ROOMMATE WANTED for DCL Panama Cruise, May 10-28, 2008

[Not Afraid]

Quick! How do I make Thurston a service dog?

[Chernabog]

^^ Heh I really knew a guy who had his toy poodle as his service dog -- the pooch was "certified" by something-or-other, and it had a little pouch around his neck in which he kept the guy's heart pills. In case the guy fell over and couldn't reach his pills, the dog was trained to bring the pill case over to his hand. (Of course, I don't think the dog could actually get the canvas pouch open itself or put a pill in the guy's mouth, lol)

[wendybeth]

He can be Chris's Hedon detector- he alerts when he senses unSwanky activity. (Like bingo).

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

Quick! How do I make Thurston a service dog?

I'm serious, you totally could!!! Of course, the bigger deal would be the flight itself -- I've never actually seen service animals on flights (I mean, they wouldn't, in case someone is allergic). They must keep them in a separate pressurized area.

[Alex]

Assuming things haven't changed in the last couple of years, it is pretty easy:

From an SF Chronicle article: Just about all it takes to get an assistance tag in California is a note from a doctor and a signed statement from the owner that the dog has been specially trained. That training, however, can be done by the owner and can be as simple as teaching the dog to wag a tail and lick a face if that's what it takes to make someone with a diagnosed depression feel better.

I've had 3 coworkers I knew personally who did this just to get around "no dog" policies in their buildings (they were pretty open about their true motivations). Slimy, in my opinion, but they had no problem with the bureaucracy in trying to do it.

Of course, whether DCL would recognize it is a completely different thing.

[wendybeth]

Small animals are allowed if they are kept in their crates- Thurston is not very big. The last flight I was on there was a woman with a puppy, and the time before a lady had a cat that meowed almost all the way. (No one seemed to mind- everyone was trying to make kitty feel better).

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by Chernabog

I'm serious, you totally could!!! Of course, the bigger deal would be the flight itself -- I've never actually seen service animals on flights (I mean, they wouldn't, in case someone is allergic). They must keep them in a separate pressurized area.

It's not a fun experience for the dogs... the "separate pressurized area" is the front baggage hold. It's loud, it's dark, not too warm, and there's a "danger" component if the captain fails to remember it needs to be pressurized. Rare, but I've heard stories.

Thurston is small enough he may be able to go in a carrier under the seat though. FAR preferable.

[mousepod]

We've flown with our chihuahuas in the past. The rule is (or was) that you could have two animals that fit under the seat in each cabin.

[Not Afraid]

Thurston is still small enough to fit in a carrier int he cabin.

[madmonkeygirl]

I'm leaving all the animals Lucy and Ethel with Matt for about a week or so while i go to Chicago again this summer. Ha vacation away from them. I wouldn't mind leaving them for that long if i could go on the cruise lmao...seperation anxiety but just the daily grind of walks, feedings etc. That's what i won't miss.