Dog on Board

[cruiseluv]

We have no idea if this is indeed a "service dog" or how come its onboard. Who knows, maybe its paying full fare! Didn't realize a dog being carried around in a tote bag by its owner could be a service dog. Sounds like a fashion accessory. Maybe the image I have of service dogs is a seeing eye dog (this I would have no problems whatsoever with).

[petlover]

We were once on a cruise with a small white poodle that was always carried around. It was a therapy dog for her severe asthma she told me. Dog never made a peep and was very well behaved. I don't recall seeing her in any of the restaurants or not ??

 

I live in Orange County, CA and we often take our 2 dogs with us to outside dog-friendly cafes, quite popular here when the weather is nice.

[digtexas]

I saw a girl in LAX airport with a rather large dog wearing a service dog sign that said "Bi-polar". What the dog did besides keeping her company, I cannot tell you.

I know that our 5 pound Yorkie would love to come along and sit in our laps, and as low as my blood pressure gets while cruising, perhaps having her in my lap could lower it even more.

[kitty9]

We were once on a cruise with a small white poodle that was always carried around. It was a therapy dog for her severe asthma she told me. Dog never made a peep and was very well behaved. I don't recall seeing her in any of the restaurants or not ??

 

I live in Orange County, CA and we often take our 2 dogs with us to outside dog-friendly cafes, quite popular here when the weather is nice.

 

Sorry, I don't believe that one. I've had severe asthma for more than 25 years, with only 48% lung function left, and there isn't a need for a dog for this condition. As a matter of fact, dogs very often exacerbate asthma. Believe me, you don't need an animal to tell you when an asthma attack is coming on.

 

What's sad is many people hunt for doctors to sign the papers for a handicapping condition, just so they can travel with their pets. My doctor told me she gets so many requests for "fake" letters, which she refuses unless she knows their condition truly merits it. It's mostly to avoid the costs of a kennel or pet sitter.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

S

What's sad is many people hunt for doctors to sign the papers for a handicapping condition, just so they can travel with their pets. My doctor told me she gets so many requests for "fake" letters, which she refuses unless she knows their condition truly merits it. It's mostly to avoid the costs of a kennel or pet sitter.

 

Wow, I didn't know that was going on. I thought these things were all tightly regulated and controlled.

[KathyPet]

I am just wondering where the dog, you know, takes care of business? On the putting green perhaps???

[fluckey]

Digtexas, I'm confused, was the dog bi-polar or the owner?

[ChatKat in Ca.]

No one loves their dogs more than we do. We really miss them when we travel. We take them to work sometimes. But as much as we treat them like children, we wouldn't want to bring them onboard. I thought about the QM when it first sailed until I heard the dogs must stay in the kennel and you can visit them. Travel with dogs would mean that they would be out of their own surroundings and we would miss a big part of the trip

[petlover]

Sorry, I don't believe that one. I've had severe asthma for more than 25 years,

 

Kitty9, my apologies. Thinking back maybe she said severe allergies...not asthma as I stated. (luckily I have neither so probably got mixed up).

[Threechicks]

Why doesn't the person onboard (can't recall who posted about this) simply ask a senior staff member why the woman has a dog on board and end the speculation? I certainly would. I love dogs and cats but don't want them on board unless they are real service animals.

[Travelcat2]

I love all animals and miss mine terribly when we travel. However, with the exception of an extremely well trained service dog, they do not belong on a ship. There is no reason that Regent has to follow California laws. It sounds like this law is being abused in California. . . . hope Regent does not get bullied into suddenly allowing dogs on board.

 

Having these animals are, IMO, abusive to the animal. With all of the training they receive, there are neither trained nor accustomed to being on a ship. Dogs that assist the blind are not familiar with what they might encounter on a ship. Dogs that assist hearing impaired people would not have a clue what the emergency bells would sound like. And, the stress would be difficult at best.

[kitty9]

Wow, I didn't know that was going on. I thought these things were all tightly regulated and controlled.

 

They are supposed to be regulated, but there are many physicians who do things they're not supposed to, like signing papers for worker's comp when the person isn't injured. My doctor says she also gets requests to sign the papers to get a disabled parking placard. Again, she doesn't do it unless there is a real disability.

 

Petlover, I believe you were telling the story correctly, I just didn't believe that the person needed a dog because of asthma. And, I really don't believe that person's story now because a person with severe allergies usually needs to avoid most pets, including dogs. Along with my asthma, I also have a lot of allergies, and dogs and cats trigger attacks.

 

There was a woman who sued an airline because she wanted to bring her pig on a flight. Then there was a man who claimed his minature horse was a service animal. Back in the 1970's, I was involved with the original Americans With Disabilities Act, known then as PL-94-142. It's amazing how the original intent of the law has been really messed up with a lot of things the law isn't supposed to address.

[RachelG]

I get requests all the time for disabled parking placards from people who aren't disabled, requests to fill out disability forms from people who are not disabled, etc. If someone has severe allergies or asthma, the last thing they need around is a dog or cat.

I love animals, and I miss my cat terribly when we travel. But I am sure not going to drag her on a ship. I am sure that most service animals are legitimately that, but carrying around a dog in a backpack or purse if it is a service animal seems a bit odd.

[TedC]

There's always a segment of the population that feel the rules do not apply to them - they're above the rules.

 

 

Sadly, more and more people scam the system to the detriment of those who abide by the rules.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Am I the only one who can admit to wanting a pet-friendly cruise? Maybe just once in a while?

[cruiseluv]

Am I the only one who can admit to wanting a pet-friendly cruise? Maybe just once in a while?

 

Maybe we could have it during the same dates as a "Kids sail free" promotion!

[giggleykim]

Why doesn't the person onboard simply ask a senior staff member why the woman has a dog on board and end the speculation?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act this is one of the laws:

Caption: Businesses that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to enter with their service animal.

Businesses may ask if an animal is a service animal or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform, but cannot require special ID cards for the animal or ask about the person's disability.

This is one reason that people are able to have dogs that really are not service dogs.

:mad:As for Travelcat2. Do not even know where to begin with your comment. #1 you need to open up and be more aware of the service dog world and what they are capable of. You’re so unaware of the capability of these animals.

They are trained to work under any situation given the fact of them being there before or not. My husband is able to give his dog the leach after only being in our room on the ship once and then she is able to get him from any point of the ship, back to the room. (I am sure that even you get lost the first few times being on a ship)

As for assisting the blind they are also able to navigate around stationary obstacles, around hazards (manholes, deep pot holes), low hanging obstacles and avoid moving objects.

Signal changes in elevation

- find a exit to a room and indicate the door knob

- find empty seat or unoccupied area - follow a designated person (such a waiter, clerk)

Hearing Dogs are able to respond to the bell. They grab the attention of their owner. They do not know the different tones in the bells (alarms) but they know when they go off that it is not an everyday notice and owner needs to be aware of.

Dogs are able to retrieve dropped items, turn on lights, open doors, and get someone else for help. Alert someone of a seizure (some dogs are able to alert owner of one coming on so they can get in safe position), psychiatric disorder, a potentially life threatening medical disorder or condition

- help owner with their transfers - from chair to bed, toilet, into standing position, assist to walk, help prevent falls (use for balance) help roll owner in bed.

Our dog once on a cruise was able to get help for another guest on the ship eating dinner at the table behind us. She (our dog) was sleeping under the dinner table -- like she does for every meal. All of a sudden she jumped up like she was hit by lightning went to the stranger. I had my back to the lady, so I asked her very kindly to please stop petting the dog. I thought she must be feeding the dog. Her husband told me that the moment his wife’s panic attack started (She takes very sever ones and can last for VERY long periods) the dog jumped up and began to calm her down. Just thought that this was a amazing story due to our dog being stressed on a cruise, was still able to assist a total stranger in a situation that she has not used since her days of training (panic attacks is not a issue in our house hold.)

So next time travelcat 2 you see a service dog on the ship. Please do not judge the person with it, and think the dog does not belong. The dog is able to do so much for the owner that you may be unaware of and seeing it doing in the moment. Also when our dog is not with my husband (the person with the disability) they both are in withdrawal. Our dog thinks that she has done something wrong and is being punshined.She is so in tune to his every move and medical condition he has. So a week away from one another would do more damage than good.

[rallydave]

Why doesn't the person onboard simply ask a senior staff member why the woman has a dog on board and end the speculation?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act this is one of the laws:

Caption: Businesses that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to enter with their service animal.

Businesses may ask if an animal is a service animal or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform, but cannot require special ID cards for the animal or ask about the person's disability.

This is one reason that people are able to have dogs that really are not service dogs.

 

 

Think what a lot of people are missing is that the American's with disability act does NOT apply to a cruise ship flagged in a foreign country. There are definately health and other issues with having pets on a ship. Where do they do their business. How to keep them out of the restaurant and away from food and food handlers.

 

And mostly, this dog, if it is carried around in a bag on the persons shoulder, what can the dog do to help the person?? The people on board have every right to have the dog removed from the ship and should do so immediately. Can't understand what went thru Regent's so called management when asked to bring this dog on the ship.

 

We can't just allow for everyone with any problems. There are limits and this one has exceeded the limits. The liberal socialists of the US don't have long to go before a revolt of sane people.

 

As others have said, give someone and inch and they'll take a hundred miles with lies and doctors who will write anything to support their patient. Congress and the stupid state legislatures need to think before they allow anything that is normally against the law with simply one persons signature. Doctors like lawyers and politicians can and are bought. Need to prosecute these people and put them away to save the honest people.

 

Flame away socialists, your time is coming and sooner rather than later!!!

[Suite Travels]

Please, keep the dog out of the restaurants!

 

Hate to tell you, but most dogs in Europe are allowed in restaurants and many other venues. Most of these dogs are cleaner than humans. What is your problem a small dog?

 

Just keep the screaming child out of my face in a restaurant. I am allergic to them.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Hate to tell you, but most dogs in Europe are allowed in restaurants and many other venues. Most of these dogs are cleaner than humans. What is your problem a small dog?

 

Hear hear. Except I would extend that to large dogs, or shall I say well-mannered dogs of all sizes.

[giggleykim]

Think what a lot of people are missing is that the American's with disability act does NOT apply to a cruise ship flagged in a foreign country. There are definately health and other issues with having pets on a ship. Where do they do their business. How to keep them out of the restaurant and away from food and food handlers.

 

Yes I agree that most ships are not American. But most countries do have similar laws to the ADA. As we travel we do have to look into and respect the laws of the country that we are enterting, but almost every country does acknowledege a service dog in some sort of another.

If the cruise ship is sailing out of American Port they MUST comply to the ADA and all American laws.

[xplrcrzn]

A doctor friend of mine said the therapy pet thing has indeed become something of a scam and many doctors will no longer sign off on any pet therapy certs, to the detriment of those who actually have a need.

[rallydave]

Think what a lot of people are missing is that the American's with disability act does NOT apply to a cruise ship flagged in a foreign country. There are definately health and other issues with having pets on a ship. Where do they do their business. How to keep them out of the restaurant and away from food and food handlers.

 

If the cruise ship is sailing out of American Port they MUST comply to the ADA and all American laws.

 

While I am not totally sure about the applicability of the ADA, I do know for sure tht foreign flagged ships DO NOT have to comply with all US laws. For instance, crew are not subject to the labor laws regrding minimum pay, overtime hours and laws like that. One of many reasons there aren't very many if at all ships flagged in the US.

 

There are laws the cruise ships must comply with and those they are not required to comply with and that's why most ships are flagged in countries with favorable laws.

 

I do like dogs but, they have their place and that's NOT on a closed environment cruise ship without the facilities to handle an animal needing exercise, a place to relieve itself and the attention of the owner. In this case, the owner has gone off and left the dog presumably in the cabin.

 

Don't know about others but, don't want to walk by or on where the dog relieves itself and most well trained dogs use a grassy area and there are no such places on the ship. Well trained and behaved or otherwise, some things and people just don't belong on a cruise ship and using the law to interfere with people who have paid 5 figures for a vacation is just not right.

 

Hope we get the full story soon and the dog and owner are left off the ship quickly.

[Suite Travels]

Sorry, I don't believe that one. I've had severe asthma for more than 25 years, with only 48% lung function left, and there isn't a need for a dog for this condition. As a matter of fact, dogs very often exacerbate asthma. Believe me, you don't need an animal to tell you when an asthma attack is coming on.

 

What's sad is many people hunt for doctors to sign the papers for a handicapping condition, just so they can travel with their pets. My doctor told me she gets so many requests for "fake" letters, which she refuses unless she knows their condition truly merits it. It's mostly to avoid the costs of a kennel or pet sitter.

 

What's even sadder in Florida, we see young people driving in their parents or grandparents car and hanging the HC on the rear view mirror and parking in premium spots at stores.

 

I caught one a month ago and called the local police. The girl and her boyfriend were fined $500.00. We see so much abuse in the HC plates and placards.

[Suite Travels]

Why doesn't the person onboard simply ask a senior staff member why the woman has a dog on board and end the speculation?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act this is one of the laws:

Caption: Businesses that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to enter with their service animal.

Businesses may ask if an animal is a service animal or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform, but cannot require special ID cards for the animal or ask about the person's disability.

This is one reason that people are able to have dogs that really are not service dogs.

 

:mad:As for Travelcat2. Do not even know where to begin with your comment. #1 you need to open up and be more aware of the service dog world and what they are capable of. You’re so unaware of the capability of these animals.

They are trained to work under any situation given the fact of them being there before or not. My husband is able to give his dog the leach after only being in our room on the ship once and then she is able to get him from any point of the ship, back to the room. (I am sure that even you get lost the first few times being on a ship)

As for assisting the blind they are also able to navigate around stationary obstacles, around hazards (manholes, deep pot holes), low hanging obstacles and avoid moving objects.

Signal changes in elevation

- find a exit to a room and indicate the door knob

- find empty seat or unoccupied area - follow a designated person (such a waiter, clerk)

Hearing Dogs are able to respond to the bell. They grab the attention of their owner. They do not know the different tones in the bells (alarms) but they know when they go off that it is not an everyday notice and owner needs to be aware of.

Dogs are able to retrieve dropped items, turn on lights, open doors, and get someone else for help. Alert someone of a seizure (some dogs are able to alert owner of one coming on so they can get in safe position), psychiatric disorder, a potentially life threatening medical disorder or condition

- help owner with their transfers - from chair to bed, toilet, into standing position, assist to walk, help prevent falls (use for balance) help roll owner in bed.

Our dog once on a cruise was able to get help for another guest on the ship eating dinner at the table behind us. She (our dog) was sleeping under the dinner table -- like she does for every meal. All of a sudden she jumped up like she was hit by lightning went to the stranger. I had my back to the lady, so I asked her very kindly to please stop petting the dog. I thought she must be feeding the dog. Her husband told me that the moment his wife’s panic attack started (She takes very sever ones and can last for VERY long periods) the dog jumped up and began to calm her down. Just thought that this was a amazing story due to our dog being stressed on a cruise, was still able to assist a total stranger in a situation that she has not used since her days of training (panic attacks is not a issue in our house hold.)

So next time travelcat 2 you see a service dog on the ship. Please do not judge the person with it, and think the dog does not belong. The dog is able to do so much for the owner that you may be unaware of and seeing it doing in the moment. Also when our dog is not with my husband (the person with the disability) they both are in withdrawal. Our dog thinks that she has done something wrong and is being punshined.She is so in tune to his every move and medical condition he has. So a week away from one another would do more damage than good.

 

 

Great post!!!!! I totally agree.