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

[kmg365suzyq]

I know how you feel Mavis.  I self-trained Miss Tish and I have PTSD.  Sometimes in my really down times, I worry that she isn't legit.  The worst is when someone looks at her and winks at me oh, yeah, what us a service dog, ha ha.  I know it is because of her size. 

 

Well, we now have 3 cruises scheduled.  One this Nov., 1 next April, and my big 65th birthday cruise next Nov.  It gives me something to look forward to.

[S.S. Cruisers]

21 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

Happy weekend everyone! 

 

My application has been mailed for a Successor Dog.......It's either going to be a very simple process or very complicated because of all of our new circumstances.  We'll see......when I know you'll know!

 

Thank you all for being there for me, through it all!

😥 Wow how time flys.  It makes me sad and glad all at once.  I love that tall legged, dark, handsome Horty! I just can't believe that he is that old!  We have been around here a loooooonngg time! ❤️

[wizard-of-roz]

8 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

😥 Wow how time flys.  It makes me sad and glad all at once.  I love that tall legged, dark, handsome Horty! I just can't believe that he is that old!  We have been around here a loooooonngg time! ❤️

I'm so grateful that you have been around a long time.  We've seen and done a lot together.  And, I hope that we can have fun on board another cruise or two again!  

 

Soon your life will take on a whole new priority list.  You all must be getting very excited for the arrival of your first Grandbaby!

 

I pray that Horton lives many, many more healthy and happy years.  He still wants to go with me daily but he just can't do that "jump" into my car and it's really getting harder and harder for me to deal with his ramp.  I will continue to do the best I can as long as Horty is willing to walk out the door with me.

 

Who knows when CCI will be out of the "pause" state.

 

On the application they asked for a picture of Horton and me......I sent them a copy of the picture we all took on one formal night, so I hope you don't mind but you, John and Oakland are in my portfolio for a Successor Dog.

[Mavis and Me]

On 5/1/2020 at 2:56 PM, kmg365suzyq said:

I know it is because of her size. 

Oh for SURE.  The small service dogs totally get picked on (not only by the public, but by other service dog teams too!).  Half of my educational efforts are spent convincing people that a small breed like a Chihuahua can make a fantastic service dog.  Maybe not for mobility or guide work, but they are excellent at medical alert and many tasks related to PTSD!  I hear all the time silly comments like, "Oh, I can tell YOUR dog is a real service dog ... not like those little ankle biters I see in the grocery store!"  It drives me nuts!

[Caribbean Chris]

6 hours ago, Mavis and Me said:

Oh for SURE.  The small service dogs totally get picked on (not only by the public, but by other service dog teams too!).  Half of my educational efforts are spent convincing people that a small breed like a Chihuahua can make a fantastic service dog.  Maybe not for mobility or guide work, but they are excellent at medical alert and many tasks related to PTSD!  I hear all the time silly comments like, "Oh, I can tell YOUR dog is a real service dog ... not like those little ankle biters I see in the grocery store!"  It drives me nuts!

Yes, it really is unfair to the small dogs and so inaccurate. Many Hearing Dogs for Deaf or Hard of Hearing people are quite small. They are just fine at getting your attention with an alert and leading you to the source of the sound, where they sit. My dog just happens to be a big Lab, which I was provided for free, but many of us in the Deaf/HoH world have little dogs rescued from shelters and trained by very longtime, skilled nonprofits like Dogs for Better Lives (formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf).

[Caribbean Chris]

On 5/1/2020 at 4:45 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

Happy weekend everyone! 

 

My application has been mailed for a Successor Dog.......It's either going to be a very simple process or very complicated because of all of our new circumstances.  We'll see......when I know you'll know!

 

Thank you all for being there for me, through it all!

It hope CCI will be able to get back into full swing. Successor dog applications have priority over new requests, right? That’s the way Dogs for Better Lives operates, I think. I hope Mr. Horty will have a happy retirement when the day comes.

 

At 8, Raylene is graying, slowing down just a bit, but still doing her job and still able to get into the back seat of the SUV. (Although she started hesitating so I had to teach her to do it in two steps - floor/seat - instead of trying to jump up from outside onto the seat.)
 

She had a limp a few months ago whenever she got off her bed, and after an exam, with the vet’s approval, I stepped up her supplements. I give her another Cosequin tab now (3 a day), more Nupro powder, another fish oil capsule (3 a day, 1200 mg each). We also started giving her one Turmeric capsule a day. After a couple of weeks, the limp stopped completely, and no digestive issues from the additions.

 

We have a Christmas cruise booked for this December which is a big question mark...and one next spring out of Tampa, both to the Caribbean. But I wonder when we’ll actually cruise again and whether she’ll be able to go. It’s a journey, isn’t it?
 

 

Edited May 3, 2020 by Caribbean Chris

[wizard-of-roz]

9 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

It hope CCI will be able to get back into full swing. Successor dog applications have priority over new requests, right? That’s the way Dogs for Better Lives operates, I think. I hope Mr. Horty will have a happy retirement when the day comes.

 

At 8, Raylene is graying, slowing down just a bit, but still doing her job and still able to get into the back seat of the SUV. (Although she started hesitating so I had to teach her to do it in two steps - floor/seat - instead of trying to jump up from outside onto the seat.)
 

She had a limp a few months ago whenever she got off her bed, and after an exam, with the vet’s approval, I stepped up her supplements. I give her another Cosequin tab now (3 a day), more Nupro powder, another fish oil capsule (3 a day, 1200 mg each). We also started giving her one Turmeric capsule a day. After a couple of weeks, the limp stopped completely, and no digestive issues from the additions.

 

We have a Christmas cruise booked for this December which is a big question mark...and one next spring out of Tampa, both to the Caribbean. But I wonder when we’ll actually cruise again and whether she’ll be able to go. It’s a journey, isn’t it?
 

 

Yes, Successor Dogs go to the top of the waiting list but with the "pause" that they've been forced to take, I'm sure they're re-thinking all of their processes now.  And, although I'm well aware of Horton's age and his need for more rest than normal, I want him to continue to walk and travel with me as long he doesn't appear to be in any pain, for as long as he can.

 

Horton is also on all the supplements that Raylene is.  For an 11 year old he looks so good and does really well.    I tried to get him to go onto the floor first in my car and then step up on the seat, it didn't go well and I didn't want to push it too much, I didn't want to take the risk of making him shy of going into my car at all!  He such a great traveler.

 

I'm so ready to book another cruise but there's nothing much leaving out of L.A. that entices me to spend thousands of dollars.  I'm so curious what changes they will make and still keep our cruising experience special.

 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

10 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Yes, it really is unfair to the small dogs and so inaccurate. Many Hearing Dogs for Deaf or Hard of Hearing people are quite small. They are just fine at getting your attention with an alert and leading you to the source of the sound, where they sit. My dog just happens to be a big Lab, which I was provided for free, but many of us in the Deaf/HoH world have little dogs rescued from shelters and trained by very longtime, skilled nonprofits like Dogs for Better Lives (formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf).

When I first interviewed at CCI in 2000 they had Corgi's as Hearing Dogs and we were given a demonstration of how these little geniuses do their jobs.  It was amazing to watch this little dog push open doors and alert his handler to sounds in his environment.

 

CCI stopped raising and training Corgi's because most men did not want this adorable little dog, they wanted a "big manly looking dog!"  

[Caribbean Chris]

1 hour ago, wizard-of-roz said:

When I first interviewed at CCI in 2000 they had Corgi's as Hearing Dogs and we were given a demonstration of how these little geniuses do their jobs.  It was amazing to watch this little dog push open doors and alert his handler to sounds in his environment.

 

CCI stopped raising and training Corgi's because most men did not want this adorable little dog, they wanted a "big manly looking dog!"  

That’s so interesting about the Corgis! Never heard about that. I Love Corgis.

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, Caribbean Chris said:

That’s so interesting about the Corgis! Never heard about that. I Love Corgis.

My daughter has one named "Daisy", she's quite a little character.  She can't do the stairs in her home without rubbing her belly on the edges.   She manages to bounce on each step to keep herself from getting a rash.  She's young, it's going to be interesting to see her do the stairs when she's a little old woman [the dog, not my daughter!] 🤭

[wizard-of-roz]

So much going on: 

 

First:  I've been doing video's of Horton for Re-Certification purposes and will have an "in-person" interview with a Graduate trainer next week via phone.  I've been showing some of what Horton does for me, his ability to be re-called, his body structure and, of course, his trimmed nails.  CCI will then give re-certs for one year, and then we'll see how things open up.

 

There will be a Town Hall Meeting next week via the internet for Graduate Teams to learn what CCI is doing, at this time, and how Breeding, Training, Team Training and Graduations are being handled now and in the future.  My questions about a Successor Dog will be answered then.

 

Second:  I re-booked my cruise to Alaska onboard the Sun Princess for July 3, 2021.  The Sun is an older ship and it's very small.  Not my favorite.  It's going to be very interesting to see how the lines, elevators, lounges, dining rooms and theaters will be dealt with onboard a cruise.

 

It just feels so good to have a cruise booked.

 

Happy weekend everyone.   💕 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 💕

 

 

[S.S. Cruisers]

Good mornin all.  Jezzy Lou has been having some rear end problems.  I am taking her to a specialist on Tuesday.  It's an hour from home but would rather take her there than the Vet here every 2 weeks to have her glands expressed.  

I hope everyone has a nice mothers day!  😻💖🌺🐾

[Caribbean Chris]

Happy Mothers Day to Roz and all the other mothers on this thread! 

[wizard-of-roz]

16 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Good mornin all.  Jezzy Lou has been having some rear end problems.  I am taking her to a specialist on Tuesday.  It's an hour from home but would rather take her there than the Vet here every 2 weeks to have her glands expressed.  

I hope everyone has a nice mothers day!  😻💖🌺🐾

Wishing you well Jezzy Lou.  I'm sending you lots and lots of love and good wishes sweet little girl!

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Happy Mothers Day to Roz and all the other mothers on this thread! 

Thank you so much Chris.  I hope your day is filled with lots of love! 🌺  

 

My children have been sending me toilet paper, paper towels, noodles, tuna, chocolate chip cookies, tangerines and lotion.  It's been so much fun to open the boxes and see what they sent their dear old Mom.

 

People must be making lots of tuna casseroles these days! 😃

[wizard-of-roz]

On 5/2/2020 at 7:46 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

I'm so grateful that you have been around a long time.  We've seen and done a lot together.  And, I hope that we can have fun on board another cruise or two again!  

 

Soon your life will take on a whole new priority list.  You all must be getting very excited for the arrival of your first Grandbaby!

 

I pray that Horton lives many, many more healthy and happy years.  He still wants to go with me daily but he just can't do that "jump" into my car and it's really getting harder and harder for me to deal with his ramp.  I will continue to do the best I can as long as Horty is willing to walk out the door with me.

 

Who knows when CCI will be out of the "pause" state.

 

On the application they asked for a picture of Horton and me......I sent them a copy of the picture we all took on one formal night, so I hope you don't mind but you, John and Oakland are in my portfolio for a Successor Dog.

Nancy, I sent this to you when I should have sent it to Cindy.........I'm sure you knew what I did.......You're so nice, you never said anything!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Just now, wizard-of-roz said:

Nancy, I sent this to you when I should have sent it to Cindy.........I'm sure you knew what I did.......You're so nice, you never said anything!!!!!

How's Jezzy Lou doing?

[wizard-of-roz]

Cindy, did you see my message to Nancy?  It was meant for you.

 

It's tough getting older and social distancing doesn't help either!!!!!!!  🤪

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, is anybody else booked in 2021 on a cruise?  I bit the bullet and booked my cruise to Alaska on board the Sun Princess, July 3, 2021.

 

I'm hoping that Horty will be able to cruise with me......we'll see how the waiting process goes with CCI.  Horton will be 12 years old on that cruise.

Edited May 11, 2020 by wizard-of-roz

[kmg365suzyq]

I have 1 booked for this November, fingers crossed.  I have another one for next April and then my big 65th birthday one for next November.  All in the Caribbean.  I don't like to fly so I just drive to the port.

[Wendsong]

 

12 minutes ago, wizard-of-roz said:

Well, is anybody else booked in 2021 on a cruise? 

Hello, Yes, I am booked on the May 2021 Island Princess Panama Canal cruise from LA (San Pedro) to Ft. Lauderdale. I hope it will be better than leaving from Florida and coming back, which was the way I was booked this year. I live in LA, so we should be able to board here and then fly back the same day we disembark with no hotel stay over in Florida. Also, the dog food should be depleted, so less luggage to cart around. If I'm lucky, I can get a flight straight into Burbank and take Uber from there. I feel a little trepidation and worry somewhat about the return of COVID-19 next spring. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Miki_moto]

I’m booked for a Panama Canal cruise (Southampton to San Francisco) in early January but I think we’re going to change it to the same cruise in 2022.

 

Our Vancouver/Vancouver to Alaska in June was cancelled and I’m hesitant to rebook for 2021.

[wizard-of-roz]

59 minutes ago, kmg365suzyq said:

I have 1 booked for this November, fingers crossed.  I have another one for next April and then my big 65th birthday one for next November.  All in the Caribbean.  I don't like to fly so I just drive to the port.

Wow!  You really are booked.  I totally understand the no fly thing.  I love when cruises leave out of L.A. and return to L.A.  Definitely not easy to find because the cruise lines- do not have a lot to offer out of L.A.  So, when they do we all jump on board and they book-up very quickly.

[wizard-of-roz]

46 minutes ago, Miki_moto said:

I’m booked for a Panama Canal cruise (Southampton to San Francisco) in early January but I think we’re going to change it to the same cruise in 2022.

 

Our Vancouver/Vancouver to Alaska in June was cancelled and I’m hesitant to rebook for 2021.

I love cruising the Canal.  I especially liked doing it L.A./L.A. [very rare!]

 

I hope that you get to do your Vancouver cruise.  We don't get to see Vancouver or Victoria on our Alaska cruise in July, 2021.  I was looking forward to returning to Vancouver but it looks like I'm going to have to be happy with Prince Rupert.

[Miki_moto]

18 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

I love cruising the Canal.  I especially liked doing it L.A./L.A. [very rare!]

 

I hope that you get to do your Vancouver cruise.  We don't get to see Vancouver or Victoria on our Alaska cruise in July, 2021.  I was looking forward to returning to Vancouver but it looks like I'm going to have to be happy with Prince Rupert.

I lived in Vancouver for years (mostly Yaletown in an amazing warehouse conversion that I still miss!) and now we’re on Vancouver Island.  Both places are very visit worthy!

 

We’re looking into the June 2021 Vancouver/Vancouver cruise.  They do cruises from Victoria - which would eliminate a ferry ride - but only starting in July.  I’d rather be ahead of the summer school closures even though Cunard isn’t usually the first choice for people with children!