Pets & cruises

"Jeepers' Mom" <smreagan.TakeThisOut@infi.net> wrote in message
news:ilQ2c.8793$%06.8557@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> I know this is slightly OT, but I did not know where else to post it. If
> there's a better newsgroup to post it on, please let me know.
>
> Are there any cruises available that allow dogs - small dogs - around 14
> lbs. - a very clean, well behaved Pekingese.
>
> We want to go on a cruise but refuse to leave our 'baby' behind.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
>

I have two cats (no dogs at the present time -- I looked at this NG because
of a message I replied to that was cross-posted to one of the cats NGs), but
I also consider my cats to be my babies. In addition, I took a wonderful
one-week cruise a couple of years ago. Based on my experiences, my
suggestion is that you should *not* take your dogs on a cruise, even if you
can find one that would accomodate you. There will be many times when you
will be out of your cabin, and various cabin attendants may enter during
those times (to clean, make beds, leave supplies, etc.). Personally, I
would be very worried about something that might happend to my pet during
times when he or she could not be with me -- and it would ve virtually
impossible for your dogs to accompany you everywhere. For example, what
about the times when you are at dinner? It is standard procedure not to
permit pets in dining rooms. Or what about when you exit the ship and take
short side-trips? Again, your pets probably could not go with you.

Instead, I suggest that you hire a professional pet-sitter. I found a woman
with wonderful references. She virtually became a "second me" for my cats.
She came twice a day to feed an play with them, changed their litter, left a
daily log of their habits, and she also picked up mail, watered plants, etc.
She spent more than an hour with them on each visit, and they were in fine
shape (physically and emotions) when I returned. Incidentally, I also left
a list of emergency phone numbers with her, and I made arrangements with my
vet so that my cats would be cared for if anything were to happen during my
absence.

MaryL
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