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

[Caribbean Chris]

Welcome back, Roz and Horty! Sounds like you two were the queen and crown prince of the ship and were treated royally! So glad it was wonderful.

[wizard-of-roz]

We encountered a few folks out of thousands who wanted absolutely NOTHING TO DO WITH HORTON. They would walk away from us or would not enter the elevator and would sit as far away from us that they could. Sometimes acting very obvious of their dislike for dogs. I did my best to avoid them when I saw them. But, there were so many others who wanted to touch, talk or just be with him that they out-numbered the negative few!

 

Horton was such a wonderful ambassador for all of us. He didn't waiver in his acceptance of every new situation. He behaved like a perfect gentleman at all times. Whatever he was asked to do, he did without a blink. I was so proud of him and proud to walk beside him.

 

There's no doubt that when a huge dog is in a small environment and performs very difficult tasks with ease that we can walk with pride beside them.

 

Thank you Canine Companions for Independence, his Puppy Raisers and trainers for all that you did to teach my Horton to be a perfect gentle, well mannered and hard working Service Dog for me!

Edited December 7, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[DisneyKidsDad]

Welcome back Roz!! Glad you and Horton had a great time.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Dute, ta, Dute (fanfare music) (best I could do) Welcome home to the Queenie and Prince of CruiseVille! We missed you guys, glad you had another great cruise! Muwaahhh!

[DisneyKidsDad]

Well we just found out that we won't be in the February class at CCI for my daughter's successor dog. They don't have a dog that will fit her needs. So now we hope for the April/May class. That stinks because February is my slow time at work. Things start to jump in the spring and summer. But I have a very understanding boss so hopefully things will work out.

[wizard-of-roz]

Well we just found out that we won't be in the February class at CCI for my daughter's successor dog. They don't have a dog that will fit her needs. So now we hope for the April/May class. That stinks because February is my slow time at work. Things start to jump in the spring and summer. But I have a very understanding boss so hopefully things will work out.

 

It's the "meant to be thing!" I, too, had to wait longer than I wanted for Horton and I was so disappointed at the wait. But, had I not waited I wouldn't have been matched with this wonderful being!

 

Hang in there and know that these things happen for reasons that we just can't explain. I totally understand the angst that goes with the waiting!

[rangeley]

Welcome back Roz and Horton!!!!! So glad you had a great time and can't wait to hear more.

 

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[rangeley]

Awwww sorry to hear, but you know how good they are with matching. The dog they pick will be perfect for Kim!

 

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[DUTRAVEL]

Well we just found out that we won't be in the February class at CCI for my daughter's successor dog. They don't have a dog that will fit her needs. So now we hope for the April/May class. That stinks because February is my slow time at work. Things start to jump in the spring and summer. But I have a very understanding boss so hopefully things will work out.

 

That is so disappointing - but, as others have said, CCI seems to know what they are doing when they make the matches. During training, I would not have thought I would be matched with Henri (I only worked with her at the very end of the 2nd day and had a hard time keeping her from forging), but she is perfect for me. Who knows, sometime might change between now and February.

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

I have so many stories to share about our cruise and all that occurred during it.

 

First, the Cruise Director Richard Joseph was over the top wonderful. He acknowledged Horton and I by having two seats reserved every night for the shows. It was perfect. We didn't have to worry about arriving a bit late and foraging for a seat. There was ALWAYS a safe place for Horton to lay down and NOT be stepped on! Oh! Sure! There was the cranky lady or man who complained that there is "NO SIT SAVING" but the folks who defended Horty were always there to settle them down!!!!!

 

This cruise had a lot of walkers, wheel chairs and canes. All of these devices can be deadly to a dog. Thank goodness that everyone was cognizant of Horton's size and tail. He only got bumped once by a fellow who didn't have good vision and wasn't expecting a dog to be in the doorway! He was very apologetic!

 

I can't tell you how many elevator doors he stopped from closing with that tail!!!!! Most folks were very understanding and even smiled and giggled at it. The one's who were miffed were so outnumbered it was fun to be in the majority for a change!!!! I didn't have to use my defensive "Roz" voice very much!!!!! That might all change when we're on our Hawaii cruise next December.

 

Horton was pretty much "DONE" by the time we hit the parking lot and found our car.....he refused to walk one-more-step.......I promised him it was going to be a long time before he had to be on such good behavior for such a long time.

 

Although our dogs are pretty amazing when it comes to being out and about and in the public eye, they do get "burned out" and need some time to themselves, just like we do!!!!

[rangeley]

I have so many stories to share about our cruise and all that occurred during it.

 

First, the Cruise Director Richard Joseph was over the top wonderful. He acknowledged Horton and I by having two seats reserved every night for the shows. It was perfect. We didn't have to worry about arriving a bit late and foraging for a seat. There was ALWAYS a safe place for Horton to lay down and NOT be stepped on! Oh! Sure! There was the cranky lady or man who complained that there is "NO SIT SAVING" but the folks who defended Horty were always there to settle them down!!!!!

 

This cruise had a lot of walkers, wheel chairs and canes. All of these devices can be deadly to a dog. Thank goodness that everyone was cognizant of Horton's size and tail. He only got bumped once by a fellow who didn't have good vision and wasn't expecting a dog to be in the doorway! He was very apologetic!

 

I can't tell you how many elevator doors he stopped from closing with that tail!!!!! Most folks were very understanding and even smiled and giggled at it. The one's who were miffed were so outnumbered it was fun to be in the majority for a change!!!! I didn't have to use my defensive "Roz" voice very much!!!!! That might all change when we're on our Hawaii cruise next December.

 

Horton was pretty much "DONE" by the time we hit the parking lot and found our car.....he refused to walk one-more-step.......I promised him it was going to be a long time before he had to be on such good behavior for such a long time.

 

Although our dogs are pretty amazing when it comes to being out and about and in the public eye, they do get "burned out" and need some time to themselves, just like we do!!!!

That was a long time for Horty to be on the ship. I know when we come home, Wexler sleeps for 2 days. I can't imagine how pooped Horty must be. Sounds like you had a great time!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

That was a long time for Horty to be on the ship. I know when we come home, Wexler sleeps for 2 days. I can't imagine how pooped Horty must be. Sounds like you had a great time!

 

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Cindy, he was so done!!!!! He did sleep for days. He has a crate at work and took full advantage of it by going right into it the next day and I had to nudge him out of it when it came time to go potty and even to eat!

 

This might have something to do with his age too! When he was younger it was easier to bounce back!

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy weekend everyone. Horty and I are sleeping in [for a change!]

 

We're having some cooler weather here in L.A. My daughter is freezing in Oregon. She wants me to quit work and move in with her.......Don't think so!!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

Cindy, he was so done!!!!! He did sleep for days. He has a crate at work and took full advantage of it by going right into it the next day and I had to nudge him out of it when it came time to go potty and even to eat!

 

This might have something to do with his age too! When he was younger it was easier to bounce back!

 

Henri does the same thing when we travel - she comes home and wants to sleep all day (and she is only 3 1/2). I think its because she doesn't get to nap as much when we are traveling and stays up later than we we are at home.

 

Dianne

[Caribbean Chris]

Hi from Miami, everybody, where we'll board Celebrity's Eclipse in a few hours. Rainy here, but not cold so I'll take it!

 

We drove down yesterday, spent the night at a hotel and will leave the car for ten days. Looking forward to all the decorations on the ship - this is our 3rd pre-Christmas birthday sailing with Raylene, who turns 5 on board next week!

 

Back home for Christmas.

[Algebralovr]

Hi from Miami, everybody, where we'll board Celebrity's Eclipse in a few hours. Rainy here, but not cold so I'll take it!

 

We drove down yesterday, spent the night at a hotel and will leave the car for ten days. Looking forward to all the decorations on the ship - this is our 3rd pre-Christmas birthday sailing with Raylene, who turns 5 on board next week!

 

Back home for Christmas.

Can't wait to hear about it!

 

 

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[Insuregal]

Hi from Miami, everybody, where we'll board Celebrity's Eclipse in a few hours. Rainy here, but not cold so I'll take it!

 

We drove down yesterday, spent the night at a hotel and will leave the car for ten days. Looking forward to all the decorations on the ship - this is our 3rd pre-Christmas birthday sailing with Raylene, who turns 5 on board next week!

 

Back home for Christmas.

 

Mayor of Lurkerville jumping in to say enjoy your trip! We are watching the Port of Miami webcam, and your ship is the easiest to see on screen. Hope the weather gets sunny and nice for you. Best wishes for a great launch and calm seas! (Watching on my tablet. On the television, we can see the Key West webcam on Youtube. Two ships there right now.) :)

 

Welcome home Roz and Horton! It was so quiet while you were away. Maybe things will get back to normal around here, now that you're back.

 

Fairborne, I still think all of us on this side of the ocean need to make a visit to meet all the folks in your delightful stories. What a time we would have! Keep us informed on all the puppy walkers' news.

 

Thanks!

Beckie

[alexspepa]

Hi from Miami, everybody, where we'll board Celebrity's Eclipse in a few hours. Rainy here, but not cold so I'll take it!

 

We drove down yesterday, spent the night at a hotel and will leave the car for ten days. Looking forward to all the decorations on the ship - this is our 3rd pre-Christmas birthday sailing with Raylene, who turns 5 on board next week!

 

Back home for Christmas.

 

Have a great time Chris and tell Raylene that Lucy says Happy Birthday!

 

We are taking Lucy to Port St Joe on the Florida Gulf Coast for a week starting next Saturday...yay

[alexspepa]

del

Edited December 12, 2016 by alexspepa

[DisneyKidsDad]

Cindy, he was so done!!!!! He did sleep for days. He has a crate at work and took full advantage of it by going right into it the next day and I had to nudge him out of it when it came time to go potty and even to eat!

 

This might have something to do with his age too! When he was younger it was easier to bounce back!

 

I know just how he feels Roz!!

[fairbourne]

A belated Welcome home Aunty Roz and Horton! I just love that people have booked their cruises to sail again with you both .... .... Wish we were nearer! And yes boo hoo to the immigration officials - Oh my I imagine they were met with a very charming but Grumpy Aunty Roz! ;)

 

I have some news too about Bonnie. She's 16 months old now and had shown no signs of coming into season - well I think she did - sleepy, not wanting to eat her food - so she went off to the training centre last week to be put with other female dogs in season to see if that would trigger anything.

 

Well just had a message that she is now officially in season! She's been having fun with two other girls, one of whom she knew from puppy class and play dates, a gorgeous girl called Olive. So when I heard she was going to be with Olive I was happy and the parting was not so bitter sweet! In saying that she went off with our PW supervisor, with head held high, jumped into his car without as much as a "See Ya Mum!" So hopefully she will be home next week for Christmas, and then it will be count down until she goes to training school and it really is goodbye. :-((. The house is quiet and Aruba is trying hard to get the two, golden oldies to play with her but not much luck! Bonnie loves to charge around the garden with Aruba and between them they scatter all the nicely stacked logs around the lawn (ha ha "lawn" who am I kidding, it's a grassy, muddy sea!) So now poor Aruba picks a log up and stands forlornly in the middle of the "lawn" looking for her pal to play "where can we leave this log so Dad gets really cross with us and if we roll around in the mud it'll be a double whammy as Mum will be cross having to dry us off!" I tell her don't worry darling girl, she'll be home soon.

 

Chris - a belated Bon voyage - can't believe how fast the time has passed since your beautiful Raylene came home to love with you.

 

(I had problems posting the last few days, kept logging me out, don't know what was up. Fingers crossed for this time.)

[fairbourne]

I know just how he feels Roz!!

 

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ..... :D:D:D ah as my old Ma used to say "old age doesn't come itself laddie"! I used to laugh! :eek: :p

[rangeley]

Happy weekend everyone. Horty and I are sleeping in [for a change!]

 

We're having some cooler weather here in L.A. My daughter is freezing in Oregon. She wants me to quit work and move in with her.......Don't think so!!!!

Wow Roz! when they don't get up to eat you know they are pooped!!

 

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[rangeley]

Henri does the same thing when we travel - she comes home and wants to sleep all day (and she is only 3 1/2). I think its because she doesn't get to nap as much when we are traveling and stays up later than we we are at home.

 

Dianne

Diane, We actually go back to the cabin around 2 or 3 so Wex can nap. If he doesn't get a nap, he will be a pain all night.

 

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[rangeley]

Belated bon voyage from us too! Have a great cruise!

 

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