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

[Iris99]

I guess both are considered to be "dirty". I did not mention this in my letter, but I had to walk through so much smoke each time in order to get to the box. One night, a whole bunch of people were smoking and had a lot of questions for me about my dog. I had to politely tell them that I had asthma and that I could not stand in the smoke- I explained that if they had questions for me that they would need to ask me inside the ship when they were not smoking.

The intrusiveness and in some cases anger from the passengers was also difficult. I was asked constantly why I was able to bring "your pet" and also repeatedly asked, what was "wrong" with me.

[cjborne2]

It is a lot of work to get a dog on a ship (or to travel at all). I often get "I never thought of that" when we explain the paperwork process or just what we need to bring.

[Quampapetet]

Quam, easy girl!!!!! Our new bloggers aren't used to being told that what they say is "not true!"

Please remember that emails have a "flat" affect and can be mis-interpreted.

Bottom line; Hawaii has very "stiff" standards for bringing your dog onto their islands.......key word "islands!" So all your paperwork will take more time and be prepared to be prepared!!!!!

Also, people fear that their dog will be taken away from them if all the requirements to enter Hawaii are not met.......I promise you they will not separate you from your dog. They just won't let you bring your dog ashore! You can leave your dog on the ship with a family member or friend and take turns going ashore.

 

I wasn't saying anything harsh, just was stating the fact of what Hawaii's process is, since the other person stated it wrongly (must have quickly looked up pet info. instead of service dog info., though even pets can get out of quarantine in five days or less and it has been that way for many years now).

 

Like with any country, you haven't landed until you're ashore, so if your dog doesn't have the paperwork, he stays onboard with you or a designated caregiver ... and some treats. ;)

[wizard-of-roz]

Disney sails out of Port Canaveral and Miami once hurricane season has passed its peak.

 

Oceanwench, thanks for the info.

[wizard-of-roz]

Actually we are on deck 11, Baja, just a few cabins forward of the lift/stairwell area in the front of the ship. I will definately call Amber Moraco before we cruise and make sure that the potty box will be put in a convenient place for us (not accessible to smokers) and that there will be a trash can and extra mulch. The potty box is the one thing will determine whether we will be able to fully enjoy this trip or not and it does not seem that difficult for them to get it right. Everything else should be smooth sailing.

 

Again, remember to call Amber the week before you cruise so that she can call the Hotel Director to remind her/him that you will be onboard the next cruise and to have your potty box ready for you.

 

There are stairwells in the forward part of the ship too. Ask to have the potty box placed in the stairwell closest to your cabin [as long as you can handle the step-up and down and the heavy door.]

[wizard-of-roz]

I guess both are considered to be "dirty". I did not mention this in my letter, but I had to walk through so much smoke each time in order to get to the box. One night, a whole bunch of people were smoking and had a lot of questions for me about my dog. I had to politely tell them that I had asthma and that I could not stand in the smoke- I explained that if they had questions for me that they would need to ask me inside the ship when they were not smoking.

The intrusiveness and in some cases anger from the passengers was also difficult. I was asked constantly why I was able to bring "your pet" and also repeatedly asked, what was "wrong" with me.

 

If you were in a wheelchair you would NOT be asked questions. I get asked the same kinds of questions you do. Sometimes I find myself becoming a smart!@# and giving smart!@# answers.....and, I have to remind myself that a Service Dog is fairly new in our society and especially onboard a cruise ship and that people are genuinely interested.

 

We, who walk or wheel with a Service Dog, have to be good ambassador's for one another.

[wizard-of-roz]

It is a lot of work to get a dog on a ship (or to travel at all). I often get "I never thought of that" when we explain the paperwork process or just what we need to bring.

 

So much work!!!! But the reward is so worth it!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

I wasn't saying anything harsh, just was stating the fact of what Hawaii's process is, since the other person stated it wrongly (must have quickly looked up pet info. instead of service dog info., though even pets can get out of quarantine in five days or less and it has been that way for many years now).

 

Like with any country, you haven't landed until you're ashore, so if your dog doesn't have the paperwork, he stays onboard with you or a designated caregiver ... and some treats. ;)

 

Thanks, Quam. :)

[Quampapetet]

Iris99, that's crazy what you had to go through, especially them actually removing the potty box! How absurd! I'm trying to figure out why it was the horticulturalist's job and not the janitor's (or similar position) job, too. I hope you get a reply!

 

Ugh, yeah, I hate that, "What's wrong with you?" question! I also hate, "Well, you don't LOOK disabled," as if "disabled" has a certain look to it! ("Yeah, well you don't look stupid, but I guess looks can be deceiving," is how someone I know like to reply to that one, LOL!) I haven't heard that one for a while, though, so maybe ppl are getting better.

[Cruzrose]

It sounds like we all have a long list of challenges that we have had to overcome when traveling with our service dogs. As if dealing with a disability isn't enough. The first time Maddy flew with me, the people at security wanted me to take off Maddy's service dog vest so that the metal detector would not go off. I knew they shouldn't be asking me to do that but I didn't want to argue with them because I didn't want to get arrested for not following their orders. When Maddy and I went through her service dog access training, the class did go to an airport but we were not allowed to do a dry run through security so this was literally our first time. In order for her to pass through the metal detector, I had to take off everything - service vest, collar and leash. So there we are, my dog is naked and I walk through the detector and some stranger is barely holding on to my dog on the other side. I think I stopped breathing. What if there was a load noise and she bolted? There was absolutely nothing on her to catch her by. Luckily she was unmoved by it all and she trotted calmly to me through the detector (Yay, no beep) when I called her. I was never so glad to finally get her collar and leash on her again. The last time we went through security, Maddy and I were escorting my 12 year old granddaughter to her gate for her plane ride by herself from Tampa to New York. Security did not ask me to undress Maddy but did a pat-down instead. Maddy gave me the "what the heck is going on?" look and I calmly reassured her that she was being a good girl. The lady was very professional, pleasant, spoke calmy and took her time so as not to upset Maddy. Finally they got it right. Now that I know how it should be done the right way, I will never undress her again for anyone. I guess the bright side to all of this is that we did overcome the challenges (that means all of us), we learned from them and we will never run out of interesting stories to tell each other. In North America, I think there is a growing awareness regarding service animals and the variety of services that they can be taught to perform even in a small country like Costa Rica (where awareness of the needs of people with disabilities is slowly being increased by enactment of new laws brought about by the current president). Unfortunately, there are still plenty of ignorant people out there to give us grief when they say and do stupid things. Even as we occasionally get the brunt of the ignorant ones, we are the ambassadors for people with service animals and for disabled people as a whole who have been given the lawful right to enjoy things in life that we would not be able to enjoy otherwise. Just by our being out there, we are showing the world what a service animal is like and what it can do for us. We have the opportunity to inform and educate those who really want to know and that is one huge way that awareness increases. I applaud all of you who are willing to be a minority, willing to stand your ground, willing to inform the uninformed public and officials, and to help other disabled people with your knowledge and experiences. I have learned so much from this forum that I am becoming so excited about making my first trip to Alaska with my Maddy. My husband will be so surprised that she will be coming. He is in the wilderness of Montana right now and out of communication. We are meeting in Seattle the morning of the cruise before traveling to Vancouver.

[fairbourne]

It sounds like we all have a long list of challenges that we have had to overcome when traveling with our service dogs. As if dealing with a disability isn't enough. The first time Maddy flew with me, the people at security wanted me to take off Maddy's service dog vest so that the metal detector would not go off. I knew they shouldn't be asking me to do that but I didn't want to argue with them because I didn't want to get arrested for not following their orders. When Maddy and I went through her service dog access training, the class did go to an airport but we were not allowed to do a dry run through security so this was literally our first time. In order for her to pass through the metal detector, I had to take off everything - service vest, collar and leash. So there we are, my dog is naked and I walk through the detector and some stranger is barely holding on to my dog on the other side. I think I stopped breathing. What if there was a load noise and she bolted? There was absolutely nothing on her to catch her by. Luckily she was unmoved by it all and she trotted calmly to me through the detector (Yay, no beep) when I called her. I was never so glad to finally get her collar and leash on her again. The last time we went through security, Maddy and I were escorting my 12 year old granddaughter to her gate for her plane ride by herself from Tampa to New York. Security did not ask me to undress Maddy but did a pat-down instead. Maddy gave me the "what the heck is going on?" look and I calmly reassured her that she was being a good girl. The lady was very professional, pleasant, spoke calmy and took her time so as not to upset Maddy. Finally they got it right. Now that I know how it should be done the right way, I will never undress her again for anyone. I guess the bright side to all of this is that we did overcome the challenges (that means all of us), we learned from them and we will never run out of interesting stories to tell each other. In North America, I think there is a growing awareness regarding service animals and the variety of services that they can be taught to perform even in a small country like Costa Rica (where awareness of the needs of people with disabilities is slowly being increased by enactment of new laws brought about by the current president). Unfortunately, there are still plenty of ignorant people out there to give us grief when they say and do stupid things. Even as we occasionally get the brunt of the ignorant ones, we are the ambassadors for people with service animals and for disabled people as a whole who have been given the lawful right to enjoy things in life that we would not be able to enjoy otherwise. Just by our being out there, we are showing the world what a service animal is like and what it can do for us. We have the opportunity to inform and educate those who really want to know and that is one huge way that awareness increases. I applaud all of you who are willing to be a minority, willing to stand your ground, willing to inform the uninformed public and officials, and to help other disabled people with your knowledge and experiences. I have learned so much from this forum that I am becoming so excited about making my first trip to Alaska with my Maddy. My husband will be so surprised that she will be coming. He is in the wilderness of Montana right now and out of communication. We are meeting in Seattle the morning of the cruise before traveling to Vancouver.

 

 

Gosh, if our non-service dogs ever were "out in public" without their collars on I too would be in a panic, nothing to grab hold of and I am not relying on them for any help. Goodness me, I don't know how you kept your cool - that was so wrong of them. Thank goodness Maddy's training shone through - very well done that girl dog. That showed 'em! :D

 

I did laugh, when you said Maddy gave "that look" - I can just imagine the "look" it was! :p to them maybe??? Lol!

 

As someone who doesn't have a service dog, I just find the whole idea of people being mean, or not accepting that you have don't have the dog just for the heck of it, quite unbelievable, but not really surprising at the same time.

 

 

Cruzrose - I wish you and your DH and especially your precious Maddy, a wonderful, fabulous cruise!

 

Oh, just one thing, please would you mind putting a few paragraphs in your post - it makes it a lot easier for us oldies to read with a few breaks - just saying as I know some of the other oldies on here will have the same problem, Not mentioning any names of course! LOL!!

[rangeley]

Hi All, So much I missed but I'll have to catch up another day. Just wanted you all to know that John was rushed to the hospital last week. After suffering for 2 days they figured out that he had appendicitis which they removed the next day. He also has an ulcer caused by taking too much advil, which he had been taking for a sore shoulder. He came home Friday and is getting better everyday.

 

Cindy

[S.S. Cruisers]

Awww Cindy, huggles to everyone. What another scare. Glad John is home and on the mend.

[fairbourne]

Hi All, So much I missed but I'll have to catch up another day. Just wanted you all to know that John was rushed to the hospital last week. After suffering for 2 days they figured out that he had appendicitis which they removed the next day. He also has an ulcer caused by taking too much advil, which he had been taking for a sore shoulder. He came home Friday and is getting better everyday.

 

Cindy

 

Our good wishes to John for a speedy recovery - and this would happen at the start of his vacation too!

 

 

You know I was thinking as I wrote a reply to Rosie this morning, that it seemed a bit quiet on here from some of the "usual suspects",,well certainly when I was writing "other oldies" ;):), and I am kicking myself now for not writing this, as you would have known that you were missed! Anyway, hugs to all who need them right now! :)

 

How is everyone else doing? I know DKD is on his Alaska cruise - I hope him and his family and of course Orsen are having a great time! :D

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi All, So much I missed but I'll have to catch up another day. Just wanted you all to know that John was rushed to the hospital last week. After suffering for 2 days they figured out that he had appendicitis which they removed the next day. He also has an ulcer caused by taking too much advil, which he had been taking for a sore shoulder. He came home Friday and is getting better everyday.

 

Cindy

 

Cindy, I was starting to worry about you. I thought you were busy with the foster pup and John being out of school.....but, I had no idea that he was ill.

Cindy, please give John my very best wishes for a speedy and easy recovery....poor guy! He's had a rough year!

My love to you both. I know you'll be very busy taking care of your man, I send my love especially to you and your hands-on caring soul!

Wex will be there for both of you. Lay down, put your feet up and breathe girl breathe!!

[wizard-of-roz]

I have learned so much from this forum that I am becoming so excited about making my first trip to Alaska with my Maddy. My husband will be so surprised that she will be coming. He is in the wilderness of Montana right now and out of communication. We are meeting in Seattle the morning of the cruise before traveling to Vancouver.

 

Rosie, we welcome your input and hope that we can help your travels with Maddy to be easier, more fun and filled with joy.

We've all been put through our paces with the airports/cruiselines/taxies/buses/trains and God knows whatever else mode of transportation we've ventured onto with our dogs.

I can remember the days when I was a newbie and allowed people to insist that I do weird things with my dog, like you had to.......NEVER AGAIN....I'd NEVER allow anyone, anytime or anywhere to separate me from my dog or to disrobe him or anything else that didn't agree with me or that I knew should not be allowed.

[wizard-of-roz]

 

Oh, just one thing, please would you mind putting a few paragraphs in your post - it makes it a lot easier for us oldies to read with a few breaks - just saying as I know some of the other oldies on here will have the same problem, Not mentioning any names of course! LOL!!

 

It's fun to see how many times I return to the same sentence over and over again, only to find out that I've already read it over and over again!!!!

It's a common "new" mistake to make when writing on these forums.....As soon as Rosie is with us for a while, she'll get it!!!!!

And, just who are you referring to Missy????? :p

 

Ewwwww! Cindy's not going to like that you were referring to her!!!! Ewwww! You're in so much trouble now!!!!! :D

[Cruzrose]

Hey! I replaced my avatar with a picture of Maddy so that you all could see at least what her face looks like. Most of the service dogs I have seen are labs. Maddy is an Australian Shepherd.

 

Cindy, I was so sorry to read that your husband was rushed to the hospital for appendicitis. He is lucky that they figured it out before it got critical. Appendicitis in adults many times does not present with the same symtoms as it does in children. The WBC count is not as high and the fever is lower (I was a Medical Technologist for 40 years). The pain can be in odd places like the back instead of on the right side. It mimics so many other things that are probably more common. It's good news that he is recovering nicely.

 

Sorry about the lack of paragraphs on my last post. I didn't realize my post was so long. It looks like I just let my brain flow onto the page. I hope this is easier to read.

 

Well, it's now only 12 days until I leave Tampa to fly to Seattle. I have been measuring out Maddy's food. 15 days translates into quite a bit of food. It's a good thing I will have the extra bag for Maddy's supplies. There is no way all of this would have fit into my luggage.

 

I have to hem my evening dress about 3.5 inches. I am no longer stable enough to wear heels, even small ones. I found a pair of dressy flats but now my dress is too long and a tripping hazard. It was already a little too long in the heels. The bottom is velveteen and that is not easy to work with. I will be glad to get this done. My hands cramp up when I sew just a little. A little each day should get it done.

 

I am one of those people who are 90% packed 2 weeks before the cruise (or any other vacation). My husband would have packed the morning of our flight out. Drives me crazy! But since he is not here, I pack on my own timetable. Being mostly packed early gives me time to think of all of those little things that I might forget in a rush.

 

Maddy knows I am going somewhere and she is getting the idea that she is going as well. She sees the suitcases sitting out and me putting things on top ready to go in them. Now that she has seen me measuring out her food into bags, she figures she is going too. She has become velcro dog - following me around, lying on my feet, lying beside me. There is no way she is going to let me sneek off without her. Hehe. Rosie

[fairbourne]

Hey! I replaced my avatar with a picture of Maddy so that you all could see at least what her face looks like. Most of the service dogs I have seen are labs. Maddy is an Australian Shepherd.

 

Cindy, I was so sorry to read that your husband was rushed to the hospital for appendicitis. He is lucky that they figured it out before it got critical. Appendicitis in adults many times does not present with the same symtoms as it does in children. The WBC count is not as high and the fever is lower (I was a Medical Technologist for 40 years). The pain can be in odd places like the back instead of on the right side. It mimics so many other things that are probably more common. It's good news that he is recovering nicely.

 

Sorry about the lack of paragraphs on my last post. I didn't realize my post was so long. It looks like I just let my brain flow onto the page. I hope this is easier to read.

 

Well, it's now only 12 days until I leave Tampa to fly to Seattle. I have been measuring out Maddy's food. 15 days translates into quite a bit of food. It's a good thing I will have the extra bag for Maddy's supplies. There is no way all of this would have fit into my luggage.

 

I have to hem my evening dress about 3.5 inches. I am no longer stable enough to wear heels, even small ones. I found a pair of dressy flats but now my dress is too long and a tripping hazard. It was already a little too long in the heels. The bottom is velveteen and that is not easy to work with. I will be glad to get this done. My hands cramp up when I sew just a little. A little each day should get it done.

 

I am one of those people who are 90% packed 2 weeks before the cruise (or any other vacation). My husband would have packed the morning of our flight out. Drives me crazy! But since he is not here, I pack on my own timetable. Being mostly packed early gives me time to think of all of those little things that I might forget in a rush.

 

Maddy knows I am going somewhere and she is getting the idea that she is going as well. She sees the suitcases sitting out and me putting things on top ready to go in them. Now that she has seen me measuring out her food into bags, she figures she is going too. She has become velcro dog - following me around, lying on my feet, lying beside me. There is no way she is going to let me sneek off without her. Hehe. Rosie

 

Hi Rosie - Maddy is beautiful - what a lovely face! :). I'm like you I like to be well organised with stuff laid out in the spare bedroom, and have to get the DH's stuff (and him) organised too. Like most men, he just "turns up"! ;):)

 

Haha, I like that expression "Velcro dog" - I'm going to start using that, especially the boy dog so is exactly that! Can't even go to the bathroom without the tip tap behind me! :eek:

[fairbourne]

It's fun to see how many times I return to the same sentence over and over again, only to find out that I've already read it over and over again!!!!

It's a common "new" mistake to make when writing on these forums.....As soon as Rosie is with us for a while, she'll get it!!!!!

And, just who are you referring to Missy????? :p

 

Ewwwww! Cindy's not going to like that you were referring to her!!!! Ewwww! You're in so much trouble now!!!!! :D

 

 

As if I would dare suggest anyone :p - actually it wasn't really Cindy I was thinking of but some woman from some southern state on the west coast USA with BIG hair, oops .... OK I can take it, I can feel the cyber "slap" coming ..... LOL! LOL!

[cjborne2]

Our airport security routine is I go through first and don't set off the alarm, Ollie goes though and does because of the collar and harness and comes to me, then my husband goes through and does not. The dog gets a pat down. It is generally a smooth process but we tell tsa how we do it.

 

Even though the dog is my husband's he follows me around a lot when at home. My son calls him my shadow.

 

I'm busy packing. This is such a strange trip since we have 3 days at my in-laws before the cruise. I am having such a hard time figuring out how much to really pack. I keep telling myself it's OK to do laundry onboard if necessary.

 

Ollie gets his paperwork finished tomorrow morning and we leave tomorrow night. Cruise on Sunday! We are getting excited :D

[DisneyKidsDad]

So we were sitting in the Outlook Cafe aboard the Disney Wonder last night having a hot chocolate when a very nice man comes up to us and says this must be Orson. He had a Scottish accent!! We had a very nice conversation! Made for a very nice end to our first night.

[S.S. Cruisers]

DKD: Orson is a Rock Star! How nice to "meet" someone you kinda know. Hope the cruise is going Pawsome.

 

[fairbourne]

So we were sitting in the Outlook Cafe aboard the Disney Wonder last night having a hot chocolate when a very nice man comes up to us and says this must be Orson. He had a Scottish accent!! We had a very nice conversation! Made for a very nice end to our first night.

 

I am so happy you were able to meet up - the "Scottish" man sent my DH an email to tell me that he had met you - I just wish I was there!

 

Hope you are all having a great time in beautiful Alaska! :D

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey! I replaced my avatar with a picture of Maddy so that you all could see at least what her face looks like. Most of the service dogs I have seen are labs. Maddy is an Australian Shepherd.

 

Maddy's a beautiful dog!!!!! I love her picture.

The dog in my avatar is Brenda.....she'll always be my sweetheart. Now she's over 13 years old and very gray but still the sweetest and most wonderful dog in the world!!!! She taught me so much!!!