[nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time

Wed Feb 1 03:03:38 UTC 2012

Um, not quite what I had in mind for the rope...

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Doug Parisian" <eggmann at shaw.ca>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 4:39 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time

> Maybe I could add a little to Nicole's suggestions.
>
> Rule number uno!  Keep calm.  Your dog needs you as much as you need your 
> dog and will very quickly pick up on any anxiety you might have.
>
> Really, there's very little difference between a plane or a bus, or a van, 
> they are all moving vehicles with the surroundings being different.
>
> When I was at TSE after my first of five different holidays there, I 
> hauled my wheelie case down the residence halls a few times so that on the 
> day of travel, that was one less issue for my dog to be concerned with.  I 
> actually got other students to do the same, creating unfamiliar sights and 
> sounds for the dogs.
>
> Once assured that my dogs are fine in an airport situation, and suffer no 
> natural air sickness, I proceed as I would do on any day, regular 
> feedings, the works.  My longest trip was about 14 hours total travel from 
> point to point and I've done this trip several times with at least two of 
> my dogs with no issues though I wouldn't recommend this strategy on a 
> first trip with a brand new dog.  TSE always provides a travel package, 
> some paper towels, a poop bag, and a few cookies.  Cookies and/or ice 
> cubes can help if there are ear issues.
>
> With all of my dogs, I approach everything with the approach that I, and 
> not any physical residence, am the home of my dog.  I don't worry about 
> small issues like getting lost; I've never yet heard of a blind person and 
> their canine companions dying lost and alone in an airport.
>
> Holy Hanna, relax, it'll be lots of fun.  Just one more thing I do, 
> regardless of school philosophy; I insist that all of my dogs learn to 
> follow others, whether behind or off to the side.  I have done this in 
> travel situations as well.  It keeps the dog focused and you have a better 
> feel for what your dog is doing with a stiff harness rather than a not so 
> stiff leash.
>
> I like the rope leash idea.  This is also useful for dealing with certain 
> ill-behaved humans should such ever become necessary and providing one has 
> the strength and agility.  The element of surprise is also helpful.
>
> Doug: contributing to the plain truth.
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Nicole B. Torcolini at Home" <ntorcolini at wavecable.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 5:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time
>
>
>> Okay... here goes:
>>
>> 1. If you are flying a long way, cut back her food the morning of the 
>> flight. Regardless of whether or not you do this, you may want to get 
>> some pepcid to give her. This is perfectly fine, and I sometimes do it 
>> for Lexia. You probably will have to make her swallow it or put it in a 
>> pill pocket.
>>
>> 2. If you do not want to set off the metal detector and get a pat down, 
>> then find some kind of leash that does not have metal. I have a rope that 
>> has a loop at either end. I take Lexia's leash and harness off and use 
>> the loop at one end to make a slip collar.
>>
>> 3. I strongly recommend that you take the harness off during the flight 
>> as it is probably uncomfortable for the dog.
>>
>> 4. If possible, try to relieve Princess as close to when you leave as 
>> possible.
>>
>> 5. Bring a plastic gallon bag with you. If princess needs to do number 
>> two on the plane, it is possible that it will come up as vomit rather 
>> than doing number 2. This is how it is with Lexia. Although I would much 
>> rather clean up solid stool in case of an accident, she usually vomits 
>> instead.
>>
>> Okay, that's all that I can think of at the moment.
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Hannah Chadwick" <sparklylicious at suddenlink.net>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 3:16 PM
>> Subject: [nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time
>>
>>
>>> Hello All,
>>> Thank you for all your suggestions and advice; I will definitely keep
>>> everything in mind once I am settled with Princess, and ready to teach 
>>> her
>>> new commands.
>>> Princess and I will be finishing up here on Friday, and we're going 
>>> home!
>>> I'm beyond excited, and more than glad to have the new addition to my 
>>> life!
>>> I must say that I'm a little nervous that Princess will be flying with 
>>> me on
>>> Friday and it will be the first time for her. Questions like: what if 
>>> she
>>> seriously does not like the plane? what if she has an accident while
>>> flying?... etc etc. I'm just really nervous but I'm sure things will go
>>> smoothly since Princess seems to respond well to praise.
>>> Any suggestions, advice, or stories of your first time flying with your
>>> guide would be greatly appreciated!
>>> Cheers, Hannah
>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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>
>
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