Daisy becomes a Service Dog

Daisy in her seat on American Airlines from Los Angeles to Tokyo (12+ hours).

Since I got Daisy, when she was a puppy (12 weeks old), she has been trained to be a skilled Service Dog. I think such level of training is good even if your dog is not going to be a Service Dog, especially in a big city such as Tokyo, for the sake of safety, as space is tight and things can be dangerous. For example an out of control dog, or even one that is not trained to pay attention, can collide with a bicycle rider injuring not only the dog but the cycler.

Daisy and I made a trip to California early this year, and we were able to get a few pictures on our journey. Leaving Japan was her first flight, and 10 hours long but she was PERFECT. Her training has paid off well. She had no problems with anything at all, even on the long flight returning to Japan. She was able to hold off on her toileting needs for 14 hours straight (time before entering airport in Los Angeles to time of exit from airport in Tokyo (Narita).

Thanks to her I was able to make the trip without my husband and take care of family matters in USA. What a great dog she has turned out to be. Sadly, we noticed on this journey that many people who are working for airlines, either on the ground or in the air, are misinformed about Service Dogs. Daisy and I hope that we can help to familiarize people more with Service Dogs and help to make traveling for people who need them become a completely smooth and stress free experience.

She has been on 8 flights so far. We would like to give a BIG THANKS to American Airlines as they were very accommodating and treated us so well! Also to Southwest Airlines, they seriously have the best customer service of any airline I have ever traveled on, with or without a Service Dog.

Here are some pictures from this past trip (March -April 2010):

Getting ready to go through the airport Security Checkpoint. Daisy is fine with me removing all her leashes, halters and backpack so that they can be placed on the X-Ray belt. It saves time for everyone if her gear doesn't set off the metal detector as she walks through.

Daisy resting in her travel bed during the flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles on American Airlines (10+ hours).

Me and Daisy in the elevator at Seattle International Airport.

Daisy and a very tired me on United Airlines from Seattle to Los Angeles.

Relaxing by the pool at our hotel in Palm Springs.

In the desert, Palm Springs, California. That mountain behind her is San Jacinto.

At the beach just before sunset, Newport Beach, California.