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

[wizard-of-roz]

Something we don't talk about much are those "afternoon naps" while cruising. This is especially most enjoyable on those long sea days.

Have a relaxing room service lunch and then crawl into bed..ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!

 

Horton loves to nap...my first dog Brenda, not so much! She was a nosey, busy body.....but, Horty, he loves those long, restful, cruising sea day naps. There's nothing like the ship moving along at a slow pace [as to not disturb the guests daily activities, as opposed to the night-time pace, where the Captain will kick the knots-up more than a notch] to make it on time to the next port. :p The ship rockin & rollin at night will lull you off to sleep!

Unless you have Parnelli Jones navigating your ship and then the rocking and rolling can turn into a nightmare! Been on a few of those ridiculous cruises! :eek:

[rpclmc]

I got my new wheelchair today. I don't know how to post pictures. It is an electra 7 hd, electric travel wheelchair. Hot pink, I ordered it in pink, but it is really pink. That is ok, will limit the possibility of it getting stolen and it is easy to see.

 

 

However, the red dress I was looking at buying for formal night on the cruise will clash. But with my red hair it was probably not the best choice of colors for me.

 

 

Nobody but myself and Halo at home for a couple weeks. Perfect timing to do the relief box training. Let's see in 24 hours he has peed once and no poops. I hate this, but at least, it isn't on the ship stressing me out. And I do have a party when he goes. In fact, he gets smoked salmon when he pees. When he poops he will get an egg and smoked salmon, I might even break out some elk meat for him.

 

 

Linda and Halo

[puppycanducruise]

Hot pink chair! Great.

 

 

Good luck with the box training. Don't worry, he'll get it.

[rpclmc]

Any thoughts about traveling and/or advice for traveling to Western Europe with a service dog?

 

 

Linda and Halo

[Onagh]

Quick question: how do I find “pet friendly” excursions in the various ports? So far I am finding plenty of hotels and monthly rentals LoL! Any secrets? Or is walking the ports pretty much our limitations?

[HenryKisor]

Onagh, the first thing I would do is choose your port excursions. Second, contact the disabilities accommodations people at your cruise line, tell them of your excursion choices, and ask them to contact the excursions vendors to make sure they will accept service dogs.

 

I did this with HAL before a recent Panama Canal cruise, and all the vendors said sure, bring the dog, and some even said they'd reserve a front seat for us on the bus.

 

Vendors generally value tourists from America and will do everything they can to make an excursion work for a service dog team.

 

If you are going to Alaska or Canada, you needn't inquire ahead . . . the vendors have to accommodate you by law.

 

If you are going to Mexico or Central America, be aware that the countryside and town squares are full of free-range dogs, many of whom harbor fleas and disease. You might think of staying aboard the bus if there are more feral dogs than you can handle. But this would depend on where you are going.

[wizard-of-roz]

I got my new wheelchair today. I don't know how to post pictures. It is an electra 7 hd, electric travel wheelchair. Hot pink, I ordered it in pink, but it is really pink. That is ok, will limit the possibility of it getting stolen and it is easy to see.

 

 

However, the red dress I was looking at buying for formal night on the cruise will clash. But with my red hair it was probably not the best choice of colors for me.

 

 

Nobody but myself and Halo at home for a couple weeks. Perfect timing to do the relief box training. Let's see in 24 hours he has peed once and no poops. I hate this, but at least, it isn't on the ship stressing me out. And I do have a party when he goes. In fact, he gets smoked salmon when he pees. When he poops he will get an egg and smoked salmon, I might even break out some elk meat for him.

 

 

Linda and Halo

 

Congratulations on your new "hot pink" chair. Who says red and pink don't compliment each other. They're stunning together. You'll be so gorgeous on those formal nights. Enjoy!

 

Don't give up on the box, Halo knows, by now, what the expectation is......it will happen, I promise!

[wizard-of-roz]

Any thoughts about traveling and/or advice for traveling to Western Europe with a service dog?

 

 

Linda and Halo

 

The APHIS.USDA website should give you all the information needed to get a EU Certificate for your dog to travel to Europe.

 

Just like entering Hawaii your dog will need to have a Rabies Titer test; Microchip; Heartguard/Nexguard proof of usage and, of course, current Rabies and all other Vaccines. Your Vet should be able to assist you in getting the necessary paperwork, as well!

It's a long plane ride but with the proper lay-overs and your dog being allowed to walk around and relieve himself on those lay-overs makes for a more pleasant trip for everyone.

These trips require good planning on your part and the availability of ice chips [not water] to keep your dog comfortable.

[rpclmc]

Halo is peeing, no problem in the box. Just have to get the pooping down.

 

 

 

Well, this disability thing is new to me. I am slowly losing the use of my legs (slow version of ALS) and have been scared to go out on my own. That has really been hard on my psyche, I have always been very independent. My husband is in Florida, we have a house down there and he has some contractors doing some work. I decided I wanted to go to the fair and also the comedian performing at the fair. No one was available to go with me. So, I loaded up the dog and my wheelchair and headed down. The wheelchair is very manageable for me to load, but not so much in a 3/4 ton very high truck. I really struggled loading the wheelchair and Halo won't jump into the truck, so I also had to help him in. But I did it and had a great time. A very nice man and his son offered to load the wheelchair and Halo in the truck after the show.

 

 

I think I will head down to visit a friend in Salt Lake. But I am going to rent a car, I only have access to the large truck, my vehicle is in Florida.

 

 

 

I have red hair and the red dress was probably not the best choice for my complexion and hair. Now I am eyeing a light dusty rose dress, which I like better.

 

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

Onagh, the first thing I would do is choose your port excursions. Second, contact the disabilities accommodations people at your cruise line, tell them of your excursion choices, and ask them to contact the excursions vendors to make sure they will accept service dogs.

 

I did this with HAL before a recent Panama Canal cruise, and all the vendors said sure, bring the dog, and some even said they'd reserve a front seat for us on the bus.

 

Vendors generally value tourists from America and will do everything they can to make an excursion work for a service dog team.

 

If you are going to Alaska or Canada, you needn't inquire ahead . . . the vendors have to accommodate you by law.

 

If you are going to Mexico or Central America, be aware that the countryside and town squares are full of free-range dogs, many of whom harbor fleas and disease. You might think of staying aboard the bus if there are more feral dogs than you can handle. But this would depend on where you are going.

 

Not all "Special Needs" Departments are equal. That said, the best thing to do is contact the excursion provider yourself. I have NEVER been turned away from an excursion with my dog except for Alaska and Vancouver, B.C. In Alaska I was asked to NOT bring my Service Dog to any farms or training facilities that house the sled dogs. The Agricultural Inspectors [when you are entering the ship or leaving the ship] will specifically ask if your dog walked on a farm or dog area so as NOT to bring back any type of disease or flea/tick to the ship or elsewhere. They examined my dog in a separate room and thoroughly examined her paws, fur, eyes and ears.

 

Canada's laws are NOT the same us ours. Some times they are very welcoming and sometimes they are not. Plan ahead, before you cruise, have your TA help you with contacting the various excursions and places that you will want to visit in a port that you're not familiar with. You will have a much happier and successful cruise if you PLAN AHEAD!

 

When planning your excursions PLEASE think about where you will be taking him. If there is any threat to your dogs health and well being, DON'T GO! Or, leave your dog behind for someone to watch and take turns on the excursion.

 

We once were trapped in a building in Puerto Vallarta because a pack of dogs were lingering outside the gated area around the ship and some armed guards were called to escort us back to the ship for ours and our dogs safety.

 

Some beaches and port areas are not safe for your dog and it's NOT the job of the ship to assure your dog's safety, IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. And, sometimes it means that you need to stay onboard.

Most cruise lines will ask that you sign a waiver of responsibility to protect their rights. This is very common practice.

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy weekend everyone. Horty and I are trying to get used to retirement.......It's such a different world; this not working, no deadlines, no meetings, no events, no stresses.......it's so weird. I'm catching-up on the doctor visits that were well overdo.....no fun!

 

I'm missing not hearing from many of you, as I'm sure many of our lurkers will attest to. What's happening out there? Please write in and let us know how you're doing. You know who you are........"PuppyWalkers"!

If you need me, remember, I'm not at my old email addresses......here's the new one; roz morey at yahoo dot com.

[rpclmc]

He pooped. It had been over 24 hours, I knew he was VERY uncomfortable. I then Googled how to make a dog poop. Wow, the craziest thing came up. Take two match sticks, lick the sulfar end, insert it in the dog's anus with the sulfur end in, leave a small amount sticking out. He pooped right away. I didn't like the thought of sticking anything in him. I was VERY hesitant to try this. The comments were very positive. I guess the show people do this all the time. It works great. I thought it was a fluke and tried it again, it works immediately. I couldn't believe it.

 

 

 

I will NOT do this on a regular basis, but it is great for emergencies. Now that he knows what I want him to do, I think we are past the hurdle. A few more days in the box and then a week off and back to the box just to see that he gets it.

 

 

Oh, and we had a party. Smoked fish, an egg, kong with PB.

 

 

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

Good job Linda.

 

My daughter brought her Alaskan Husky "Thor" over this weekend and he was so interested in Horton's potty box. We thought for sure that he was going to use it but he never did. There wasn't enough time to work with him but I told my daughter that if she put in the effort he would eventually relieve himself. Such a convenient solution for anyone who wants to travel with their Service Dog.

[Algebralovr]

The potty box is a good solution. Since our May cruise, I’ve not enforced it with Scooter, but he flew in May and June and used the airport relief area both times with no issue. If I take him and and command, he goes quickly. He goes on all sorts of surfaces.

 

We talked about making a box in the basement, but hubby said no, he doesn’t want to,

[rpclmc]

I wouldn't even thought of the potty box or potty box training until this thread. All the information on here has certainly reduced my stress of training him to new things a ton.

 

 

My goal was to clean and change out the box today. I have gotten about 1/2 done. The legs are really giving out today. Usually I can get around the house ok. I am not even able to do that today. This is the worst they have been, I hope it is just temporary, but could be a progression of the disease.

 

 

Halo seems to know something is wrong today, he won't hardly leave my side. If I am in the recliner he will go outside for a short bit, but when he comes in he checks in with me. He is my first service dog. They are amazing creatures and such a comfort to know he is watching out for me.

 

 

 

Linda and Halo

[Beach Gypsy]

My husband made a 4'x4' box, it is bigger than I thought. Carnival says they use second nature dog litter, we will see. So I got some. I am going to work with Halo on using the box and only the box for the next 3 months. I am putting it inside, for 2 reasons, my mobility issues - it would be too hard on me to walk him outside to do his business and I want him to know it is ok to go inside in a box prepared for him.

 

 

I have a TA, I emailed her and insisted she tell them to put the box on my balcony and even if they say they can't, to be persistent. We will see how that works. I may have to go to customer services once on board. There is no way I can do stairs or a heavy door, so they have no choice with me.

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone for the great suggestions. I hadn't even thought of training on the box, that will make a HUGE difference.

 

 

 

I am also going to go to the dining room once on board and make sure our seating is against a wall and at the front of the dining room. I just feel more comfortable, Halo does fine - it is just me, if I don't have to walk him to the back of a dining room or restaurant.

 

 

Linda and Halo

 

Where were you able to find the second nature dog litter? I have my SD's first cruise, and mine with an SD,coming up with Carnival in Oct. It would be good to train with the same litter under some turf.

Thank you for your help.

 

Paige & Neri

[rpclmc]

Where were you able to find the second nature dog litter? I have my SD's first cruise, and mine with an SD,coming up with Carnival in Oct. It would be good to train with the same litter under some turf.

Thank you for your help.

 

Paige & Neri

 

Walmart online. I couldn't find it stocked in any stores, just don't think it is that popular. Roz suggested the artificial turf on top of the litter. I got a 2x4 piece to put in the 4x4 box. I tried to train Halo in the box without the turf and it was a no go. The turf makes a world of difference.

 

Linda and Halo

[Beach Gypsy]

Walmart online. I couldn't find it stocked in any stores, just don't think it is that popular. Roz suggested the artificial turf on top of the litter. I got a 2x4 piece to put in the 4x4 box. I tried to train Halo in the box without the turf and it was a no go. The turf makes a world of difference.

 

Linda and Halo

 

 

Thank you so much! Definitely getting some artificial turf as well. I've seen videos on YouTube of SDs refusing to use the potty box and this is my biggest concern for Neri's first cruise. I think she'll handle anything else that comes up just fine. I am carrying puppy pads along, just in case, I know she'll use those.

I feel silly for being excited to train her on the potty box. I think it's also excitement to see her enjoying a cruise with me. She does so much to help me enjoy life, it makes me happy to see her enjoying hers. I'm a sappy SD mom :-)

Thanks again!

 

Paige & Neri

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you so much! Definitely getting some artificial turf as well. I've seen videos on YouTube of SDs refusing to use the potty box and this is my biggest concern for Neri's first cruise. I think she'll handle anything else that comes up just fine. I am carrying puppy pads along, just in case, I know she'll use those.

I feel silly for being excited to train her on the potty box. I think it's also excitement to see her enjoying a cruise with me. She does so much to help me enjoy life, it makes me happy to see her enjoying hers. I'm a sappy SD mom :-)

Thanks again!

 

Paige & Neri

 

Paige. welcome to you and Neri. Practicing in a box before you cruise is the answer to a successful cruise experience to both you and Neri. If you can bring some artificial grass with you to cover their filler that would guarantee Neri's success.

 

I buy the artificial indoor/outdoor grass, I cut some drainage holes in it, roll it up [use some large rubber bands to hold it shut], cover the filler and just leave it behind when the cruise is done. I get it at Lowe's, it's cheap, very lightweight and Horton uses it with no resistance.

 

You'll love cruising with your Service Dog. Allow yourself plenty of time to get from one venue to another, while onboard and visiting various ports. You will be stopped a lot and asked many questions about your wonderful dog. Your fellow passengers had to leave their pets at home with the pet-sitter's and are missing them. Allow for some patting time when Neri's not working and remember; you're representing each and every one of us while you're onboard. Have fun!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy weekend everyone, take care and stay cool . Horton and I will be busy with family and friends.

 

I have to start getting ready for the application process for a Successor Dog......I have written about this with you guys yet.....Sorry if I'm repeating myself. If you ask anyone who has to start this process you will hear the same thing......"I'm NOT READY!" Of course, if you witnessed their dogs gray hair, their dogs refusals and their dogs longer and longer napping times, you'd know it's time! I know that the more I talk about it with "like minded" folks the easier it will be for me!

 

I also wonder if it could ever be possible that I won't have a Service Dog in my life or for that matter Canine Companions.........Nope, I can't even imagine it!

 

I've heard that the waiting lists for Service Dogs can be very long, even though the Successor Dog does go to the top of the list, it can be a long process; after all, they want to match you with a prospective partner that will mesh into your life as perfectly as possible!

 

I'm very resistant to even thinking that Horton is getting older [at an alarming rate, I must admit, he's 9 1/2], and that he won't be in my life forever. Having had Brenda in my life I'm not looking at this with any blinders on, that's for sure!

Thanks for listening.........:)

[DUTRAVEL]

Happy weekend everyone, take care and stay cool . Horton and I will be busy with family and friends.

 

 

 

I have to start getting ready for the application process for a Successor Dog......I have written about this with you guys yet.....Sorry if I'm repeating myself. If you ask anyone who has to start this process you will hear the same thing......"I'm NOT READY!" Of course, if you witnessed their dogs gray hair, their dogs refusals and their dogs longer and longer napping times, you'd know it's time! I know that the more I talk about it with "like minded" folks the easier it will be for me!

 

 

 

I also wonder if it could ever be possible that I won't have a Service Dog in my life or for that matter Canine Companions.........Nope, I can't even imagine it!

 

 

 

I've heard that the waiting lists for Service Dogs can be very long, even though the Successor Dog does go to the top of the list, it can be a long process; after all, they want to match you with a prospective partner that will mesh into your life as perfectly as possible!

 

 

 

I'm very resistant to even thinking that Horton is getting older [at an alarming rate, I must admit, he's 9 1/2], and that he won't be in my life forever. Having had Brenda in my life I'm not looking at this with any blinders on, that's for sure!

 

 

 

Thanks for listening.........:)

 

 

 

Wow I can’t believe that Horton is already 9 1/2. I can’t imagine not having Henri at my side. She has been a godsend. I can’t believe she is five - it seems like I just got her yesterday! I know it’s a hard thing to think about replacing a dog who has been your constant and faithful companion for so many years.

 

Dianne

 

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Wow I can’t believe that Horton is already 9 1/2. I can’t imagine not having Henri at my side. She has been a godsend. I can’t believe she is five - it seems like I just got her yesterday! I know it’s a hard thing to think about replacing a dog who has been your constant and faithful companion for so many years.

 

Dianne

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Unlike Brenda, Horton is graying very slowly. Her entire muzzle was covered in gray hair by the time she was 9. It's very difficult to watch them age. It's such a fast process. Some faster than others.

 

A good example of a graying face is Wexler's. He's even getting gray eyebrows. Such a great looking older gent! I love when Cindy shares pictures of him.

 

I have to say that having Horton in my life when Morey and then Brenda passed was so consoling for me. It made all the difference in the world as to how I was able to bounce back to life, work and living as well as I did. Horton rescued me when I needed him the most. I will always be indebted and grateful to him for his sensitive and loving ways. He would stick his big head into my chest, as if to hug me, it was so comforting then and still is to this day! He's my darling boy! Such a great travel buddy too!

[Caribbean Chris]

I think you are wise to apply now, Roz. Like Dianne, I can’t believe Horty’s age already.

 

Raylene is going to be seven in three months, and she’s been showing gray around her muzzle for the past year, much to my surprise. I still think of her as the two-year old teenage rebel who needed lots of training reinforcement to focus all that energy.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Roz,

No, he isn't! You must have his birth year wrong. There is no way Horty is 9 1/2 years old, period. Our big ole goofy boy. I have been looking thru photos to get old pictures of Travis in his Boy Scout venue for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Well my pictures are a big mess and all together, so I get to stroll down memory lane looking for the Boy Scout ones. I get to see my big ole lug, Reno. Miss that boy to the moon and back. Jezzy Lou is getting up there, too. She is also about 9 1/2 now that I think about it. She has done something to her left eye. Went to the dogtor. Nothing in it, no scratches, just lots of irritation. The vet says it is the membrane that they call the "third eye" on the bottom of the eye. It is a whitish/yellow color and there is something wrong with it. Her eye is also hazy. Been on anti-biotics and eye drops for about 9 days. Will continue the drops until she goes back, in another week. It is finally looking better, but still hazy. She has been a trooper with the drops, although she doesn't like them. The pills were fine first day with cheese, then had to go to bologna and are finishing up with Cotto Salami! One day after meds, I was looking at her and her furry face. I saw a bump and called her over. Little booger had spit the "green" pill out and it had stuck to the underside of her hair on her chin! She took it the second time. I hate stuffing it down her throat. She is so little that it isn't as easy as our Big Furkids. She's our little weird furball. Love her to death.

[wizard-of-roz]

I think you are wise to apply now, Roz. Like Dianne, I can’t believe Horty’s age already.

 

Raylene is going to be seven in three months, and she’s been showing gray around her muzzle for the past year, much to my surprise. I still think of her as the two-year old teenage rebel who needed lots of training reinforcement to focus all that energy.

 

Shocking how quickly it all goes by. That's why it is so important that we enjoy every moment we have with them. I know I didn't have to say that. We who have one of these hero's in our lives know exactly what it feels like and like so many of you, like Nancy, who have dear pets in your lives, you know and understand that feeling too!