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

[guitarest]

I'm just a paralegal so I can't give you any advice, but I'm close to an attorney who practices animal law. If you can post the city and state of the property you were evicted from, I might be able to point you in the direction of some help.

 

Unsure how to PM here or even if thats a option, my email is guitarest at pruconsultants dot com

 

Like I mentioned I am unsure what can be done, HUD has done their thing and while I feel really strong in this case and was more than able to prove my point and disprove there comments as not being factual and provided many individuals who testified in my favor that their claims were not true. I just hate that while its their means to make money sometimes more seasoned lawyers forget why they originally got into that business. To right the wrongs and make a little cash, majority that I have met or worked for refuse to take on anything unless its a cash cow.

 

So far I have been very good at defending this yet we are in the final stages and sometimes just having someone in your corner demands a little more respect rather than one who does not have a attorney. The pain is still the same with or without a attorney yet a experienced attorney is always better at this rather than without.

[Latitude 20]

Thanks with the offers Guys and Gals, the thing with Blitz is over a year ago and HUD has done loads of investigating. The biggest problem with this case is they had to find all the owners of the property. Its a local complex in Gulfport Ms and I spoke with the Regional Mgr and let her know that Blitz was coming and asked what they required as a curiosity. A year prior to Blitz I had another GSD named King and they had no issues with him; for what ever reason they had issues with Blitz. He wasn't on the property 5 days and I got a note under the door stating its either him or me but someone has to go. They knew what he was as a service dog and I lived there since Hurricane Katrina without even a late payment and I stayed to myself so not even any complaints. What changed was the office staff and others on the property who didn't pick up their poop and the front office had loads of complaints just not about me. The apartment had loads of made up complaints about me to try to justify their actions what they did not expect was a old retired NCO who not only keeps paperwork but does the CYA unlike any one they have ever experienced. From proving they lied about local policies to even proving their claim were not only unsubstantiated but also very much lies. Just before HUD was going to pass their decision they located another owner of the property (over 35 individuals and over 20 shell companies) so the clock started all over again and hopefully there is no more hidden owners.

 

Its been a year of he11 and since October its has been very painful since I expirenced 5 different ulcers on my legs and they are because of injuries from being forced to move. HUD even asked these guys to back off during the investigation and they still threw me and my family out. I know there are two sides to every story, just this one has loads of paperwork and witnesses to back up my claim...... lol

 

Well, you're right about not having too many animal lawyers in MS. I can't find a single one. But, I noticed the "old retired NCO" in your message--are you a veteran or a retiree? And is your disability service-related? If you're a retiree (receiving a military pension) or your disability is service-connected, the military should be able to provide you an attorney. I don't know which branch you served in but here are the links for each of them:

 

Air Force: https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil

Army: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/legal

Navy/Marines: http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.htm

Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Find_Lawyer.asp

 

My husband is retired Air Force (an "old retired NCO" like yourself!) and we've used military attorneys for many things over the years.

 

If you're a veteran but not a retiree, the military won't provide legal assistance but you might try HUDVET (800-998-9999). Their main focus is getting homeless vets off the streets but they may be able to help you move your issue through the maze of the main HUD process.

 

Lastly, you might try the Mississippi Center for Justice (http://www.mscenterforjustice.org/) and/or the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (http://www.makeitfair.com/about.html). Both organizations provide pro bono assistance in housing discrimination claims.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Kathi

[wizard-of-roz]

Evenin' all:

 

I love Paralegal's, Physician's asst. and all. You all seem to do a more thorough job and appreciate your client's more so, than, um, the real McCoy! :o

 

I will give a shout out to Cari on Facebook, she frequents there a little more than here.

 

Now, I have just discovered a problem with transporting mom, with a wheel chair. I have come into contact with at least 2 different establishements that have their handicap parking on definite inclines. It is not easy holding a wheel chair and getting an 89 year old woman in/out of the car and having the wheel chair in a convenient place (ie: near the car and not down an embankment :D) with no way to recover it and keep mom from (taking off) on her own! WTH are they thinking? They were both at Doctors offices?

 

City in the which the parking space is located in.....contact the Dept. of Parking Enforcement - Handicapped Division. It's only a guess on my part.....but, it's close enough. How stupid can they be to not level out the space inwhich a wheelchair must roll in. They didn't think it through very well did they?

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks with the offers Guys and Gals, the thing with Blitz is over a year ago and HUD has done loads of investigating. The biggest problem with this case is they had to find all the owners of the property. Its a local complex in Gulfport Ms and I spoke with the Regional Mgr and let her know that Blitz was coming and asked what they required as a curiosity. A year prior to Blitz I had another GSD named King and they had no issues with him; for what ever reason they had issues with Blitz. He wasn't on the property 5 days and I got a note under the door stating its either him or me but someone has to go. They knew what he was as a service dog and I lived there since Hurricane Katrina without even a late payment and I stayed to myself so not even any complaints. What changed was the office staff and others on the property who didn't pick up their poop and the front office had loads of complaints just not about me. The apartment had loads of made up complaints about me to try to justify their actions what they did not expect was a old retired NCO who not only keeps paperwork but does the CYA unlike any one they have ever experienced. From proving they lied about local policies to even proving their claim were not only unsubstantiated but also very much lies. Just before HUD was going to pass their decision they located another owner of the property (over 35 individuals and over 20 shell companies) so the clock started all over again and hopefully there is no more hidden owners.

 

Its been a year of he11 and since October its has been very painful since I expirenced 5 different ulcers on my legs and they are because of injuries from being forced to move. HUD even asked these guys to back off during the investigation and they still threw me and my family out. I know there are two sides to every story, just this one has loads of paperwork and witnesses to back up my claim...... lol

 

Unbelieveable.........I wouldn't have budged an inch, after I had sent all the documentation from the Department of Justice and copied the American's With Disabilities Act Law. You had every right to stay put!

Edited August 17, 2011 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi all

got a shout out from Nancy on my facebook about someone needing help here - you can e mail me direct at COUNTRYGRL290 at aol dot com

Hope I can help

Cari and Denver

 

It's "SuperGirl" and her trusty dog Denver to the rescue.

[wizard-of-roz]

Nancy, Parking on inclines huh? Isn't it ridiculous?? We have encountered that many many times!!! I guess if you are not in a wheelchair you don't really think about it. You will probably encounter alot of stupid things if you are going to take mom places in her wheelchair. Some of the things we have seen are mindblowing!

 

Cindy

 

This makes me crazier than I already am! This injustice to folks in wheelchairs is over-the-top stupid!

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, you're right about not having too many animal lawyers in MS. I can't find a single one. But, I noticed the "old retired NCO" in your message--are you a veteran or a retiree? And is your disability service-related? If you're a retiree (receiving a military pension) or your disability is service-connected, the military should be able to provide you an attorney. I don't know which branch you served in but here are the links for each of them:

 

Air Force: https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil

Army: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/legal

Navy/Marines: http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.htm

Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Find_Lawyer.asp

 

My husband is retired Air Force (an "old retired NCO" like yourself!) and we've used military attorneys for many things over the years.

 

If you're a veteran but not a retiree, the military won't provide legal assistance but you might try HUDVET (800-998-9999). Their main focus is getting homeless vets off the streets but they may be able to help you move your issue through the maze of the main HUD process.

 

Lastly, you might try the Mississippi Center for Justice (http://www.mscenterforjustice.org/) and/or the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (http://www.makeitfair.com/about.html). Both organizations provide pro bono assistance in housing discrimination claims.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Kathi

 

Kathi, on behalf of all of us, especially Blitz & Guitarist......THANK YOU!!!!! You've provided a wealth of information and certainly more than enough links for someone to seek the help they need.

It just takes a lot of fortitude and "stick-to-itness" to keep-up the fight!

[Latitude 20]

Kathi, on behalf of all of us, especially Blitz & Guitarist......THANK YOU!!!!! You've provided a wealth of information and certainly more than enough links for someone to seek the help they need.

It just takes a lot of fortitude and "stick-to-itness" to keep-up the fight!

 

Thanks for the kind words Roz. I'm glad to be of help, minimal as it is.

 

It's really frustrating to know exactly what I would do in this situation (we did a continuing education session on service animals and housing for our state bar association last fall) but not be able to share it because I'm not an attorney. Unauthorized practice of law is not a good thing for my future career!

 

I hope Guitarist and Blitz will find someone who can help soon or Cari's friend will be able to help them.

 

Kathi

[guitarest]

Well, you're right about not having too many animal lawyers in MS. I can't find a single one. But, I noticed the "old retired NCO" in your message--are you a veteran or a retiree? And is your disability service-related? If you're a retiree (receiving a military pension) or your disability is service-connected, the military should be able to provide you an attorney. I don't know which branch you served in but here are the links for each of them:

 

Air Force: https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil

Army: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/legal

Navy/Marines: http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.htm

Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Find_Lawyer.asp

 

My husband is retired Air Force (an "old retired NCO" like yourself!) and we've used military attorneys for many things over the years.

 

If you're a veteran but not a retiree, the military won't provide legal assistance but you might try HUDVET (800-998-9999). Their main focus is getting homeless vets off the streets but they may be able to help you move your issue through the maze of the main HUD process.

 

Lastly, you might try the Mississippi Center for Justice (http://www.mscenterforjustice.org/) and/or the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (http://www.makeitfair.com/about.html). Both organizations provide pro bono assistance in housing discrimination claims.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Kathi

 

Thank you Kathi, I am a Old Retired Blue Retiree Card Carrying NCO. lol I will try your links, thank you.

[guitarest]

 

Well, you're right about not having too many animal lawyers in MS. I can't find a single one. But, I noticed the "old retired NCO" in your message--are you a veteran or a retiree? And is your disability service-related? If you're a retiree (receiving a military pension) or your disability is service-connected, the military should be able to provide you an attorney. I don't know which branch you served in but here are the links for each of them:

 

Air Force: https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil

Army: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/legal

Navy/Marines: http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.htm

Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Find_Lawyer.asp

 

My husband is retired Air Force (an "old retired NCO" like yourself!) and we've used military attorneys for many things over the years.

 

If you're a veteran but not a retiree, the military won't provide legal assistance but you might try HUDVET (800-998-9999). Their main focus is getting homeless vets off the streets but they may be able to help you move your issue through the maze of the main HUD process.

 

Lastly, you might try the Mississippi Center for Justice (http://www.mscenterforjustice.org/) and/or the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center (http://www.makeitfair.com/about.html). Both organizations provide pro bono assistance in housing discrimination claims.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Kathi

 

Tried to edit my post althought it would not let me sorry for the double post.

 

I noticed the "old retired NCO" in your message--are you a veteran YES or a retiree? YES And is your disability service-related? YES 100% DAV, The VA finally decided to include my being a ugly old fart as a disability so that pushed me into the 300% but only pay for 100% (LOL)

Thank you again Kathi...

 

Jocko

Edited August 18, 2011 by guitarest

[Latitude 20]

Tried to edit my post althought it would not let me sorry for the double post.

 

I noticed the "old retired NCO" in your message--are you a veteran YES or a retiree? YES And is your disability service-related? YES 100% DAV, The VA finally decided to include my being a ugly old fart as a disability so that pushed me into the 300% but only pay for 100% (LOL)

Thank you again Kathi...

 

Jocko

 

LOL Jocko! My husband is only 50% but I think he's pretty handsome so no extra points there!

 

Start waving that blue card around your nearest base/post and don't stop until they help you! You deserve it for your service and sacrifice for our country.

 

Kathi

[wizard-of-roz]

So, when is this wonderful group going to cruise together? It seems we're all being dragged in one direction or another; by family, work, dogs, etc., etc.

 

Once I hear from CCI next week I am going to definitely start thinking of cruising, one way or another. If I have to cancel the upcoming cruise on September 24th then after my graduation with "Successor" I'm going to be really ready to cruise.

 

I swear, the following Monday morning I'll be calling my TA to make future cruising plans [if I'm going to Team Training], if not, look out Golden Gate Bridge, I'm onboard the Sapphire to see you.

 

In order for me to get to CCI - Santa Rosa for Team Training, I must go over the GG Bridge. Isn't that funny how the bridge is my destination [either over her or under her] one way or another!!!!!!!!

[guitarest]

Give me about two months to get this crap behind me and I would be more than willing to do this. My fear is I am quite active here although unless my daughter drags me out or I am doing something for my grand daughter I am a individual that stays home allot except to shop for food. Especially recently with the ingrown bone spurs, quite painful.

 

If yall want too do this I would love too. That way I can learn from the experienced dog handlers here. Oh and pick on Roz in person.... I live in Mississippi and would need a little heads up since I have two other dogs that need to go to a kennel and a few fish tanks that need to have someone look after. Just need a heads up and I can try to drive anywhere to hook up.

 

I'm there if yall are

[DisneyKidsDad]

Brenda is part of the study too! Have you cut Werin's hair and sent it in yet? I tried to keep the cutting to a part that would be hidden by her vest but when the vest's off the spot sure looks funny! Looks like Brenny's having a "bad hair day!"

 

I look forward to hearing the test results. It's all about stress and the working dog's cortisol levels.

 

This sounds like the same study Orson is in. We didn't have to cut his hair. They sent us out a comb and a zip lock bag. We had to send back about a fist full of hair. We did that last month.

[wizard-of-roz]

Give me about two months to get this crap behind me and I would be more than willing to do this. My fear is I am quite active here although unless my daughter drags me out or I am doing something for my grand daughter I am a individual that stays home allot except to shop for food. Especially recently with the ingrown bone spurs, quite painful.

 

If yall want too do this I would love too. That way I can learn from the experienced dog handlers here. Oh and pick on Roz in person.... I live in Mississippi and would need a little heads up since I have two other dogs that need to go to a kennel and a few fish tanks that need to have someone look after. Just need a heads up and I can try to drive anywhere to hook up.

 

I'm there if yall are

 

You're a good sport and I look forward to your picking on me along with everyone else!

It may take some remarkable planning but one day we can all hope to celebrate our triumphs together!

[DisneyKidsDad]

You're a good sport and I look forward to your picking on me along with everyone else!

 

It may take some remarkable planning but one day we can all hope to celebrate our triumphs together!

 

So far for us it might be Disney to Alaska from either Seattle or Vancouver in summer of 2013.

[wizard-of-roz]

So far for us it might be Disney to Alaska from either Seattle or Vancouver in summer of 2013.

 

Wow! What a great idea! I'm going to look into it for us, as well. Thanks for the suggestion!

Now, all we need from you is the date. Once were onboard maybe we can conjole other's to join us.

[guitarest]

You're a good sport and I look forward to your picking on me along with everyone else!

 

It may take some remarkable planning but one day we can all hope to celebrate our triumphs together!

 

Roz its a two way and with all respect I do look forward to hopefully meeting yall here. In my area there is no experience and much of what I do is either coming from training other GSD's in the K9 mode or other forms of media like here and other websites, youtube and shows on TV. I will not sell myself short, although I just know I am doing some stuff wrong. All things considered I have been blessed with Blitz since he is very smart and eager to learn with very little direction from myself.

 

My daughter asked me to visit her new apartment and after the 70 mile ride to her new place I was seriously impressed for sure. Her and her boyfriend/fiance have a very nice place and they just got new furniture. I was very impressed and Blitz got to visit with Dia also. Dia is my daughters GSD puppy who happened to loose 3 baby teeth yesterday since she is only 17 weeks old.

 

Julie invited us to a dog park so we all piled into her car with Blitz and I in the back. This was Blitz's very first dog park and except for one very small fence fight (started by a beagle no less) which I corrected immediately it was a very playful day for Blitz. He got to remove his collar (we do not wear a vest, our leash has a huge Service Dog velcro attachment) and Blitz went from work to play mode. There were a few dogs there in two seperate areas one for big and one for small dogs. A few people showed up after us although most went into the small dog area since Blitz and his size scared almost everyone even though he was not aggressive towards any person or dog. In fact he loved a Border Collie there and played "Catch the Frisbee" with her. The Border Collie knew way too many tricks for sure and she gravitated towards me more so than her owner.

 

On the way home I did a double take and stopped tofuel up and got Mid Grade Gas at 1.45 a gallon; we topped off. As I was getting out of the car I gave Blitz the "NO" command as he wanted to get out also then I told him to stay so he went in the area behind the front seats in my Mustang and layed down. I really love that car; they 6 way adjustable seat and lumbar support is sweet. I have the rear seats flipped down so its a larger flat area in the back and have a pillow back there for Blitz. After the action packed day Blitz and I both crashed when we got home I could not sleep due to the right leg yet Blitz slept all night.

 

Hope everyone has a great Thursday

Edited August 18, 2011 by guitarest

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz its a two way and with all respect I do look forward to hopefully meeting yall here. In my area there is no experience and much of what I do is either coming from training other GSD's in the K9 mode or other forms of media like here and other websites, youtube and shows on TV. I will not sell myself short, although I just know I am doing some stuff wrong. All things considered I have been blessed with Blitz since he is very smart and eager to learn with very little direction from myself.

 

My daughter asked me to visit her new apartment and after the 70 mile ride to her new place I was seriously impressed for sure. Her and her boyfriend/fiance have a very nice place and they just got new furniture. I was very impressed and Blitz got to visit with Dia also. Dia is my daughters GSD puppy who happened to loose 3 baby teeth yesterday since she is only 17 weeks old.

 

Julie invited us to a dog park so we all piled into her car with Blitz and I in the back. This was Blitz's very first dog park and except for one very small fence fight (started by a beagle no less) which I corrected immediately it was a very playful day for Blitz. He got to remove his collar (we do not wear a vest, our leash has a huge Service Dog velcro attachment) and Blitz went from work to play mode. There were a few dogs there in two seperate areas one for big and one for small dogs. A few people showed up after us although most went into the small dog area since Blitz and his size scared almost everyone even though he was not aggressive towards any person or dog. In fact he loved a Border Collie there and played "Catch the Frisbee" with her. The Border Collie knew way too many tricks for sure and she gravitated towards me more so than her owner.

 

On the way home I did a double take and stopped tofuel up and got Mid Grade Gas at 1.45 a gallon; we topped off. As I was getting out of the car I gave Blitz the "NO" command as he wanted to get out also then I told him to stay so he went in the area behind the front seats in my Mustang and layed down. I really love that car; they 6 way adjustable seat and lumbar support is sweet. I have the rear seats flipped down so its a larger flat area in the back and have a pillow back there for Blitz. After the action packed day Blitz and I both crashed when we got home I could not sleep due to the right leg yet Blitz slept all night.

 

Hope everyone has a great Thursday

 

You too!

We use the word "wait" when our dogs are in the car or when Brenda's at my desk.....it means you can move around but you may NOT leave the area. "Stay" means you must remain in the same position until I "release" you!

[cjborne2]

I haven't been on in a few days and quickly scanned the messages. I didn't see this mentioned. Does anyone watch Pawn Stars on History channel? There was a quick glimpse of a service dog with a vest on one of the new shows on Monday night.

 

The story about the MIL's passing and the puppy was very touching.

 

The Disney Alaskan cruise is the one we just went on.

[wizard-of-roz]

I haven't been on in a few days and quickly scanned the messages. I didn't see this mentioned. Does anyone watch Pawn Stars on History channel? There was a quick glimpse of a service dog with a vest on one of the new shows on Monday night.

 

The story about the MIL's passing and the puppy was very touching.

 

The Disney Alaskan cruise is the one we just went on.

 

Sometimes I do watch this show but I missed the Service Dog episode. I love dog shows [especially Service Dogs] and anytime something's on I love to watch.

So, how did you like you Disney, Alaskan cruise and which port did you leave out of?

 

[Latitude 20]

So, when is this wonderful group going to cruise together? It seems we're all being dragged in one direction or another; by family, work, dogs, etc., etc.

 

Once I hear from CCI next week I am going to definitely start thinking of cruising, one way or another. If I have to cancel the upcoming cruise on September 24th then after my graduation with "Successor" I'm going to be really ready to cruise.

 

I swear, the following Monday morning I'll be calling my TA to make future cruising plans [if I'm going to Team Training], if not, look out Golden Gate Bridge, I'm onboard the Sapphire to see you.

 

In order for me to get to CCI - Santa Rosa for Team Training, I must go over the GG Bridge. Isn't that funny how the bridge is my destination [either over her or under her] one way or another!!!!!!!!

 

Roz,

We're still looking at the Dec. 10 Mexico cruise on the Sapphire. It's down to $699/pp for a balcony. Haven't "pulled the trigger" yet because of Leo's Mom's health issues and because I think the price may go down even more after final payment date (end of Sept.) Looking at the roll call, it seems that lots of folks are hoping they'll add PV back and will cancel right before final payment if they don't.

Kathi

[wizard-of-roz]

I can't help but wonder about my new partner. Is it a he/she, is it black/brown/yellow or white? Will I see him around my birthday or will I have to wait until January? How will Brenda like him/her? I'll know the answer to at least one question next Friday........ :confused: :rolleyes: :)

Edited August 18, 2011 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz,

We're still looking at the Dec. 10 Mexico cruise on the Sapphire. It's down to $699/pp for a balcony. Haven't "pulled the trigger" yet because of Leo's Mom's health issues and because I think the price may go down even more after final payment date (end of Sept.) Looking at the roll call, it seems that lots of folks are hoping they'll add PV back and will cancel right before final payment if they don't.

Kathi

 

I love December cruising to the MR.....The Sapphire is decorated so beautifully........Maybe I'll need to jump onboard, I just don't want to make any plans until after next Friday......and then; "look out world!" And, it may be perfect to wait until the end of September to catch some really good deals!!!!!

The Sapphire is one of our most favorite ships....it would be a "no brainer" to get onboard her!!!! And, we could finally meet!

[DisneyKidsDad]

I haven't been on in a few days and quickly scanned the messages. I didn't see this mentioned. Does anyone watch Pawn Stars on History channel? There was a quick glimpse of a service dog with a vest on one of the new shows on Monday night.

 

The story about the MIL's passing and the puppy was very touching.

 

The Disney Alaskan cruise is the one we just went on.

 

Yes I did see it. I knew it wasn't CCI because it was a Dalmation.