September 13, 2005
Advice for Travel with a Canine Companion
–
Outta Sight Travel
By Scott Paul Rains,
Travel and Disability Editor
In a previous article, "Multi-Sensory Travel Specialists –
Outta Sight Travel," Jackie Hull recounted the history of Outta
Sight Travel. Here she focuses on travel with a guide dog.
Outta Sight Travel is unique as the only travel agency whose owner
is blind and specializes is serving blind travelers. You have an
opportunity to do some pioneering work. What are some of the "firsts"
or breakthrough projects you have done?
During the inaugural celebration of the Holland America ship, the
MS Zuiderdam, we were invited to a reception and ship inspection
while it was in Port Everglades. The ship took pride in its accessibility.
Every public area and door featured Braille signage. Gary felt his
way around the ship -this is the Windjammer, this is the theatre,
this is the "WHAT!?"
Travelling with a seeing-eye dog
The Braille sign on the public restroom just happened to be installed
upside down.
We checked other signs, and it occurred several times. We brought
it to the attention of our sales manager, Angie West, who relayed
the message to the appropriate HAL department. We were asked to
go on board the Zuiderdam and sail with her to evaluate the ship
and make commentaries. Gary jokes that he worked his fingers to
the bone as he read every Braille sign on the ship and we made notations
of which ones were inverted. We also worked hand in hand with the
Maitre'd and proof read and compared the Braille menus to the print
versions.
What do you look for in a cruise ship?
We are very fortunate to be based in Florida where we are within
hours of four major cruise ports. We have the opportunity to inspect
many ships and assess them for their accessibility. We look for
things that many people wouldn't even consider. Many blind or visually
impaired people like to sit in the front of the theatres. Some ships
only have accessible seating at the rear of the venue. There are
brand new, mega liners, owned by major companies that cannot be
accessed.
When going on an elevator, we listen for dings for directionality.
We check for Braille on the buttons and on the landings. Are there
audible messages stating what deck the elevator is at?
Your travel agency has three employees, you, your husband Gary
Metzler, and his guide dog, Dr. John (Doc). No offense to the humans
on the team, but tell us about Doc. He seems like quite the character!
The OUTTASIGHT Travel team is currently comprised of three members,
Gary Metzler, Jackie Hull and Dr. John. Wherever our travels take
us, we are almost immediately identified because of the "tell-tail"
dog. Doc has quite the personality and is an absolutely beautiful
and well-trained service animal. When Doc is in "harness"
and is working, we don't allow others to pet him. When Doc is not
actively working, he is a happy, lovable and fun loving "puppy."
One of the greatest joys of traveling is meeting new people. Dr.
John is definitely a people magnet. The crews on cruise ships have
contracts that keep them away from home for extended periods of
time. Not only do they leave their families behind but also their
pets. When Dr. John isn't actively working with Gary, he will take
him out of harness and allow people to visit with him. Not only
do the humans feel a peace, the animal gets to be loved and rewarded
for his hard work. It is very important though for people to ask
if they can approach the dog. Some guide dog users do not allow
anyone at all to pet their companion because of distraction, while
others like, Gary encourage it when appropriate.
Guide dogs are an important part of many people's lives yet can
be problematic when traveling. What tips do you have for travelers
with a guide dog?
When planning for a vacation with a guide dog, make sure that you
keep in mind the animal's needs and limitations. We have a whole
doggie ditty bag that we take with us. This includes but is not
limited to the following:
Dr. John has a favorite toy that we keep in a suitcase. The only
time he plays with this special toy is when we're away.
Medication and supplies that may be necessary while away.
Portion control food and put in large plastic bags (we have purchased
produce bags from the local grocery store) One bag per meal - Doc
gets 2 bags a day. Using the same brand that the dog is used to
at home is very important to keep him regular and working. The plastic
bags when empty are now saved and used for responsible litter control.
Bring a compact or portable dog dish. Do not use the ice buckets
provided for in almost every hotel or ship cabin.
Bottled water!
What are some of the issues you have encountered involving guide
dogs and travel?
The most amazing "tails" we have are centered around
cruise stories.
A normal guide dog has a working vocabulary of approximately 42
commands. Doc's also include phrases such as "find the cabin,"
"cruise," and "mind the gap." Dr. John loves
cruising as much as we do. During a ship inspection, he went through
security and was ecstatic. His tail was wagging and he had a look
of pure glee. At the conclusion of the tour of the vessel, we sat
in the terminal to rest for a moment and his face had the saddest
puppy dog eyes you could ever imagine. This is his reaction during
every ship inspection.
On a seven night cruise on the Royal Caribbean super liner, the
Mariner of the Seas, we embarked and like every other passenger
not sure where their next meal may be coming from, dropped our carryon
bags off at the cabin and went directly to the buffet. After eating,
we got back to the elevators and pressed the button for our deck.
We got off the elevator. I stood at the doorway and was trying to
get my bearings - which way do I go?, as I was looking around, I
noticed that Gary and Dr. John disappeared. Here we are, not even
on the ship for an hour and I've already lost my husband. I found
the cabin and there they were - Doc led Gary back to the cabin.
That’s a happy ending. Is it always that easy?
Not all of our travel stories have happy endings. There are many
people that need to be educated as to the purpose of service animals.
Many people are frightened of dogs. This is very prejudiced. An
animal will not be a certified as a service animal if they were
not gentle and docile. Just because someone may be afraid to get
bit, they shouldn't allow their fear to cloud their judgment. That
would be like saying that all Italians are in the Mafia, all men
are rapists and all politicians are crooks. There have been many
occasions when someone will see Doc and let out blood-curdling screams.
This is very distracting and can cause a true threat to the handler
if the dog is spooked.
Recently we were visiting one of the Orlando area theme parks -
Dr. John is quite the theme park junkie. After a long day, we were
waiting for the bus to take us back to the hotel. The bus driver
wouldn't allow Gary and Doc on board. We had to tell him that they
were allowed to be there and we proceeded to board the bus. The
driver called dispatcher stating that we were on the bus with a
dog - never mentioning that the handler was blind.
Finally, the dispatcher heard me in the background saying that
it was a guide dog and told the driver that he was to allow us on
board.
Residents and travelers within the United States are so fortunate
that we can travel throughout this wonderful land of ours and have
the ability to take service animals with us. This has been a right
provided to us with the Americans with Disabilities Act. With this
right comes responsibility.
This includes proper hygiene practices. It is important to keep
the animal healthy and clean. When an animal does their "business"
it is important to use proper litter control. Just as we expect
respect, we should also give it. Whenever a reservation is made
for a hotel, advise them that a service animal will be part of the
party.
Have you been able to contribute to the development of policy regarding
travel and travelers using dogs as service animals?
Throughout our travels with Dr. John - also known throughout the
industry as Dr. Travel we have been asked numerous questions. In
an attempt to answer these questions, we have worked on a Power
Point program with a narrative. The number one question that people
ask of us on a cruise is "Where does the dog go to the bathroom?"
We have taken a picture of "Doc" going to the bathroom
and the narration is "here I am using my litter box - imagine
that - and I'm not even a cat!"
We were asked to give some feedback to the Access Board and came
up with the following suggestions:
Location in an open, well ventilated area
The area needs to be accessible at all times - no locks or barriers
The area needs to be in an area that can be well flushed or cleaned
The area needs to be large enough to use
The area needs to be used exclusively by an animal and not as a
waste receptacle for trash
Is there any special advice you have for blind or visually impaired
travelers who may be hesitant to take a chance on travel?
Each adventure becomes a new experience. We learn and we teach.
We care and we share. As industry advocates we try to provide assistance
the best way we can. As seasoned travelers, we still run into situations
that need to be addressed. There may be that hotel clerk that tries
to assess a "pet deposit." There may be that bus driver
that refuses to allow you to board. It is important to know your
rights and responsibilities.
One of the major cruise lines has an advertising campaign, "Get
out there!" There is a wonderful world waiting for us.
Take time to sell the flowers, be they the flowers in a tropical
rain forest or the roses in Hershey Garden. Eat yourself around
the world - enjoy fresh seafood at fisherman's wharf, an authentic
Big Apple Pizza - or how about Southern fried chicken? Relax and
enjoy a concert at Madison Square Garden or laugh or socks off at
a Las Vegas comedy club. You know you're in New England when your
driver "pahks thah cah in Hahvahe Yahd." and it must be
London if the voice on the tube tells you to "mind the gap."
When was the last time you got a massage on the Lido deck while
breathing in the fresh ocean breeze?
Be one of the many people who say "Been there, done that!"
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