DUTRAVEL Posted September 30, 2015 #15326 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Tomorrow will be a fun day. My brother is arriving with their dog, Charlie later today. Jagger is at the ranch and would have been coming home this weekend. I love my organization as the Director is coming with Jagger to make sure that the meeting goes well. So she is bringing Jagger tomorrow. Jagger and Charlie have met before as we took Charlie to the ranch once. But it was quite awhile ago, and home is both dogs' "turf". Have fun with the two dogs, I am sure that Jagger will love having company over. We have had my son's dog for two weeks while he is on his honeymoon. Henri loves playing with her and will miss her when she goes home tomorrow. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted September 30, 2015 #15327 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Hello everyone. *I've been trying to post for a few days but couldn't, but finally managed to log in today - thank you Mods! :) Well this aside, it's been a funny few days and I don't mean funny "ha ha, I mean oh so different, what on earth happened kind of funny! OK, so you all know we saw Aruba at the training centre Fun Day a few days ago and I spent a bit of time chatting with her trainer on how she was doing and even did a blind fold walk with Aruba. (The chap in the yellow shirt has just done a blind fold walk with Aruba - I've no idea who he is) So it came as a complete bolt out of the blue when I got a phone call last week to tell me that Aruba was to be withdrawn from the scheme. Oh my, my heart was in my mouth, what had happened! It turns out that although Aruba was happy enough when she was out and about "working", doing everything they asked her to do, her heart really wasn't in it and she seemed to just not really want to be there. There were some days when she was quite reluctant to even leave the kennel, much preferring to stay and encourage cuddles and tummy tickles! Now we experienced a bit of this reluctance, and I had put it down to her not wanting to leave M and P, preferring to stay and play, and when she had that phantom pregnancy she was even more reluctant to leave to go out. It wasn't the phase we all thought it was. We had always said we would have her back home with us if she didn't make it, so that's exactly what's happened. We went and picked her up on Friday - it was all a bit of a rush as I wanted Aruba to have a few days to settle in back at home before the new puppy arrived - she was quite bemused I think to see us and even more bemused to get into my car! Her bemusement turned to sheer joy and delight (and relief!) when we got home and she reunited with her best doggy pals, M and P! The three of them barrelled around, tails swishing nineteen to the dozen, with lots of sniffing of bits as only dogs do (!) and Aruba checked out every square inch of the garden and the house like a spring lamb, jumping all over the place with excitement - "I'm home, I'm home!" And it's like she's never been away. Routine as normal, stealing my slippers as normal, her tummy clock tells me it's tea-time at 6 as normal - time for her evening treat, oh yes she reminds the DH it's time for that too! I'm disappointed, yes, but if she's not happy, this is no good for her working as a guide dog. She wasn't considered for a Buddy Dog either but I'm going to see if she can be assessed as a Therapy Pet - visiting old folk's homes, hospitals, even students when they are studying for exams and getting stressed out, for therapy cuddles! We will see, but I would think she would be good at that and it wouldn't stress her out as she would be with me all the time. Aruba's adventures will continue, just on a different path, and we are all delighted to have her home, even the cats! :D DKD - you will know exactly how we've been feeling! I am sure that you have mixed feelings, but it must be wonderful to have Aruba home with you. It sounds like that is the place she needs to be. Congratulations on Bonnie - Aruba now has a little sister! Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted September 30, 2015 Author #15328 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Have fun with the two dogs, I am sure that Jagger will love having company over. We have had my son's dog for two weeks while he is on his honeymoon. Henri loves playing with her and will miss her when she goes home tomorrow. Dianne Dianne, Henri is such a social girl! I love how CCI dogs are so social. Are you doing the December 3rd Love Boat Cruise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted September 30, 2015 #15329 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I am suspecting this is the original carpet. House was built in early 90's. It is nasty. I swear there was enough dirt and crumbling padding under the carpet to make my own beach in the back yard. Double yuck. And of course Ms. OCD (me) has to sweep it up as I go so I don't have to touch it any more than necessary. All done, though. Pulled out the padding and last of the carpet tacks, just laid the carpet back over the cement until they come to install the tile. Best decision we ever made was to pull up our carpets and go to hardwood. So much easier for me to wheel on and easier for me to keep the dog hair cleaned up (which I am learning about - but its worth it). I think you will love the tile. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted September 30, 2015 #15330 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Dianne, Henri is such a social girl! I love how CCI dogs are so social. Are you doing the December 3rd Love Boat Cruise? No cruise for us this year - I really wish we could do that one, it would have been so easy for us. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted September 30, 2015 Author #15331 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Best decision we ever made was to pull up our carpets and go to hardwood. So much easier for me to wheel on and easier for me to keep the dog hair cleaned up (which I am learning about - but its worth it). I think you will love the tile. Dianne So, here I live in earthquake country. When we moved out of our big house, we decided we'd live the condo life in Northridge. Not a bad idea but there was carpeting everywhere and, of course, it was before I introduced a Service Dog or two into the mix. And, this was all before my dear Morey passed away. Well, the Northridge Earthquake hit [1994] and once everything was repaired and put back together Morey decided he'd have everything braced to the walls. Every shelf, every book case, every nick-nack unit is braced to the walls and floor. It would be a major construction job to change the carpeting to hardwood or tile, although I'd love it! One thing is for sure, nothing is falling off the shelves and the shelves are not moving anywhere. After the earthquake, we were literally trapped in the bedroom because a huge Armoire had fallen and blocked the doorway to escape. Luckily it had not fallen on anyone or someone would have been killed. Anyway, Horton and I are very safe.......carpeting and all!!!! And, when you come over to visit you don't have to be worried about being in "ground zero" with Horty and me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted September 30, 2015 Author #15332 Share Posted September 30, 2015 No cruise for us this year - I really wish we could do that one, it would have been so easy for us. Dianne We would have had so much fun with the two dogs. We're doing the Nov. 16, 2016 - 19 day Panama Canal cruise out of San Pedro to return to San Pedro. That's a first for Princess to leave out of L.A. and return to L.A. 19 days is a long one for me to leave my job......I haven't told them about it yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted September 30, 2015 #15333 Share Posted September 30, 2015 We would have had so much fun with the two dogs. We're doing the Nov. 16, 2016 - 19 day Panama Canal cruise out of San Pedro to return to San Pedro. That's a first for Princess to leave out of L.A. and return to L.A. 19 days is a long one for me to leave my job......I haven't told them about it yet! Roz, Thanks for that. We have been interested in LA round trips just because for us it's so convenient and wonderful being able to avoid LAX. I didn't know about this cruise until I saw your post and checked it out. There are some great fares available and we love the Island Princess. The best part is that the only port we've visited ia LA and one Canal transit on the old Dawn Princess (nee: Sitmar Fairwind) back in 1988. Walt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 1, 2015 Author #15334 Share Posted October 1, 2015 Roz, Thanks for that. We have been interested in LA round trips just because for us it's so convenient and wonderful being able to avoid LAX. I didn't know about this cruise until I saw your post and checked it out. There are some great fares available and we love the Island Princess. The best part is that the only port we've visited ia LA and one Canal transit on the old Dawn Princess (nee: Sitmar Fairwind) back in 1988. Walt Host Walt, doesn't it sound interesting......it's booking quickly. They're offering all sorts of packages with it. We got the Sip & Sail Package included. Never hurts to have your drinks paid for along with some nice OBC's. I hope we get to meet onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.S. Cruisers Posted October 1, 2015 #15335 Share Posted October 1, 2015 Hugs and kisses to the Fairbournes. You have a really busy house about now! :(:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 1, 2015 Author #15336 Share Posted October 1, 2015 Fairbourne, I added a grown-up Bonnie for your enjoyment!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted October 2, 2015 #15337 Share Posted October 2, 2015 So, here I live in earthquake country. When we moved out of our big house, we decided we'd live the condo life in Northridge. Not a bad idea but there was carpeting everywhere and, of course, it was before I introduced a Service Dog or two into the mix. And, this was all before my dear Morey passed away. Well, the Northridge Earthquake hit [1994] and once everything was repaired and put back together Morey decided he'd have everything braced to the walls. Every shelf, every book case, every nick-nack unit is braced to the walls and floor. It would be a major construction job to change the carpeting to hardwood or tile, although I'd love it! One thing is for sure, nothing is falling off the shelves and the shelves are not moving anywhere. After the earthquake, we were literally trapped in the bedroom because a huge Armoire had fallen and blocked the doorway to escape. Luckily it had not fallen on anyone or someone would have been killed. Anyway, Horton and I are very safe.......carpeting and all!!!! And, when you come over to visit you don't have to be worried about being in "ground zero" with Horty and me! We are in earthquake country too, that would be quite a job to move everything. It definitely is safe for you and Horton though! That round trip Panama cruise out of LA sounds great, but we would have to either fly or drive to LA. We are booked on a Panama cruise that leaves San Francisco, but we still have to fly from Florida. Henri is pretty good - I am sure she would be fine flying - just as long as she didn't try to say hi to every passenger on the plane. After six weeks I am still learning about her - she doesn't chew on things or take shoes or socks. Her bad habit seems to be that she wants to greet everyone we pass by. I have to really be paying attention to keep her on track! Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 2, 2015 Author #15338 Share Posted October 2, 2015 We are in earthquake country too, that would be quite a job to move everything. It definitely is safe for you and Horton though! That round trip Panama cruise out of LA sounds great, but we would have to either fly or drive to LA. We are booked on a Panama cruise that leaves San Francisco, but we still have to fly from Florida. Henri is pretty good - I am sure she would be fine flying - just as long as she didn't try to say hi to every passenger on the plane. After six weeks I am still learning about her - she doesn't chew on things or take shoes or socks. Her bad habit seems to be that she wants to greet everyone we pass by. I have to really be paying attention to keep her on track! Dianne Dianne, the round-trip out of L.A. is a first for Princess......we always had to fly home from Florida. This will make it so much easier. Although Horton is a big boy he curls into the most amazing pill bug on an airplane. Brenda was the worst for greeting EVERYONE. She had to be corrected by me distracting her with food and walking her in a circle when I would see someone approaching. She finally stopped this bad habit as a senior dog but it was a struggle for many years with her. Every time we'd go to a CCI Workshop it was always the subject that I brought up and the trainers tried everything. I had to keep kibble in my pocket and constantly correct her when we'd meet other dogs and other people on our walks. Horton just needs a quick "jerk" on his leash and he's right back on focus. Horton is like that "well adjusted kid", he's a terror at home but a genius in public. These dogs are all very unique in their personalities.......And, with all of Brenda's quirks she did her job amazingly well and ALWAYS took such good care of me! I miss her so much!!♥ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted October 2, 2015 #15339 Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) Dianne, the round-trip out of L.A. is a first for Princess......we always had to fly home from Florida. This will make it so much easier... We just booked yesterday. Now I have to clear my schedule to make sure we can actually do it. Princess seems ready to add more SC round trips given the plethora of the 3 and 4 day trips they offer; just waiting for some Alaska trips from San Pedro. One very good benefit is that we can board a case or two of our favorite wines for just $15 a bottle and not have to pay a king's ransom to check the cases with our airplane luggage. This cruise is selling fast. They're offering a three for free deal which includes gratuities (all 19 days for each of us) and a nice OBC. There were only 8 MB's available (mini suites) when I called. There now are just 7. If all works out we'll be looking forward to meeting you and your furry family on board. Edited October 2, 2015 by Host Walt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 2, 2015 Author #15340 Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) We just booked yesterday. Now I have to clear my schedule to make sure we can actually do it. It's selling fast. They're offering a three for free deal which includes gratuities (all 19 days for each of us) and a nice OBC. There were only 8 MB's available mini suites) when I called Walt, did you book Nov. 16, 2016? If so, you'll get to cruise with Horty. And, the M & G group are just filled with CC favorites. Edited October 2, 2015 by wizard-of-roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted October 2, 2015 #15341 Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) Walt, did you book Nov. 16, 2016? If so, you'll get to cruise with Horty. Yes, we booked that cruise but just because Horton will be on board. ;) We really want to see that legendary pooch and to see him curl up into a "pill bug," (whatever that is). And, the M & G group are just filled with CC favorites. Looking forward to meeting them in the flesh as well. Edited October 2, 2015 by Host Walt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 2, 2015 Author #15342 Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) Yes, we booked that cruise but just because Horton will be on board. ;) We really want to see that legendary pooch and to see him curl up into a "pill bug," (whatever that is). [/b]Looking forward to meeting them in the flesh as well.[/color] Wonderful! I'm looking forward to it! Edited October 2, 2015 by wizard-of-roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted October 2, 2015 #15343 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Dianne, the round-trip out of L.A. is a first for Princess......we always had to fly home from Florida. This will make it so much easier. Although Horton is a big boy he curls into the most amazing pill bug on an airplane. Brenda was the worst for greeting EVERYONE. She had to be corrected by me distracting her with food and walking her in a circle when I would see someone approaching. She finally stopped this bad habit as a senior dog but it was a struggle for many years with her. Every time we'd go to a CCI Workshop it was always the subject that I brought up and the trainers tried everything. I had to keep kibble in my pocket and constantly correct her when we'd meet other dogs and other people on our walks. Horton just needs a quick "jerk" on his leash and he's right back on focus. Horton is like that "well adjusted kid", he's a terror at home but a genius in public. These dogs are all very unique in their personalities.......And, with all of Brenda's quirks she did her job amazingly well and ALWAYS took such good care of me! I miss her so much!!♥ They do have their funny quirks. Henri is just so friendly its hard for her not to say hi, if I am not paying attention she will be sniffing at people! She is very good at her job and she is a pro at picking up my cell phone and glasses - the two things that I drop the most! I dropped a pile of towels that I had folded and she patiently picked them all up one by one. I don't know what I would do without her. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 2, 2015 Author #15344 Share Posted October 2, 2015 They do have their funny quirks. Henri is just so friendly its hard for her not to say hi, if I am not paying attention she will be sniffing at people! She is very good at her job and she is a pro at picking up my cell phone and glasses - the two things that I drop the most! I dropped a pile of towels that I had folded and she patiently picked them all up one by one. I don't know what I would do without her. Dianne Dianne, I'm so happy for you and Henri ♥ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 2, 2015 Author #15345 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Have a super, duper weekend everyone!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.S. Cruisers Posted October 4, 2015 #15346 Share Posted October 4, 2015 I was checking out those Panama Canal cruises. It is on our bucket list, but will have to wait until Travis graduates! :) Anyways, they have one from L.A. that does the full transit, but debarks in Galveston! That would be very doable with options for getting home, without flying, since Hubby doesn't consider flying a mode of transportation for him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted October 4, 2015 #15347 Share Posted October 4, 2015 (edited) I was checking out those Panama Canal cruises. It is on our bucket list, but will have to wait until Travis graduates! :) Anyways, they have one from L.A. that does the full transit, but debarks in Galveston! That would be very doable with options for getting home, without flying, since Hubby doesn't consider flying a mode of transportation for him! Not the fastest but still comfortable option is Amtrak. They have a bus connection from Galveston to the Sunset Limited in Longview Texas that takes you to Union Station in LA. They offer sleepers and dining cars and handicap assistance from Longview. We haven't traveled on that route but we have traveled on Amtrak and find it a very pleasant way to travel (and unwind). 1-800-USARAIL. In Arizona the Sunset Limited stops in Benson, Tucson, Maricopa and Yuma, if that's your destination. Edited October 4, 2015 by Host Walt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.S. Cruisers Posted October 4, 2015 #15348 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Thanks, Walt. We are in Lake Havasu right now, but that can change in a blink of an eye with us! Travis is only 12, so it will be a "few" years...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bannerboxer Posted October 5, 2015 #15349 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Hi, First off, this thread is HUGE! I have been googling, and researching, and have even found some of the I need to know about traveling with my husbands SD. We are in the liberty on Dec 6th: Barbados St Thomas St Kitts St Lucia St Maarten Can anyone help me out with requirements to these ports? I am pretty sure we are too late in the game, but all the info I have found is so mind bogling. THanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted October 6, 2015 Author #15350 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Not the fastest but still comfortable option is Amtrak. They have a bus connection from Galveston to the Sunset Limited in Longview Texas that takes you to Union Station in LA. They offer sleepers and dining cars and handicap assistance from Longview. We haven't traveled on that route but we have traveled on Amtrak and find it a very pleasant way to travel (and unwind). 1-800-USARAIL. In Arizona the Sunset Limited stops in Benson, Tucson, Maricopa and Yuma, if that's your destination. I love train travel. It is a bit confining and I found myself moving my dog out of people's way a lot but it gives you a great way to see the sights while on terra firma! The only time we ever had a problem with getting my dog onboard was on one of our cruises in Alaska, when the conductor made me wait until everyone else had boarded. Totally unnecessary and she knew it. I didn't argue with her but I did want to bop her over the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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