CHILL OUT! Interaction with the Service Dog Team

PREFACE:  Summer can be a difficult time for the Service Dog team, heat, and crowds bring on additional stress.

I constantly hear people say, “I just didn’t know.” That’s why this blog exists, so that people may know, understand, and educate themselves.

This post is lovingly dedicated to U.S. veterans.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Team Goodee is blessed to have Service Dog friends in every branch of the U.S. military, and some in the U.K., and Canada.  Social media makes the world our neighborhood.

To our military friends, thanks for teaching us to “walk in our shoes,” stand up, and speak out.

It’s hard to find ways to educate others. Giving out information when we are out and about is difficult at best.

    

“We should probably let people walk in our shoes mom.”

    

“Oh, hello Goodee the Service Dog nice of you to join the blog.”

    

“Let people walk in our shoes? Goodee, don’t you mean empathize?”

     

“No mom, you said empathize, I didn’t.  I don’t use the big words I just supply the humor.”

    

“You mean you literally want people to walk in our shoes? It could get crowded. I hate to point out the obvious but you don’t wear shoes.”

     

“No mom, I mean figuratively speaking, I want people assimilate what it is like for us as Service Animal and human.”

    

“ASSEMILATE? Goodee, now who is using BIG words?”

     “Ok mom, people just need to take in our culture and fully understand what we go through.”

     “Oh, I see, Goodee, why don’t we try to explain.”

     “Right mom, that’s code for I’m going to say things that might upset people and pretend that the Service Dog said it.”

BUSTED by my Service Dog again. I am known for keeping people at a distance. I’ve had people say, “I remember you; you don’t want people around you or your dog.”

To which I reply: “yes that would be me.”

     “Well it’s not like I am an ordinary dog mom. I’m the medical device.”

   

     "Correct Goodee, you function like both a cane and a walker for me. You help with balance/counter balance and estimate distances for me.”

     “I do all that mom and more. I also tell you when to change your head position to avoid migraine headaches, I help you find a safe place and your migraine medicine... There’s a few other things too. Frankly, I deserve a raise.”

    

     “Well, I could do a few extra pig ears per week.”

     “Cool.”

     “Since I gave you a raise, could you help the blog along?”

     “Goodee to the rescue again. Why don’t we just explain to people what it’s like for us?”

     “You mean so they can empathize?”

     “Right mom, empathize and ASSEMILATE.”

WALK IN OUR SHOES

I wish people could “walk in our shoes.” It would involve much more than putting a vest on a dog and having you go out in public. Even a highly trained dog  would not simulate what it’s like for the Service Dog, and handler.

 I joined several  groups on social media before being paired with Goodee “the great” Service Dog.

I thought: “Gosh these Service Dog people need to get a grip. Why not just let people pet the dog? Surely a little eye contact, or talk couldn’t hurt.? Why not tell people about your Service Dog or disability?  They are just making conversation. —and what’s the big deal if someone talks to the dog and not to you?

In just one week with Goodee, I learned the real consequences of letting others treat the Service Dog like a pet. It took much longer for me to understand how the Service Dog changed my life.

     “Gosh mom that’s sounds epic. Are you going to be able to talk about all that in one blog?” “I hope so Goodee”

The “BIG DEAL” ABOUT SERVICE DOG INTERACTION

The Service Dog functions as a medical device. This is a hard concept to grasp. Medical devices don’t usually have fur. Let me use an illustration from my own life. ---Cerebral Palsy effects my entire left side. Everything on the left side of my body is slower and weaker. My hips freeze up on hard surfaces. Uneven surfaces are a nightmare.   My peripheral vision is so poor I cannot drive a car, ride a bike, go down steps, or walk a half block. When I look down, things seem further away than they are. I need help with stability.

 The Service Dog is AMAZING for stability. A cane is useless to me it’s just another object over which I might fall. However, the Service Dog provides constant motion to keep my muscles and hips moving.  My body stays aligned, the dog goes ahead of me, finding handicap access ramps and smooth surfaces. When I must take stairs, they are now no problem. I feel the Service Dog going downward, and my I body adjusts accordingly. On the BEST days, I can accomplish twice the number of things I did before having the service dog, and at the end of the day I am pain free, instead of being unable to move.

 The “best” days are not easily accomplished. Balance is a delicate thing. I feel the slightest shift as I walk with the Service Dog. My reaction time is slowed on the left. I may know I need to make an adjustment but my body won’t allow me to do so.  The Service dog can assist me in trying to make adjustments. -- Notice I said TRYING to make adjustments.  What could possibly prevent adjustments?

Usually it’s a person who has come upon us either in front or behind the dog. On a bad day, it might be six people who stop dead in their tracks to STARE at us. It could be the person who does a “fly-by pet,” brushing, or poking at the dog. Irritating? Yes.

NOW imagine, yourself, doing everything you do in a day but, being TOTALLY dependent upon the Service Dog for balance. No cheating, you must be with the dog 24/7. Hundreds of people per day at the bank, grocery store, place of employment, doctor’s office, hair dresser, and restaurant. —365 days per year. Now you may have some idea how exhausting these interactions can be.

Let me add detail to the imaginary exercise. The Service Dog can prevent many falls but, sometimes there is no getting around it. -- Literally people insist upon enclosing us in a circle or being at “zero line” so there is just no room to move.  We can’t move, and other people won’t move (even when we ask them nicely). Suddenly, someone directly behind, or in front of me insists upon moving by pushing past me or the dog and I end up falling. Sometimes “the fall” jars my entire spine. —This necessitates several visits to pain management.

And Now the Rest of the Story…   “I JUST WANT TO… “TALK, ASK, BE A FRIEND”

I wish I could put a shield of invisibility around myself and the Service Dog. Part of me understands why people want to chat. Before having a Service Dog, I was somewhat introverted but still friendly. Having the Service Dog has changed my public personality. The freedom to go and do things I could never do before is fantastic but it comes with a price.

Let me illustrate with a hypothetical:

You are out on a normal day. You have an accessory, “cool shades,” the accessory everyone wants to look at and talk about “Cool Shades” are so cool everyone wants to tell you about their experience, or their friend’s experience, and their uncle’s best friend and his girlfriend, and their experience with the same but “sort of different “cool shades."

 In fact, your “cool shades” remind people of the “cool shades” they lost so they break down crying while telling you about their “cool shades.” You stop and listen to story #1, 2, 3,... 10. because you understand“the shades” are so cool. While you are listening to stories and trying to be friendly people pass by “barking” and saying, “oh cool shades.”

  Can you image how much sensory overload this causes?

Neither could I, until it happened to me!

At first, I saw no harm in chatting. By the end of the first week with my Service Dog I allowed no one to pet, or talk to the dog. I learned, even if I brace myself to prevent a fall, I am physically unable to stand while 25 people (literally I had a family member keep a count for me). came to say “hello.”

There are other practicalities:

Can you imagine every errand you run taking you three times as long because you have a stranger stop you and ask questions?

Can you imagine being asked to share the most private details of your life every day with total strangers? --Medical information, so private that it’s protected by Federal Law. -- A stranger asks you about it as you stand between the toilet tissue and soap at a supermarket?

REALLY? Yes, REALLY!

This REALLY happens to me several times a week!

 Can you imagine being sick in a doctor’s office and having a total stranger "talk at you," insisting        upon being inches from you, while having their kid run straight at you YELLING, "DOG!"

Neither could I until it happened to me!

Continuing the example:

 Imagine, in addition to all the events above,  you have a physical injury,   not just on one day,  but two or more days per month.

NOW, you have imagined “walking in our shoes.”

 

Do you see how this could bet taxing?

 Do you see how a person might come across to people as “short,” and unfriendly, when in reality they are simply emotionally drained?

I hope so!

Service Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, to manage all types of impairments. Each team works differently.   Life gets scary after many “near miss” and emergency situations. The priority of a Service Dog handler is SAFETY for the Service Dog, themselves, and others out in public. The second priority is managing our own limitations, completing things in the same amount of time as a “normal” person, under very different conditions. Where do you fit in? please understand we may not be delighted when you “zero line,” pop out a camera, and/or start asking questions.

Why do we do what we do?

Together, dog and human make a great team and we do what was once IMPOSSIBLE. That is INCREDIBLE and that is why we do what we do.

The ability to do that which you could NEVER do without the Service Dog is worth ANYTHING life throws at you.

We love to hear from fans. Check out our Facebook page, or drop us an email.

Please know when we are out and about we must say…

“Not Now, We Are Working!”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

It’s Your Dime Travel has put together an accessible affordable cruise for us.

HALLOWEEN AT SEA 2018!

Cruise along with TEAM GOODEE as we explore 3 Service Dog friendly ports.

We receive no compensation for reservations. We just love cruising and want to have a few friends along.

We'll be sailing on the new MSC ship, Seaside, from the Port of Miami, through the Eastern Caribbean to St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Nassau Bahamas.

MSC Seaside rewrites the rule book of cruise ship design, blending indoor and outdoor areas to connect you with the sea like never before. Circling the entire ship as low as Deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe. And you can enjoy more superb views from the two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic elevators.

Come on in the water is fine!

https://www.facebook.com/events/113215115945800/

NOT NOW WE ARE ON VACATION!

CRUISE WITH THE SERVICE DOG

Team Goodee lovingly dedicates this blog to everyone who makes us possible. It takes a medical team, family, and friends to keep us going. We are grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be out and about functioning as a team.

We now continue our vacation series: Not Now We Are On Vacation! Previously we highlighted interactions with strangers. These are intense times on any outing. The human is trying to get from A to B, or do “X”, when suddenly a well-meaning total stranger inserts themselves into your life.

http://goodeeworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/ 

 After reading that blog, you might wonder why anyone with a Service Dog goes on vacation at all. We presented the ugly examples to show how difficult things can get. Besides, irritating, but, funny people who push their limits are fun to write about.

In this blog, we highlight the cruise experience for the Service Dog Team. If you are a Service Dog handler and you have thought about a cruise, here is our advice…

YES, DO IT! Once upon a time we were looking for a few days away. The cruise is economical and accessible. Food and entertainment in an inclusive package. So, we said: Bahamas here we come! About six months later when we were on the ship with all our documents in order we screamed and did a happy dance.

        “Hey mom time, to answer the most asked question.”

     “Oh, hello Goodee the Service Dog. Nice of you to check-in on the blog. Well the most asked question is your name and I think they already know you Goodee.”

     “Mom not that question: THE QUESTION for people who never thought about Service Dogs on cruises.”

     “Oh yes: THE QUESTION”

HOW DOES A SERVICE DOG “GO” ON A SHIP?

     “It’s a good question mom I was wondering that myself. It’s like a big hotel on a swimming pool. There’s no grass!”

     “Correct Goodee Several people made that observation before we entered the sea terminal.”

So, to the guy who mumbled for 45-minutes about how they don’t let dogs on ships, and the lady who asked everyone on the bus if they knew anything about how a dog gets to “go” on a ship. ---

THE ANSWER IS: The cruise line provides a 4x4 wooden box with sod or mulch material. The relief area is on an open deck with lots of cross-wind. Service Dog. handlers should bring supplies to keep the area clean.

YES, THEY REALLY ARE GOING TO LET THE SERVICE DOG ON THE SHIP!

The Department of Transportation describes cruise ships as a cross between transportation and public accommodations. Service Dogs must be allowed to accompany a passenger in all areas of public access on the ship, including lifeboats.

A Few points to help the Service Dog Team have a good time:

PICK YOUR PORTS CAREFULLY

Only you know how many days your Service Dog can handle. Decide how often you need to see land. I have a list of destinations. I am doing them in multiple trips instead of a long cruise, so the Service Dog can visit land more often.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Each port of entry has their own dog import requirements. Consult the USDA for the latest requirements. Example: Some ports require yearly rabies vaccination, nearly all ports require a certificate of health from your vet.

GET INFORMATION FROM THE CORRECT END OF THE HORSE

Don’t try to “google it.” There’s lots of bad/out dated information about Service Dog travel out there. Don't listen to your mom's boyfriend's best friend who tried to go on a cruise several years ago. There’s also no shortage of companies that will try to sell you a pet passport that is used in Europe but not the U.S. 

I spent $60 in long distance calls to the Bahamas Dept. of Agriculture. The phone help was polite but, they were not addressing my exact question. A  wonderful person at the USDA suggested that I call back and ask to speak to a veterinarian.

 When I did it took me 10-minute to convince the person that I needed to speak directly to a vet, and 15-minutes on hold for the vet to take my call. However, I am so glad that I did that. The vet needed less than two minutes to tell me which vaccinations are actually required (out of the list of 20 on the permit). Only the Rabies vaccine is required, the others listed are simply recommendations. –My vet advised all items listed are done as puppy vaccines.

GET INFORMATION TO THE CRUISE LINE EARLY AND OFTEN

Some travel agents are more helpful than others. Service Dog accommodations are too important to be left to someone else. When you make a deposit on your cruise, notify the cruise line via e-mail that you are bringing a Service Animal. When you make your final payment, send another email confirming a relief area is planned for you.

OTHER RULES STILL APPLY

Before flying, notify TSA cares by email or phone https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support

Also, consult the airline about bulkhead space for the Service Dog. Remember, the Air Carrier Access Act allows impaired persons to be accompanied by a Service Animal at no additional cost.

EXPECT ANYTHING

Cruise ships are a mass of humanity.

THE BAD: More people = More questions/ interaction attempts with you and the dog. The first day it was like being in a big shopping center. “what’s your dog’s name,” how cute,” etc.

     “Don’t forget the guy who got right in my face and barked mom.”

     “Yes, he was unforgettable and alcoholic impaired Goodee.”

THE GOOD: The ship is BIG and you soon find little areas of escape away, away, away from people if you need to.

THE EXCELLENT: The sea and beach are right outside. —They are the only thing outside for a day or more.  Entertainment is included.  Your stateroom is a home away from home.

     “Better than home mom. I mean bed turned down twice a day, meals by a chef, who has all that at home?”

     “Correct Goodee, a cruise is better than home!”

DON'T SAY NO!

There are a number of well-meaning able-bodied "normal" people who will say:

"You shouldn't go," "We wouldn't go," and my favorite: "Are you sure you should go alone?" You are the only person who knows what you can do with your Service Dog. Cruising is accessible. If you need assistance just ask. Above-all DO NOT TRY to go without your Service Dog.  Don't try to substitute something for your Service Dog just because someone who has never had a disability or a Service Dog, suddenly wants to give you advice. You need your dog and you have a legal right to mitigate your disability and enjoy your vacation. 

Up-coming Service Dog Friendly Cruises:

PAWS WITH A CAUSE 2018 CRUISE January 21-18, 2018

PAWS provides Service Dogs to people who need them at no cost to the client. During this bi-annual fundraising event Royal Caribbean will make a generous cash donation to PAWS for every state-room purchased. 7-days in the Caribbean on the Allure of the Seas. For information contact: ddavis@pawswithacause.org.. 

HALLOWEEN AT SEA 2018!

October 27-November 3, 2018

Hosted by Your Travel Dime Dream Vacations & GoodeeWorks Productions

Join select group of travelers to celebrate Halloween at Sea 2018! We'll be sailing on the new MSC ship, Seaside, from the Port of Miami, through the Eastern Caribbean to St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Nassau Bahamas.

MSC Seaside rewrites the rule book of cruise ship design, blending indoor and outdoor areas to connect you with the sea like never before. Circling the entire ship as low as Deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe. And you can enjoy more superb views from the two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic elevators.

To celebrate Halloween, we're planning a private party with costume contest and entertainment.

Some cabins include unlimited drinks, onboard credit, spa services and priority boarding. Cabins start at $349 pp, double occupancy plus taxes and fees.

Our friends at Your Travel Dime put this together for us. Team Goodee is not receiving any compensation for promotion. We just want to check out the MSC SEASIDE and thought we would invite a few friends along.

For information contact: bmiller@dreamvacations.com

Visit on Facebook:

http://bmiller.dreamvacationsgroups.com/#/groups/8830479

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NOT NOW WE ARE ON VACATION!

This blog is lovingly  dedicated to the memory of: 

Dr John C Schmidt, DO. (Doc)

Without whom I would not have the quality of life I do today. Doc had an ability to look for solutions, and find them where others would not even try to look. He is gone but never forgotten. He loved beaches. On the cruise, I thought of him and I feel like when I visit a beach a small part of him is there.  I am blessed with the friendship of his lovely wife Carol.

 I know he would enjoy the stories in this blog and he would tell people. —Well, maybe we shouldn’t say it in this blog.Okay, but only because Goodee the Service Dog says to tell you. —The PG version Dr. Schmidt would probably tell you to “leave the dog the ___ alone!”

Preface: Team Goodee took an AMAZING cruise to the Bahamas   this past month. Why? Because: How could you forget? (or be allowed to since I announced it every few months). I had not been anywhere, not even to travel for business in 6 years. I looked upon the vacay pics of friends not with envy but, a longing to go myself.

GO, YES, WE DID!

Thank you to family and friends without whom it would not have been possible.

There will be a separate blog about SERVICE DOG FRIENDLY CRUISING. —If you need information feel free to comment below.

In this blog, we will discuss: PUBLIC INTERACTION with the SERVICE DOG.

Sometimes when you go on vacation, you want to be away from people.

• ·         Have you ever been on vacation and had people STARE at you like you were an exhibit in a zoo?
• ·         Have you ever been on vacation and had people YELL your name, over, and over, and over again?
• ·         Have you ever been on vacation and had literally THOUSANDS of people want to touch and talk to your I-phone or other device you were using but, TOTALLY IGNORE YOU?
• ·         While on vacation have you ever had, someone insist upon doing something despite a posted sign, and polite request not to do it?
• ·         Have you ever been on vacation and had stranger after stranger insist upon asking you 20+ questions?
• ·         Have you ever had someone talk about you as if you were both blind and deaf?

Chances are good everyone can relate to some of these items. Some people are just more friendly than others. However, if you relate to ALL of them, you are probably a Service Dog handler.

With Spring Break upon us I offer this blog to educate the well-meaning public.I often hear: “I just didn’t know.”—After this blog I hope you will know, and I hope you will share.  These real- world examples make my points:

YES: THEY REALLY ALLOW “THE DOG”

     “They are not really going to let that lady on the ship with the DOG?” a man punches the lady next to him. I ignore the exchange because after all he isn’t talking to me, he is talking ABOUT me. —I’m on vacation and I don’t want to go into the paperwork required to bring a SERVICE DOG on a cruise ship. If this guy needs to know all that he can Google it.

     Team Goodee gets off the bus. Service Dog and human  tired but excited. Once inside the Sea Terminal we are taken directly to a special coordinator, who is tasked with taking care of Importation requirements for the SERVICE DOG.

     “I don’t know why they let that lady off the bus with the DOG. They are not going to let her on the ship with the DOG.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see this man who has been pre-occupied with the DOG idea for nearly an hour now (literally since the shuttle ride was 45 minutes). He punches the lady next to him again.

     “Look they even let her cut in line with the DOG while the rest of us wait. They will probably send her home there’s no way a DOG goes on the ship.”

What he didn’t realize, in addition to being uneducated about SERVICE DOGS is that I was not taking a “cut” in line. I was being directed to the one person who could assist me and make sure my paperwork was in order, thereby saving time for other people behind me who had 12 other representatives that could assist them in boarding ahead of me.

     “Everything is in order, thank you.”

The kind lady sends us on our way with Miguel who assisted us all the way to our stateroom. This was the accumulation of 6 months of research and preparation. The “happy dance” came later but first, I turned around to the man who was still mumbling “I know there’s no DOGS allowed on the ship.” I did thumbs up saying: 

“YES, THEY REALLY ARE GOING TO ALLOW THE SERVICE DOG ON THE SHIP!”

WHY CAN’T I PET?

Day one of cruise and here’s dinner time. Human tries to navigate her way to main dining room.—Can’t move at all until 40 people pass by and say “DOGGIE.”—literally, I counted. If you think I am exaggerating I invite you to shadow us on the next cruise. —Why is this a problem?  You could simulate it sometime including jet lag and migraine factor and see what you think. In addition, there’s a “wall” created by people who literally stop to STARE at the dog. I am trying to move; the dog is trying to help me move but there are people stopped in front of me and behind me. There is nowhere to go. I must wait until someone decides to move one direction or another. —I don’t mind waiting but, of course while I am trying to figure a way around traffic, 10 people who read the “DO NOT PET” sign ask: “May I pet your dog?” My universal reply must always be: “Not right now she’s working.” For me, it’s nearly always true the dog is working but, in public places, even if she’s not I can’t let one person pet. Why? Well I tried that one day and it became the “petting zoo.”—If I let one person pet I must let the 25 people behind them pet. —Then we all must listen to the 25 or so people who really don’t care to pet the dog they just need SPACE to do what they were there to do in the first place.

So, let’s see, people jammed in saying “doggie,” continually, me needing to move but people not wanting to move because they all want to STARE at the doggie, then they suddenly think they are the exception to the posted rule so they ask to pet, but wait, there’s more. People  will “fly-by” pet where they pet and walk fast as if they are just so cool. —These fly-bys nearly cause me to go to the ground but I must remain cheerful because after all I should understand these people can’t help themselves they MUST pet, even if it has serious medical consequences for me. Who am I to stand in their way?

Things finally smooth out and we wait for an elevator. An older gentleman comes over and informs me in a serious tone
      “you shouldn’t bring a dog if you are not going to let people pet it.”

By this time, I have had enough. I decide these elements will not ruin my vacation. Furthermore, I will not jeopardize my safety or that of my Service Dog. The exchange continues:

ME: “Sir the dog is a medical device not a toy. To tell me I should not bring her is like telling someone not to bring a cane or walker.”

(gentleman becomes red in the face as the lady traveling with him grabs his collar trying to pull him out of our space).

HIS REPLY: “Well the dog is cute and people like that.”

ME: “That’s nice but people are not totally dependent upon her for balance like I am she is a tool not a toy.”

Thankfully the elevator comes and he gets on. Team Goodee waits for the next one (or the one after that).

THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF SERVICE DOGS THEY ARE NOT JUST FOR BLIND OR DEAF PEOPLE
(We may see and hear what you are saying)

At several points in our trip:--airport, hotel, and on the ship people would STARE at me then STARE at the Service Dog. Some people would come “zero line” right up to the dog’s nose talk to the dog and then leave as if there was no HUMAN attached to the leash.

 Sometimes people would turn to someone with them and say “I wonder if the lady is blind?”

To their shock, I would say: “No, I’m not blind and I’m not deaf either, did you have a question for me?”

I would point out: There is nothing wrong with being both blind and deaf.--If a person is both, or either, it is still WRONG to talk ABOUT them as if they are not there.

It was a source of amusement to me to STARE right back at people and watch their reaction.

SERVICE DOG SEEN IT, MOVE ON

 60 people waiting for an elevator (yes, I counted).  I was seated tying a shoe while the mass of people were “talking at” the dog. One man got right in the dog’s face and said “bow-wow.”

     “I think he was intoxicated mom.”'

     “oh, hello Goodee the Service Dog. Yes, I think you are right. What about the other people that were talking about us like we were a stop on the all-access tour?”

     “Well I don’t know what their excuse was but you put them in their place"

     “Yes, Goodee I had to.”

     “So, are you going to tell our readers what happens next?”

     “OK drum roll…

I stood up and said:

“Please visit us in the American Express Travel Guide. Be sure to check us off your list. One Service Dog, seen it MOVE ON!”

After this there were fewer on-lookers.

WE DON’T KNOW YOU SO GIVE US A BREAK

Some people just love to tell their story and never meet a stranger. Others (like me) want to have a few close friends around but for the most part, like to be left ALONE.

At one point on the beach, Service Dog and human are enjoying the view. A stranger comes over and begins to tell her entire life story—two children, houses, dogs etc. without giving her name or asking mine. However, she did find time to ask “what’s your dog’s name.?”

I know it’s just something to talk about but, why not ask my name? Why does she care about the dog’s name but not a single other detail about me?

She looked at me oddly when I stuck my hand out saying, 

 “My name is DD.”

Apparently, this disrupted her thought pattern because she started talking about something else and never came back to the dog’s name. She went on, and on, and on some more…

     “So, I have seen you around the ship, and I notice how independent you are and that you do things for yourself. I asked my husband and my sister if they knew but they didn’t know, and I’ve been wondering to myself now for three days. "I wonder if that lady with the dog is traveling with someone? I wonder how it works that she and the dog can do things alone? I wonder how it is she got the dog on ship?"  So today I decide to ask you."

“Alone, we are alone. We prefer alone actually,” I said firmly as I moved further down the beach.

     “Oh, I see. I know about Service Dogs and how you shouldn’t pet them and all but I thought I would ask because I miss my dog so much. Can I pet your dog?”

     “Sorry not right now she’s working.”

     “Oh okay, I just wish I could bring my dog.”

     “I wish I didn’t have to.”

     “Oh, I didn’t mean (embarrassed look), well I will leave you be.”

FINALLY, she gets it. Most days I don’t mind giving out Service Dog information but by day three of this cruise I was worn thin. There were thousands on this ship, thousands of people in the airports, and hundreds of people in the hotel. Would you like to navigate that many people and be asked the same four questions about your dog, every 4ft?

IN CONCLUSION

Most of the time people with Service Dogs don’t mind being friendly but please don’t act like we ruined your whole vacation if we don’t want to sit and chat. The Service Dog and human you see are not set up to be public figures, goodwill ambassadors, or interactive toys to replace the dog you left at home. The human is simply a person trying to get things done just like you. Wanting to be on vacation and relax, just like you. By the way, the dog looks like your dog but it is a highly trained medical device. The dog is assisting the human to do something they would not otherwise be able to do, such as measure blood sugar level,  detect allergens - –  or maybe even something you do as a matter of course, without assistance such as: walk, sit, stand, hear, or see.

Would you sit and stare at someone in a wheelchair? Would you ask to pet a walker? – See the Service Dog, admire at a distance and go on. If you need information YCGI (You Can Google It).

Did I get a vacation? YES

Would I do it again? SOON AND OFTEN

Would I do it without my Service Dog? NEVER, it would not be physically possible without my Service Dog. Other medical devices are not effective for me. So, my choices are go with the Service Dog, or not at all.

Do I learn to take people’s outrageous behavior in stride?  YES

But let me ask you--- Should I have to do so? 

We would like to thank our friends and family who keep us going and our friends in the Service Dog Community who know the shoes we walk in and the struggle we face.

     Team Goodee appreciates communication by email and Facebook. When you see us out and about we will likely say: “Not Now We Are Working.

Come back next week when we address the popular question:

"How does a Service Dog do their business on a cruise ship?"

---DD & Goodee 

RIDESHARE: NAVIGATING THE WORLD WITH A SERVICE DOG

Yesterday I experienced another problem with access to rideshare. This literally averages once per week, sometimes twice in a row. The problem is similar no matter which rideshare company I use. The pattern is the same: driver stops, sees clearly marked SERVICE DOG, Driver YELLS: NO DOG, or “You CAN’T take the dog. Then, I TRY to educate (if they haven’t driven away already).

To rideshare drivers who continually tell me: “I just didn’t know they don’t tell us”

There IS training material.  Do you need “scratch and sniff books” to understand it?

Please recognize when you sign up to provide rideshare it is a real job with real legal consequences.

When you see, something that  looks like a dog, don’t assume I just want to take it with me to be cute.

I wish I didn’t need the dog but here’s the deal:

I have a disability. The dog functions as a cane. I tried various other ways to mitigate my disability but nothing else worked. Federal and state law requires that I be allowed to mitigate my disability using the SERVICE DOG.

SO:

When you see something that looks like a dog MR/MS RIDESHARE DRIVER here is what you do:

You can ask the person with the dog two questions:

1. Is the dog a Service Animal required because of a disability?

2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

If the reply to question #1 is yes, and there is a reasonable reply to question #2, you must allow the dog in your car PERIOD END OF STORY!

Here’s a link to Department of Justice ADA information

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

Notice, you cannot ask what disability the person has, or ask for documentation for the dog.

There is no new car, or allergy exception to the law. In the unlikely event that the Service Dog does damage or cleaning is required, you can charge the Service Dog handler a fee, just like any other customer.

Here are a few examples from each of the rideshare companies I have used (company names have been left out because my goal is education).

Driver: Is the dog going?

Me: “Yes she is a Service Dog required for my disability.

Driver (interrupting before I go on to TRY and explain how the dog functions):

“You will have to get another driver, I just can’t take the dog.”

Me: “The dog is required, she functions like a cane doing balance/ counter-balance, if you refuse service you will be in violation of Federal and State laws.

Driver: “Well let me call them.”

Me: “Please do and let me talk to them.”

In this instance the company did explain to the driver that if she drove away she would be deactivated from their platform because she is required by law to transport the Service Animal with me.

It’s pleasing that the driver took steps to call driver support, and get correct information. Out of a full year with an average of 6 trips per week, I had only ONE driver say she would contact her support line before refusing service.

There have been other instances where the driver shouted “You can’t take the dog,” and promptly left without allowing any other interaction and there have even been instances of the driver coming right up to me, seeing the dog, and hitting “cancel.”

When I experience a total denial of service I always complain to the rideshare company and I do additional complaints to the Department of Justice. The rideshare companies tell me they address drivers accordingly, including temporary deactivation while they make sure the driver understands the law.

After the fact education is better than nothing but, in the age of technology there is no excuse for having to do it.

Put yourself in my shoes just for the day:

You are physically not able to drive, not able to ride a bike, not even able to walk ½ block due to physical limitations. You have a way to mitigate your disability. You can be “normal” and get things done.

Fantastic! (maybe)

You must go for appointment so you start out an hour and thirty minutes early because you have no idea whether the driver who is “minutes away,” “like running water,” “at your disposal,” will comply with disability access laws.

You have a 1 in 3 chance that the driver will refuse service and you must try for driver #2 or #3 before getting the service you need.

On a rare great day there’s no problem on the first stop but, wait you have to do two more errands before heading home so on stop two, or three you just may encounter the driver who refuses no matter what you say.—so NO DOG, means NO RIDE, which means no idea if you are  going to make it to your  next appointment on time, or when you will return home.-- No way to run a life much less have  a social life.

On a bad day:

First driver NO DOG, NO DOG NO DOG, yelled at the top of his lungs

Second driver: Roll by upon seeing the dog, hit “cancel,” I get a text “sorry our driver had to cancel today,” REALLY? After coming from 12 minutes away the driver just happened to need to “cancel” upon seeing the Service Dog? Third driver: “NOT IN MY CAR LADY” as he drivers away.  Driver 4 finally knows the law and complies.

At the conclusion of the day, I contact customer care for the rideshare company. The reply is always the same, “so sorry, it’s not our policy, we will address it with the driver.”

Wonderful! Glad to know you don’t routinely discriminate against disabled people. Please find a way to communicate this to your drivers so that I am provided the same service as your “normal” customers.

To people who have said: “You do eventually get a ride, so what’s the big deal?”

I say, come spend a week in my body and I will show you “the big deal.” Navigating barriers to get things done is one thing, but having unnecessary barriers because some jerk does not know, or does not want to comply with the law, gets old. —These are people that get in your face and insist that they are correct, refuse to listen to anything you have to say, and roll away acting so superior.

PS: This is the 21^st century and discrimination is against the law; I would also think it's considered rude to totally ignore a customer.

We appreciate all our friends. Please know when we are out and about we must say:

“Not now we are working!”

DD & SERVICE DOG GOODEE

Disability Access is about CHOICE: Navigating the World with a Service Dog

I have not done a blog in a very long time. I can only say “life happens” and I didn’t feel like my blog was important. Several times I have started to get thoughts down and then the matter became less urgent.

This week with an accumulation of things, I finally decided, it’s time for the BLOG.

Goodee the Service Dog & myself have not been on a trip in six years or so. Looking at places to go, the Service Dog noted her preferences: flying (certainly, we like getting there quickly), limo, (dog and human both like the creature comforts), cruise (YES! That’s on our bucket list), old historic home near beach (another bucket list item).

Little did I know how much trouble some things can be. I have mitigated a disability my entire life. Prior to having a Service Dog, my lack of balance and poor peripheral vision caused frequent falls. I had no success with a cane, it was just something else to fall over and actually made things worse. Having a Service Dog ahead of me, increases my balance and allows me to be aware of curbs, holes and other obstacles.  I am the same person but, the way I mitigate my disability is different. Having a Service Dog has opened so many doors for me. Ramps and stares that were too steep for me are now no problem at all. The Service Dog is a positive thing and there’s no way I could, or would do without her. However, having a Service Dog can create a whole new set of unnecessary barriers.

Flying with the Service Dog is no problem thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act(ACAA), the limo, or hired car are certainly no problem the American’s with Disabilities Act(ADA) requires transportation to be accessible to the Service Dog handler. The Service Dog is recognized as a medical device; the disabled individual has a Federal right to mitigate their disability. The Service Dog is specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. –This elevates the Service Dog to a working animal and not a pet.

Goodee the Service Dog allows me to navigate uneven jet-ways. In the past I would have to wait for a gate agent or skycap, maybe even order up a wheelchair but now with the Service Dog, I can board the plane quickly, with no assistance. This gives me a feeling of “normal” that is indescribable.

Would we be able to do a cruise to Mexico? Well there’s no ADA there but, happily the details of a cruise have been no problem. Thanks to Royal Caribbean disability department, Goodee the Service Dog has her own “potty patch” close to our cabin.  We have a Consular agent to make sure all our paperwork is in order to enter Mexico. As a medical device, Goodee the Service Dog will disembark with me, instead of having to enter Mexico in cargo. There’s a private transport company that will get us from dock to beach and back. It seems even without government regulation; merchants want the American tourist dollar.

     “What about the historic bed & breakfast?”

     "Oh hello Goodee the Service Dog, thanks for the reminder."

     “What would you do without me?”

     "Well that’s what this blog is about."

I decided to look at Bed & Breakfast establishments in Galveston, Texas. The first inquiry I made was a  complete disaster.

     “Well the lady who replied to your email was a complete B@@@@”

     “Okay Goodee, let’s keep it rated E for everyone.”

Goodee the Service Dog is correct the reply I got was less than welcoming:

          “I would request that you rent one of the cottages out back in case your dog barks it will not disturb other guests.”

I sent a polite but direct reply stating that I am a Service Dog handler of many years and certainly if we are a disturbance to other guests, we remove ourselves.  I do not expect to be isolated because someone thinks my dog may bark. When I visit establishments, I expect to be treated just like other customers and given the same selection, not just the one someone else thinks is best.

The innkeeper and I came to a mutual understanding that ours is an unworkable situation. She indicated that I am “over the top” about needing my dog. She went on to say “because you sent an inquiry with no dates of travel “I suspect you are just trying to get someone to deny you.”

     “Mom that’s when you said: W@@”

     “Yes right Goodee”

     “It’s only three letters  mom.”

     “Yes, I’m sure they get the picture Goodee.”

I was more than a little upset by someone accusing me of “trying to get someone to deny me.”

At first I was offended by her saying I was “over the top.” –Then I realized, Yes I am in fact “over the top” about ADA rights and Service Dog access. – For that I have no apologies. “Over the top” gets things done, and removes barriers.

Access is about  CHOICE. What bothers me?  It's not that someone wants to put me and the dog away from everyone else---In a lot of cases I would like that.  However,  I want to have the CHOICE, just like other people. I want to decide what is best for me and do it.  Prior to the ADA disabled people faced a life of "can't", "don't," "won't" I want the CHOICE for myself. After years of having to look for ramps (and sometimes finding none), I enjoy taking stairs. Does it take me longer than a “normal” person?” Yes, but I LOVE it because now I have the FREEDOM to do it!

I am happy to report I also received an email from some lovely innkeepers  in the same neighborhood who have opened their entire home to us.

I know accessibility is expensive but lots of people in society benefit from it. At some point all of us benefit from a ramp or railing. There are loans and grants for retrofitting. There are 20 million disabled Americans (that’s a lot of buying power).

We look forward to blogging our further adventures. In closing (taking on something that should be a whole other blog) we would like to say:

THINK BEFORE YOU FAKE! If you don’t have a disability, you do not qualify for a Service Dog. If the dog is not trained to do work or a task specifically for you, it is not a Service Dog.

So often I hear people say “I wish I could take my dog everywhere.”—to which I say “I wish I didn’t have to!”

Now faking a Service Dog can include fines. I have heard of  people getting fined $5,000 for trying to get their pet into the aircraft cabin.

I never gave much thought to the fake until I endured UBER drivers yelling at me: “You can’t take the dog!” It made me wonder, was this an effective approach with the faker before me? Is it possible the innkeeper above had offered the cottages “out back” to a faker and they thought this was cool? When kids rush up and surround us, nearly causing me to fall to the floor, is it because the faker allowed a whole restaurant full of people to pet the dog?

Faking a Service Dog is not cool. Any problems your untrained pet causes in an establishment reflects upon the Service Dog community. —The next legitimate Service Dog handler faces extra strife and downright hostility from business owners all because you didn’t want to be without your pet, or you were too cheap to buy an airline ticket for pet cargo.

Remember when you see us out and about, we must say:

“Not Now, We Are Working.!”

--DD & Service Dog Goodee

Goodeeworks@gmail.com

Helpful Links and contact info

ADA Service Animals

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

For questions about the ADA

ADA Information Line

800-514-0301 (Voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY)

24 hours a day to order publications by mail.

M-W, F 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Th 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

to speak with an ADA Specialist. All calls are confidential.