Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[DUTRAVEL]

I'm sorry I missed out on wishing everyone a good weekend this past week. On Wednesday, Feb. 15th I had a horrific car accident. I was T-boned by a fellow who fell asleep at the wheel. All 6 airbags deployed, meaning that Horton got hit by the two rear airbags. When I looked back to check on him, he was very wide-eyed and acting a bit excited but not a peep; no whining, whimpering or barking. He started pacing on the back seat. We're NEVER taught what to do in case of such an incident....your common sense just kicks in.

 

 

Roz, I am so sorry to hear that you and Horton were in an accident. I am glad to hear that Horton is okay and I am sorry to hear of your injuries. Thank goodness for the lady that was able to help you with Horton.

 

In some ways I can understand the response of the first responders to an unknown dog, but it is a much different situation with a service dog. Thank you for raising this issue, this is something to think about and be prepared for.

 

Here are a couple of examples from the Department of Justice's Frequently Asked Questions handout (but it does not address what should initially happen after an accident).

 

Must a service animal be allowed to ride in an ambulance with its handler?

A: Generally, yes. However, if the space in the ambulance is crowded and the dog’s presence

would interfere with the emergency medical staff’s ability to treat the patient, staff

should make other arrangements to have the dog transported to the hospital.

 

Does a hospital have to allow an in-patient with a disability to keep a service animal in

his or her room?

A: Generally, yes. Service animals must be allowed in patient rooms and anywhere else

in the hospital the public and patients are allowed to go. They cannot be excluded on the

grounds that staff can provide the same services.

 

What happens if a patient who uses a service animal is admitted to the hospital and is unable to care for or supervise their animal?

A: If the patient is not able to care for the service animal, the patient can make arrangements

for a family member or friend to come to the hospital to provide these services, as it

is always preferable that the service animal and its handler not be separated, or to keep the

dog during the hospitalization. If the patient is unable to care for the dog and is unable to

arrange for someone else to care for the dog, the hospital may place the dog in an animal

shelter until the patient is released, or make other appropriate arrangements. However,

the hospital must give the patient the opportunity to make arrangements for the dog’s care before taking such steps.

[Insuregal]

I'm sorry I missed out on wishing everyone a good weekend this past week. On Wednesday, Feb. 15th I had a horrific car accident. I was T-boned by a fellow who fell asleep at the wheel. All 6 airbags deployed, meaning that Horton got hit by the two rear airbags. When I looked back to check on him, he was very wide-eyed and acting a bit excited but not a peep; no whining, whimpering or barking. He started pacing on the back seat. We're NEVER taught what to do in case of such an incident....your common sense just kicks in.

 

I have a broken left hand [from side air bag] and typing is really an extra challenge for me now. I have a badly sprained and contused right foot and shin [requiring 3 stitches] because my legs are so darn long, it slid up and under the dash board.

 

My car [that Morey took such pride in] was totaled, and, I was told saved my life [Ford Expedition.] I have to get a new car. I'm now in a rental. I need to decide whether or purchase or lease......I have a lot to think about. I'm open for all opinions.

 

None of the first responders would take responsibility for Horton and because the air was cool outside and my car had no threat of catching fire, they left him in the back seat as they tended to me and to the other driver [ who was okay, with a shoulder sprain.]

 

As soon as I appeared more calm they allowed me to go to Horton. Thank God he was okay. Very wide eyed and curious but okay. A lovely woman who witnessed the accident asked if she could take him for a walk and I observed him...he shook it off, went potty and was his calm, lovely self. The training these dogs are given really shines through, even in situations like this.

 

I always wondered what I would do in such a circumstance. Horton had his leash and vest on because we had just come from a restaurant.......I'm so glad I hadn't taken off his vest yet. As I was reiterating to all the folks at the scene, "please help my Service Dog in the back seat of my car!" The police would NOT let anyone take Horton out of the car. They told me, it would be best if I did it. They're afraid of getting bitten, of him running away, etc. The won't take the responsibility of the dog unless he is in danger, in which case they'll try and help the animal but they're not the first responders top priority.

 

I'm so thankful for the airbags, which can injure you when they deploy but they do the job of saving your life!!!!

 

 

Roz and Horton,

We are so glad you both are going to be alright! Sometimes dogs involved in a car wreck get out and run away, they are so scared even their owners can't get them to return. Really glad Horton is safe. Please take it easy as you recover from your injuries.

Best wishes,

Beckie

[DisneyKidsDad]

So sorry to hear about your accident Roz but glad everyone is OK. Once again a CCI dog is a rock star!

[Caribbean Chris]

Oh dear, Roz..!

 

I'm so glad you and Horton survived this terrible wreck. I know that even with life-saving airbags, people get plenty banged up, bruised, and sore in even a lesser accident. And with a broken hand, stitches, sprains - yikes! I hope you can and will take it easy for a while. Poor Horty, he surely must have wondered what the heck was happening.

Take care of each other.

Lots of love,

Chris

[johno1234]

Wow, glad everyone's survived without anything more serious.

 

I always worry about our pets on car journeys as they are not restrained by seatbelts.

 

I think Dogs are way tougher than humans.

[fairbourne]

Oh Roz, my heart was in my mouth as I read this news ..... what a dreadful thing to happen. Good Boy Horton, he's such a cool dude and we are so proud of him.

 

Roz, look after yourself and take time to heal - if I was closer I'd be round with some TLC and chicken soup! Sending you big hugs and lots of love. Big X to Horton!

[shakeNbake]

Roz, hope you are doing well and wish you a speedy recovery. No problem with SD at hospital, as our SD has been inside several.

I was in the ER this weekend with our SD, no questions asked. Actually the nurses enjoyed him being there.

This was the second hospital he has been in with me.

[dobiemom]

Roz, I am SO glad you and Horton are OK. You be sure to take as much time off work as you need to heal completely.

 

Kiss Horton for me! ♥

[DisneyKidsDad]

Well today is Sutter's first CCI progress report day! Even though he's only been there for two weeks, it will be nice to hear how he is doing. The first progress report is mostly about vet checks and to hear if he is settling in.

[S.S. Cruisers]

:eek: ROZ, OMD, I am so glad you and Horty are ok! What a scare. I don't know what I would have done. I would have been crazy, beside myself until I had my hands on that sweet boy. Something else to think about, before it happens. Knowing myself, thinking as a first responder, I would have found a way, after I knew you were okay and in capable hands, to sneak over and get Horty. What an Angel that lady was, and glad she got Horty out okay and let him go for a walk. Big ole goof boy! Love you both. Take it easy and heal quickly. Lots of loves and pats for that Big Boy.

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you to ALL of you for the wonderful and heartfelt wishes. It does feel good to have you "there" for me! It has been crazy.

I had a "rental car" on my insurance but they don't tell you that you only get the car for a month if it's repairable. If the car is totaled and you get a pay-off then you only get a week because the insurance company has 3 to 5 business days to pay you. So, they figure as soon as you get the money, get out of the rental and buy something new. I told them I needed more time so they extended the rental for 3 more days. I realize they're looking at the bottom line but I'm afraid I'm moving a bit slower in all ways these days!

I've decided to go right back into a Ford Expedition. It saved me and Horty this time, I'm confidant it will always make me feel safe on the road. And putting my children, grandchildren and my precious Horty in it on a daily basis, I just know I'm providing a safe vehicle for my loved one's to travel in. And, you all know how much I love to "go!"

I've been in contact with the lovely woman who took care of Horton at the scene. She does dog-walking on the weekends and I'm considering having her pick-up Horty so he doesn't have to hear my groans and moans all the time and gets a chance to enjoy the outdoors as I'm moving a bit slower these days. We're going to talk more about it.

I have not missed a day of work. This is our busiest time and other than the really ugly purple and swollen hand, my leg is hidden under my pants and the bruise on my chest is not visible so, here I am.......diligently getting my work done and feeling better that I'm moving instead of laying around and getting sorer and stiffer! Better to keep going. Hey, it's worked for me this long, why change my M.O. now!

DKD, you must be so excited about your boys possibilities and soon you'll be so busy working with a new champion in your life!

Stay safe dear hearts and know that I'm grateful as heck for ALL of you!

 

P.S. Fairbourne, I don't have a doubt in my mind that you would be by my side in a hot second, if we lived closer......Love you ♥

[Algebralovr]

Goodness! I'm struggling to catch up and just read about the accident, Roz! Glad you and Horton are OK!

 

If you have not already finalized your purchase on the Expedition, you might look at the Lincoln Navigator. Same car but has Lincoln service. We got a Lincoln MKT a few months ago - mainly to haul stuff associated with Scooter.

 

I learned my Dodge Caravan seats were killing my back for a long drive, but the Lincoln seats are quite comfy.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[wizard-of-roz]

Goodness! I'm struggling to catch up and just read about the accident, Roz! Glad you and Horton are OK! If you have not already finalized your purchase on the Expedition, you might look at the Lincoln Navigator. Same car but has Lincoln service. We got a Lincoln MKT a few months ago - mainly to haul stuff associated with Scooter.

 

I learned my Dodge Caravan seats were killing my back for a long drive, but the Lincoln seats are quite comfy.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

Barb, just when we settle our lives into a nice routine......Life comes along and shakes up our world to remind us that fate is really the one in charge.

I've admired the Navigator from afar and would definitely have considered it , it's just that I have a soft spot in my heart for the Expedition and all the many travels that I've done in it. I tried a Dodge but it couldn't hold a candle to the Expo.

You know, I lived a long life with my man and now I'm on my own.......Not an easy task but I do admire women who stand on their own two feet....I'm grateful to two men in my life for giving me the courage to do so.......that's my Dad and my husband, Morey.

[alexspepa]

nothing to do with Service Dogs - but another SailorJack review was posted the other day! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2460016

 

if you have not had the pleasure of reading one of his reviews they are side-splittingly funny...

[DisneyKidsDad]

Sutter's first progress report is what we expected. He is adjusting to college very well. He has started basic training already. More advanced training begins after they get all the medical results back. Although they did start training him with the "push" command. Next months report should be more informative.

GO SUTTER!!

[DisneyKidsDad]

Thank you to ALL of you for the wonderful and heartfelt wishes. It does feel good to have you "there" for me! It has been crazy. I had a "rental car" on my insurance but they don't tell you that you only get the car for a month if it's repairable. If the car is totaled and you get a pay-off then you only get a week because the insurance company has 3 to 5 business days to pay you. So, they figure as soon as you get the money, get out of the rental and buy something new. I told them I needed more time so they extended the rental for 3 more days. I realize they're looking at the bottom line but I'm afraid I'm moving a bit slower in all ways these days!

 

I've decided to go right back into a Ford Expedition. It saved me and Horty this time, I'm confidant it will always make me feel safe on the road. And putting my children, grandchildren and my precious Horty in it on a daily basis, I just know I'm providing a safe vehicle for my loved one's to travel in. And, you all know how much I love to "go!"

 

I've been in contact with the lovely woman who took care of Horton at the scene. She does dog-walking on the weekends and I'm considering having her pick-up Horty so he doesn't have to hear my groans and moans all the time and gets a chance to enjoy the outdoors as I'm moving a bit slower these days. We're going to talk more about it.

 

I have not missed a day of work. This is our busiest time and other than the really ugly purple and swollen hand, my leg is hidden under my pants and the bruise on my chest is not visible so, here I am.......diligently getting my work done and feeling better that I'm moving instead of laying around and getting sorer and stiffer! Better to keep going. Hey, it's worked for me this long, why change my M.O. now!

 

DKD, you must be so excited about your boys possibilities and soon you'll be so busy working with a new champion in your life!

 

Stay safe dear hearts and know that I'm grateful as heck for ALL of you!

 

P.S. Fairbourne, I don't have a doubt in my mind that you would be by my side in a hot second, if we lived closer......Love you ♥

 

 

Just my 2 cents Roz, but after what happened to you and Horton, I think he needs to be near you. Don't forget, just because he is your hearing dog, he was still trained as a service dog. Let him help you in your recovery. He needs to "recover" too. Being away from you when he knows your hurt may not be the best for him. Like I said...just my 2 cents!

[Algebralovr]

Roz, are you talking about for the full day, or just a couple of hours?

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[sabrinaswack]

Has anyone ever done "my time dining" with their service dog? Any problems? Tips?

 

Sent from my SM-J700P using Forums mobile app

[wizard-of-roz]

Sutter's first progress report is what we expected. He is adjusting to college very well. He has started basic training already. More advanced training begins after they get all the medical results back. Although they did start training him with the "push" command. Next months report should be more informative.

GO SUTTER!!

 

I so agree, GO SUTTER, BOY, you can do this!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Just my 2 cents Roz, but after what happened to you and Horton, I think he needs to be near you. Don't forget, just because he is your hearing dog, he was still trained as a service dog. Let him help you in your recovery. He needs to "recover" too. Being away from you when he knows your hurt may not be the best for him. Like I said...just my 2 cents!

 

I really don't want to be separated from Horton and I so agree with you, thanks for the input! I've nixed the idea of anyone taking him except me. We have been through so much TOGETHER, thanks again! <3

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz, are you talking about for the full day, or just a couple of hours?

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

You know Barb, the more I thought about sending him off for an hour or two, the more I thought about the message I was sending him. "Well, I guess she doesn't need me!" And, nothing could be further from the truth.

We've been through the best of times and the worst of times together.....I guess it's just me and him ALWAYS!!! :*

[DUTRAVEL]

Has anyone ever done "my time dining" with their service dog? Any problems? Tips?

 

Sent from my SM-J700P using Forums mobile app

 

 

We have done Celebrity's version of anytime dining with my service dog. We didn't have any issues. You might have to wait a few minutes for a suitable table (e.g., against a wall). We usually eat around the same time; after the first night they had the same table ready for us.

[DUTRAVEL]

You know Barb, the more I thought about sending him off for an hour or two, the more I thought about the message I was sending him. "Well, I guess she doesn't need me!" And, nothing could be further from the truth.

We've been through the best of times and the worst of times together.....I guess it's just me and him ALWAYS!!! :*

 

 

I do let my kids take Henri on a hike sometimes on the weekends, but otherwise I am always with her. I can't give her the same off leash exercise because I need to be on a paved trail (and the darn bikes go by so fast that I am afraid that she will get hit).

 

Dianne

[sabrinaswack]

We have done Celebrity's version of anytime dining with my service dog. We didn't have any issues. You might have to wait a few minutes for a suitable table (e.g., against a wall). We usually eat around the same time; after the first night they had the same table ready for us.

Thank you for responding. My biggest concern was being seated with guest who didn't want to be seated with a service dog. It's my son's service dog and I don't want to have to put someone in their place if they were rude to my son. [emoji16]

 

Sent from my SM-J700P using Forums mobile app

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you for responding. My biggest concern was being seated with guest who didn't want to be seated with a service dog. It's my son's service dog and I don't want to have to put someone in their place if they were rude to my son. [emoji16]

 

Sent from my SM-J700P using Forums mobile app

 

After 26 cruises with a Service Dog I have had only 4 instances with other passengers who would prefer that I sit somewhere else.

Once, as Horton and I were walking into the lido, a gentleman [and, I use the term loosely], actually stood up and shouted, "I'm not eating in this dining room with a dog!" Another man stood up and said, "I'm not eating in this dining room with you!" Both strangers to me, I just kept walking found a seat and watched as these two men verbally berated each other! The man who wouldn't eat with Horton in the room got up and left. I don't remember ever seeing him again the rest of the cruise, maybe he went out of his way to avoid us.....I don't know! :confused:

In the evening when I approach the dining table and there's no one there yet, I find the best seat for Horton, against a wall or window [away from servers and others feet.] If there are already guests at the table, I ask if they mind if we join them......As I said, only 4 times in all my cruising did they say, "actually we'd prefer not to sit with the dog!" If you're already sitting, it now becomes their choice either to join you or not!

If you learn not to take it personally and just move on it will rest better with you. Go directly to the Matre'd and tell him your issue, they'll be happy to place you elsewhere.

Usually the other passengers are thrilled to have your Service Dog with them. But, you never know what their reaction will be and you'll soon learn to just take it all with a grain of salt.