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

[fairbourne]

DKD - that's fantastic news, well done Sutter! I'm so impressed that CCI "allows" and indeed sets up for the puppy raisers to meet the new family/person as otherwise you'd be left wondering where the dog went. I imagine Sutter was so excited to see you all again. What a difference he's going to make to young Jack's life.

 

Hey AUNTY ROZ - it's ME! I've just caught up with the all the latest news around here - we've been getting stuff done around the house and the dogs have been busy supervising and I've been busy supervising them! Dogs and the workmen! The dogs like sharing the work men's lunch boxes! By the time they're gone for the day and we've had walks, supper etc., it's bed time! We've been quite worn out! Need a cruise! LOL!

 

Welcome to Henry and Trooper - always good to have new folk join us.

 

Dianne - I cannot believe it is two years since Henri arrived - my goodness I remember the anticipation of us all waiting for you to be matched with a dog.

 

Well talking about two years - Miss Bonnie is two years old today! We are having a small tea party this afternoon with tea and cakes for the humans and a special birthday (edible!) treat for the doggies. Bonnie's doggy friend Mirren is coming for tea!

 

Happy Wednesday to everyone - when I can work out how to post photos (now that photobucket have gone a bit silly, I will.) I know how to do thumbnails but any suggestions how to post larger photos?

[HenryKisor]

DfD brings the dogs to you. Two trainers brought Trooper from Oregon to my home in Evanston, Ill., and stayed five days training me as well as acclimating the dog to life in my house. The trainers stayed in a nearby hotel at DfD's expense. Trooper has worked out very well. He's not absolutely 100 percent perfect as some service dogs seem to be, but his terrierist idiosyncrasies are not at all problems for me. His small size is definitely a plus, especially while traveling. There's more room for him, and carrying his provender even for two weeks afloat is no problem at all. I was happy to turn back the good faith deposit at the end of the year.

[DisneyKidsDad]

DfD brings the dogs to you. Two trainers brought Trooper from Oregon to my home in Evanston, Ill., and stayed five days training me as well as acclimating the dog to life in my house. The trainers stayed in a nearby hotel at DfD's expense. Trooper has worked out very well. He's not absolutely 100 percent perfect as some service dogs seem to be, but his terrierist idiosyncrasies are not at all problems for me. His small size is definitely a plus, especially while traveling. There's more room for him, and carrying his provender even for two weeks afloat is no problem at all. I was happy to turn back the good faith deposit at the end of the year.

That sounds like a great way to get the training you need with the dog.

[Essiesmom]

"Happy Wednesday to everyone - when I can work out how to post photos (now that photobucket have gone a bit silly, I will.) I know how to do thumbnails but any suggestions how to post larger photos?"

 

 

I too, am a refugee from Photobucket. But I also had a pre-existing account with Shutterfly. My primary storage had been in the Kodak Gallery, and when they shut down, they transferred everything there to Shutterfly. But I never could figure out how to post from there, but a member of CC mentioned how, and it is super easy. You upload your pictures to you Shutterfly account, which is free, click on the picture to get it full size, then right click and click on 'copy image'. No copying url... Then you just paste in your post, and you get an even larger picture than it was with photobucket.

 

 

Although not a service animal, this is our 17# basket case, Harry, wondering why I am taking his picture and not petting him.

 

 

 

 

He has his own problems, and probably would benefit from his own emotional support partner when it storms...But there probably wouldn't be room for both in the closet. EM

[HenryKisor]

I'm planning on a two-week HAL cruise through the Panama Canal next March. We won't be getting off ship at Half Moon Cay or Cartagena. Anyone taken their dog ashore in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico? Are feral dogs a problem in ports? I carry pepper spray on our walks in our Chicago suburb but don't know if that would be OK in those countries.

[DUTRAVEL]

Well talking about two years - Miss Bonnie is two years old today! We are having a small tea party this afternoon with tea and cakes for the humans and a special birthday (edible!) treat for the doggies. Bonnie's doggy friend Mirren is coming for tea!

 

Happy Wednesday to everyone - when I can work out how to post photos (now that photobucket have gone a bit silly, I will.) I know how to do thumbnails but any suggestions how to post larger photos?

 

Happy Birthday to dear Ms Bonnie!!

 

As for the photos, I have switched to Shutterfly to post photos. Its basically the same procedure as photobucket and they are still free to post on third party sites.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

"

 

 

He has his own problems, and probably would benefit from his own emotional support partner when it storms...But there probably wouldn't be room for both in the closet. EM

 

Harry is the identical twin to my cat Chester (who is a bit of a grump and my 65lb service dog is afraid of him).

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

I'm planning on a two-week HAL cruise through the Panama Canal next March. We won't be getting off ship at Half Moon Cay or Cartagena. Anyone taken their dog ashore in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico? Are feral dogs a problem in ports? I carry pepper spray on our walks in our Chicago suburb but don't know if that would be OK in those countries.

 

Yes, I took my service dog off the ship in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. We did not run into any stray dogs, but I know that others have had issues in Mexico. All of those countries have their own health form with specific requirements for bringing your dog into the country.

 

Dianne

[rpclmc]

We have a nonprofit service dog foundation here in Meridian, Idaho; Genesis Service Dogs. The have volunteer puppy raisers. Once raised and trained for a specific person, they go to their person for free. There is an application (I don't know if there is a fee with the application) and a 3 year waiting list. But all the training is done before they are handed over.

 

I got Halo because the lady, who is now our trainer, did not have any puppy raisers. He was a rescue but perfect for mobility, great Dane/lab. So, essentially I was the puppy raiser and I pay her a small training fee.

 

Although she didn't charge me for him and her training fee is ridiculously low, I try to donate to her foundation as much as I can. She is amazing.

 

Linda and Halo

[HenryKisor]

Thanks, Dianne, for your response. Form 7001, here we come . . .

[rangeley]

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

[Caribbean Chris]

That sounds like a great way to get the training you need with the dog.

 

Yes, as Henry said, Dogs for the Deaf brings the trainer and dog they've selected to your home. A very exciting morning!

Some advantages - the dog is in his new permanent setting, so there is hands-on, real-world training for sounds like the actual doorbell, microwave beep, etc. for which the dog must alert you as his new partner. The trainer teaches you how to reinforce the training with practice and rewards, and helps establish a daily schedule for that.

The trainer accompanies you to the dog's new vet, goes with you to Petsmart to buy appropriate things needed, sees how you're handling the dog in your actual settings like grocery stores or neighborhood restaurants, shows you grooming and toothbrushing procedures, watches you prepare the dog's food and so on. The trainer gets a chance to see your strengths and weaknesses and can adjust accordingly. It's an intense, exhausting week for everyone, but the trainers know how to pace the activities.

The downside is you miss the cameraderie of meeting other new dog handlers at a campus and there's no graduation, which I think would be rewarding for all.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Is Roz on another cruise??

[shamr0ck]

Ahhh!

 

I graduated yesterday, and we are leaving for our celebratory cruise Sunday. Got Hunter in to the vet for his health certificate, and sent the paperwork to NCL. They wrote back that he was cleared to board, and that I need to "Hand carry copies of the vaccination and assistance dog document as well as your doctor's notes". Do they actually need my doctor's recommendation for a service dog? Or are they only referring to the veterinary paperwork? I thought previously they said I would only need the health cert and shot records. I don't want to get up to Vancouver and find out i'm missing something I need. :(

 

Val, with Hunter

[HenryKisor]

You do not NEED anything more than proof of rabies immunization to enter Canada with a pet, let alone a service dog, but it is always a good idea to have the APHIS Form 7001 (international dog health certificate) signed by your vet . . . just in case some shirty jack-in-office in Customs/Immigration wants to be difficult. The chances are nobody in Vancouver or the U.S. will even glance your way. But it's best to be prepared.

 

Requesting "assistance dog documents" is illegal in the U.S. but sometimes is legal in Canada—depends on the province and venue. You won't see that in British Columbia. I had to prove that Trooper was a bona fide service dog in order to get a fare break for a sleeper room on VIA Rail's The Canadian for our trip next November from Toronto to Vancouver. Air Canada did not ask for proof for a ticket from Chicago to Montreal but we had to call the airline's medical department and answer a few questions in order to get an extra roomy coach seat for the standard fare.

 

Service dog laws in Canada are administered by the provinces, not the central government. This is slowly changing as Parliament in Ottawa takes up the issue of a national service dog law.

[shamr0ck]

You do not NEED anything more than proof of rabies immunization to enter Canada with a pet, let alone a service dog, but it is always a good idea to have the APHIS Form 7001 (international dog health certificate) signed by your vet . . . just in case some shirty jack-in-office in Customs/Immigration wants to be difficult. The chances are nobody in Vancouver or the U.S. will even glance your way. But it's best to be prepared.

 

Requesting "assistance dog documents" is illegal in the U.S. but sometimes is legal in Canada—depends on the province and venue. You won't see that in British Columbia. I had to prove that Trooper was a bona fide service dog in order to get a fare break for a sleeper room on VIA Rail's The Canadian for our trip next November from Toronto to Vancouver. Air Canada did not ask for proof for a ticket from Chicago to Montreal but we had to call the airline's medical department and answer a few questions in order to get an extra roomy coach seat for the standard fare.

 

Service dog laws in Canada are administered by the provinces, not the central government. This is slowly changing as Parliament in Ottawa takes up the issue of a national service dog law.

 

Thank you! My contact at the access desk did get back to me and said all I need is the USDA form (the ship requires form 7001, even though Canada does not) and the shot records. So we are good to go. He did say that having the relief box moved to our balcony would be determined by the ship's crew, they would not set that up ahead of time. So we will need to request it from our contact once we are on board.

 

Thank you to everyone here for posting your stories and advice. It has lessened my anxiety about this first time experience quite a lot. I hope Hunter enjoys cruising as much as I do. :D

 

Val, with Hunter

[fairbourne]

Is Roz on another cruise??

 

Now you know what happened last time you asked that!!! ;p:')

[fairbourne]

Thank you! My contact at the access desk did get back to me and said all I need is the USDA form (the ship requires form 7001, even though Canada does not) and the shot records. So we are good to go. He did say that having the relief box moved to our balcony would be determined by the ship's crew, they would not set that up ahead of time. So we will need to request it from our contact once we are on board.

 

Thank you to everyone here for posting your stories and advice. It has lessened my anxiety about this first time experience quite a lot. I hope Hunter enjoys cruising as much as I do. :D

 

Val, with Hunter

 

Val and Hunter - have a wonderful time on your cruise! Bon Voyage! :D

[wizard-of-roz]

Here is the best way to show while it's hard to turn in a puppy that you have raised for 16 to 18 months, this is the reward. And it's also why you raise another puppy. This was the graduation ceremony.

 

This certainly says it all........So beautiful.....gives me the goosies!!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

DKD - that's fantastic news, well done Sutter! I'm so impressed that CCI "allows" and indeed sets up for the puppy raisers to meet the new family/person as otherwise you'd be left wondering where the dog went. I imagine Sutter was so excited to see you all again. What a difference he's going to make to young Jack's life.

 

Hey AUNTY ROZ - it's ME! I've just caught up with the all the latest news around here - we've been getting stuff done around the house and the dogs have been busy supervising and I've been busy supervising them! Dogs and the workmen! The dogs like sharing the work men's lunch boxes! By the time they're gone for the day and we've had walks, supper etc., it's bed time! We've been quite worn out! Need a cruise! LOL!

 

Welcome to Henry and Trooper - always good to have new folk join us.

 

Dianne - I cannot believe it is two years since Henri arrived - my goodness I remember the anticipation of us all waiting for you to be matched with a dog.

 

Well talking about two years - Miss Bonnie is two years old today! We are having a small tea party this afternoon with tea and cakes for the humans and a special birthday (edible!) treat for the doggies. Bonnie's doggy friend Mirren is coming for tea!

 

Happy Wednesday to everyone - when I can work out how to post photos (now that photobucket have gone a bit silly, I will.) I know how to do thumbnails but any suggestions how to post larger photos?

 

Hello, Dear Fairbourne, I'm glad to hear that you've been busy with positive "stuff!"

I wish I could help with the photo thing, but I'm the weak link in our group when it comes to this. If you would see my office and home [filled from wall to wall, desk to chest and file cabinet to desk top with photos] you'd never believe how handicapped I am at posting photo's.

[wizard-of-roz]

"Happy Wednesday to everyone - when I can work out how to post photos (now that photobucket have gone a bit silly, I will.) I know how to do thumbnails but any suggestions how to post larger photos?"

 

 

I too, am a refugee from Photobucket. But I also had a pre-existing account with Shutterfly. My primary storage had been in the Kodak Gallery, and when they shut down, they transferred everything there to Shutterfly. But I never could figure out how to post from there, but a member of CC mentioned how, and it is super easy. You upload your pictures to you Shutterfly account, which is free, click on the picture to get it full size, then right click and click on 'copy image'. No copying url... Then you just paste in your post, and you get an even larger picture than it was with photobucket.

 

 

Although not a service animal, this is our 17# basket case, Harry, wondering why I am taking his picture and not petting him.

 

 

 

 

He has his own problems, and probably would benefit from his own emotional support partner when it storms...But there probably wouldn't be room for both in the closet. EM

 

Oh! Harry! I'm quite sure that if you could morph into a dog you'd soon learn that being a Service Dog is challenging but so rewarding......You're a beautiful boy no matter what species you are ♥

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm planning on a two-week HAL cruise through the Panama Canal next March. We won't be getting off ship at Half Moon Cay or Cartagena. Anyone taken their dog ashore in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico? Are feral dogs a problem in ports? I carry pepper spray on our walks in our Chicago suburb but don't know if that would be OK in those countries.

 

Yes, there are feral dogs/cats in all the countries you mentioned, not so much in the city. We once had a guard, with a huge rifle escort us through a pack of dogs that would not let us walk the beach in Costa Rica. Ever since then, I rarely leave the environs of the city [although, I did have a container of pepper spray in my purse, I never had to use it] of any country I'm visiting in Central and South America.

It seems the feral animals have no fear of us and certainly none of our dogs. They were walking way to close for my comfort. I was very hyper-vigilant and found it hard to do anything else other than act as Horton's guard. You should have someone with you to help in keeping the strays away from your dog, especially if you're wandering off the beaten path or away from the city.

[wizard-of-roz]

We have a nonprofit service dog foundation here in Meridian, Idaho; Genesis Service Dogs. The have volunteer puppy raisers. Once raised and trained for a specific person, they go to their person for free. There is an application (I don't know if there is a fee with the application) and a 3 year waiting list. But all the training is done before they are handed over.

 

I got Halo because the lady, who is now our trainer, did not have any puppy raisers. He was a rescue but perfect for mobility, great Dane/lab. So, essentially I was the puppy raiser and I pay her a small training fee.

 

Although she didn't charge me for him and her training fee is ridiculously low, I try to donate to her foundation as much as I can. She is amazing.

 

Linda and Halo

 

Very interesting. I really love the training, graduation and follow-up that I get from CCI......And, the opportunity to meet like-minded folks and their dogs is great fun!

[wizard-of-roz]

Is Roz on another cruise??

 

I've been entertaining out of state guests........I've been, serving, cleaning, entertaining and chauffeuring around more people than I care to mention! What the heck......not even a tip was given!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Ahhh!

 

I graduated yesterday, and we are leaving for our celebratory cruise Sunday. Got Hunter in to the vet for his health certificate, and sent the paperwork to NCL. They wrote back that he was cleared to board, and that I need to "Hand carry copies of the vaccination and assistance dog document as well as your doctor's notes". Do they actually need my doctor's recommendation for a service dog? Or are they only referring to the veterinary paperwork? I thought previously they said I would only need the health cert and shot records. I don't want to get up to Vancouver and find out i'm missing something I need. :(

 

Val, with Hunter

 

Val, have ALL the paperwork that you have in a folder or envelope and be prepared to show it to any official that requests it.

Have a copy of everything just for them, this means that making 3 copies of everything and being able to just hand it off, as it's requested will save you so much time.....I promise! They won't have to go looking for a copy machine and will be so happy that you came prepared, and so will you!