[nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time

Doug Parisian eggmann at shaw.ca
Wed Feb 1 03:18:26 UTC 2012 

Just think of it as a multi-purpose tool, like using a dime for a slotted 
screw.

Doug: Necessity is the mother of invention, desperation the father of 
action.
----- 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 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time


> 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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