Dog on Board Freedom of the Seas Aug 14-21

[cello56]

A dog wearing sun glasses and a bandana sounds HIGHLY suspicious to me. I know several people with service dogs and not one of them dresses their dog like a circus clown. Sorry, but I think that RCI was scammed by a passenger, who may have presented false documentation.

 

Since this was a Caribbean cruise with bright sunlight, perhaps the owner was merely trying to protect the dogs eyes - the same reason we humans wear sunglasses? They actually make a product called Doggles - specially made sun protection for canine eyes.

 

The bandana upon closer scrutiny might have stated what organization the service dog was a part of.

[Tucker in Texas]

A person we cruised with is mostly deaf and has a service dog. En route to a cruise, she was denied a hotel room because they didn't take pets. She pointed out that it was a service dog, showed papers, ADA guidelines,etc. Still got nowhere. Demanded to speak to a supervisor, none available and they wouldn't disturb the boss man at home.

 

So, she proceeded to contact the hotel chain following her cruise and said besides needing to educate their employees on service dogs and the ADA guidelines, she would perhaps be seeing a lawyer about compensation for her hotel room elsewhere and inconvenience.

 

The hotel chain immediately offered her an apology and money. She asked that the money be donated to a service animal charity which they did.

 

I have heard that in compliance with the ADA, you cannot ask just what the disability is. Hence, some people buy a service animal vest from E-Bay or another source and announce Fluffy, Fido, whatever is a service animal to scam the system. I would think you would have to have paperwork to back it up, though.

 

I, too, was suspicious of a "service" dog on one of our cruises. The owner would proudly demonstrate just how good the dog (Lab, I think) was following instructions to the point it was like showing off tricks. She would put food on the table and tell it when it was o.k. to hop up and get it. Her dining table emptied out quickly. She was very demanding of the crew, too. Some times she would be in a wheel chair when it was advantageous to do it, other times, I saw her trucking along pretty good on two legs.

 

I understand there are a lot of disabilities that are not readily apparent and they have my sympathy having to cope with it. MD, for instance, people have "good" days and "bad" days. Maybe when she wasn't in a wheel chair was a good day.

 

I, also, know boarding a big dog for 19 days is very expensive (lol).

 

Tucker in Texas

[ducklite]

My Aunt & Uncle have a service dog that's a miniature dachshund. My Uncle works at a rehab center for kids with different medical conditions and the dog I guess cheers them up and acts as a companion. But with that being said, my Uncle can and does bring the dog on the airplane with him, etc. But I don't think that he would bring the dog on a cruise just to not have to board him. So the limited interaction that most seeing eye dogs for example would be accustom to, would not be the same to all types of service dogs. Lets just hope that the cruise line makes sure that the person requiring the service animal is the one traveling with it.

 

That's not a service dog, that's a therapy dog, big difference. To qualify as a a service dog, the dog must actually PERFORM a service. A therapy dog does no such thing. It doesn't guide, alert, retrieve or otherwise perform any task, it just lets people pet it. This is why animals such as cats, snakes, and hamsters can not be referred to as "service" animals--they perform no actual tasks.

 

As of last year, only DOGS can be referred to as service animals, and those who solely provide emotional support are not considered service dogs but rather companion animals.

 

http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/changes

[spammie]

 

(And I can't believe no one answered Tampadee's question with "The poop deck":rolleyes:)

 

Now that's funny!

[ducklite]

I have heard that in compliance with the ADA, you cannot ask just what the disability is.

 

While you can't ask what the disability is, you can ask what specific task the dog performs and/or what specific accommodation the disabled person needs.

[SadieN]

The Disabled Cruising Board has a great thread about cruising with service animals.

 

In HAL there is a thread about a service cat. IIRC it was trained to alert for sleep apnea.

[wcook]

Not long ago I was on a flight with a passenger who had a service cat on the plane. I have two cats, so it wasn't a problem for me...but I think anyone who is allergic to cat hair would have been very uncomfortable in that airplane cabin.

If they were so alergic that a cat elsewhere in the cabin would make them uncomfortable, then just sitting near you would probably make them uncomfortable. I've yet to meet a cat owner - no matter how hard they try to be clean - that doesn't have cat dander and fur on them, on their clothes, on their luggage, etc.

 

Same with me and dog hair. If I am on your cruise, even if there aren't any dogs, their will be dog hair and dander.

 

Side note for the RCI experts - Do we know for sure this has to be a service dog? If somebody was a big enough VIP, could they get their dog on board?

[sherilyn70]

If they were so alergic that a cat elsewhere in the cabin would make them uncomfortable, then just sitting near you would probably make them uncomfortable. I've yet to meet a cat owner - no matter how hard they try to be clean - that doesn't have cat dander and fur on them, on their clothes, on their luggage, etc.

 

Agreed, I haven't had pets in years (finally decided to stop replacing them due to allergies) and yet sometimes I still find things that are used infrequently with cat or dog hair on them. It can take up to months of washing for cloth to become completely free of them.

[1153rsmith]

We were on the same sailing and I saw the dog numerous times, including in the MDR. It had a tag on the leash that said service animal. They had it wearing sun glasses and a hat at various times. I thought it was a little strange, but I guess to each his own. I certainly would not want to be on a cruise that was full of animals... even though I love animals. One very small dog though, did not bother me. (I might would use the other ice cream machine though if I saw him getting some.)

:eek:

[gerif]

As of last year, only DOGS can be referred to as service animals, and those who solely provide emotional support are not considered service dogs but rather companion animals.

 

http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/changes

 

Good to know. About five years ago I was managing a cat show when someone walked in with a small HORSE (I kid you not) on a lead. Yikes. I went flying up to the entrance when one of the judges grabbed my shoulder and said forget about it - it's a certified service animal. I did go and explain to the people that, while I could not prohibit them from bringing the horse in, as animal lovers they would have to understand that it might freak some of the cats out big time. They agreed to not bring it around.

 

I fly a lot with my cats to shows and only have had one jerk make a fuss about it - I advised him that the cat had had a bath that morning, then sniffed in my hautiest tone and said it is apparent, sir, that YOU did not. He moved. Seriously, though, even if I do not have a cat with me you can bet that my clothing contains plenty of fur - not so much dander as they are bathed often.

 

Allergies - well, you have to be careful. DH has severe asthma and emphysema and will have an attack if he's in a confined area with anyone wearing perfume. Cigarette smoke is also a major irritant for him. He cannot use the casino on a ship for that reason. We all have to know our limits but we can't live in a bubble.

[Ggrrl1]

It's not all that unusual for a service dog to wear things like sunglasses or a bandana, as long as it doesn't interfere with their duties. I've been looking into getting a Parkinson's assistance dog for my father. While many people can spot a seeing eye dog or a mobility assistance dog, some of the other service dogs, such as hearing or seizure dogs are less identifiable.

 

In addition to assisting their person in compensating for a disability, service dogs also make the person more approachable. That may have been the reason for the bit of get-up this dog had on.

[Sequim88]

Another thought... "service dog in training". I think these are accorded the same access as "in service" animals so that they can deal with the "real" world. Allowing attention by kids may have been part of the training to learn to ignore them and screen out the distraction.

 

The bandana upon closer scrutiny might have stated what organization the service dog was a part of.

 

That was my first thought on that. I have often seen bandanas on service dogs and figured that was just an alternate way of declaring them as such.

[PS90]

He got in line and got ice cream which did gross me out as he had been petting the dog.

 

Not meaing to pick a fight, but why was this gross, exactly? If you are talking about hard ice cream, then it was simply handed to him by a crew member, and if you are talking about the soft-serve dispenser, then I GUARANTEE their are worse things put on those handles by other passengers than dog hair/dander.

[RainyJ]

I, too, was on that sailing and saw the dog. Someone at our dinner table asked the owner what type of dog it was, and it was a Parson Russell Terrier. We were speculating that it was an emotional service dog. There was another person at our table who works at the zoo during the summer, and he said they are more common than you'd think. He said that with the "emotional" service animals, the bond is very strong between the owner and the dog, so much so that they can't be separated. So while someone who is blind with a sight dog can be led through an exhibit by an employee while the dog is taken to the exit by someone to wait for the owner, a person with an emotional service animal cannot be separated. Sounds weird to me, but apparently it happens and they have to accomodate them. And they are different from companion animals that visit hospitals and rehab facilities.

[ducklite]

Another thought... "service dog in training". I think these are accorded the same access as "in service" animals so that they can deal with the "real" world. Allowing attention by kids may have been part of the training to learn to ignore them and screen out the distraction.

 

While they might be on a case-by-case basis by various businesses and organizations, under the law they get no preferential treatment and are simply pets until actually paired with a person for whom they perform a service.

 

Generally this is done as part of "puppy training" prior to their actually entering training to perform specific disability related tasks. Those dogs who don't adapt during puppy training never make it to the actual service dog training process.

[ducklite]

I, too, was on that sailing and saw the dog. Someone at our dinner table asked the owner what type of dog it was, and it was a Parson Russell Terrier. We were speculating that it was an emotional service dog.

 

Again that's not a service dog, it's a therapy dog.

 

There was another person at our table who works at the zoo during the summer, and he said they are more common than you'd think. He said that with the "emotional" service animals, the bond is very strong between the owner and the dog, so much so that they can't be separated. So while someone who is blind with a sight dog can be led through an exhibit by an employee while the dog is taken to the exit by someone to wait for the owner, a person with an emotional service animal cannot be separated. Sounds weird to me, but apparently it happens and they have to accomodate them. And they are different from companion animals that visit hospitals and rehab facilities.

 

Not according to the ADA.

[alexkrn46]

 

This dog was on our Liberty cruise and went on the Bridge tour

 

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[PhoenixDawgCruising]

I'm not trying to start a fight, I love dogs, but I only have some fish and a frog. However, I know someone VERY WELL who has gotten papers for her Chihuaha (sp?) to be listed as an official service animal just so she can fly with the dog, as she travels very often.

 

She lives in NYC, but travels often between LA, NY and Europe. The dog is very well-behaved and goes everywhere with her, but trust me, she has NO health issues. I don't know where she gets the documentation, I only know it must be renewed every so often.

 

SO I can tell you first-hand, getting fake papers is not all that difficult.;)

[AlanFromFL]

 

This dog was on our Liberty cruise and went on the Bridge tour

 

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Awww, what a cutie! We'd cruise with that cool pup anyday! :D

[How'sBartCruisin'?]

Rougeau, my bassett hound, on a cruise with me would be awesome. I'd dress him up like Spuds MacKenzie and walk him everywhere, except dinner. I'd respect the sanctity of the MDR and the Windjammer. We'd hand out on the balcony together and have a great time!!!

[Agutaya]

A person we cruised with is mostly deaf and has a service dog. En route to a cruise, she was denied a hotel room because they didn't take pets. She pointed out that it was a service dog, showed papers, ADA guidelines,etc. Still got nowhere. Demanded to speak to a supervisor, none available and they wouldn't disturb the boss man at home.

 

So, she proceeded to contact the hotel chain following her cruise and said besides needing to educate their employees on service dogs and the ADA guidelines, she would perhaps be seeing a lawyer about compensation for her hotel room elsewhere and inconvenience.

 

The hotel chain immediately offered her an apology and money. She asked that the money be donated to a service animal charity which they did.

Tucker in Texas

 

Good for your friend, Tucker. Sometimes that is the only way people and corporations learn. They must educate their employees about service animals.

 

Another thought... "service dog in training". I think these are accorded the same access as "in service" animals so that they can deal with the "real" world. Allowing attention by kids may have been part of the training to learn to ignore them and screen out the distraction.

 

That was my first thought on that. I have often seen bandanas on service dogs and figured that was just an alternate way of declaring them as such.

 

While they might be on a case-by-case basis by various businesses and organizations, under the law they get no preferential treatment and are simply pets until actually paired with a person for whom they perform a service.

 

Generally this is done as part of "puppy training" prior to their actually entering training to perform specific disability related tasks. Those dogs who don't adapt during puppy training never make it to the actual service dog training process.

Service animals in training are afforded the same access in some states. I've trained guide dog puppies in NC and TX. Both states have laws which allow the dogs in training the same access as the full fledged service animals. However, I went to fly with my verified, vested guide dog in training puppy and Southwest Airlines would not allow him on the plane. Airlines go by federal laws and service dogs in training are not given the same access in federal laws. Other airlines have been very accomodating. How would you like to be a visually impaired person taking a first flight with a dog who has never flown before? It would probably be fine since these dogs are so well trained but it would be far better to have prepared the dog first.

 

And don't even get me started about people who do not have a disability but take their pets with them as a "service animal!" It just makes it more difficult for those who really need help as it makes people suspicious.

 

I talked to a woman in WalMart who had a therapy dog in training in the store. The dog should not have been allowed in the store as therapy animals are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but the greeters asked her if it was a service dog and she said yes. Grrr!

 

I don't know if the dog in question was truly a necessary service animal or not. I would give the person the benefit of the doubt. I'd rather be wrong and be duped rather than judge someone who truly needs the dog's help.

JMHO,

Mary

[lovemylab]

Not meaing to pick a fight, but why was this gross, exactly? If you are talking about hard ice cream, then it was simply handed to him by a crew member, and if you are talking about the soft-serve dispenser, then I GUARANTEE their are worse things put on those handles by other passengers than dog hair/dander.

 

Agreed. There are far worst things to have touched the soft ice cream machine besides a hand that has come in contact with dog fur.

 

Personally, I don't see the big deal about the dog being on the ship (or what it was wearing). If the dog was on the ship, it's considered a service dog. The details about what type of service the dog performs is nobodys business.

 

I doubt that anyone on a cruise is so allergic to dogs that being on the same cruise as one bothers them. Otherwise these same people would have problems walking through most neighbourhoods and even going through an airport, as they have dogs too.

[Lesinindy]

When they first boarded there was a service dog vest on the him. He did have various outfits during the trip. Looked like a hat a day. The Potty patch was on the 4th deck, aft and was mulch. The dog got much attention everywhere he went and was a real hit with the kids. He was no trouble and was extremely well behaved.

 

It is always good to remember the not all handicaps or disabilities are visible and many are hidden from view. As one who has a condition that you would never suspect or see I am very sensitive to judgments and making judgements on others. Although it is not my primary disability, I have a hearing loss that causes me lots of trouble. When you see a person with a white cane or missing a leg/arm etc or is in a wheel chair you cut them some slack. Nobody can look at me and know I cannot hear them as well as others. That is why many (including me) with hearing impairments have an attitude sometimes.

 

The man was happy, functional and overall a joy to be around, even with the dog.

[Cruiseoholic000]

I think the Queen Mary is the only cruise ship that allows people to bring there pets. However, they have a kennel and they have to stay in the kennel.

 

I would love to bring my dog on board with me!!! It cost's me more to board him that it would to bring him as a person in my cabin! I'm a real dog lover so please don't mess with me! :)

[maxs mom]

Our dog alerts us if my husband's blood sugar gets too low. She was not trained to do this. It is truly amazing! This has really come in handy, especially in the middle of the night.....she wakes us up!