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

[DisneyKidsDad]

Happy Anniversary to all of you celebrating!!!! Mrs. DKD my very special wishes for what must seem like 65 years, at times!!!! :p Just kidding!!! ;)

 

Mrs. DKD must be a saint. :eek:

 

Thanks!! If you only knew. :(

[DisneyKidsDad]

Well we are one month away from Ocho going back for advanced training at CCI. November 8th is the dreaded day. It's not going to be a good day. :( Hopefully he enjoys training more than recess and becomes the service dog someone needs. If not...my house may be getting fuller. :rolleyes: Then we will get a new puppy to train sometime in June.

[cjborne2]

Jeez Roz, are you sure you weren't cruising on Carnival? Sound like what we experienced on our trip.

 

Welcome back. Hope you had a good time despite the problems.

[fairbourne]

Happy Anniversary to DKD and Mrs DKD and to Valentine's Mom and her DH. :)

Edited October 8, 2013 by fairbourne

[wizard-of-roz]

I didn't realize how many lurkers we have. Geez we better behave ourselves.

 

Sounds like you had a good cruise even with all the problems. Even when we had problems, we always try to make the best of it.

 

You know what......I'm a real "glass-half-full" kind of gal! I'm on a cruise ship......I'm not making my bed; I'm not doing the cooking; I'm not at work; and, I'm not driving on the L.A. freeway to get to San Francisco [one of my most favorite cities in the world!]

You know what I viewed from 7:00am to 10:00pm from my balcony, the restaurant where Morey and I ate dinner, on our honeymoon, at fisherman's wharf in San Francisco. Remembering that glorious time in my life was worth the entire trip!!!!! ;) And, the heck with the moron's who can't get a potty box right!

Edited October 8, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

I didn't realize how many lurkers we have. Geez we better behave ourselves.

 

Sounds like you had a good cruise even with all the problems. Even when we had problems, we always try to make the best of it.

 

With a half a million views you know there are tons of folks who just read but don't write.

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy Anniversary to all of you celebrating!!!! Mrs. DKD my very special wishes for what must seem like 65 years, at times!!!! :p Just kidding!!! ;)

 

 

 

Thanks!! If you only knew. :(

 

Put that woman on the thread, she's got some splainin to do!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Well we are one month away from Ocho going back for advanced training at CCI. November 8th is the dreaded day. It's not going to be a good day. :( Hopefully he enjoys training more than recess and becomes the service dog someone needs. If not...my house may be getting fuller. :rolleyes: Then we will get a new puppy to train sometime in June.

 

Oh! No! The time just flew by.....I'm sure not so much for you and the work that you've put into him.

Awwwww! It's going to be a very difficult day for you. Please remember, you've allowed one more person to have a better life because of your hard work. THANK YOU!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Jeez Roz, are you sure you weren't cruising on Carnival? Sound like what we experienced on our trip.

 

Welcome back. Hope you had a good time despite the problems.

 

I really did. The moments that were taken away fighting for Horton's rights were just that, only moments out of an entire week!

[wizard-of-roz]

Barbara, please forgive me! Happy Anniversary to you and your wonderful husband. I hope your cruising future is looking bright and that your feeling well!

[SemperPup]

I know. I feel a sense of obligation to make sure that each of the ships, within a cruiseline, follow the same standard.

 

Hey Roz,

For some reason, I thought y'all were going to be on sapphire Princess so I kept looking for you when sapphire was Docked next to us on the celebrity Century (I don't know what you look like but how hard can it be to spot a smiling lady with the dog In a s.d. vest? Anyhow, you weren't on the Sapphire, so that explains why I didn't see you. Ha ha

With regard to the placement of "The box", I had almost the same experience with star princess when I was on her in May 2013.

Earlier in this thread, because (I thought) you had spoken with Amber about placement of the box, so I didn't give it a second thought (otherwise I would've warned you)

Not sure where they put your box but Mine/Rex's was on the promenade deck forward/port side, In a "crew-only" passageway behind two heavy doors, uneven surfaces, Chemical storage tanks, and a metal gate. Lol. I thought the box was actually joke (is there a camera filming me? ha ha) it was A decent size (About 3 x 4) but had only a little bit of mulch in the very center.

I didn't ask them to move the box but I did fill up the box with mulch because the bag was sittin' next to the box. I also asked them for a trashcan, small table for sanitary hand wipes and bags. I didn't want to push my luck by asking them to move the box, but I did let them know that the box was a liability where it was and someone, especially someone disabled, could easily trip and/Or fall and hurt themselves. Guess I'm so grateful for being out of a wheelchair that I figured I could make it past a couple doors for eight days.

On the positive side, they were Great about maintaining the area after they got it set up for practical purposes.

I did mention the situation to Amber (in passing) but not so much as a complaint, as an observation about how there don't seem to be standards for service dog related areas, even within princesses fleet; much less, the other product-lines under the carnival umbrella, I. E., Princess, Holland America, carnival, Cunard, etc.

P.s. Welcome back! + thanks for recommending Amber, she really is great.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Oh! No! The time just flew by.....I'm sure not so much for you and the work that you've put into him.

 

Awwwww! It's going to be a very difficult day for you. Please remember, you've allowed one more person to have a better life because of your hard work. THANK YOU!!!!

 

From your mouth to God's ears Roz! We want nothing more than to see this knucklehead graduate. I started working on photo books from Snapfish to give to whomever is lucky enough to get Ocho.

Please let someone get Ocho!! :D

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey Roz,

For some reason, I thought y'all were going to be on sapphire Princess so I kept looking for you when sapphire was Docked next to us on the celebrity Century (I don't know what you look like but how hard can it be to spot a smiling lady with the dog In a s.d. vest? Anyhow, you weren't on the Sapphire, so that explains why I didn't see you. Ha ha

With regard to the placement of "The box", I had almost the same experience with star princess when I was on her in May 2013.

Earlier in this thread, because (I thought) you had spoken with Amber about placement of the box, so I didn't give it a second thought (otherwise I would've warned you)

Not sure where they put your box but Mine/Rex's was on the promenade deck forward/port side, In a "crew-only" passageway behind two heavy doors, uneven surfaces, Chemical storage tanks, and a metal gate. Lol. I thought the box was actually joke (is there a camera filming me? ha ha) it was A decent size (About 3 x 4) but had only a little bit of mulch in the very center.

I didn't ask them to move the box but I did fill up the box with mulch because the bag was sittin' next to the box. I also asked them for a trashcan, small table for sanitary hand wipes and bags. I didn't want to push my luck by asking them to move the box, but I did let them know that the box was a liability where it was and someone, especially someone disabled, could easily trip and/Or fall and hurt themselves. Guess I'm so grateful for being out of a wheelchair that I figured I could make it past a couple doors for eight days.

On the positive side, they were Great about maintaining the area after they got it set up for practical purposes.

I did mention the situation to Amber (in passing) but not so much as a complaint, as an observation about how there don't seem to be standards for service dog related areas, even within princesses fleet; much less, the other product-lines under the carnival umbrella, I. E., Princess, Holland America, carnival, Cunard, etc.

P.s. Welcome back! + thanks for recommending Amber, she really is great.

 

Your discription of the potty box area on the Star Princess is absolutely perfect.

They did say to me that other guests have used the box in this area and have not had a problem or complained about the doors, the unsafe threshold, storage tanks, etc. I was very surprised that someone would want to manuever this area and not let them know what a HAZARD it was. Or, that someone could kill themself getting to it!!!!

They have no idea about dog behavior and that a small pile of litter in the center of the box just won't cut it for a dog to go to the bathroom in. At least they leave the bag of litter so we can fill it properly!!!!

I sent Amber an email about the situation and that it WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN ONBOARD A PRINCESS SHIP. She has not gotten back to me, yet.

I hope your cruise was a good one and that Rex had a more relaxed beginning to his cruise than Horton did!

Seriously, for me, it's all about my dog!!!! Make him happy and you've got me for life!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

From your mouth to God's ears Roz! We want nothing more than to see this knucklehead graduate. I started working on photo books from Snapfish to give to whomever is lucky enough to get Ocho.

Please let someone get Ocho!! :D

 

I love it! On one hand you're sending off your boy that you put so much work, sweat and tears into and on the other hand you're begging someone to connect with him so you and he can move on! Amazing, just amazing how the process works and how we, as humans, are capable of doing it!

You know darn well that CCI will have no problem releasing Ocho to the public [there's a waiting list], if he doesn't muster-up! But, you're talking about taking him back into YOUR home!

I know the perfect scenario is for him to actually "Graduate" with a partner and then you can sit back and say, "well done!" I hope he does well and can become a successful team member!

Thank you for making an album for his hopeful partner. Next to YOU handing off his leash to someone, getting an album of pictures of your beloved dog partner is so, so important and wanted.

I've had two Service Dogs and neither one of their Puppyraisers were very good at keeping a picturelogue of their pups. Too bad because I'm a picture "freak"; I love them and look at whatever I have all the time. I put them out for others to see and admire. My desk at work looks like a photographers studio; filled with pictures of my family, my children, my Morey and my wonderful dogs!

When I'm on a cruise I ALWAYS buy at least two professional pictures of my journey.

Figures I'd be the one to get the Puppraisers that hardly took a picture. Well, I make up for whatever they were lacking!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

I have to say this.......Please NO ONE take it personally......Just listen and please become PRO-ACTIVE, instead of forcing the next canine team to have to be RE-ACTIVE.

 

When you board a cruise ship and if the potty box area is not convenient, safe, prepared appropriately, etc., etc.

 

Please, please say something to someone. When you make things RIGHT for yourself, you in essence, are making things RIGHT for everyone else who will come onboard after you. You're leaving a "mark" on how to treat a Service Dog Team and before you know it......it will be the ordinary and not the extraordinary.

We have to be THERE for each other. Thanks!

Edited October 8, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[fairbourne]

From your mouth to God's ears Roz! We want nothing more than to see this knucklehead graduate. I started working on photo books from Snapfish to give to whomever is lucky enough to get Ocho.

Please let someone get Ocho!! :D

 

 

I can tell you absolutely adore this boy dog! I've said it before and I am sure as heck going to say it again - I really admire you for doing this important work and giving not only your time but your heart and soul into turning a goofy puppy into an extra special companion, helper and friend for someone who will cherish Ocho and all the work you've done with your "knucklehead" to make their life easier!:D.

 

You'll miss him, of that there is no doubt!

[MCDW]

I leave in two weeks for my Eastern Canada/USA cruise. It is a 14 day cruise, but I will get off before it ends. I will leave the ship in Charleston SC to fly to our guide school to begin training with my new guide dog.........no idea of name/sex or breed yet. Don't usually know until the second day of school.

 

So friends, I will be leaving my adorable Oz behind as I begin this journey. No word yet from the school as to whether it will change its regulations in time for Oz to retire into my home. I am taking it one day at a time right now and will not face what could be a reality until I absolutely have too. I do have a dear friend who I see often who would be so delighted to have Oz.

 

It is very hard to get excited about my cruise and school when Oz's future is up in the air. He has been and continues to be a fantastic little guy I love to bits.

 

I will be sure to attach a picture of the new pup and send it from guide school though/

 

Colleen

[wizard-of-roz]

UPDATE: After sending an email to Princess [Amber Moraco, Access Compliance Specialist.] She responded and apologized for the lack of concern on the Star's part and said; "I forwarded a copy of your email to my Customer Relations Department for review." "I certainly understand your concerns for your next sailing and will do all I can to ensure that you do not have to deal with this again!"

Who knows if they will do anything or even respond at all, however I do believe if you knock on the door enough times every day, finally somebody will answer.

[dobiemom]

UPDATE: After sending an email to Princess [Amber Moraco, Access Compliance Specialist.] She responded and apologized for the lack of concern on the Star's part and said; "I forwarded a copy of your email to my Customer Relations Department for review." "I certainly understand your concerns for your next sailing and will do all I can to ensure that you do not have to deal with this again!"

Who knows if they will do anything or even respond at all, however I do believe if you knock on the door enough times every day, finally somebody will answer.

Sounds like Amber/Princess is taking this seriously. Good! I hope no one with SD will "have to deal with this again!"

[wizard-of-roz]

I leave in two weeks for my Eastern Canada/USA cruise. It is a 14 day cruise, but I will get off before it ends. I will leave the ship in Charleston SC to fly to our guide school to begin training with my new guide dog.........no idea of name/sex or breed yet. Don't usually know until the second day of school.

 

So friends, I will be leaving my adorable Oz behind as I begin this journey. No word yet from the school as to whether it will change its regulations in time for Oz to retire into my home. I am taking it one day at a time right now and will not face what could be a reality until I absolutely have too. I do have a dear friend who I see often who would be so delighted to have Oz.

 

It is very hard to get excited about my cruise and school when Oz's future is up in the air. He has been and continues to be a fantastic little guy I love to bits.

 

I will be sure to attach a picture of the new pup and send it from guide school though/

 

Colleen

 

Colleen, I love the picture of our Oz. He is such a handsome and beautiful boy!

It's so important that you concentrate completely on your new partner and welcome him/her into your world with all of you [your heart/mind and soul!] You have to believe in your heart of hearts that wherever Oz goes [hopefully to stay with you] that you will always be THERE for him and if he's with your friend, how great would that be. You can see him and share your new partner with him.

I know exactly how your feeling, so torn but allow yourself to move forward with your life in the best mindset that you can muster-up!

We're all here for you and support you.

Dear Oz,

I know what it feels like to be the "retired dog!" I wanted to keep on working for Roz but I was really slowing her down and, well, I'm tired. It was getting harder and harder to jump in and out of the car. I like the ramp she bought but it's hard to walk up and down on that now too. I love to sleep away my days and I have the best dreams of my days at CCI, my belly rubs from PaPa and just days gone by.

I used to be the best runner and frisbee catcher. I loved going on cruises and going to work with Roz every day. I can't do it anymore. And, although it sometimes makes me sad, I've learned to enjoy listening to the birds chirping on the patio and watching the kids playing next door.

I have a guy who chews gum really loud and checks on me until Roz and Horton come home from work. He really interupts my sleep!

Life is different, not bad, just different. You'll learn to relax, let someone else do the work.....be a good observer and get lots of much deserved rest and relaxation.

Feel free to write to me anytime.

Pawlightly,

Brenda

Edited October 9, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[MCDW]

Colleen, I love the picture of our Oz. He is such a handsome and beautiful boy!

 

It's so important that you concentrate completely on your new partner and welcome him/her into your world with all of you [your heart/mind and soul!] You have to believe in your heart of hearts that wherever Oz goes [hopefully to stay with you] that you will always be THERE for him and if he's with your friend, how great would that be. You can see him and share your new partner with him.

 

I know exactly how your feeling, so torn but allow yourself to move forward with your life in the best mindset that you can muster-up!

 

We're all here for you and support you.

 

Dear Oz,

I know what it feels like to be the "retired dog!" I wanted to keep on working for Roz but I was really slowing her down and, well, I'm tired. It was getting harder and harder to jump in and out of the car. I like the ramp she bought but it's hard to walk up and down on that now too. I love to sleep away my days and I have the best dreams of my days at CCI, my belly rubs from PaPa and just days gone by.

 

I used to be the best runner and frisbee catcher. I loved going on cruises and going to work with Roz every day. I can't do it anymore. And, although it sometimes makes me sad, I've learned to enjoy listening to the birds chirping on the patio and watching the kids playing next door.

 

I have a guy who chews gum really loud and checks on me until Roz and Horton come home from work. He really interupts my sleep!

 

Life is different, not bad, just different. You'll learn to relax, let someone else do the work.....be a good observer and get lots of much deserved rest and relaxation.

 

Feel free to write to me anytime.

 

Pawlightly,

Brenda

 

 

OK, seriously sobbing now!! You and Brenda are so Right.

[wizard-of-roz]

Sounds like Amber/Princess is taking this seriously. Good! I hope no one with SD will "have to deal with this again!"

 

Amen! Thanks Marcia.

[wizard-of-roz]

OK, seriously sobbing now!! You and Brenda are so Right.

 

Go ahead, have a good, no have a great cry!!!! It'll feel good when you're done, exhausted but good!

I hear you and I totally understand what you're going through. It's so, so, so hard! What the heck were we thinking when we started this journey? I don't know, I just know that without Brenny and Horty in my life.......it just wouldn't be complete, that's all!

Oz rounds-out your edges, he did his job and he's surely proud of it, as are you!!!! We all hear the pride in your writings!

[dobiemom]

Dear Oz,

I know what it feels like to be the "retired dog!" I wanted to keep on working for Roz but I was really slowing her down and, well, I'm tired. It was getting harder and harder to jump in and out of the car. I like the ramp she bought but it's hard to walk up and down on that now too. I love to sleep away my days and I have the best dreams of my days at CCI, my belly rubs from PaPa and just days gone by.

I used to be the best runner and frisbee catcher. I loved going on cruises and going to work with Roz every day. I can't do it anymore. And, although it sometimes makes me sad, I've learned to enjoy listening to the birds chirping on the patio and watching the kids playing next door.

I have a guy who chews gum really loud and checks on me until Roz and Horton come home from work. He really interupts my sleep!

Life is different, not bad, just different. You'll learn to relax, let someone else do the work.....be a good observer and get lots of much deserved rest and relaxation.

Feel free to write to me anytime.

Pawlightly,

Brenda

Brenda, you are SO wise! I remember meeting you on a couple of cruises with your Mom and PaPa. Take care in your retirement. We all love you! :D ;)

[wizard-of-roz]

Brenda, you are SO wise! I remember meeting you on a couple of cruises with your Mom and PaPa. Take care in your retirement. We all love you! :D ;)

 

Miss M,

Please don't tell anyone but you're one of my most favorite people.....my Mom and PaPa talked about you alot and the amazing plant that you sent him is sitting in the dining room [Roz has a green-thumb], it's huge. Also the picture of the orange groves that he won on a cruise with you is in his collection of memorabilia that Roz is saving. PaPa obviously cherished it!

We love you!

Brenny