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

[wizard-of-roz]

Tomorrow will be a fun day. My brother is arriving with their dog, Charlie later today. Jagger is at the ranch and would have been coming home this weekend.

 

I love my organization as the Director is coming with Jagger to make sure that the meeting goes well. So she is bringing Jagger tomorrow.

 

Jagger and Charlie have met before as we took Charlie to the ranch once. But it was quite awhile ago, and home is both dogs' "turf".

 

Awwwww! Have fun!

[wizard-of-roz]

Hello everyone. *I've been trying to post for a few days but couldn't, but finally managed to log in today - thank you Mods! :)

 

Well this aside, it's been a funny few days and I don't mean funny "ha ha, I mean oh so different, what on earth happened kind of funny!

 

OK, so you all know we saw Aruba at the training centre Fun Day a few days ago and I spent a bit of time chatting with her trainer on how she was doing and even did a blind fold walk with Aruba. (The chap in the yellow shirt has just done a blind fold walk with Aruba - I've no idea who he is)

 

 

So it came as a complete bolt out of the blue when I got a phone call last week to tell me that Aruba was to be withdrawn from the scheme. Oh my, my heart was in my mouth, what had happened!

 

It turns out that although Aruba was happy enough when she was out and about "working", doing everything they asked her to do, her heart really wasn't in it and she seemed to just not really want to be there. There were some days when she was quite reluctant to even leave the kennel, much preferring to stay and encourage cuddles and tummy tickles! Now we experienced a bit of this reluctance, and I had put it down to her not wanting to leave M and P, preferring to stay and play, and when she had that phantom pregnancy she was even more reluctant to leave to go out. It wasn't the phase we all thought it was.

 

We had always said we would have her back home with us if she didn't make it, so that's exactly what's happened. We went and picked her up on Friday - it was all a bit of a rush as I wanted Aruba to have a few days to settle in back at home before the new puppy arrived - she was quite bemused I think to see us and even more bemused to get into my car! Her bemusement turned to sheer joy and delight (and relief!) when we got home and she reunited with her best doggy pals, M and P! The three of them barrelled around, tails swishing nineteen to the dozen, with lots of sniffing of bits as only dogs do (!) and Aruba checked out every square inch of the garden and the house like a spring lamb, jumping all over the place with excitement - "I'm home, I'm home!"

 

And it's like she's never been away. Routine as normal, stealing my slippers as normal, her tummy clock tells me it's tea-time at 6 as normal - time for her evening treat, oh yes she reminds the DH it's time for that too!

 

I'm disappointed, yes, but if she's not happy, this is no good for her working as a guide dog. She wasn't considered for a Buddy Dog either but I'm going to see if she can be assessed as a Therapy Pet - visiting old folk's homes, hospitals, even students when they are studying for exams and getting stressed out, for therapy cuddles! We will see, but I would think she would be good at that and it wouldn't stress her out as she would be with me all the time.

 

Aruba's adventures will continue, just on a different path, and we are all delighted to have her home, even the cats! :D

 

DKD - you will know exactly how we've been feeling!

 

Oh! Fairbourne! I have such a mix of emotions for you! I'm not too worried about Aruba, she has you, Dad and M & P and the kitties and Bonnie.

 

I'm hoping that you aren't internalizing this.......You all gave her every chance that she possible needed to be a successful Service Dog.......she didn't want it! What a character! She's such a special girl, in her very own way, she needed to be home with all of you. Who knows why......it's just the way it worked out!

 

Well, here you go on the journey again with Bonnie, you are such a brave soul!!!! I give you a lot of credit to be willing to do this again. I love you so much for what you're doing for these potential heroes! THANK YOU!

 

Aruba, you big monkey!!!! You just love being with your Mum [can't blame you!] Now, you MUST help Bonnie to see her possible potential as a Seeing Eye Dog! Horton knows now that you are his woman. Your personalities are so much alike. If it wasn't for his work ethic when he finally decides to work, he'd be right by your side romping in the back yard!

 

You take care of Mum and don't let Bonnie wear her down too much.

 

My love and best wishes to all the Fairbourne's ♥

 

P.S. Horton chewed up a brand new toy this weekend and proceeded to bury it under the mattress in his bed. The only good thing is he doesn't swallow the pieces. He would eat my socks and shoes if I didn't hide them from him. He, also, loves to lay right on top of my feet........He & Aruba - Made for each other!

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm glad that you captured the picture of Aruba finding you........You know that she just wanted her Mum......More than she wanted anything else in her life. We have to love her for her neediness and dedication to her family!!!

 

Love you Aruba ♥

Edited September 30, 2015 by wizard-of-roz

[rangeley]

Hello everyone. *I've been trying to post for a few days but couldn't, but finally managed to log in today - thank you Mods! :)

 

Well this aside, it's been a funny few days and I don't mean funny "ha ha, I mean oh so different, what on earth happened kind of funny!

 

OK, so you all know we saw Aruba at the training centre Fun Day a few days ago and I spent a bit of time chatting with her trainer on how she was doing and even did a blind fold walk with Aruba. (The chap in the yellow shirt has just done a blind fold walk with Aruba - I've no idea who he is)

 

 

So it came as a complete bolt out of the blue when I got a phone call last week to tell me that Aruba was to be withdrawn from the scheme. Oh my, my heart was in my mouth, what had happened!

 

It turns out that although Aruba was happy enough when she was out and about "working", doing everything they asked her to do, her heart really wasn't in it and she seemed to just not really want to be there. There were some days when she was quite reluctant to even leave the kennel, much preferring to stay and encourage cuddles and tummy tickles! Now we experienced a bit of this reluctance, and I had put it down to her not wanting to leave M and P, preferring to stay and play, and when she had that phantom pregnancy she was even more reluctant to leave to go out. It wasn't the phase we all thought it was.

 

We had always said we would have her back home with us if she didn't make it, so that's exactly what's happened. We went and picked her up on Friday - it was all a bit of a rush as I wanted Aruba to have a few days to settle in back at home before the new puppy arrived - she was quite bemused I think to see us and even more bemused to get into my car! Her bemusement turned to sheer joy and delight (and relief!) when we got home and she reunited with her best doggy pals, M and P! The three of them barrelled around, tails swishing nineteen to the dozen, with lots of sniffing of bits as only dogs do (!) and Aruba checked out every square inch of the garden and the house like a spring lamb, jumping all over the place with excitement - "I'm home, I'm home!"

 

And it's like she's never been away. Routine as normal, stealing my slippers as normal, her tummy clock tells me it's tea-time at 6 as normal - time for her evening treat, oh yes she reminds the DH it's time for that too!

 

I'm disappointed, yes, but if she's not happy, this is no good for her working as a guide dog. She wasn't considered for a Buddy Dog either but I'm going to see if she can be assessed as a Therapy Pet - visiting old folk's homes, hospitals, even students when they are studying for exams and getting stressed out, for therapy cuddles! We will see, but I would think she would be good at that and it wouldn't stress her out as she would be with me all the time.

 

Aruba's adventures will continue, just on a different path, and we are all delighted to have her home, even the cats! :D

 

DKD - you will know exactly how we've been feeling!

 

Fairbourne, Sad but happy for you. Its always a terrible feeling when you work so hard and they dont make it. Ive seen it so many times. And of course you know that it had nothing to do with you. Sometimes they just choose not to be a service dog. But congrats to you!!! She is home where she belongs.

[rangeley]

Today is the day that Holly was supposed to arrive here. However Holly had to stay in England, something to do with her being sponsored down there so she had to remain in England.

 

So today, the gorgeous 7 and half week old Bonnie arrived in our lives. Talk about confident. As I type this she's lying sound asleep at my feet - finally! She was refusing to have a post-puppy lunch nap in her lovely cosy crate with her giant teddy! I just managed to get this photo before she started "yelling"! She'd already had lots of cuddles with me! She's a Leo - and is certainly showing all the characteristics, and she's been here less than 6 hours! ;):D

 

Max, Poppy and Aruba have been fabulous with her, no issues other than Poppy telling her she is the boss (we knew this and pre-empted it with Poppy's favourite red ball in her mouth).

 

So who's ready for the Adventures of Bonnie, the Guide Dog Puppy in training? I know I am! :D:D:D

 

 

Omg shes beautiful!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Omg shes beautiful!!!!

 

I'm coming right over and rescuing that little imp!!!!! She's so, so cute!!!!

 

Look how she's hanging on to her Teddy. I'd be melting on the floor for her!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

Tomorrow will be a fun day. My brother is arriving with their dog, Charlie later today. Jagger is at the ranch and would have been coming home this weekend.

 

I love my organization as the Director is coming with Jagger to make sure that the meeting goes well. So she is bringing Jagger tomorrow.

 

Jagger and Charlie have met before as we took Charlie to the ranch once. But it was quite awhile ago, and home is both dogs' "turf".

 

Have fun with the two dogs, I am sure that Jagger will love having company over. We have had my son's dog for two weeks while he is on his honeymoon. Henri loves playing with her and will miss her when she goes home tomorrow.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Hello everyone. *I've been trying to post for a few days but couldn't, but finally managed to log in today - thank you Mods! :)

 

Well this aside, it's been a funny few days and I don't mean funny "ha ha, I mean oh so different, what on earth happened kind of funny!

 

OK, so you all know we saw Aruba at the training centre Fun Day a few days ago and I spent a bit of time chatting with her trainer on how she was doing and even did a blind fold walk with Aruba. (The chap in the yellow shirt has just done a blind fold walk with Aruba - I've no idea who he is)

 

 

So it came as a complete bolt out of the blue when I got a phone call last week to tell me that Aruba was to be withdrawn from the scheme. Oh my, my heart was in my mouth, what had happened!

 

It turns out that although Aruba was happy enough when she was out and about "working", doing everything they asked her to do, her heart really wasn't in it and she seemed to just not really want to be there. There were some days when she was quite reluctant to even leave the kennel, much preferring to stay and encourage cuddles and tummy tickles! Now we experienced a bit of this reluctance, and I had put it down to her not wanting to leave M and P, preferring to stay and play, and when she had that phantom pregnancy she was even more reluctant to leave to go out. It wasn't the phase we all thought it was.

 

We had always said we would have her back home with us if she didn't make it, so that's exactly what's happened. We went and picked her up on Friday - it was all a bit of a rush as I wanted Aruba to have a few days to settle in back at home before the new puppy arrived - she was quite bemused I think to see us and even more bemused to get into my car! Her bemusement turned to sheer joy and delight (and relief!) when we got home and she reunited with her best doggy pals, M and P! The three of them barrelled around, tails swishing nineteen to the dozen, with lots of sniffing of bits as only dogs do (!) and Aruba checked out every square inch of the garden and the house like a spring lamb, jumping all over the place with excitement - "I'm home, I'm home!"

 

And it's like she's never been away. Routine as normal, stealing my slippers as normal, her tummy clock tells me it's tea-time at 6 as normal - time for her evening treat, oh yes she reminds the DH it's time for that too!

 

I'm disappointed, yes, but if she's not happy, this is no good for her working as a guide dog. She wasn't considered for a Buddy Dog either but I'm going to see if she can be assessed as a Therapy Pet - visiting old folk's homes, hospitals, even students when they are studying for exams and getting stressed out, for therapy cuddles! We will see, but I would think she would be good at that and it wouldn't stress her out as she would be with me all the time.

 

Aruba's adventures will continue, just on a different path, and we are all delighted to have her home, even the cats! :D

 

DKD - you will know exactly how we've been feeling!

 

I am sure that you have mixed feelings, but it must be wonderful to have Aruba home with you. It sounds like that is the place she needs to be. Congratulations on Bonnie - Aruba now has a little sister!

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

Have fun with the two dogs, I am sure that Jagger will love having company over. We have had my son's dog for two weeks while he is on his honeymoon. Henri loves playing with her and will miss her when she goes home tomorrow.

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, Henri is such a social girl! I love how CCI dogs are so social.

 

Are you doing the December 3rd Love Boat Cruise?

[DUTRAVEL]

I am suspecting this is the original carpet. House was built in early 90's. It is nasty. I swear there was enough dirt and crumbling padding under the carpet to make my own beach in the back yard. Double yuck. And of course Ms. OCD (me) has to sweep it up as I go so I don't have to touch it any more than necessary. All done, though. Pulled out the padding and last of the carpet tacks, just laid the carpet back over the cement until they come to install the tile.

 

Best decision we ever made was to pull up our carpets and go to hardwood. So much easier for me to wheel on and easier for me to keep the dog hair cleaned up (which I am learning about - but its worth it). I think you will love the tile.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Dianne, Henri is such a social girl! I love how CCI dogs are so social.

 

Are you doing the December 3rd Love Boat Cruise?

 

No cruise for us this year - I really wish we could do that one, it would have been so easy for us.

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

Best decision we ever made was to pull up our carpets and go to hardwood. So much easier for me to wheel on and easier for me to keep the dog hair cleaned up (which I am learning about - but its worth it). I think you will love the tile.

 

Dianne

 

So, here I live in earthquake country. When we moved out of our big house, we decided we'd live the condo life in Northridge. Not a bad idea but there was carpeting everywhere and, of course, it was before I introduced a Service Dog or two into the mix. And, this was all before my dear Morey passed away.

 

Well, the Northridge Earthquake hit [1994] and once everything was repaired and put back together Morey decided he'd have everything braced to the walls. Every shelf, every book case, every nick-nack unit is braced to the walls and floor. It would be a major construction job to change the carpeting to hardwood or tile, although I'd love it!

 

One thing is for sure, nothing is falling off the shelves and the shelves are not moving anywhere. After the earthquake, we were literally trapped in the bedroom because a huge Armoire had fallen and blocked the doorway to escape. Luckily it had not fallen on anyone or someone would have been killed.

 

Anyway, Horton and I are very safe.......carpeting and all!!!! And, when you come over to visit you don't have to be worried about being in "ground zero" with Horty and me!

[wizard-of-roz]

No cruise for us this year - I really wish we could do that one, it would have been so easy for us.

 

Dianne

 

We would have had so much fun with the two dogs.

 

We're doing the Nov. 16, 2016 - 19 day Panama Canal cruise out of San Pedro to return to San Pedro. That's a first for Princess to leave out of L.A. and return to L.A.

 

19 days is a long one for me to leave my job......I haven't told them about it yet!

[Host Walt]

We would have had so much fun with the two dogs.

 

We're doing the Nov. 16, 2016 - 19 day Panama Canal cruise out of San Pedro to return to San Pedro. That's a first for Princess to leave out of L.A. and return to L.A.

 

19 days is a long one for me to leave my job......I haven't told them about it yet!

 

Roz,

 

Thanks for that. We have been interested in LA round trips just because for us it's so convenient and wonderful being able to avoid LAX.

 

I didn't know about this cruise until I saw your post and checked it out. There are some great fares available and we love the Island Princess. The best part is that the only port we've visited ia LA and one Canal transit on the old Dawn Princess (nee: Sitmar Fairwind) back in 1988.

 

 

Walt

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz,

 

Thanks for that. We have been interested in LA round trips just because for us it's so convenient and wonderful being able to avoid LAX.

 

I didn't know about this cruise until I saw your post and checked it out. There are some great fares available and we love the Island Princess. The best part is that the only port we've visited ia LA and one Canal transit on the old Dawn Princess (nee: Sitmar Fairwind) back in 1988.

 

 

Walt

 

Host Walt, doesn't it sound interesting......it's booking quickly. They're offering all sorts of packages with it. We got the Sip & Sail Package included. Never hurts to have your drinks paid for along with some nice OBC's.

 

I hope we get to meet onboard.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Hugs and kisses to the Fairbournes. You have a really busy house about now! :(:D

[wizard-of-roz]

Fairbourne, I added a grown-up Bonnie for your enjoyment!!!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

So, here I live in earthquake country. When we moved out of our big house, we decided we'd live the condo life in Northridge. Not a bad idea but there was carpeting everywhere and, of course, it was before I introduced a Service Dog or two into the mix. And, this was all before my dear Morey passed away.

 

Well, the Northridge Earthquake hit [1994] and once everything was repaired and put back together Morey decided he'd have everything braced to the walls. Every shelf, every book case, every nick-nack unit is braced to the walls and floor. It would be a major construction job to change the carpeting to hardwood or tile, although I'd love it!

 

One thing is for sure, nothing is falling off the shelves and the shelves are not moving anywhere. After the earthquake, we were literally trapped in the bedroom because a huge Armoire had fallen and blocked the doorway to escape. Luckily it had not fallen on anyone or someone would have been killed.

 

Anyway, Horton and I are very safe.......carpeting and all!!!! And, when you come over to visit you don't have to be worried about being in "ground zero" with Horty and me!

 

We are in earthquake country too, that would be quite a job to move everything. It definitely is safe for you and Horton though!

 

That round trip Panama cruise out of LA sounds great, but we would have to either fly or drive to LA. We are booked on a Panama cruise that leaves San Francisco, but we still have to fly from Florida. Henri is pretty good - I am sure she would be fine flying - just as long as she didn't try to say hi to every passenger on the plane. After six weeks I am still learning about her - she doesn't chew on things or take shoes or socks. Her bad habit seems to be that she wants to greet everyone we pass by. I have to really be paying attention to keep her on track!

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

We are in earthquake country too, that would be quite a job to move everything. It definitely is safe for you and Horton though!

 

That round trip Panama cruise out of LA sounds great, but we would have to either fly or drive to LA. We are booked on a Panama cruise that leaves San Francisco, but we still have to fly from Florida. Henri is pretty good - I am sure she would be fine flying - just as long as she didn't try to say hi to every passenger on the plane. After six weeks I am still learning about her - she doesn't chew on things or take shoes or socks. Her bad habit seems to be that she wants to greet everyone we pass by. I have to really be paying attention to keep her on track!

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, the round-trip out of L.A. is a first for Princess......we always had to fly home from Florida. This will make it so much easier.

 

Although Horton is a big boy he curls into the most amazing pill bug on an airplane.

 

Brenda was the worst for greeting EVERYONE. She had to be corrected by me distracting her with food and walking her in a circle when I would see someone approaching. She finally stopped this bad habit as a senior dog but it was a struggle for many years with her. Every time we'd go to a CCI Workshop it was always the subject that I brought up and the trainers tried everything.

 

I had to keep kibble in my pocket and constantly correct her when we'd meet other dogs and other people on our walks. Horton just needs a quick "jerk" on his leash and he's right back on focus.

 

Horton is like that "well adjusted kid", he's a terror at home but a genius in public.

 

These dogs are all very unique in their personalities.......And, with all of Brenda's quirks she did her job amazingly well and ALWAYS took such good care of me! I miss her so much!!♥

[Host Walt]

Dianne, the round-trip out of L.A. is a first for Princess......we always had to fly home from Florida. This will make it so much easier...

 

 

We just booked yesterday. Now I have to clear my schedule to make sure we can actually do it.

 

Princess seems ready to add more SC round trips given the plethora of the 3 and 4 day trips they offer; just waiting for some Alaska trips from San Pedro. One very good benefit is that we can board a case or two of our favorite wines for just $15 a bottle and not have to pay a king's ransom to check the cases with our airplane luggage.

 

This cruise is selling fast. They're offering a three for free deal which includes gratuities (all 19 days for each of us) and a nice OBC. There were only 8 MB's available (mini suites) when I called. There now are just 7.

 

If all works out we'll be looking forward to meeting you and your furry family on board.

Edited October 2, 2015 by Host Walt

[wizard-of-roz]

We just booked yesterday. Now I have to clear my schedule to make sure we can actually do it.

 

It's selling fast. They're offering a three for free deal which includes gratuities (all 19 days for each of us) and a nice OBC. There were only 8 MB's available mini suites) when I called

 

Walt, did you book Nov. 16, 2016? If so, you'll get to cruise with Horty.

 

And, the M & G group are just filled with CC favorites.

Edited October 2, 2015 by wizard-of-roz

[Host Walt]

Walt, did you book Nov. 16, 2016? If so, you'll get to cruise with Horty.

Yes, we booked that cruise but just because Horton will be on board. ;) We really want to see that legendary pooch and to see him curl up into a "pill bug," (whatever that is).

And, the M & G group are just filled with CC favorites.

Looking forward to meeting them in the flesh as well.

Edited October 2, 2015 by Host Walt

[wizard-of-roz]

Yes, we booked that cruise but just because Horton will be on board. ;) We really want to see that legendary pooch and to see him curl up into a "pill bug," (whatever that is).

 

[/b]Looking forward to meeting them in the flesh as well.[/color]

 

Wonderful! I'm looking forward to it!

Edited October 2, 2015 by wizard-of-roz

[DUTRAVEL]

Dianne, the round-trip out of L.A. is a first for Princess......we always had to fly home from Florida. This will make it so much easier.

 

Although Horton is a big boy he curls into the most amazing pill bug on an airplane.

 

Brenda was the worst for greeting EVERYONE. She had to be corrected by me distracting her with food and walking her in a circle when I would see someone approaching. She finally stopped this bad habit as a senior dog but it was a struggle for many years with her. Every time we'd go to a CCI Workshop it was always the subject that I brought up and the trainers tried everything.

 

I had to keep kibble in my pocket and constantly correct her when we'd meet other dogs and other people on our walks. Horton just needs a quick "jerk" on his leash and he's right back on focus.

 

Horton is like that "well adjusted kid", he's a terror at home but a genius in public.

 

These dogs are all very unique in their personalities.......And, with all of Brenda's quirks she did her job amazingly well and ALWAYS took such good care of me! I miss her so much!!♥

 

They do have their funny quirks. Henri is just so friendly its hard for her not to say hi, if I am not paying attention she will be sniffing at people! She is very good at her job and she is a pro at picking up my cell phone and glasses - the two things that I drop the most! I dropped a pile of towels that I had folded and she patiently picked them all up one by one. I don't know what I would do without her.

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

They do have their funny quirks. Henri is just so friendly its hard for her not to say hi, if I am not paying attention she will be sniffing at people! She is very good at her job and she is a pro at picking up my cell phone and glasses - the two things that I drop the most! I dropped a pile of towels that I had folded and she patiently picked them all up one by one. I don't know what I would do without her.

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, I'm so happy for you and Henri ♥