is not the word I am looking inconciderate is probably better....

 

Well, there's a conundrum - do you deny boarding to the disabled person with the service dog in order to accomodate the disabled person who has a dog phobia? Which one of them should stay home and not infringe on the other's right to enjoy life to its fullest?

 

I'm perfectly ok with service animals onboard, although I acknowledge that I am blessedly free of allergies, phobias or anything else that would make the dog's presence lessen my enjoyment. And their owners can put them in tutus for all I care.

[Lotsacruising]

I would just like to give another point of view.

I am not an animal lover, never have been. I am terrified of dogs and allergic to most animals. I know dog owners always say "he wont hurt you" when their dog jumps on me, but I hate that. I have been on 50 or so cruises and do not feel that I should have to worry about someones animal jumping on me or sniffiing me. I find it offensive.

That being said... If the dog is kept away from me, far away ,then I do think that service animals, true service animals should be allowed.

But not just because someone is anxious about leaving their pet. Then I do not believe they should be allowed.

Janet:confused:

[excitedofharpenden]

I honestly would happily move cabins for someone with a phobia about animals to be next to one of those dogs that dresses for dinner, as hugosmom and clopaw describe. A wonderful sight to see, I'm sure:)

 

Bob, once again you say it all very well. There are phobias for just about everything. I have one for cockroaches and I sure wouldn't want to put that one to the test on a cruise!

 

Phil

[tuggers]

Phil, I'm with you on the moving!

 

One more time. We are talking about CERTIFIED service dogs. And the 'anxiety' is NOT about LEAVING THE DOG. It's 'ANXIETY' as in a medically diagnosed disabling disease.

 

Do I dare bring up the fact that CERTIFIED service animals are not always dogs? There are monkeys, for instance, that are used as service animals.

So how about that?:D :D

[wolfganghowell]

The only objection I have to a service dog is that I can't play with them, hug them, rub their bellies and give them treats. They are there to work and they are trained to concentrate on their human. They won't be jumping on anyone, they won't sniff you, they probably won't even acknowledge you because they are so well trained. Whenever I have encountered a service dog, I always ask their human if I can pet or speak to their animal. Most say yes since they are rightfully proud of their 4 legged family member. If you object, just keep your distance - they will keep their distance from you.

[Lotsacruising]

yes I have seen first hand how they "keep their distance". Dog owners all think their dogs are so darn cute, and won't hurt a fly. Well I have seen unprovocted attacks a couple of times. So don't tell me that the dogs are just going to sit there. No one can guarantee that. I do not want to have to worry about dogs running around the ship.

[clopaw]

I can only speak about the service animal I know and love, but in three and a half years, I have never seen him jump on anyone. When we have friends over, he goes to greet them wagging his tail, and then immediately goes to sit down. When he is working, he does not acknowledge other people until my husband tells him that he is allowed to. We would certainly never impose him on someone who obviously was afraid. On cruises we have met many people, both passengers and staff, who miss their own dogs and are very happy to see him. My husband is very accommodating about dismissing Hero from duty for a few minutes so that people can pet him if they want. Then it's back to work.

[teedee]

yes I have seen first hand how they "keep their distance". Dog owners all think their dogs are so darn cute, and won't hurt a fly. Well I have seen unprovocted attacks a couple of times. So don't tell me that the dogs are just going to sit there. No one can guarantee that. I do not want to have to worry about dogs running around the ship.

 

Are you saying you have seen this happen with a service dog? I'm sorry but I find that very hard to believe.

Terri

[shofer]

And I was wondering what that "grass" was (outside of the work-out room on the upper deck) was for....

[bob278]

yes I have seen first hand how they "keep their distance". Dog owners all think their dogs are so darn cute, and won't hurt a fly. Well I have seen unprovocted attacks a couple of times. So don't tell me that the dogs are just going to sit there. No one can guarantee that. I do not want to have to worry about dogs running around the ship.

 

You've seen these unprovoked attacks on cruises? If not, are you afraid to leave your house because an animal may be outside and attack you? For crying out loud, a dog (or any other animal) is no more dangerous on a ship than it would be on a sidewalk outside your home.

 

And service animals are almost always "attached" to their humans in some fashion, and they are probably safer than "general population" animals and the topic of this thread is only service animals.

 

I'm a lot more worried about children running around a ship than any animals because the kids generally do act worse on board since their parents seem to forget they actually are parents.

[madelinerose]

Thanks, tuggers....you said it all for me!

 

Janet, anxious about leaving a pet behind is not even close to what this thread is about, c'mon!

 

Here's a link for service horses for the blind. I'm sure some of you will be in even further disbelief. Become informed:

 

http://www.guidehorse.org/

 

 

One more time. We are talking about CERTIFIED service dogs. And the 'anxiety' is NOT about LEAVING THE DOG. It's 'ANXIETY' as in a medically diagnosed disabling disease.

 

Do I dare bring up the fact that CERTIFIED service animals are not always dogs? There are monkeys, for instance, that are used as service animals.

So how about that?:D :D

[Leela]

Yes, guide horses exist...but let's be realistic -- a housepet-style animal that is trained as a service animal is one thing on a cruise ship, plane, train, car, or in a hotel, but a horse or cow is a whole 'nother story. I can't imagine that Celebrity isn't smart enough to differentiate between the two.

[clopaw]

Remember...these horses are miniatures. Looking at their pictures, they certainly don't look any bigger than our lab. To me, the most attractive part is how long they live. My husband and I get weepy just thinking about when Hero is gone, and he's only five years old.

[madelinerose]

nevermind.

[Blazerboy]

:) Hugo'sMom, still wish you were cruising with us!

 

Yes, the person in question was a pot-stirrer, to be sure. Giving wide berth to such a person is the easiest way to diffuse them.:rolleyes:

 

But I couldn't resist posting here because of all the great guide dog stories from their "guardians." What amazing animals. Glad to know that people's ignorance doesn't stop you from cruising.:) If only guide dogs could help with the ignorance!

 

It also seems to me that often, people like to meddle with disability issues and disabled peoples' lives when there's absolutely NO impact on their own lives, but they're afraid "someone else is getting special treatment that they're not!" Just listen to all the comments about how ridiculous all the HP parking spaces are! Great Scott, people, they've just done you a favor by getting you more exercise!

 

Do/can people abuse the parking spaces/companion dog access? Yes, I'm sure a few do/could, but I'd rather have those few get away with it, so that those in need get the space/service dog they need, than deny people based on fear of abuse of the system! :cool:

 

Compassion for others, folks. I also like Bob's attitude that you assume the best intentions first, until proved otherwise...:)

 

If anyone has an issue with a dog on a ship, please go directly to the Guest Services desk. I'm sure a nice, patient employee will reassure you that the dog is there legitimately.

 

Andrew

[gizmo]

I have seen service dogs on ships a number of times. They are well behaved animals.

 

How about Pets on Deck? Anyone seen this yet ?

 

Queen Mary 2 Offers Enhanced Pet ServicesWhile Cunard's Queen Mary 2 can boast of having numerous "biggest ever" facilities, it also has earned bragging rights for something not found aboard any other cruise ship. Indeed, its pet kennel is unique, and QM2 is actually upping the stakes with the announcement today of added canine and feline amenities.

 

"Pets on Deck" includes fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down, a choice of beds and blankets and even -- we presume this is for dogs as no self-respecting cat would wear outerwear -- a coat emblazoned with a QM2-logo. Other features include a choice of premium pet foods (from top brands, alas; aside from the biscuits no offerings are prepared in QM2 kitchens), toys, fleece blankets and cat posts and scratchers.

 

Queen Mary 2 has 12 kennels, and the animals are overseen by the ship's full-time Kennel Master, who will also take care of such daily chores as feeding, walking and cleaning up.

 

The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day so passengers can hang out with their pets. Cost per pet (per cruise) ranges from $300 - $500 (single, rather than double occupancy). Reservations are key and should be made at time of book

 

The rest of the article talks about some unusual amimals Cunard has transported.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1516

 

Queen Mary 2 Offers Enhanced Pet ServicesWhile Cunard's Queen Mary 2 can boast of having numerous "biggest ever" facilities, it also has earned bragging rights for something not found aboard any other cruise ship. Indeed, its pet kennel is unique, and QM2 is actually upping the stakes with the announcement today of added canine and feline amenities.

[wolfganghowell]

I too can't believe a service animal would attack unprovoked. I totally understand people's fear of animals when legitimate. I grew up across the street from a vicious dog who's owners would not keep it fenced in their back yard. To compare the two is a leap even I can't make.

 

I believe there was a thread awhile back on this issue and many of the lap dog service animals are trained for epileptics, heart and stroke patients so they can get help for their human in case of a collapse.

 

copaw - give Hero a big hug for me. Sounds like he lives up to his name every day.

[palolake]

Wow, it always amazes me how a simple question turns into this huge discussion. This particular dog that the OP asked about was a tiny, mostly hairless, sweater wearing dog. She walked it around up on deck oblivious to the other passengers who were walking or jogging and almost squashing her dog! (She did nothing to keep him out of harms way) I saw the lady with her dog everywhere and NEVER saw her husband that the dog was supposed to be servicing. I'm am not saying that someone should not be able to bring a service animal on a cruise but in this case I think she just didn't want to be without her dog.

[mjohnson]

Where do the dogs go to the bathroom???? I am serious.

[MBMiner]

...being the OP, I will say you hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what I suspected. Amazing how this discussion has blossomed. Felt like I had just lit a firecracker and walked away!

Bruce

[clopaw]

Where do the dogs go to the bathroom???? I am serious.

 

 

On Celebrity, they build a plywood box about four feet on a side, and fill it with sand or mulch. It generally is located on deck four, forward, in an area where passengers are not supposed to be.

[wizard-of-roz]

:) Celebrity's Summit, supplied a 4 x 4 wooden box, filled with cyprus mulch. It's located on deck 4 (aft). Usually outside of the Celebrity Theatre, up a long hallway. The same hallway that is used on Alaska cruises for viewing the glaciers from the inside, this hallway also has cut-out viewing windows (without the glass).

"Brenda", my service dog, got so used to this that she would go up the hallway from my command, do her business, then return to me for a game of ball throwing, on deck!

The ship even offers to walk the service dog for you!

She also loves Las Vegas and the casinos. Watching her "prance" through like she owns the place is so much fun!

ADVISE: If you fear dogs.....never....never look them in the eyes. If you don't engage them with your eyes, they won't pay any attention to you! They may sniff but then they'll just walk away!

 

I hope to meet all of you on future cruises!;)

Roz

[nu2sea]

Do/can people abuse the parking spaces/companion dog access? Yes, I'm sure a few do/could, but I'd rather have those few get away with it, so that those in need get the space/service dog they need, than deny people based on fear of abuse of the system! :cool:

 

Andrew

 

Oliver Wendell Blazerboy! Seriously, I'm quoting you because it seems like you are directly responding to the concerns of the OP and Palolake, and you put it so well that it easily bears the repeating. It is possible that the woman with the tiny dog was abusing the system, but, like Andrew, I would rather see her get away with it than deny those who really do need their service animals.

 

It costs us so little to be tolerant of the service animals that give so much to their companions. Am I the only one who remembers the days before service animals when so many were forced to remain housebound? Not only did they suffer from their physical disability, but they were also excluded from the everyday pleasures and liberties that we all take for granted.

 

Perhaps making adjustments to accomodate service animals is inconvenient for some of the able bodied, but how selfish have we become when we feel that our world must first and only be perfect for us, and the heck with anyone else?

 

Frankly, I don't get it.

 

Susan