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

[kmg365suzyq]

I still have a cruise booked on Princess for November out of Ft. Lauderdale.  Like you, I really need a vacation now.  Payment is due next month, so I guess I will know then if we are going.  If not, I may try Crystal.  They are running a special for single cruisers.  Just really need to get away.

[Caribbean Chris]

2 minutes ago, Algebralovr said:

  I'm hoping we'll get told next week that Lift and Shift is being extended.  I really don't want to decide just yet.  Final payment is Sept 24, and I don't want to pay if we aren't going, but want to delay making a decision until then.  

 

I think it’s possible they’ll extend Lift & Shift.
 

If our HAL Christmas cruise hadn’t cancelled, I’d be doing the same thing, holding off until final payment before making a decision. 

[wizard-of-roz]

4 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

 

Mila starts her public access class next weekend. For 5 weeks we will be meeting at different places that are not pet friendly, so we can learn how to handle being places with our service dogs. I have severe anxiety and I think this class will help me more than Mila! They are going to teach us how to handle different situations with people (like rude comments, people afraid of dogs). That being said, it's very helpful for me to hear how other people with service dogs handle situations like the one you were in at Target. Thank you for always sharing your experiences! 

It can be very daunting to come face-to-face with folks who are deathly afraid of dogs.  You have to reach deep within yourself; stay calm, and assertive and remember you are your dogs leader and the public is expecting your reaction to be absolutely "spot-on!"  You might be shaking and even a bit scared yourself.........but, no one has to see or know this but you!  Reassure your dog that he's doing a "good job" as he sits and watches the fearful folks walk on by.  

 

You can have your own personal "break-down" when you get to your car or home.

[Mabbiez]

21 hours ago, Algebralovr said:

@Mabbiez it will go well!    

My experience has been the difficulty with the public where I live - because I live in a rural area that is, as the city planner put it, "Dog Country".  Everyone wants to be friends with my dog.  Especially all the kids.

 

These days, Scooter gets less interaction since I'm working from home.   I have to make an effort to get him out in public at some point.   He has also been very energetic and playful, which is great in a pet, but not so great in a SD.  So, more doodling and remediation training.  

Luckily, I own my dog, so I don't have to worry about an org saying I didn't keep him on task. 🙂

Mila still has a lot of puppy in her, and she loves EVERYONE! She's usually pretty good if she's on her leash but sometimes she will see someone that she so badly wants to play with, she ends up wiggling around all excited. I also own her though so no one is taking her from me! I also just found out the first public access class on Saturday is meeting at a mall. I'm excited to get these experiences with her! 

[Mabbiez]

19 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

It can be very daunting to come face-to-face with folks who are deathly afraid of dogs.  You have to reach deep within yourself; stay calm, and assertive and remember you are your dogs leader and the public is expecting your reaction to be absolutely "spot-on!"  You might be shaking and even a bit scared yourself.........but, no one has to see or know this but you!  Reassure your dog that he's doing a "good job" as he sits and watches the fearful folks walk on by.  

 

You can have your own personal "break-down" when you get to your car or home.

 

So far I have only had two people scared. I work at a hospital lab and I've brought her in a couple of times (just in the hallway, I think the actual lab would be dangerous for her). One coworker is very scared of dogs but I didn't push my coworker, and we just stayed far from each other. Another time we were outside of the hospital and a worker asked if she bites. I assured her that she doesn't but also said I will make sure she doesn't go too close to her. She seemed okay with that and walked by us. I just hope I can handle these situations in public. 

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

 

So far I have only had two people scared. I work at a hospital lab and I've brought her in a couple of times (just in the hallway, I think the actual lab would be dangerous for her). One coworker is very scared of dogs but I didn't push my coworker, and we just stayed far from each other. Another time we were outside of the hospital and a worker asked if she bites. I assured her that she doesn't but also said I will make sure she doesn't go too close to her. She seemed okay with that and walked by us. I just hope I can handle these situations in public. 

I know exactly what it feels like to have co-workers who are either afraid of dogs or say they are very allergic. I used to work with two gals who wouldn't sit next to me at staff meetings and wouldn't go into the staff lounge if Horton was there.  They actually asked me if I could keep him in his crate during meetings and times that I may want to go into the lounge.  I tried to be as accommodating as I could be when it came to them, but, I didn't have to be.  I had worked with my company for over 21 years and had my dogs with me for more than 15 of those years.  I knew me and my CCI dog weren't going anywhere and I actually would make bets with my family and friends for how long these complainers would last!  I outlasted them all!!!!!!!

 

I've learned to grow a "thick skin" when it comes to whiners and complainers about my dog no matter where I am in life, whether I'm shopping and eating out locally or I'm traveling, there will always be people who either don't understand the working dog or simply don't like you and your dog in their space!!!!! 

 

Remember; you and your dog have as much right as they do and unless your fellow workers and the general public are coming to work or living life in general with their heads shaven and are naked, they're carrying in as much dander as you and your dog are, especially if they live with a cat/dog, or any fur-bearing animal at home. 

 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

Mila still has a lot of puppy in her, and she loves EVERYONE! She's usually pretty good if she's on her leash but sometimes she will see someone that she so badly wants to play with, she ends up wiggling around all excited. I also own her though so no one is taking her from me! I also just found out the first public access class on Saturday is meeting at a mall. I'm excited to get these experiences with her! 

Good luck at the mall.  I'm sure you will do very well.

 

Horton is easy to distract from the public, I just need to use a one word command to bring him back to my attention.  Brenda was not so easy.  I had to walk her in circles when other dogs or people came walking towards her.  I would always have pieces of kibble in my pocket to re-direct her eyes and distract her thinking. 

 

My friend keeps pieces of hot dogs [really high value treat] in her pocket to keep her dog focused on her.

[kmg365suzyq]

I have a question.  I contacted Crystal Cruises regarding their policy for a Service Dog.  They sent me the information and I am not sure about one of them.  If my dog is self-trained, what type of certification can I show them?  I've never been asked to provide "certification" before.  I just emailed them the task that she is trained to do.  Also, I have never had to have my doctor provide a statement.  The rest of the items I understand.  Any ideas?  Thank you.

• A statement from the guest’s doctor explaining what specific task the dog has been trained to perform in order to assist the guest with their disability
• Dog breed and photo
• Certification of Service Dog
• In order to take their Service Animal ashore at the various ports of call (and off the ship), guests will need to provide proof that they have made arrangements to be able to obtain whatever clearances are needed, if any, prior to your departure. A copy of these permits must be carried on the ship, and a copy left with Onboard Guest Services prior to boarding the ship

[kmg365suzyq]

They just told me I can get my "certification" online.  I guess they mean one of those sites you can send money to and they  send you a certificate.

[Mabbiez]

If my next cruise in April2021 happens we will be flying into Orlando and staying a couple of nights. I decided I want to go to Disney Springs since Disney World will be a little out of the budget right before going on a transatlantic cruise. Anyway it got me to thinking...I wanted to see service dogs at Disney.

 

I suggest to everyone, Google "Service dogs at Disney" and click on images! I was pleasantly surprised at how good the pictures were!

[wizard-of-roz]

4 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

If my next cruise in April2021 happens we will be flying into Orlando and staying a couple of nights. I decided I want to go to Disney Springs since Disney World will be a little out of the budget right before going on a transatlantic cruise. Anyway it got me to thinking...I wanted to see service dogs at Disney.

 

I suggest to everyone, Google "Service dogs at Disney" and click on images! I was pleasantly surprised at how good the pictures were!

I can't wait to log in and watch the Service Dogs at Disney.  Thanks for sharing this.

[wizard-of-roz]

None of the requests made by Crystal are terribly out of the norm.  I wish that all cruise lines would make it more difficult for those who can't leave home without their PETS by their side and literally make their whining, nippy, barking little stowaways miserable, along with the rest of us, for the entire cruise.

• Letter from your doctor is easy enough.  Your doctor will just need to let the cruise line know what your dog does to mitigate your disability.  No one has the right to ask, "what is wrong with you!"  Just, what does your dog do for you?
• A picture of the two of you makes good sense so that they can recognize you and your dog.  Take one with your camera and print it out, keep it with your paperwork.
• There is no such thing as a "Certification".  Some orgs. like CCI gives each handler a card with a picture on it of the handler and the dog, with an expiration date [usually 3 years] for the dog to be re-certified before the date ends.  I, personally, like having the I.D. Card, some people object to it because it makes it more difficult for those who don't have such an I.D. Card from their training org., or for those who self-train.  You do NOT have to have any excuses for not having such a card, and, if they insist, you simply need to let them know that it is not necessary to have.  The ADA does not require that a dog handler have such a card, at least not yet!!!!!
• Your paperwork to board the ship will have the necessary authorizations from the various port authorities that are needed.  Some ports like Hawaii need lots of paperwork and even some blood titers to be done.  Your Vet will let you know what is needed or you may ask the Special Needs Dept. of your Cruise Line, who will have the necessary answers for you to board and go into each port of call safely with your Service Dog.

[kmg365suzyq]

thank you.  It was mainly the certification.  They told me I could get it online.  Which, of course, doesn't mean anything

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, Horton had his Internal Medicine "Second Opinion" visit today.

 

Doctors words:  "Take Horton OFF all meds.  He's looking and sounding as well as could be expected from an 11 year old dog".

 

The Vet feels that Horton was subjected to some sort of infection that effected his internal organs and mirrored Cushings Disease.  The rapid response with IV antibiotics and Vitamin injections were a life saving decision that made all the difference in his immuno response.  Thank you, Mobile Vet.

 

Hallelujah!  All I can say is THANK YOU for all your prayers and good wishes. If Horton is still doing well in two weeks......we're in the clear.......The doctor wants him to stay on the "old man diet" that I put him on with some added multi-vitamins to help him thrive-on.  

[allies_daphne]

4 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

If my next cruise in April2021 happens we will be flying into Orlando and staying a couple of nights. I decided I want to go to Disney Springs since Disney World will be a little out of the budget right before going on a transatlantic cruise. Anyway it got me to thinking...I wanted to see service dogs at Disney.

 

I suggest to everyone, Google "Service dogs at Disney" and click on images! I was pleasantly surprised at how good the pictures were!

We are annual Passholders at Disney and go all the time.  Like anywhere, we have seen well trained dogs there, and not so well trained.  We love Disney Springs, and there are lots of places to cool off there.  We also love cruising on DCL. Did the EBPC Cruise last November for 14 nights and it was fabulous!  

Edited July 22, 2020 by allies_daphne

[Mavis and Me]

16 hours ago, kmg365suzyq said:

Certification of Service Dog

I ran into this with the Bahamas too.  I sent in paperwork without the certification explaining that there wasn't such a thing here, and they sent it back as incomplete.  !?!  After talking with them on the phone and making no headway (they told me that they had received certification in the past from service dog handlers from the US, which I suspect was from program dog handlers), I gave in.  I had a card made with my dog's picture saying she was a service dog, her breed, her name, and my name.  I sent a photocopy of that along with the same paperwork as before and it went through just fine.  If you are paying for each fax/postage, I recommend making up something that looks official so you don't waste your time and money like I did!  It's not worth arguing with a foreign country because they don't care about our ADA laws.

[kmg365suzyq]

Thank you.  That is what I am going to do.  

 

On another note, Princess just canceled our November cruise.  🙁

[Caribbean Chris]

19 hours ago, kmg365suzyq said:

I have a question.  I contacted Crystal Cruises regarding their policy for a Service Dog.  They sent me the information and I am not sure about one of them.  If my dog is self-trained, what type of certification can I show them?  I've never been asked to provide "certification" before.  I just emailed them the task that she is trained to do.  Also, I have never had to have my doctor provide a statement.  The rest of the items I understand.  Any ideas?  Thank you.

• A statement from the guest’s doctor explaining what specific task the dog has been trained to perform in order to assist the guest with their disability
• Dog breed and photo
• Certification of Service Dog
• In order to take their Service Animal ashore at the various ports of call (and off the ship), guests will need to provide proof that they have made arrangements to be able to obtain whatever clearances are needed, if any, prior to your departure. A copy of these permits must be carried on the ship, and a copy left with Onboard Guest Services prior to boarding the ship

Is this particular Crystal Cruises itinerary originating or ending in US waters, calling at any US ports? If so they must comply with ADA regulations. If it is a cruise far away from US ports, all bets are off and they can refuse service dogs entirely from those sailings if they choose to. Some cruise lines fall into that category.
 

I find these requirements to be contrary to the ADA, including this “statement from the guest’s doctor.” Would the cruise line ask a person requiring a wheelchair to provide a photo of themselves in their chair and medical documentation to justify their need for assistive equipment? My general physician is slightly busy these days, but regardless, she has had no involvement in my dog’s training and performance of tasks, so asking her to write a letter “explaining” what the dog does is like telling her to write a letter explaining the function of my cochlear implant processor and what it does to assist with my deafness. Not in her wheelhouse.

 

And for their representative to advise someone to buy a certificate online Is offensive and insulting to people with disabilities who are partnered with dogs extensively trained to perform tasks to assist with the disability.
 

There is no such thing as certification in the US, although Assistance Dogs International sets high standards nonprofit training organizations use in order to be accredited, and sets standards for their trainers to follow and use in testing their dogs in order to be sure the dog teams are suited for public access. And such organizations do provide an ID card and/or letter.

 

i understand requesting the breed of the dog. Many countries do not permit certain breeds to enter, and the list is long. And obviously, anyone planning to export an animal from the US, Canada, or anywhere else to be imported into other countries has to obtain necessary documentation. 

 

 

[kmg365suzyq]

Thank you for your reply.  That is how I felt also.  The cruise starts and ends in Miami and goes to Mexico, Belize and Key West.  Maybe they do this so those of us with service dogs won't go on their ships.  Right now I think I will stick with Royal Caribbean and Princess.

 

I appreciate everyone's replies.  Thank you.

[puppycanducruise]

16 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

Well, Horton had his Internal Medicine "Second Opinion" visit today.

 

Doctors words:  "Take Horton OFF all meds.  He's looking and sounding as well as could be expected from an 11 year old dog".

 

The Vet feels that Horton was subjected to some sort of infection that effected his internal organs and mirrored Cushings Disease.  The rapid response with IV antibiotics and Vitamin injections were a life saving decision that made all the difference in his immuno response.  Thank you, Mobile Vet.

 

Hallelujah!  All I can say is THANK YOU for all your prayers and good wishes. If Horton is still doing well in two weeks......we're in the clear.......The doctor wants him to stay on the "old man diet" that I put him on with some added multi-vitamins to help him thrive-on.  

Thanks for the update.

Still sending prayers that Horton continues to do well.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Yay, Horty and Roz.  So glad our BIG boy dog is doing well.  Finger, toes, Claws and Paws crossed that in 2 weeks he is doing fabulous!  ❤️ 

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy, Healthy Weekend Everyone. ❣️ 

 

Saw the most adorable little girl in Target today with the cutest "Hello Kitty" mask on.  What a brave little girl, maybe 3 years old, to keep her mask in place while she was looking at the "stuff" on the shelves.  

 

Welcome to our new normal!

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy Weekend Everyone.

 

Horton is doing very well.  He's now on Senior Vitamins and Probiotics [both put in his food, twice a day.]  He greets me everyday with a Horton smile and I love it!!!!  I can only hope that he continues to improve and live out his golden years pain free and happy.

 

Thank you all for your support and good wishes.  I so appreciate your wonderful and kind words!

[S.S. Cruisers]

Good to hear Horty greets his Momma with smiles.  I just love the sound of those big thumper tails hitting on something! Thump, thump thump and smiles to go along with it.  💖

 

it has been crazy around here, as usual.  Trying to get Travis all set up to "go" to school on line.  At least they got all the teachers on one page on how they were going to do it.  Some like Google classroom others like a different format.  I believe they are going to give assignments on Monday, for the week.  Then the kids can do it all at once or one lesson a day.  Then turn it in at the end of the week.  At least one of his teachers wants lessons on Monday, Tuesday turn homework in on Wednesday.  Then lessons on Wednesday, Thursday turn it in Friday.  Sounds like a better plan than procrastinating the whole week then having 5 days of lessons due.  We shall see.

 

Ms. Jezz y Lou goes in for her surgery Tuesday.  Took her to another Vet for second opinion.  I !liked her.  Very positive about the surgery.  She has done a lot of them. Used laser technology even though she has to still go inside.  Has a technic that seems reasonable for being as precise as possible.  So going with it instead of taking her to the Vet every 2 weeks for the rest of her life and traumatizing her.  

 

Hope everyone is settled down into the " new" normal.  We are still all hunkered down.  We have over 900 positive cases of Covid.  Seems really high for our small town. We are now required to wear masks when out and about.  I only go out when necessary and always wore my mask anyway.  Still disinfecting when I get home.  

 

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. 😻

 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

6 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Good to hear Horty greets his Momma with smiles.  I just love the sound of those big thumper tails hitting on something! Thump, thump thump and smiles to go along with it.  💖

 

it has been crazy around here, as usual.  Trying to get Travis all set up to "go" to school on line.  At least they got all the teachers on one page on how they were going to do it.  Some like Google classroom others like a different format.  I believe they are going to give assignments on Monday, for the week.  Then the kids can do it all at once or one lesson a day.  Then turn it in at the end of the week.  At least one of his teachers wants lessons on Monday, Tuesday turn homework in on Wednesday.  Then lessons on Wednesday, Thursday turn it in Friday.  Sounds like a better plan than procrastinating the whole week then having 5 days of lessons due.  We shall see.

 

Ms. Jezz y Lou goes in for her surgery Tuesday.  Took her to another Vet for second opinion.  I !liked her.  Very positive about the surgery.  She has done a lot of them. Used laser technology even though she has to still go inside.  Has a technic that seems reasonable for being as precise as possible.  So going with it instead of taking her to the Vet every 2 weeks for the rest of her life and traumatizing her.  

 

Hope everyone is settled down into the " new" normal.  We are still all hunkered down.  We have over 900 positive cases of Covid.  Seems really high for our small town. We are now required to wear masks when out and about.  I only go out when necessary and always wore my mask anyway.  Still disinfecting when I get home.  

 

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. 😻

 

 

Good wishes to Jezzy Lou and an easy and quick recovery ❣️

 

I can't believe what school has turned into.  It all sounds so darn complicated.  I loved the time when the kids were out of the house and I could really get stuff done.  I know they loved the time away from me and with their friends too.  I feel so badly for the changes in their world right now.

 

Who knows what problems this will create in their world later on!