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

[wizard-of-roz]

I don't know what size the balconies on Carnival are, but here is a picture of our box on Celebrity (standard width balcony, but longer due to being in a wheelchair accessible cabin). There was plenty of room for the box.

 

I have requested sod, but have never received it. We have had wood chips and on our last cruise they used a very fine feathery mulch. Henri did not like it (I think because her feet would sink into it). It also would blow out of the box if it was windy. Our cabin steward wetted it down with water and that solved all of the problems.

 

I took artificial grass with us on our Panama Canal cruise - we put it in the box over the wood chips and Henri promptly laid down on it! It was cheap grass and not very think. I think she thought it was a blanket.

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, thank you so much for this great visual.

My DH would tell people who would ask, "where does he go potty", that the dog is trained to hold-it-in for the entire cruise.......I used to smack him when he'd say this!!! :rolleyes:

[DisneyKidsDad]

I've been meaning to tell you all about my friend Pat who has applied for a CCI hearing dog and was interviewed at the Orlando campus - they now train hearing dogs there and not just in California. Her concerns include being nervous about handling a service dog in public places and not being hassled. We had brunch last Saturday to talk about dogs and deaf-people stuff.

 

 

So right in cue as we are being seated, a man (owner, manager or dishwasher, who knows) hustles over to our table and mutters something at me. I had to get him to repeat it twice so I could read his lips, and he was saying, "The dog has to stay on the floor!" I just looked at him and answered, "Of course!"

 

I can't imagine that a lot of 70-lb Labradors settle themselves for brunch on their banquettes, but in Florida the restaurant staffers probably see it all, including people feeding their fake "service dogs" at the table. I've seen it myself.

 

 

So I didn't get offended, but Pat said, "See? That's the kind of people I'd be worried about." But I told her CCI will give her dog (and her) great training and she'll quickly learn how to roll with whatever comes.

We have been told that the "average" wait time for a hearing dog in Orlando once you are on the waiting list is only 6 months.

[wizard-of-roz]

We have been told that the "average" wait time for a hearing dog in Orlando once you are on the waiting list is only 6 months.

 

Wow, that's great. I waited 2 years for Brenda [i applied in the summer of 2000 and didn't get her until November of 2002.] I applied for a Successor Dog in 2010 and, because they wanted me to be matched with Horton, I waited a year for him because he was such a goof-ball about the re-call, but a genius at everything else.....they kept him an extra few months. I was put into a "side-placement", where we were the only kids in the class. CCI didn't want me to be without a Service Dog so long! It was a very trying time for me.

 

And, see, good things come to all who wait.....

[DUTRAVEL]

Dianne, thank you so much for this great visual.

 

My DH would tell people who would ask, "where does he go potty", that the dog is trained to hold-it-in for the entire cruise.......I used to smack him when he'd say this!!! :rolleyes:

 

Lol we could come up with a lot of good ones! Definitely the #1 question we are asked by far.

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

And I know who you are talking about. This should be interesting!!

Oh it's gonna be good for sure!

 

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[rangeley]

Wexler absolutely despises that fake grass!!! He would rather have anything but that. I'm looking into this place in Miami that does doggy sod. I think it's a place like Roz has for Horton at her work. I'm going to see if they will deliver a piece of sod to the ship. I suppose I'll have to fight with the access dept. Not looking forward to that. I'm not sure if they will allow it but they can't seem to be bothered getting what we request.

 

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[rpclmc]

Are these "potty pads" the large ones that are purchased at Petco or other pet stores? For Horton, they would have to have very strong tape on the back to adhere them to the ground because he's a "spinner" before he goes potty. He has to turn a few times before he can relieve himself and whatever is beneath his feet [unless it's somehow enclosed] will be moved around beneath him.

 

When I use filler in the box, it must be almost to the top allowing for Horton's displacement of it, as he spins. The crew NEVER fills it enough! Which is why I ask for the bag to be left on the veranda near the box.

 

All this talk about the most time consuming and probing question asked by my fellow passengers....."WHERE DOES HE GO TO THE BATHROOM?" If I had a dollar for every time I'm asked that question......It would certainly pay for a dinner in one of their fine dining restaurants onboard!!! :D

 

Yes, those are the pads. Didn't even think about "spinners". Halo doesn't spin, but he also doesn't like to go anywhere but his back yard. He is VERY particular with his business.

 

Linda and Halo

[S.S. Cruisers]

I believe our neighbor got his CCI Hearing dog from Orlando. It was not long at all from when he told us to when he was off to training with Rider. He is such a goofy teenager, right now! Love him.

I got to meet one of my nephew dogs this week. A Golden Retriever/Doodle! Carson. OMD, he is 18 months old and a train wreck. He is so smart. He opens the sliding glass door, clears any flat surface and is always looking at us like "Did you see me? Did you see what I did?" Then there is that gentle side of him. His great grandma lives with him. She is 92 years old and in frail health. He comes in the house like a hurricane, slides to a stop by her chair and kisses her feet. Although he does try to clear her table next to her chair. He is a hoot.

[rangeley]

I believe our neighbor got his CCI Hearing dog from Orlando. It was not long at all from when he told us to when he was off to training with Rider. He is such a goofy teenager, right now! Love him.

I got to meet one of my nephew dogs this week. A Golden Retriever/Doodle! Carson. OMD, he is 18 months old and a train wreck. He is so smart. He opens the sliding glass door, clears any flat surface and is always looking at us like "Did you see me? Did you see what I did?" Then there is that gentle side of him. His great grandma lives with him. She is 92 years old and in frail health. He comes in the house like a hurricane, slides to a stop by her chair and kisses her feet. Although he does try to clear her table next to her chair. He is a hoot.

That's great that you get to meet a CCI dog! Now you can see how awesome they are.

 

We just had a friend here that has a hearing dog. Yesterday she didn't hear a truck backing up behind her and the dog alerted her twice and maybe saved her life!!! Incredible! ❤️

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Wexler absolutely despises that fake grass!!! He would rather have anything but that. I'm looking into this place in Miami that does doggy sod. I think it's a place like Roz has for Horton at her work. I'm going to see if they will deliver a piece of sod to the ship. I suppose I'll have to fight with the access dept. Not looking forward to that. I'm not sure if they will allow it but they can't seem to be bothered getting what we request.

 

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Cindy, you are brilliant. I didn't even think about calling Matt with "Doggy and The City" [this is the company that provides a 5x5 wooden box; delivers Horton's sod every two weeks, removing the old and replacing it with new, fresh grass.] In the 5 years I've used them, they've never missed a delivery.

I wonder, since I'm only cruising out of L.A. these days, would he deliver the sod to the ship [day of debarkation?] He would have to "tag" it with my name, cabin number, ship, etc. And either meet me at the dock or give it to a dock worker and have it treated just like luggage. I would leave the sod behind, when the cruise is over. It's such a great idea.

How genius. He bills my credit card every month, he would just add the cost of the sod and delivery when I cruise.

I just hung up the phone with Matt's partner and he said he's going to run it by Matt and have him call me back. I told him that the ship would provide the box, I just want the sod delivered to either Long Beach or San Pedro. It's really nice grass and stays healthy for the full two weeks that I have it. A one week cruise would be no problem at all. Since Horton is a big dog he uses 3 strips of grass. A smaller dog would require just one or two.

When he calls back I'll let you know what he says. I would have to call the Special Needs Dept. of the ship to give them a "heads-up" so they can email the ship to expect the sod delivery. Most importantly is the labeling of the grass and the timing of the delivery. I pay $80.00 a month for the box/grass and upkeep. I don't know what he would charge for just the grass and delivery? I'll let you know.

Cindy, I asked if he knows of any businesses who do this type of delivery to cruise terminals out of Calif., he said he's NEVER heard of it.

[wizard-of-roz]

That's great that you get to meet a CCI dog! Now you can see how awesome they are.

 

We just had a friend here that has a hearing dog. Yesterday she didn't hear a truck backing up behind her and the dog alerted her twice and maybe saved her life!!! Incredible! ❤️

 

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Isn't that amazing!

[wizard-of-roz]

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

[Algebralovr]

Cindy, you are brilliant. I didn't even think about calling Matt with "Doggy and The City" [this is the company that provides a 5x5 wooden box; delivers Horton's sod every two weeks, removing the old and replacing it with new, fresh grass.] In the 5 years I've used them, they've never missed a delivery.

I wonder, since I'm only cruising out of L.A. these days, would he deliver the sod to the ship [day of debarkation?] He would have to "tag" it with my name, cabin number, ship, etc. And either meet me at the dock or give it to a dock worker and have it treated just like luggage. I would leave the sod behind, when the cruise is over. It's such a great idea.

How genius. He bills my credit card every month, he would just add the cost of the sod and delivery when I cruise.

I just hung up the phone with Matt's partner and he said he's going to run it by Matt and have him call me back. I told him that the ship would provide the box, I just want the sod delivered to either Long Beach or San Pedro. It's really nice grass and stays healthy for the full two weeks that I have it. A one week cruise would be no problem at all. Since Horton is a big dog he uses 3 strips of grass. A smaller dog would require just one or two.

When he calls back I'll let you know what he says. I would have to call the Special Needs Dept. of the ship to give them a "heads-up" so they can email the ship to expect the sod delivery. Most importantly is the labeling of the grass and the timing of the delivery. I pay $80.00 a month for the box/grass and upkeep. I don't know what he would charge for just the grass and delivery? I'll let you know.

Cindy, I asked if he knows of any businesses who do this type of delivery to cruise terminals out of Calif., he said he's NEVER heard of it.

Sounds like Matt needs to start working with ALL the cruise ships sailing out of CA!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

I believe our neighbor got his CCI Hearing dog from Orlando. It was not long at all from when he told us to when he was off to training with Rider. He is such a goofy teenager, right now! Love him.

I got to meet one of my nephew dogs this week. A Golden Retriever/Doodle! Carson. OMD, he is 18 months old and a train wreck. He is so smart. He opens the sliding glass door, clears any flat surface and is always looking at us like "Did you see me? Did you see what I did?" Then there is that gentle side of him. His great grandma lives with him. She is 92 years old and in frail health. He comes in the house like a hurricane, slides to a stop by her chair and kisses her feet. Although he does try to clear her table next to her chair. He is a hoot.

 

What a cute story. I love the Golden-Doodles. I wouldn't mind having one as my next Service Dog. I would want a boy and he'd have to be a big boy!!! :)

[wizard-of-roz]

Sounds like Matt needs to start working with ALL the cruise ships sailing out of CA!

 

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Barb, isn't it a great idea. All the ship would have to do is make the box, put it on your patio or wherever it's going to be, deliver the grass to the potty box, have a maintenance person come and lay it in the box [i could lay the grass in the box and I'm not that strong.] The sod comes rolled-up in plastic bags, easy to handle. The ship would store the bags and use it when they're removing the soiled grass.

If you're cruising for more than a 3 week period the grass might become problematic. That's another discussion.

[rangeley]

Cindy, you are brilliant. I didn't even think about calling Matt with "Doggy and The City" [this is the company that provides a 5x5 wooden box; delivers Horton's sod every two weeks, removing the old and replacing it with new, fresh grass.] In the 5 years I've used them, they've never missed a delivery.

I wonder, since I'm only cruising out of L.A. these days, would he deliver the sod to the ship [day of debarkation?] He would have to "tag" it with my name, cabin number, ship, etc. And either meet me at the dock or give it to a dock worker and have it treated just like luggage. I would leave the sod behind, when the cruise is over. It's such a great idea.

How genius. He bills my credit card every month, he would just add the cost of the sod and delivery when I cruise.

I just hung up the phone with Matt's partner and he said he's going to run it by Matt and have him call me back. I told him that the ship would provide the box, I just want the sod delivered to either Long Beach or San Pedro. It's really nice grass and stays healthy for the full two weeks that I have it. A one week cruise would be no problem at all. Since Horton is a big dog he uses 3 strips of grass. A smaller dog would require just one or two.

When he calls back I'll let you know what he says. I would have to call the Special Needs Dept. of the ship to give them a "heads-up" so they can email the ship to expect the sod delivery. Most importantly is the labeling of the grass and the timing of the delivery. I pay $80.00 a month for the box/grass and upkeep. I don't know what he would charge for just the grass and delivery? I'll let you know.

Cindy, I asked if he knows of any businesses who do this type of delivery to cruise terminals out of Calif., he said he's NEVER heard of it.

I called the place this morning and the phone number isn't in service 😣. My great idea just went down the drain. It's wierd cuz when I look them up, they have ads everywhere. But I got the idea from you Roz!!! I will have to do some more research I guess.

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

I called the place this morning and the phone number isn't in service . My great idea just went down the drain. It's wierd cuz when I look them up, they have ads everywhere. But I got the idea from you Roz!!! I will have to do some more research I guess.

 

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Let me know what you find out and I'll let you know when Matt calls me back. It's sure sounds doable to me.

 

And, as I think about it, the box that Matt delivers is 5x5, the box that the ships use are probably 3x5 or 4x5, so 2 pieces of sod would fill the box and would be enough even for Horton. A 3x5 box would really be suitable for most dogs.

[DUTRAVEL]

Let me know what you find out and I'll let you know when Matt calls me back. It's sure sounds doable to me.

 

And, as I think about it, the box that Matt delivers is 5x5, the box that the ships use are probably 3x5 or 4x5, so 2 pieces of sod would fill the box and would be enough even for Horton. A 3x5 box would really be suitable for most dogs.

 

This makes so much sense. I have requested sod (and Celebrity's website states that they provide sod upon request if leaving from a US port) and we have never received it. So simple!

 

Dianne

[Caribbean Chris]

This makes so much sense. I have requested sod (and Celebrity's website states that they provide sod upon request if leaving from a US port) and we have never received it. So simple!

 

Dianne

We haven't either. Holland America has done sod, no problem. I just don't get why Celebrity can't even though they say they can. I gave up and started asking for mulch, and got sawdust and wood shavings. You never know what will be in the box when you board.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Well CCI team training starts today. Fingers crossed for my boy Sutter to find his forever home and forever job. Also fingers crossed for a friend who is in team training for her hearing dog in Orlando.

[wizard-of-roz]

Well CCI team training starts today. Fingers crossed for my boy Sutter to find his forever home and forever job. Also fingers crossed for a friend who is in team training for her hearing dog in Orlando.

 

Go, Sutter, Go! My very best wishes to Sutter and to your friend in Team Training. I hope all goes well for both of them. :*

[rangeley]

This makes so much sense. I have requested sod (and Celebrity's website states that they provide sod upon request if leaving from a US port) and we have never received it. So simple!

 

Dianne

Ya why do they even ask? Holland America got us sod, why can't these other ships. The form we get actually has sod filled in on it! Yet 2 cruises they can't seem to get it. After last year's disaster, I'm going to get a piece of sod if I have to dig it up at the terminal!! I'm certainly going to see if we can get the hotel managers email before we go. Last year's he had his lackeys take care of us and they lied to our faces. It was the first year (even with screw ups) that Wex didn't go potty for 3 days. He is getting to old for stress like that. And seeing us stressed out doesn't help either.

 

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Edited July 24, 2017 by rangeley

[rangeley]

Well CCI team training starts today. Fingers crossed for my boy Sutter to find his forever home and forever job. Also fingers crossed for a friend who is in team training for her hearing dog in Orlando.

Go Sutter!!!!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Ya why do they even ask? Holland America got us sod, why can't these other ships. The form we get actually has sod filled in on it! Yet 2 cruises they can't seem to get it. After last year's disaster, I'm going to get a piece of sod if I have to dig it up at the terminal!! I'm certainly going to see if we can get the hotel managers email before we go. Last year's he had his lackeys take care of us and they lied to our faces. It was the first year (even with screw ups) that Wex didn't go potty for 3 days. He is getting to old for stress like that. And seeing us stressed out doesn't help either.

 

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It certainly would turn some people off of cruising with their Service Dog.

The fact is I don't go anywhere without my SD, he goes where I go. And, him being able to relieve himself is extremely important, wherever I go.

I went through the rigorous process of acquiring a Service Dog because I wanted to enhance my life. My expectation is that I will be treated with respect as will my dog. That means that my dog will be afforded a proper place to toilet, with the right kind of potty box and filler.

As a dog ages the various stresses that he's subjected to make a huge difference on how he performs for his handler, who counts on his dog to make his/her life better, not to mention safer. I totally understand what Cindy is referring to when it comes to undue stress being put on Wex because he couldn't go potty for 3 days. You know how you'd feel if this were you!

I'm still waiting to hear from Matt who's not in today. Hopefully, before the end of the week I'll have an answer as to whether or not he can help with delivery of sod to the ships leaving out of L.A. ports and maybe give me some kind of clue as to how we can get ALL the ships leaving out of any port to be able to attain sod for the Service Dogs who cruise them.

[Caribbean Chris]

Aww! I love these stories. About people applying for Service Dogs. Certainly not about folks who feed their dogs at the table or allow the dogs to sit on the furniture.

 

We were at a restaurant that had only "bench" type seating and there was absolutely no where for Horton to lay without being stepped on......I wanted to leave but it was a special party for one of my bosses and I was stuck. So, I asked Horton to get up on the bench closest to the wall and I sat next to him. I must say it worked out well for the entire 3 hours that we were there but I wasn't comfortable about putting him up on the bench.

 

There are times when you have to use your own good judgment and break a rule or two. I made sure that Horton stayed in a "down/stay" position the entire time! He was so glad when we left and so was I! ;)

 

I've been meaning to reply, Roz. Yes, there definitely are times you "do what you gotta do!" We were on a tour in Homer, Alaska where there are no tour buses, so they use school buses made for small people. Raylene and I got on, and there was no way she had a space to fit on the floor beneath the little vinyl-covered bench seat. So she jumped up on curled up next to me. Not ideal, but no real alternative that day.

 

Same thing happened this summer in Glacier National Park when we rode a "jammer" bus built in the 1920s. No floor space to settle, and in fact our back row was over the wheels, so even less leg room for people - forget about 70-lb dogs. It was very tight even boarding via curving small steps. She tried to ride standing squeezed in front of me, but eventually I gave her an "up" command and she curled in the corner of the back seat for the tour.

 

 

(That was the tour where the driver looked worried when we were boarding and asked if the dog liked children. On another shuttle van this summer in New Orleans, the driver said the dog could come but first they would have to ask all the other passengers if it was OK with them.)