wizard-of-roz Posted March 24, 2017 Author #18451 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Happy Weekend everyone! My daughter is down from Oregon. Her daughter has a very important interview in Santa Barbara. So, it's a "play with the kids kind of weekend", love it ♥:hearteyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algebralovr Posted March 24, 2017 #18452 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Happy Friday, everyone! Funny story to share. So, Scooter has a little issue with pulling me leaving tht house. We are working on it, and working with the trainer. We also have been working hard on rug training as a stay/down. Getting good at that. This morning I'm helping a friend. Friend has cats. Scooter is convinced that one of these days a cat will play with him. Silly pup. So I'm at my friends house, drop his rug, and tell him down on the rug. He stays until I walk out the door to get a tool from the car, at the same time as a cat walks past toward it's food. Sigh. More to work on. No big deal though. We head to Lowe's for a few things, get what we need and get in line to check out. He is PERFECT at Lowe's! In line to check out, I tell him to sit and he sits right where i tell him. We move forward and he does right what I tell him. He doesn't even have his vest on, just his seatbelt harness. The checker looks at Scooter and comments that he is the first dog he has seen just sit/lay there in line and not be looking around. I reply, "He doesn't have his vest on, but he is a service dog. I told him to sit so he did." The guy tells me that they get "plenty" of SDs in, and they never act like that. My reply, "well, either they aren't really service dogs, or their partners need to do a lot of work". I was just so pleased with Scooter! Now, off to the vet. Watch him forget all he knows. Sigh. Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 24, 2017 Author #18453 Share Posted March 24, 2017 I agree with Roz, a true service dog goes with its handler. Obviously the dog will not get into the hot tub or eat the breakfast food, but it does accompany the person it is there to assist. That's the whole point - bringing a trained service animal because you need assistance. It's not making an issue if someone incorrectly denies access, it's simply pointing out Federal law...and I have no problem quietly explaining the difference to hotel staff who are treating a service dog the same way they would a pet based on hotel rules they think need to be followed for all dogs. Well said, Chris. I, too, don't mind pointing out the rules and reminding hotels that they are NOT allowed to ask for a "cleaning fee" or "deposit" for my Service Dog. Most folks behind the registration desk have absolutely no idea of what they are allowed to say or ask. A true teaching moment for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 24, 2017 Author #18454 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Happy Friday, everyone! Funny story to share. So, Scooter has a little issue with pulling me leaving tht house. We are working on it, and working with the trainer. We also have been working hard on rug training as a stay/down. Getting good at that. This morning I'm helping a friend. Friend has cats. Scooter is convinced that one of these days a cat will play with him. Silly pup. So I'm at my friends house, drop his rug, and tell him down on the rug. He stays until I walk out the door to get a tool from the car, at the same time as a cat walks past toward it's food. Sigh. More to work on. No big deal though. We head to Lowe's for a few things, get what we need and get in line to check out. He is PERFECT at Lowe's! In line to check out, I tell him to sit and he sits right where i tell him. We move forward and he does right what I tell him. He doesn't even have his vest on, just his seatbelt harness. The checker looks at Scooter and comments that he is the first dog he has seen just sit/lay there in line and not be looking around. I reply, "He doesn't have his vest on, but he is a service dog. I told him to sit so he did." The guy tells me that they get "plenty" of SDs in, and they never act like that. My reply, "well, either they aren't really service dogs, or their partners need to do a lot of work". I was just so pleased with Scooter! Now, off to the vet. Watch him forget all he knows. Sigh. Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk Barb, you both are doing great! Soon your expectations will be met and you'll be so proud of him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted March 24, 2017 #18455 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Well said, Chris. I, too, don't mind pointing out the rules and reminding hotels that they are NOT allowed to ask for a "cleaning fee" or "deposit" for my Service Dog. Most folks behind the registration desk have absolutely no idea of what they are allowed to say or ask. A true teaching moment for me! I just had to make reservations for a wedding in San Diego. Once I mentioned that I was bringing a service dog I was told that I would have to pay an extra fee. I politely pointed out that it was illegal to ask for the extra fee and asked to speak to a supervisor. After 25 minutes on hold, they cut me off. This was also after spending 45 minutes on hold to find out if they had a wheelchair accessible room available (which is also a violation of the ADA - if regular rooms can be reserved on-line than ADA rooms must also be able to be reserved on-line). If my nephew wasn't getting married at this hotel I would not be staying there. I did point out to the reservation agent that they were violating both federal and California law and that under California law they were liable for minimum damages of $4000. We will see what happens when we try to check in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpclmc Posted March 25, 2017 #18456 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I agree with everyone, it was a great teaching moment. Usually I will say something, I don't know why I didn't. It was a no pet hotel, I had no issues with them getting us a room or charging us extra and they were very friendly. I think after the long drive and being so new to having a service dog, I was tired and didn't think of it as a big deal. I had my cane and my husband to help. He is an awesome dog and I get the comment of people not even knowing he is there, he is so quiet and well behaved. Unless he doesn't want to work and then he will lay but groan occasionally, like he did at my daughters track meeting. And he is a mobility dog for a person who isn't very mobile. It is not like an alert dog, he isn't "on" all the time. Yes, he is a bit spoiled. Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.S. Cruisers Posted March 25, 2017 #18457 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I just had to make reservations for a wedding in San Diego. Once I mentioned that I was bringing a service dog I was told that I would have to pay an extra fee. I politely pointed out that it was illegal to ask for the extra fee and asked to speak to a supervisor. After 25 minutes on hold, they cut me off. This was also after spending 45 minutes on hold to find out if they had a wheelchair accessible room available (which is also a violation of the ADA - if regular rooms can be reserved on-line than ADA rooms must also be able to be reserved on-line). If my nephew wasn't getting married at this hotel I would not be staying there. I did point out to the reservation agent that they were violating both federal and California law and that under California law they were liable for minimum damages of $4000. We will see what happens when we try to check in. I just hope they actually made the reservation, since they did not get the extra fee. I would hate for you to get there and find out there isn't "any" room for you. Why can't people just do their job and if they don't know it or the answer they should be asking a supervisor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 27, 2017 Author #18458 Share Posted March 27, 2017 (edited) I, too, am not getting "alerts" like I used to. I come to the forum to check regardless but it sure is nice when the "prompted alerts" would come up. I also get asked to register a lot.....so annoying! It's so discouraging to still find hotels that have no idea about Service Dogs. I have very little patience for them and do find myself getting a bit short tempered. I NEVER mention that I have a Service Dog when I'm making my reservations. Hotels have a tendency to save the less updated rooms for the Service Dog family. If I notice that I'm being taken to a more obscure room in the hotel, I will ask to be moved to a better room. EXAMPLE: When checking in, ask your dog to "sit" and "stay"...walk a few steps.....Say "come", ask him to "lay down". I've had folks come out from behind the counter and ask to pet my dog. It's even better if you do this in front of other guests who are checking in. They'll always comment how their dogs would NEVER behave this well. You and your dog will truly be the shining stars. Everyone is so impressed. I'll do this at the bank when there are folks who are whispering to one another in wonderment of why this dog is in the bank and they can't bring "FiFi" in with them. It's really good practice for you and your dog and it makes all the whispering and "side-eye" glares go away and turn into admiring glances. I know that it seems like "game-playing" and we shouldn't have to prove anything in this day and age......but, unfortunately, at times, it's just plain necessary! Edited March 27, 2017 by wizard-of-roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribbean Chris Posted March 27, 2017 #18459 Share Posted March 27, 2017 I agree, Roz, it is really irrelevant for an American hotel to know at reservation time that you travel with a trained SD. Ships have to know to provide the relief station, and airlines can move you to bulkhead seats if they know in advance, but hotels don't need the info. We're en route to a Miami airport hotel and I can't recall whether we gave advance notice. Flying tomorrow to St. Croix where we lived for eight years - big centennial celebration of Transfer Day in 1917 when the US bought the Danish West Indies, now the US Virgin Islands. We're renting a villa across the road from where we used to live. Lots of old friends say they can't wait to meet Raylene! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 27, 2017 Author #18460 Share Posted March 27, 2017 I agree, Roz, it is really irrelevant for an American hotel to know at reservation time that you travel with a trained SD. Ships have to know to provide the relief station, and airlines can move you to bulkhead seats if they know in advance, but hotels don't need the info. We're en route to a Miami airport hotel and I can't recall whether we gave advance notice. Flying tomorrow to St. Croix where we lived for eight years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algebralovr Posted March 27, 2017 #18461 Share Posted March 27, 2017 What a difference between where I live and other places. Not only has Scooter been welcome at our small town bank from the start, but they keep dog treats behind the desk. :) He has also been with me in the car dealers, and the service station shuttles. Needless to say, he is also welcome in the farm and home stores, and has been since we got him. One of them generally has a big box of pig ears out and gives them away if you bring in your dog. My biggest problem is people who bring in their dog, it makes a puddle on the floor, and they just leave it without notifying anyone or cleaning it up. I always seem to discover those. Regarding hotels: I have the box checked in my Hilton Honors account, but generally choose my preferred room the day before I arrive. So far, it has not been an issue. Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 27, 2017 Author #18462 Share Posted March 27, 2017 I agree, Roz, it is really irrelevant for an American hotel to know at reservation time that you travel with a trained SD. Ships have to know to provide the relief station, and airlines can move you to bulkhead seats if they know in advance, but hotels don't need the info. We're en route to a Miami airport hotel and I can't recall whether we gave advance notice. Flying tomorrow to St. Croix where we lived for eight years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 27, 2017 Author #18463 Share Posted March 27, 2017 OMG! My posts are all going to be showing up at once. I've posted 3 responses to Chris and none of them have showed up..... Chris, have a wonderful trip. I know Raylene will make you proud and everyone will enjoy her!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted March 28, 2017 #18464 Share Posted March 28, 2017 I just hope they actually made the reservation, since they did not get the extra fee. I would hate for you to get there and find out there isn't "any" room for you. Why can't people just do their job and if they don't know it or the answer they should be asking a supervisor. I did get an e-mail confirmation - but of course it did not specify that it was a wheelchair accessible room. So I had to call back and wait another 25 minutes on hold - they said their confirmations aren't set up to reflect that the room is accessible. I finally was able to get them to send me an email confirming that. Hopefully it won't be an issue when we get there! Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted March 28, 2017 #18465 Share Posted March 28, 2017 I, too, am not getting "alerts" like I used to. I come to the forum to check regardless but it sure is nice when the "prompted alerts" would come up. I also get asked to register a lot.....so annoying! It's so discouraging to still find hotels that have no idea about Service Dogs. I have very little patience for them and do find myself getting a bit short tempered. I NEVER mention that I have a Service Dog when I'm making my reservations. Hotels have a tendency to save the less updated rooms for the Service Dog family. If I notice that I'm being taken to a more obscure room in the hotel, I will ask to be moved to a better room. I usually don't tell the hotel ahead of time either. At least I will know to have a copy of the Department of Justice's handout to give them. It is discouraging because I am sure that there are some service dog teams that do not know the law and they are being taken advantage of. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 28, 2017 Author #18466 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Sometimes, I wish I was a fly on the wall! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 28, 2017 Author #18467 Share Posted March 28, 2017 I usually don't tell the hotel ahead of time either. At least I will know to have a copy of the Department of Justice's handout to give them. It is discouraging because I am sure that there are some service dog teams that do not know the law and they are being taken advantage of. Dianne I hope that anyone who is walking or wheeling with a Service Dog knows the law and asserts their rights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted March 28, 2017 #18468 Share Posted March 28, 2017 We're en route to a Miami airport hotel and I can't recall whether we gave advance notice. Flying tomorrow to St. Croix where we lived for eight years - big centennial celebration of Transfer Day in 1917 when the US bought the Danish West Indies, now the US Virgin Islands. We're renting a villa across the road from where we used to live. Lots of old friends say they can't wait to meet Raylene! Have a great time Chris and Raylene! Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribbean Chris Posted March 29, 2017 #18469 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Thanks, all...we had a smooth overnight and flight. All very easy at the Hilton Garden Inn Miami airport west. We've stayed there before and the staff is very friendly to us, there's easy access to grassy areas just outside, and the airport van had steps built in, which made it easy in & out, with plenty of room for her. Their restaurant has a corner table for two we have found available each time we've eaten there, with a nice slice of space alongside the wall for the dog the stretch out and sleep. Funny how a little thing like that makes life easier. The AA agent at check-in asked if we had a health certificate but didn't want to see it. On arrival, no formalities at all - for the US Virgin Islands. On the 3-hr flight to St. Croix, Raylene was an angel once again. I am SO lucky that she has a calm reaction to flying. For the third time, a flight attendant mistook the dog for a black tote bag because she settles immediately and is so still. There was a small emotional support dog on board, on leash but not in a carrier, and not very well-controlled in the departure area, barking at Raylene. As the owner came down the aisle inside the plane, she loudly said to a companion, "Where's that big black dog sitting?" - not even realizing she was walking right past us, because Ray behaves herself properly! We were lucky that the 3rd person in our 3-seat bulkhead row decided to move to an empty row in back, so we had the extra leg room to spread out a little. So now we're in our old neighborhood, already running into people we knew when we lived here from 1999-2008. Raylene is wagging her tail watching all the little lizards running around outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insuregal Posted March 29, 2017 #18470 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I usually don't tell the hotel ahead of time either. At least I will know to have a copy of the Department of Justice's handout to give them. It is discouraging because I am sure that there are some service dog teams that do not know the law and they are being taken advantage of. Dianne Dianne, just wondering if the hotel is part of a national or global chain. Perhaps you could reach out to their corporate customer relations. Just my two cents... Thanks, Beckie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 29, 2017 Author #18471 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Thanks, all...we had a smooth overnight and flight. All very easy at the Hilton Garden Inn Miami airport west. We've stayed there before and the staff is very friendly to us, there's easy access to grassy areas just outside, and the airport van had steps built in, which made it easy in & out, with plenty of room for her. Their restaurant has a corner table for two we have found available each time we've eaten there, with a nice slice of space alongside the wall for the dog the stretch out and sleep. Funny how a little thing like that makes life easier. The AA agent at check-in asked if we had a health certificate but didn't want to see it. On arrival, no formalities at all - for the US Virgin Islands. On the 3-hr flight to St. Croix, Raylene was an angel once again. I am SO lucky that she has a calm reaction to flying. For the third time, a flight attendant mistook the dog for a black tote bag because she settles immediately and is so still. There was a small emotional support dog on board, on leash but not in a carrier, and not very well-controlled in the departure area, barking at Raylene. As the owner came down the aisle inside the plane, she loudly said to a companion, "Where's that big black dog sitting?" - not even realizing she was walking right past us, because Ray behaves herself properly! We were lucky that the 3rd person in our 3-seat bulkhead row decided to move to an empty row in back, so we had the extra leg room to spread out a little. So now we're in our old neighborhood, already running into people we knew when we lived here from 1999-2008. Raylene is wagging her tail watching all the little lizards running around outside. Raylene certainly acts appropriately! The lady who was so concerned about where she was sitting wouldn't have to be so worried if her dog were properly trained. The reality is that folks who bring their "pets" with them wherever they go and try to pass them off as "therapy" dogs would have a more enjoyable journey through life if they would spend some time and energy into training good behavior while out in public. The people around you would be happier and, trust me, so would the dog; they'd be less agitated and scared [the dog, I mean!] Well, maybe the people too! ;p Chris, you and Raylene do us all so proud!!! I hope the rest of your trip is as good as the beginning. Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algebralovr Posted March 29, 2017 #18472 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I was just discussing some of the, with regard to residences, with someone. ESAs are a real issue in rental property. We were saying that if we could mandate a dog, even an ESA, had Canine Good Citizen certification it would make things so much easier. The real SDs will pass CGC no issue at all. Scooter is getting close. Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 29, 2017 Author #18473 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I was just discussing some of the, with regard to residences, with someone. ESAs are a real issue in rental property. We were saying that if we could mandate a dog, even an ESA, had Canine Good Citizen certification it would make things so much easier. The real SDs will pass CGC no issue at all. Scooter is getting close. Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk Barb, In the complex that I live [it is "no pets allowed".] Bringing in Brenda in 2002 was a huge issue but, of course, they could not refuse me. Her behavior was ALWAYS exemplary as is Horton's. Then came a woman with an ESA, who consistently barked, whined and growled. The Homeowner's Association got together and cited the law that states that the dog "MUST not pose a threat to others" and after several complaints and warnings asked her to vacate the premises! I wish more public entities would be bold enough to keep the people who bring in uncontrolled pets out. I'm an animal enthusiast, I love all animals and treat them with great respect. But, by the same token, the animal, especially those going into the public venue, MUST be expected to behave well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUTRAVEL Posted March 29, 2017 #18474 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Dianne, just wondering if the hotel is part of a national or global chain. Perhaps you could reach out to their corporate customer relations. Just my two cents... Thanks, Beckie Good suggestion Beckie. Its Nobel House Hotel and Resorts - I had not heard of them prior to this. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 31, 2017 Author #18475 Share Posted March 31, 2017 I hope none of our friends or family are caught up in any of the weather related problems going on across the mid-west right now. Horton and I have just scheduled our re-certification for April 8th, at CCI in Oceanside, CA. Horton will do very well, unless someone takes him off-leash and he wanders away. "See you later alligator!" Horton's "re-call" can be hit or miss! Chances are they won't want to take his leash off anyway! Have a wonderful and safe weekend everyone ♥ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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