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

[dobiemom]

Thank you all for the Bon Voyage well-wishes. :)

 

I think I'm almost packed: T-shirts, 3/4 sleeved shirts, turtle-neck sweaters, thin long sleeved shirts (to wear under everything), sweatshirts, jeans for ports, pull-on "jeans" for on the ship, and 1 pair of shorts... just in case. Plus my evening clothes and sleepwear. Windbreaker, hat, and gloves. Swimsuits for the Thermal Suite. Dress shoes, hiking boots, and tennis shoes. Plus unmentionables and toiletries. Can you believe this all fits in 2 suitcases, 1 box (with 3+ bottles of wine), a carryon, and a backpack? :D

 

Today (is it today already?) I need to go to the bank to deposit a check and take out $$, run to Michael's to fix a purse I want to take, mani/pedi, work, massage, and one more trip to the grocery store. I made spaghetti last night and will put a roast in the crock pot before I leave on the cruise so DH doesn't starve. ;) I think I'm ready! :D

[DisneyKidsDad]

Well we had a great day at the Toms River Food Festival on Saturday. The weather was great and the crowds were huge. We raised almost $200 for CCI. We also got asked to do a few more demos for different groups. We met quite a few people who either new someone that might be intertested in a service dog or might want to become puppy raisers. It was a very long day but well worth it. Tomorrow, my wife & daughter and puppy raiser friends of ours will be providing & serving team training lunch to the class at our Long Island, NY campus. This coming Saturday we will be at a Barnes & Noble, gift wrapping for donations from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This time of year it seems to never end.

[rangeley]

Well we had a great day at the Toms River Food Festival on Saturday. The weather was great and the crowds were huge. We raised almost $200 for CCI. We also got asked to do a few more demos for different groups. We met quite a few people who either new someone that might be intertested in a service dog or might want to become puppy raisers. It was a very long day but well worth it. Tomorrow, my wife & daughter and puppy raiser friends of ours will be providing & serving team training lunch to the class at our Long Island, NY campus. This coming Saturday we will be at a Barnes & Noble, gift wrapping for donations from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This time of year it seems to never end.

 

Way to go!!! Keep that money coming in!!! Might be a strange question, but what are you gift wrapping? That is usually around the Holidays.

Edited May 6, 2013 by rangeley

[DisneyKidsDad]

Way to go!!! Keep that money coming in!!! Might be a strange question, but what are you gift wrapping? That is usually around the Holidays.

 

We gift wrapped at this B & N during the holidays. They asked us to come back this Saturday for Mothers Day. We think they may ask us to do the dame thing for Fathers Day. Not sure how it will go but some money is better than no money. During the holidays, we had more people donate without having anything wrapped than we did if we wrapped something for them.

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you all for the Bon Voyage well-wishes. :)

 

I think I'm almost packed: T-shirts, 3/4 sleeved shirts, turtle-neck sweaters, thin long sleeved shirts (to wear under everything), sweatshirts, jeans for ports, pull-on "jeans" for on the ship, and 1 pair of shorts... just in case. Plus my evening clothes and sleepwear. Windbreaker, hat, and gloves. Swimsuits for the Thermal Suite. Dress shoes, hiking boots, and tennis shoes. Plus unmentionables and toiletries. Can you believe this all fits in 2 suitcases, 1 box (with 3+ bottles of wine), a carryon, and a backpack? :D

 

Today (is it today already?) I need to go to the bank to deposit a check and take out $$, run to Michael's to fix a purse I want to take, mani/pedi, work, massage, and one more trip to the grocery store. I made spaghetti last night and will put a roast in the crock pot before I leave on the cruise so DH doesn't starve. ;) I think I'm ready! :D

 

Wow! I'm exhausted just reading your post!!!! Have fun!

[wizard-of-roz]

Well we had a great day at the Toms River Food Festival on Saturday. The weather was great and the crowds were huge. We raised almost $200 for CCI. We also got asked to do a few more demos for different groups. We met quite a few people who either new someone that might be intertested in a service dog or might want to become puppy raisers. It was a very long day but well worth it. Tomorrow, my wife & daughter and puppy raiser friends of ours will be providing & serving team training lunch to the class at our Long Island, NY campus. This coming Saturday we will be at a Barnes & Noble, gift wrapping for donations from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This time of year it seems to never end.

 

Thank you for ALL that you do. Your involvement keeps those wheels turning!

[wizard-of-roz]

We gift wrapped at this B & N during the holidays. They asked us to come back this Saturday for Mothers Day. We think they may ask us to do the dame thing for Fathers Day. Not sure how it will go but some money is better than no money. During the holidays, we had more people donate without having anything wrapped than we did if we wrapped something for them.

 

People are so generous when it comes to our dogs. I love that!

[trudle]

Just checking in to say hi to everyone. Happy cruising to dobiemom----I think she said she sails today.

 

Roz-----hope you are getting through your days better and the nights too. Hugs are going your way and a REALLY, REALLY big one to last till the 22nd, when I will be getting back into town. We leave Friday for Tampa and cruise on the 11th. Hugs to the fur balls too, I am sure they are giving you much joy.

 

Cindy, sorry about not being able to get the dog. You could always get a different apartment that would allow the extra dog. :D Hope all is well and everyone is happy. Hi Wex---sending a big hug to you.

 

How nice DisneyKidsDad that you raised that money.

 

Well, I have to go and start getting the clothes into the bags. I pressed all morning and now it is time to start packing.

 

Talk to you soon. Trudy

[wizard-of-roz]

Just checking in to say hi to everyone. Happy cruising to dobiemom----I think she said she sails today.

 

Roz-----hope you are getting through your days better and the nights too. Hugs are going your way and a REALLY, REALLY big one to last till the 22nd, when I will be getting back into town. We leave Friday for Tampa and cruise on the 11th. Hugs to the fur balls too, I am sure they are giving you much joy.

 

Cindy, sorry about not being able to get the dog. You could always get a different apartment that would allow the extra dog. :D Hope all is well and everyone is happy. Hi Wex---sending a big hug to you.

 

How nice DisneyKidsDad that you raised that money.

 

Well, I have to go and start getting the clothes into the bags. I pressed all morning and now it is time to start packing.

 

Talk to you soon. Trudy

 

I wish you smooth seas and restful, warm and lovely days.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Trudy: Safe travels!

 

Roz: Big hugs and thoughts...........

 

Cindy: :( sorry Wexy won't be getting a sybling. That stinks. Everyone needs their own pupper! Don't they know that. You would think with your track record with Wexy it would be a no brainer for them to allow you responsible parents to have another. Rotten eggs to them!

 

DKD: Great work! I am exhausted just reading your posts.

[cjborne2]

Two months from today we will be sailing in the Gulf on the way to the Caribbean. My kids' passports came. Just waiting on the dog's Bahamian permit.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Mornin' all: :):D:o;):p :eek:, thought I would throw the last one for an even bigger laugh! That is what I look like most of the time, as of late. Got Trav into Boy Scouts. Should have done it earlier. A lot of work for both of us, but worth it. Drove 200 miles round trip yesterday just to get him his shirt. Now have to sew the patches on for tonights meeting. I should be able to get that done, but who knows around here..........

 

Hugs Roz, Ms. Brenny and Master Horty!

[rangeley]

Just checking in to say hi to everyone. Happy cruising to dobiemom----I think she said she sails today.

 

Roz-----hope you are getting through your days better and the nights too. Hugs are going your way and a REALLY, REALLY big one to last till the 22nd, when I will be getting back into town. We leave Friday for Tampa and cruise on the 11th. Hugs to the fur balls too, I am sure they are giving you much joy.

 

Cindy, sorry about not being able to get the dog. You could always get a different apartment that would allow the extra dog. :D Hope all is well and everyone is happy. Hi Wex---sending a big hug to you.

 

How nice DisneyKidsDad that you raised that money.

 

Well, I have to go and start getting the clothes into the bags. I pressed all morning and now it is time to start packing.

 

Talk to you soon. Trudy

 

 

Trudy, Have a great trip!!! We will miss you. Is your cruise only for a week?

[rangeley]

Two months from today we will be sailing in the Gulf on the way to the Caribbean. My kids' passports came. Just waiting on the dog's Bahamian permit.

 

I knew the passports would come first! LOL

[rangeley]

Mornin' all: :):D:o;):p :eek:, thought I would throw the last one for an even bigger laugh! That is what I look like most of the time, as of late. Got Trav into Boy Scouts. Should have done it earlier. A lot of work for both of us, but worth it. Drove 200 miles round trip yesterday just to get him his shirt. Now have to sew the patches on for tonights meeting. I should be able to get that done, but who knows around here..........

 

Hugs Roz, Ms. Brenny and Master Horty!

 

Geez Nancy, you must live out in the boonies!! It seems you always have to drive hundreds of miles or hours to go anywhere.

[wizard-of-roz]

Mornin' all: :):D:o;):p :eek:, thought I would throw the last one for an even bigger laugh! That is what I look like most of the time, as of late. Got Trav into Boy Scouts. Should have done it earlier. A lot of work for both of us, but worth it. Drove 200 miles round trip yesterday just to get him his shirt. Now have to sew the patches on for tonights meeting. I should be able to get that done, but who knows around here..........

 

Hugs Roz, Ms. Brenny and Master Horty!

 

Congrats Travis, I hope you get lots of patches and follow the Boy Scout Motto!

Love your hugs, Nancy.

[trudle]

See you around the 21st. Cruise is only 7 days but staying in San Juan for a couple of days.

 

Every one keep well and Happy Mothers Day.

 

Roz====hope you are doing better, sending big Hugs.

 

Bye for now, wave, wave------:D

[S.S. Cruisers]

Cindy: We are in the boonies. Here is a recap.

 

Lake Havasu City, AZ 90 miles

Phoenix, AZ 150 miles

Yuma, AZ 100 miles

Palm Springs, CA 150 miles

 

So there it is in a nutshell, we officially live no where close to any substantial life!

 

One major grocery store an Albertsons, KMART, Ace Hardware and a Rite Aid Pharmacy. So we do have some major venders, but their prices are jacked up!

[wizard-of-roz]

happy mother's day!

Edited May 10, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[rangeley]

Cindy: We are in the boonies. Here is a recap.

 

Lake Havasu City, AZ 90 miles

Phoenix, AZ 150 miles

Yuma, AZ 100 miles

Palm Springs, CA 150 miles

 

So there it is in a nutshell, we officially live no where close to any substantial life!

 

One major grocery store an Albertsons, KMART, Ace Hardware and a Rite Aid Pharmacy. So we do have some major venders, but their prices are jacked up!

 

I used to live in a town like that. I loved it most of the time. But I was only 1/2 hour from my moms and all the major stores. Now I am stuck in more of a city setting. Not crazy about it. I'm more of a country girl.

[rangeley]

happy mother's day!

 

Same to you Roz! And of course all of our mothers on here!!!

[S.S. Cruisers]

A big Happy Mother's day to all the kids and furkids Mama's! :)

[wildcat567]

Hello! My first (and only) cruise was a biker event, Hogs on the High Seas Rally, in '07 I think, on RC. I will never participate in a cruise with them again! (Due to their discrimination against me for having a service dog - I eventually had to threaten legal action to even be allowed to sign up through their Rally.)

 

ANYWAY, other than being tense for most of the cruise, getting over a migraine and seasickness for the first 2 of 9 days, what I enjoyed most was the water and the beaches. I love water so much!

 

I have 2 55g aquariums in my living room and a 125g aquarium at the foot of my bed, a betta bowl in my kitchen, and one on my office desk.

 

My beloved service dog, Harley, went with me on that cruise. He did his job, too. I had a severe asthma attack when were alone, all the way aft by his potty box (4x4 and filled with 2"+ rough wood chips, which he HATED to use.) He ran all the way to the front third of the ship to find someone and ran back and forth a few feet til they followed him. 3 people came running to where I was, with Harley leading the way. It isn't the only time he has saved my life.

 

He was diagnosed with PRA in 2011 through a free ACVO-sponsored annual eye exam. When we went to a veterinary eye specialist last week for his 2013 exam, the news I was afraid to hear was vocalized. Harley has advanced PRCD. I have seen the signs of progressive vision loss, and it's gotten much worse this year. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being perfect vision and 10 being completely blind, Harley is at an 8. He will be completely blind within 8-10 months, though the dr said I could give him fish oil and grape seed oil daily to POSSIBLY help slow down the degeneration of what's left of the cones in his eyes. No guarantee, he said, and if it worked, it would give him only a little more time. The rods are all gone, leaving him with no night vision. He is still in service, but I have recently scaled back on where I take him (only safe, semi-quiet environments, and of course he is with me all day at work, where most of the staff love him and those who don't 'love' him, definitely like him).

 

I'm taking my sister on a western Caribbean cruise in December. Harley won't be with us. BUT, I'm working on purchasing a puppy ASAP for SD training. I'm not entirely sure that 6 months of training will be enough for bringing him on the cruise. Any thoughts on that?

Edited May 12, 2013 by wildcat567

[wizard-of-roz]

Hello! My first (and only) cruise was a biker event, Hogs on the High Seas Rally, in '07 I think, on RC. I will never participate in a cruise with them again! (Due to their discrimination against me for having a service dog - I eventually had to threaten legal action to even be allowed to sign up through their Rally.)

 

ANYWAY, other than being tense for most of the cruise, getting over a migraine and seasickness for the first 2 of 9 days, what I enjoyed most was the water and the beaches. I love water so much!

 

I have 2 55g aquariums in my living room and a 125g aquarium at the foot of my bed, a betta bowl in my kitchen, and one on my office desk.

 

My beloved service dog, Harley, went with me on that cruise. He did his job, too. I had a severe asthma attack when were alone, all the way aft by his potty box (4x4 and filled with 2"+ rough wood chips, which he HATED to use.) He ran all the way to the front third of the ship to find someone and ran back and forth a few feet til they followed him. 3 people came running to where I was, with Harley leading the way. It isn't the only time he has saved my life.

 

He was diagnosed with PRA in 2011 through a free ACVO-sponsored annual eye exam. When we went to a veterinary eye specialist last week for his 2013 exam, the news I was afraid to hear was vocalized. Harley has advanced PRCD. I have seen the signs of progressive vision loss, and it's gotten much worse this year. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being perfect vision and 10 being completely blind, Harley is at an 8. He will be completely blind within 8-10 months, though the dr said I could give him fish oil and grape seed oil daily to POSSIBLY help slow down the degeneration of what's left of the cones in his eyes. No guarantee, he said, and if it worked, it would give him only a little more time. The rods are all gone, leaving him with no night vision. He is still in service, but I have recently scaled back on where I take him (only safe, semi-quiet environments, and of course he is with me all day at work, where most of the staff love him and those who don't 'love' him, definitely like him).

 

I'm taking my sister on a western Caribbean cruise in December. Harley won't be with us. BUT, I'm working on purchasing a puppy ASAP for SD training. I'm not entirely sure that 6 months of training will be enough for bringing him on the cruise. Any thoughts on that?

 

Hi Wildcat, welcome to our amazingly wonderful family. I'm so sorry about Harley's vision....he'll need you more than ever once he loses his sight completely. Will you keep him or have you found a retirement home for him? It's so difficult to have health issues, be in need of a Service Dog and to retire one that has been "there" for you. I know, I'm living it!

 

I don't think that 6 months is near enough time to fully train a Service Dog. CCI takes one year to a year and a half to train their dogs. It's not fair to the dog and can be very frustrating for you and the dog to expect him/her to know his tasks and perform them without a lot of frustration on both sides. Yet, your needs are still there.

 

I wish you luck in all that your doing for Harley [he deserves the best for what he's done for you] and in your quest to receive a new dog.

 

Please keep us informed on Harley's health and how you're doing.

We're a very caring group of Service Dog handler's, who love to cruise, and some who don't have a Service Dog but are the most amazing support system for us. We truly love each other and even have been lucky enough to cruise together!

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, I booked Debi, Horton and me onboard the Crown Princess for April 19, 2014. It's our "do-over" cruise. Hopefully, we'll enjoy this cruise as we should have enjoyed the one this past April. Big difference, we'll have insurance this time.

I've never been on the Crown. Who's her "sister" ship? She's newer and larger than the Sapphire and I love her.

I'll be on the Star at the end of September and that will also be a new ship for me.