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

[wizard-of-roz]

3 hours ago, springredheadsdd said:

Just was looking at my phones app store. There is now an app for cruise critic. Only about 50 downloads so far and no reviews. It was released earlier this month. I am going to give it a shot. 

 

Hoping they do no close the national parks. My parents and brother are going to Vegas, the Grand Canyon and a few other national parks in the area in May. I will not be going on that trip but it might be a glimpse into out trip to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in September. 

 

I am hoping my parents will decide for sure if we are going on a cruise next year by May or June. We will not be booking until August (my mom will not know when she can take off until then). We are hoping to be able to cruise with some friends of mine and I do not want them waiting to book until August if we are not going to actually go. I am an over worrier and over planner. I also stress about things way to much. 

I believe that Las Vegas is closing......sounds weird, doesn't it!

 

I, too, am an over-planner....to the point where I can bring too much of one thing and not enough of another.  The more I relax and calm myself the more I find myself enjoying the process and doing a much better job!  I always tell myself to "keep it calm" and the more I talk to myself the more easy the whole process is. 

 

Unfortunately, I do carry the talk-to-myself a bit far and do it wherever I go now.  If someone catches me I just pretend I'm talking to Horton!  Works for me!

[Caribbean Chris]

21 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

We have our priorities straight - we can't get any chicken or toilet paper, but we do have plenty of dog food!

Happy to say Bob came home from his milk & bananas run with some Perdue chicken tenders this morning.

 

[Algebralovr]

16 hours ago, allies_daphne said:

Actually there IS reason to test, because people could be asymptomatic carriers.  Someone who has a COVID exposure and doesn’t self isolate and get tested could pass it on to many others.  I promise you the numbers we have in the US right now are drastically low compared to how many really have it.  As testing availability ramps up in the next 7 days, you will see many more cases.  By the end of this week Quest and LabCorp expect to be running 20K and 50K tests per day Respectively, with less than 24 hour turnaround time for the result.  Many labs in local hospitals are also getting FDA approval to run the tests so cases can be identified earlier.

 

For high risk people (elderly, asthma, autoimmune, COPD, oncology and immunocompromised patients) the risk of this virus turning into an interstitial pneumonia is tenfold.  People can be fine one day and intubated the next.  

Keep in mind, each state and region in a state may have a different situation.  
Yes, people can be asymptomatic carriers.  That doesn't mean we are sending medical pros house to house to test residents.  

I agree the numbers we have are low compared to the number who have or have had this virus.  The mathematical models tell us that.  

A little over 2 weeks ago, the alarm was finally sounded effectively in Seattle, Washington.  The models estimate that the metro areas in the midwest are likely 2 - 3 weeks behind Seattle and NY.  Rural areas are likely a couple of weeks behind that  

 

My community is actually still not able to test within the area - it has to be sent to a state lab.  I'm lucky - we actually have a hospital in my county.  Many of the counties near me don't have a hospital at all.  They don't even have an urgent care center.  There are more cows than people in the county.   Someone released the numbers - there are 12 ICU beds in my local hospital, and 20 vents in the hospital.  Period.  That is all there is.  

Hence, we are staying home.  We are using Wal-Mart pre-order and pick up for groceries, and not leaving the car for the things we need.  

We will all get through this.  It is just a challenge.

 

Meanwhile, I have a great dog.  🙂

[S.S. Cruisers]

I went to our Petsmart yesterday, I got the furkids dogfood, the only difficulty was they only had the 15 lb bag for little ole 20 pounder Jezzy Lou.  I figured too much is better than not enough.  The young lady working there said it will stay fresh.  I usually get Kit Kat's food at the grocery store, so it was a great treat to get her a different kind.  She loves it when I first open the bag.  The little piggy, Leann Emily eats what is in her dish and screams for more.  Of course I have to talk to her and tell her it will give her a belly ache if she eats too much.  

[Mabbiez]

Hey everyone!

 

I've just been lurking lately but I have to tell you, this thread is so amazing! I love how everyone is so helpful with tips for training and otherwise!

 

Mila was supposed to start her next training class this weekend but they have postponed the start date until April. I feel like it's going to end up being crunch time to make sure she is fully trained before our cruise in the fall. She's so smart though so she does really great! I think we will be okay but I will work extra hard with her. She seems to love to learn. 

 

Thanks for the idea about taking a dog on a bus to get them ready for a flight! I was trying to figure out how make sure she's comfortable.

 

The two things I'm most nervous about is getting to Italy with Mila and then getting on the ship in Italy. I'm doing as much research as I can to make sure I have everything needed. She will be a year old next month and once we get her shots for the year I'm going to get a binder to keep all of her records. 

 

Everyone stay safe!! ❤️

 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, Mabbiez said:

Hey everyone!

 

I've just been lurking lately but I have to tell you, this thread is so amazing! I love how everyone is so helpful with tips for training and otherwise!

 

Mila was supposed to start her next training class this weekend but they have postponed the start date until April. I feel like it's going to end up being crunch time to make sure she is fully trained before our cruise in the fall. She's so smart though so she does really great! I think we will be okay but I will work extra hard with her. She seems to love to learn. 

 

Thanks for the idea about taking a dog on a bus to get them ready for a flight! I was trying to figure out how make sure she's comfortable.

 

The two things I'm most nervous about is getting to Italy with Mila and then getting on the ship in Italy. I'm doing as much research as I can to make sure I have everything needed. She will be a year old next month and once we get her shots for the year I'm going to get a binder to keep all of her records. 

 

Everyone stay safe!! ❤️

 

 

Welcome!  Mila is such a beautiful girl.

 

Practicing on a bus is such a good idea.  She'll get used to other people sitting around her, she'll learn how to lay in a small space and most importantly to not get scared by the stopping, starting and different movements.  Have fun with her, and do take lots of pictures.

 

I love looking back at my Service Dogs in the albums I've made for them.  The time goes by so quickly and seeing them as pups always brings tears to my eyes.  The memories you'll share with her are unbelievable.

 

Please come back and share your wonderful stories of your experiences with Mila.

[DUTRAVEL]

1 hour ago, Mabbiez said:

Hey everyone!

 

I've just been lurking lately but I have to tell you, this thread is so amazing! I love how everyone is so helpful with tips for training and otherwise!

 

Mila was supposed to start her next training class this weekend but they have postponed the start date until April. I feel like it's going to end up being crunch time to make sure she is fully trained before our cruise in the fall. She's so smart though so she does really great! I think we will be okay but I will work extra hard with her. She seems to love to learn. 

 

Thanks for the idea about taking a dog on a bus to get them ready for a flight! I was trying to figure out how make sure she's comfortable.

 

The two things I'm most nervous about is getting to Italy with Mila and then getting on the ship in Italy. I'm doing as much research as I can to make sure I have everything needed. She will be a year old next month and once we get her shots for the year I'm going to get a binder to keep all of her records. 

 

Everyone stay safe!! ❤️

 

 

Mila is adorable!

 

Italy only officially recognizes guide dogs as service dogs so be sure to contact any hotels, transportation providers or airlines in advance to let them know you are bringing your service dog. We were in Italy in November with my service dog and had no issues. Italy is very dog friendly and so you should be fine.

[DUTRAVEL]

7 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Happy to say Bob came home from his milk & bananas run with some Perdue chicken tenders this morning.

 

 

Score!

[Mabbiez]

Mila is adorable!
 
Italy only officially recognizes guide dogs as service dogs so be sure to contact any hotels, transportation providers or airlines in advance to let them know you are bringing your service dog. We were in Italy in November with my service dog and had no issues. Italy is very dog friendly and so you should be fine.

Thank you for this! I’ve been trying to find someone who has traveled to Italy with a SD just for some peace of mind. We are staying at an AirBNB that is already pet friendly, but they know I have a service dog. I plan on making sure anywhere I go is aware ahead of time.




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[Mabbiez]

Welcome!  Mila is such a beautiful girl.
 
Practicing on a bus is such a good idea.  She'll get used to other people sitting around her, she'll learn how to lay in a small space and most importantly to not get scared by the stopping, starting and different movements.  Have fun with her, and do take lots of pictures.
 
I love looking back at my Service Dogs in the albums I've made for them.  The time goes by so quickly and seeing them as pups always brings tears to my eyes.  The memories you'll share with her are unbelievable.
 
Please come back and share your wonderful stories of your experiences with Mila.

Thank you! I will for sure! Here is a more recent picture of my girly.


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[Mavis and Me]

1 hour ago, Mabbiez said:

Thank you for this! I’ve been trying to find someone who has traveled to Italy with a SD just for some peace of mind. We are staying at an AirBNB that is already pet friendly, but they know I have a service dog. I plan on making sure anywhere I go is aware ahead of time.
 

 

About 8 years ago I was in Italy (at a train station near Cinque Terra) and I met a very nice lady from WA state who had a service dog.  It was a smaller dog that she claimed was for IBS.  I got the feeling that it was probably more of an ESA, but it was well behaved and stable, so I struck up a conversation about traveling with the dog.  She said that no one had ever given her any trouble throughout Europe crossing borders, and that she didn't have access issues due to the dog.  Talking with her made me feel much better about the possibility of some day visiting Europe with my current service dog!  I hope you and Mila have the same experiences that she had!

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

 

Thank you! I will for sure! Here is a more recent picture of my girly.
Oh! Boy! Do we have a guy for you.......His name is Oakland and he's as handsome as you are beautiful!

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[Wendsong]

On 3/17/2020 at 1:04 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

I really never thought about people touching Horton but now I realize that if they're sick and touch him, they could actually leave germs on him and his gear........No more petting or touching by the public......for now! 

I have a drive up groomer come weekly. This week, I will let Jazz go out into the garage alone to her. She has promised to sanitize the truck before he gets in. I have masks and will be washing my hands and credit card before and after I pay her. I not only worry about another dog infecting her truck, then Jazz carrying the virus to me, but also, I worry about my getting sick and then have Jazz carry the virus to her. The bath should remove any virus he may have on him. I hope she stays well, not only because we are friends, but I can't wash this 70 pound dog myself!

[rangeley]

On 3/19/2020 at 1:44 AM, Mabbiez said:

 

Thank you! I will for sure! Here is a more recent picture of my girly.


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Oh she's a beauty!!! Our boy would love her 😍

[rangeley]

Roz, bet you're glad you ordered that toilet paper now!! 

[wizard-of-roz]

36 minutes ago, rangeley said:

Roz, bet you're glad you ordered that toilet paper now!! 

I am glad but have not received it yet.  First, they told me delivery would be on the 18th, then the 19th and now they tell me it will come on the 23rd.  I suppose they could keep me putting off until I finally turn to using kleenex tissues and/or diapers.  We'll see!!!!

 

I never thought in my lifetime that toilet paper would be such a sought after item.  Soon, they'll have to give it us in a plain wrapper and people will be holding us up at gun point for our Charmin.  😵

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, stay in place.....whether that means quarantine, isolation, confinement or just plain anti-socialness!!!!!  Don't let it turn to loneliness.  Find a new T.V. show, game on the internet or on your phone.....call someone you haven't called in a while and see how they're surviving.  Come to Cruise Critic and share something interesting, or funny with us.

 

I hope everyone comes through this whole and somewhat happy.  I'll take happiness of any kind.  

 

Having a Service Dog in my life certainly makes life so much better in so many ways.  I'm grateful for the trust, love and companionship that keeps me whole during these troublesome times. 

 

Thank you CCI for being there for me and providing me with Horton The Wonder Dog!

[Mabbiez]

I just got some good news today! Mila is doing group classes for her service dog training. There is a company near me that does only service dog training (You also have to have proof of a disability so not just anyone can train their dog). She has officially passed her first class and will be starting her next class in April! Things will be different this time. Since we can't have groups because of the virus we are going to be doing online classes via Zoom.

I'm just so excited and proud of her that she passed! I don't think everyone understands but I thought everyone here would. 

Thanks!!

 

[wizard-of-roz]

5 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

I just got some good news today! Mila is doing group classes for her service dog training. There is a company near me that does only service dog training (You also have to have proof of a disability so not just anyone can train their dog). She has officially passed her first class and will be starting her next class in April! Things will be different this time. Since we can't have groups because of the virus we are going to be doing online classes via Zoom.

I'm just so excited and proud of her that she passed! I don't think everyone understands but I thought everyone here would. 

Thanks!!

 

Congratulation, good job Mila.......You're both on your way to a wonderful life and amazing opportunities.  🐾

[rangeley]

Thank god for Oakland. At least he keeps us entertained. Took him out yesterday and made a video for our puppy raisers. They were thrilled. One lives near us but the other lives in NY. They are on "lockdown" but we kind of are too. Threw the ball a few times and back in the apt.

 

No sports for John so we are stuck together. Lol  Haven't killed each other yet. 

 

My son had a corona scare the other day. A salesman might have been exposed but turned out the kid actually had the flu. I certainly don't need any more stress.

 

We are wearing masks while in the building and my hands are raw and itchy from washing them. We are lucky we have a card to open our door and the building doors so we can go out and actually touch nothing. I use the card to press the elevator buttons and spray with a bleach solution when I come back in. The people in here have really been good and most are staying in except for walks. Of course there are a few, one in particular that feel the need to go to the grocery store every single day. Ugh. I'm not planning on going at all.

 

I ordered from pea pod, a stop and shop delivery service. Ordered on Thursday and it will be here April 1st. That was the earliest available date for delivery. 😮 Hopefully we have enough until then.  

 

A pic of Oakland from yesterday. 

Edited March 22, 2020 by rangeley

[wizard-of-roz]

5 hours ago, rangeley said:

Thank god for Oakland. At least he keeps us entertained. Took him out yesterday and made a video for our puppy raisers. They were thrilled. One lives near us but the other lives in NY. They are on "lockdown" but we kind of are too. Threw the ball a few times and back in the apt.

 

No sports for John so we are stuck together. Lol  Haven't killed each other yet. 

 

My son had a corona scare the other day. A salesman might have been exposed but turned out the kid actually had the flu. I certainly don't need any more stress.

 

We are wearing masks while in the building and my hands are raw and itchy from washing them. We are lucky we have a card to open our door and the building doors so we can go out and actually touch nothing. I use the card to press the elevator buttons and spray with a bleach solution when I come back in. The people in here have really been good and most are staying in except for walks. Of course there are a few, one in particular that feel the need to go to the grocery store every single day. Ugh. I'm not planning on going at all.

 

I ordered from pea pod, a stop and shop delivery service. Ordered on Thursday and it will be here April 1st. That was the earliest available date for delivery. 😮 Hopefully we have enough until then.  

 

A pic of Oakland from yesterday. 

Such a handsome boy!  That marshmellow nose is the cutest.

 

Your stories of people going about their activities reminds me of my daughter in Eugene, Oregon.  She had to pick up medicine for her daughter and, she said that people are out and about today and certainly not staying away from each other in a coffee shop, in a Petco, at the gas station and at the pharmacy.  She said she was shocked at the amount of folks who were acting so normally.  I suppose, like the rest of us, we're all in shock and just wanting our lives before this virus hit us.

 

She has a business in downtown Eugene that has to be closed [she's an Esthetician] and has been very successful for the past 8 years.  Hopefully, it can open up again very soon.  Her clients are calling her to buy gift cards for future treatments.

 

What we used to call boring sounds so good right now, doesn't it?  I'll take those boring good old days, all day, every day!

 

Horton and I are playing ball in the hallway to stay away from all the people who love to pat and love on him.  I feel like I have to bathe him every time someone grabs a pat and a touch.

 

I was watching the news every time there was a special press conference [I want to stay informed] but, sometimes it's just too much!  I live in a very big city [L.A.], there's "stuff" happening every day.  It changes constantly and to watch pictures of my city being closed down and businesses being so affected is too sad and scary to watch, minute by minute. 

 

I turn the channel and find a movie to watch to take my mind and thoughts off the sadness and madness of it all! 

 

Take care, dear friends, take care of your dogs.  We're all here for each other!!!! 

 

 

[S.S. Cruisers]

So who would think that our internet would decide to go out on Thursday evening! 😮 We called in on Friday, went through the scenario with the robot and then "it" decided to let us talk to a person.  Went through steps with them, still no go.  They wrote it up for a technician come over on Saturday!  Fortunately they came at about 815 am.  He checks all the indoor equipment and then goes outside.  Nothing looks out of the ordinary so he has to write it up for the "outside" tech to come out.  As he is leaving, we go thru the garage and he stops in his tracks and says "wait a minute".  Whirls around and looks at the plug on the wall and it was hanging in there by a thread!  Yup the transformer "plug-in" was backed out of the outlet!  It is one of those heavy little square plug-ins.  Well I was totally embarassed for having the tech have to come out for that, but thankful that that was all it was. So all 3 of us had a lesson in the garage to check that plug in first, if the internet goes out again!   

 

Our sweet boy is still at training!  I knew he was stubborn, but......Trainer said if he does good next couple of days, he can come home!   Yay, can't wait.  I will get on my phone and post his latest picture.  

 

Hope everyone is weathering this pandemic ok.  We are sheltering in place.  Maybe just going out for a drive.  Not stopping or getting out, just getting out of the house.  Now grandson has a sore throat and cough.  Took him to urgent care because his doctor is not available this coming week.  They checked him, said he looks good, his lungs sound good.  Just go home, take the Robitussin and gargle with salt water.  I have been throwing Alka-Seltzer in there at night.  It helps him sleep, plus curbs the cough.  

 

Take care of all yours. ❤️ 

[S.S. Cruisers]

Here is a current picture of the boy,  Rocky.  

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

So who would think that our internet would decide to go out on Thursday evening! 😮 We called in on Friday, went through the scenario with the robot and then "it" decided to let us talk to a person.  Went through steps with them, still no go.  They wrote it up for a technician come over on Saturday!  Fortunately they came at about 815 am.  He checks all the indoor equipment and then goes outside.  Nothing looks out of the ordinary so he has to write it up for the "outside" tech to come out.  As he is leaving, we go thru the garage and he stops in his tracks and says "wait a minute".  Whirls around and looks at the plug on the wall and it was hanging in there by a thread!  Yup the transformer "plug-in" was backed out of the outlet!  It is one of those heavy little square plug-ins.  Well I was totally embarassed for having the tech have to come out for that, but thankful that that was all it was. So all 3 of us had a lesson in the garage to check that plug in first, if the internet goes out again!   

 

Our sweet boy is still at training!  I knew he was stubborn, but......Trainer said if he does good next couple of days, he can come home!   Yay, can't wait.  I will get on my phone and post his latest picture.  

 

Hope everyone is weathering this pandemic ok.  We are sheltering in place.  Maybe just going out for a drive.  Not stopping or getting out, just getting out of the house.  Now grandson has a sore throat and cough.  Took him to urgent care because his doctor is not available this coming week.  They checked him, said he looks good, his lungs sound good.  Just go home, take the Robitussin and gargle with salt water.  I have been throwing Alka-Seltzer in there at night.  It helps him sleep, plus curbs the cough.  

 

Take care of all yours. ❤️ 

Nancy, your boy is turning into quite a handsome dude!  I know you must really miss him and I feel sorry for him, because when you get your hands on him you're going to hug him so hard it's going to hurt.

 

I hope your grandson get well quickly.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Thank you Antie Roz. ❤️