Trip Report Artfully Dodged

Please sir, I want some more!

More trip reporting?

Ask, and Ye Olde Christmas Shop shall receive!

This is an actual PTR, so please refrain from aiming a blow at my head with your digital ladle.

Who: I'll tell you this, there will be dogs involved.

Where: Somewhere on the Broadwalk

When: Sooner than you think. Waaaay sooner than you think.

 

[amjt660]

So now we want Mr G , Carol and Annette to:

Max

 

[Spash007]

Yeah, I know, right? Dogs should always be dragged around theme parks when it is over 90 degrees.

Can we just stop before this gets ugly? Politics aside, 9000 does train dogs for a living, and to insinuate that he doesn’t have their best intentions in mind, or even worse, would do something to harm them, is not ok. And I say this as a guy who a) does not always agree with 9000 and b) has two dogs of my own (which do very differently in the heat than one another. My old man would hate it, but the younger pup loves being outside in all temperatures as long as he has access to shade and fresh water)

As to the reason he has the dog, it is literally on the first page of this report.

 

[The Mom]

Can we just stop before this gets ugly? Politics aside, 9000 does train dogs for a living, and to insinuate that he doesn’t have their best intentions in mind, or even worse, would do something to harm them, is not ok. And I say this as a guy who a) does not always agree with 9000 and b) has two dogs of my own (which do very differently in the heat than one another. My old man would hate it, but the younger pup loves being outside in all temperatures as long as he has access to shade and fresh water)

As to the reason he has the dog, it is literally on the first page of this report.

This is important. This dog is being trained by the OP as a service dog - a working dog. It is not a pet. The dog will be expected to be capable of doing its job in a variety of situations - including weather related ones.

If its owner is out in the heat, or rain, or snow their service dog has to be there also. If their owner can only take a vacation during hot weather, their dog must be with them. Again, this is not a pet - although there will be a loving bond between owner and dog as close or closer than that of a pet.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Carol and Annette!!

 

[wdisney9000]

For anybody wondering about safety of the dog in those temperatures, there are many safety protocol we use to make sure the dog is ok.

We use a non-contact laser thermometer that tells us ground/surface temperatures. Anything under 140 degrees is ok. If it's over 140, the dog doesn't go.

The dogs are acclimated physically and environmentally from a young age so they are able to withstand/endure more than the average dog.

I can check her gums, ears and belly for any warning signs of dehydration or skin irritation and also use a thermometer to check her temperature.

Edith is also on a special diet that has a much higher moisture content which allows for better hydration.

You can also see in my report the many cool down breaks we take to allow the dog to relax and cool off before heading back out, combined with an average 10-30 minute break in the kennel for attractions that the dog can't go on. And don't forget the beer breaks at Tune In, Baseline, etc

I sincerely appreciate any concerns people have in regards to the safety of the dogs. I hope this information provides a better understanding of how we work/train!

 

[lindawdw]

Another wonderful update and how fun to get to have an unexpected Magic Meet-up again!!! You are a very popular person it seems. So, we've got quite a list going here now to welcome to these forums boards; Mr G., Carol and Annette!

 

[Spash007]

We use a non-contact laser thermometer that tells us ground/surface temperatures. Anything under 140 degrees is ok. If it's over 140, the dog doesn't go.

Now that’s just cool and something I had no idea existed! The things you learn!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

For anybody wondering about safety of the dog in those temperatures, there are many safety protocol we use to make sure the dog is ok.

We use a non-contact laser thermometer that tells us ground/surface temperatures. Anything under 140 degrees is ok. If it's over 140, the dog doesn't go.

The dogs are acclimated physically and environmentally from a young age so they are able to withstand/endure more than the average dog.

I can check her gums, ears and belly for any warning signs of dehydration or skin irritation and also use a thermometer to check her temperature.

Edith is also on a special diet that has a much higher moisture content which allows for better hydration.

You can also see in my report the many cool down breaks we take to allow the dog to relax and cool off before heading back out, combined with an average 10-30 minute break in the kennel for attractions that the dog can't go on. And don't forget the beer breaks at Tune In, Baseline, etc

I sincerely appreciate any concerns people have in regards to the safety of the dogs. I hope this information provides a better understanding of how we work/train!

No one, and I mean no one, was concerned that Edith was being mistreated. Those of us who have more than a lone brain cell know what is expected of an actual service dog. Taking a service dog in training to a place like WDW is a brilliant idea because they will be exposed to a wide array of scenarios that they will need to be prepared for in the future. All of us who keep up with you know what a top-notch job you and your staff do to train these awesome puppers and make sure that legit service dogs maintain a good rep.

“But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and grown toddlers making a fool of themselves.”

-Benjamin Franklin, 1789


Now, let’s get back to business.

 

[erstwo]

No one, and I mean no one, was concerned that Edith was being mistreated.

Amen.

And, in a poor attempt to get this trip report back on track........ I'll self confess here:

I don't ever pet a service dog. But I do this very awkward thing where I see a service dog and say (out loud.... in the general direction of whoever is walking beside me) "oh look at that pretty dog! What a good dog!"
And then when we are close enough, I say "that is such a beautiful dog" in the general direction of the dog's owner, but all the while - never breaking eye contact with the dog and smiling directly at the dog.
And the dog's owner usually gives a tentative "Thanks???....." as I walk away still looking towards and smiling at their dog.

My family mocks me mercilessly for this. But really - how cute are they??? Edith and Zelda especially..

 

[12in12]

Please join us Carol and Annette.

 

[wdisney9000]

Again, this is not a pet - although there will be a loving bond between owner and dog as close or closer than that of a pet.

This is absolutely true. One of the most amazing parts of my job is watching the bond between the dog and its handler (human) become so strong.

In Zeldas case, her young human (with autism) was non verbal and would withdraw and become anxious/frustrated in certain social environments. Having Zelda by his side has helped him in so many ways to become more confident in those same environments and be relaxed. He is now verbally communicating more and even verbally expressing his emotions which is a HUGE step for children like him.

Dogs are fluent in body language (not english). Non verbal children have a deeper relationship with the dog because the dog is speaking a language the child is more comfortable with and vice versa.

 

[littleroo]

Again, I truly admire the work that you and C do with animals. How is the cat party going in your back yard?

 

[wdisney9000]

Amen.

And, in a poor attempt to get this trip report back on track........ I'll self confess here:

I don't ever pet a service dog. But I do this very awkward thing where I see a service dog and say (out loud.... in the general direction of whoever is walking beside me) "oh look at that pretty dog! What a good dog!"
And then when we are close enough, I say "that is such a beautiful dog" in the general direction of the dog's owner, but all the while - never breaking eye contact with the dog and smiling directly at the dog.
And the dog's owner usually gives a tentative "Thanks???....." as I walk away still looking towards and smiling at their dog.

My family mocks me mercilessly for this. But really - how cute are they??? Edith and Zelda especially..

If the dog is trained properly it shouldn't respond to what you're doing so have at it. As long you're not distracting the dog from being able to do it's job.

Edith is at work with me a lot and she has a bed she lays on in the lobby and shes gotten extremely good at ignoring people she doesn't know. Many customers talk to her and she just lays there without looking at them and we often hear them say "is she ok"? Lol

 

[luvinthemajik]

Again, I truly admire the work that you and C do with animals. How is the cat party going in your back yard?

LOL, the cat party!

If the dog is trained properly it shouldn't respond to what you're doing so have at it. As long you're not distracting the dog from being able to do it's job.

Edith is at work with me a lot and she has a bed she lays on in the lobby and shes gotten extremely good at ignoring people she doesn't know. Many customers talk to her and she just lays there without looking at them and we often hear them say "is she ok"? Lol

She's more than " okay" she's perfect; beautiful intelligent and personable, but she's always a working dog and wonderfully trained.Extraordinary Edith.

 

[wdisney9000]

Again, I truly admire the work that you and C do with animals. How is the cat party going in your back yard?

Kitty City is in full effect!

 

[littleroo]

Kitty City is in full effect!

View attachment 742948

View attachment 742949

They are getting so big! I wish I could adopt one! Too cute!

 

[wdisney9000]

Can we just stop before this gets ugly? Politics aside, 9000 does train dogs for a living, and to insinuate that he doesn’t have their best intentions in mind, or even worse, would do something to harm them, is not ok. And I say this as a guy who a) does not always agree with 9000 and b) has two dogs of my own (which do very differently in the heat than one another. My old man would hate it, but the younger pup loves being outside in all temperatures as long as he has access to shade and fresh water)

As to the reason he has the dog, it is literally on the first page of this report.

Thank you for the kind words. People can disagree on certain things but still remain civil and polite.

And thank you for following along in our adventures!

 

[wdisney9000]

No one, and I mean no one, was concerned that Edith was being mistreated. Those of us who have more than a lone brain cell know what is expected of an actual service dog. Taking a service dog in training to a place like WDW is a brilliant idea because they will be exposed to a wide array of scenarios that they will need to be prepared for in the future. All of us who keep up with you know what a top-notch job you and your staff do to train these awesome puppers and make sure that legit service dogs maintain a good rep.

“But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and grown toddlers making a fool of themselves.”

-Benjamin Franklin, 1789


Now, let’s get back to business.

View attachment 742905

Well said! Taxes and grown toddlers .

And as always, thank you for joining us in all the nonsense we get into

 

[BrerWayne]

Friday continued

After RoTR we went to Baseline for a refill. As Edith and I were standing in line, a gentleman next to us said "HI Keith" with a big smile on his face. I said hello and was confused since I didn't recognize him so I asked how he knew my name? He introduced himself (I'll refer to him as Mr. G), and he said that he reads my trip reports on magic! I asked his username and he said he doesn't have an account but he enjoys reading the trip reports. Of course he mentioned he loves @Tuvalu 's reports as well . There's no competing with "Big T" but I'm happy to be in Mr G's top 3!

After we chatted for a few minutes I asked if he wouldn't mind if I included our meet up in my report and he said no problem. And since that was the case, I insisted we get some pictures! If you meet @Tuvalu you may be lucky enough to recieve one of her cards! If you meet me, you may be lucky enough to get a picutre with my dog! Both are pretty cool, IMO.

View attachment 742285

View attachment 742282

I did my.best to persuade Mr G to open an account here and participate. He'll be reading this report so Im asking everyone reading this to say hi to Mr G! I know you're reading this Mr G, come join the fun!

It was such a pleasure to meet him and his family. I messaged Big T to let her know I met a fan of hers. She told me to say hello from her if we crossed paths again.

Mr. G! Do it! I never got to meet @wdisney9000 But was lucky enough to say hello to @Doc Disney in February!

 

[erstwo]

If the dog is trained properly it shouldn't respond to what you're doing so have at it. As long you're not distracting the dog from being able to do it's job.

Edith is at work with me a lot and she has a bed she lays on in the lobby and shes gotten extremely good at ignoring people she doesn't know. Many customers talk to her and she just lays there without looking at them and we often hear them say "is she ok"? Lol

Oh yes - they all ignore me. But my awkward love for their cuteness and good manners remains. Haha.