Road Scholar : Home
Intergenerational: Puppy Love — Share the World of Canines With Your Grandchild

Program Number: 18626RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/27/2013; 7/14/2013 - 7/18/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Rohnert Park, California
Price starting at: $849.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 11; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 8 - 12 years of age.

Discover the fascinating world of service dogs with your grandchild — from precious puppies if available, to fully-trained working dogs. Meet the people who train these canines and those who become their teammates. Meet police dogs and talk to law-enforcement officers in K-9 units about how the dogs are trained. Kids learn emergency medical techniques as well as create first aid-kits, one to keep and one to donate, on a visit to the local animal shelter.




Highlights

• Get an insider’s look at a dog-agility training center to see “four-leggers” learn their skills, including sheepherding.
• Relive the humor of the Peanuts comic strip at The Charles M. Schulz Museum.
• At the Bergin University of Canine Studies, experience how students are taught to train service dogs — then take home that knowledge to make an “A” student of your own pet.



Activity Particulars

Walking one-half mile; standing 30-45 minutes.




Date Specific Information

7-14-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Rohnert Park

Rohnert Park is the gateway city to Sonoma County's wine country. The city itself is surrounded by farms and grazing land, where nationally sought-after organic and boutique vegetables, fruits and cheeses are grown and produced.
Accommodations
Hotel with outdoor pool, tennis courts and fitness center.
Meals and Lodgings
   DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
  Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa 4 nights
 DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Ideally located in the heart of Sonoma County, the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country hotel is less than an hour’s drive from Napa and San Francisco. The hotel is situated in the midst of Sonoma County’s world-renowned wineries, exquisite dining, and picturesque countryside. Popular attractions like the Armstrong Redwoods and Safari West Wildlife Reserve are all within easy driving distance. Airport shuttle service is available to and from San Francisco Airport (SFO) and Oakland Airport (OAK).
  Contact info: One Doubletree Drive
Rohnert Park, CA 94928 USA
phone: 707-586-9726
web: http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-sonoma-wine-country-RLSC-DT/index.html
  Room amenities: All guest rooms are equipped with DoubleTree Sweet Dreams Beds, 37-inch flat panel HD TVs, sitting area with large desk, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, mini-refrigerator, tile bathroom and curved shower rod, and hairdryer. All king rooms include sofa beds. In-room wireless Internet access is available for a fee of $9.95/day.
  Facility amenities: This non-smoking 245-room hotel features a large outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, two tennis courts and complimentary use of clubs at the adjacent Foxtail Golf Club. Other amenities include the on-site Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Bar, gift shop with Starbucks Coffee Bar, 24-hour front desk, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, room service, free parking, 24–hour business center, Concierge service, ATM machine, safe-deposit box at front desk, and laundry facilities/dry cleaning service. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in the lobby. However, there is a fee of $9.95 per 24-hour period for in-room wireless Internet access.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for rate quote Call the hotel at (707) 584-5466 to inquire about reservations for additional nights before or after the program.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for rate quote Call the hotel at (707) 584-5466 to inquire about reservations for additional nights before or after the program.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check-in is after 3:00PM. Program registration is from 3:30-5:00PM in the hotel lobby, followed by orientation at 5:30PM, dinner at 6:00PM and self introductions at 7:00PM. You will be staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country that night.
  End of Program:
Please arrange your transportation to allow you to stay for the final class which will end at approximately 10:30AM on the final day. Hotel check-out time is 12:00PM. You will be staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Each grandparent and grandchild must complete a separate Participant Information Form (PIF). On the enclosed PIF, please indicate to us the name(s) of your grandchild(ren) and traveling companion, if any. Also let us know if you are traveling with other individuals and wish to be assigned a room near them. Parental Consent Form for grandchildren Intergenerational Rules and Regulations Children are asked to bring photos of their dogs to share with others. Photo ID
  Parking availability:
Complimentary parking is available at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa
  Nearest city or town:  Santa Rosa, San Francisco
  Nearest highway: US-101
  Nearest airport:  San Francisco International (SFO)
  From End of Program
  Location: Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

From Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Express
phone: 415-775-5121
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rate
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx. 2 hours 15 mins depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

63 miles from the airport to the hotel
   

Airport Express offers reliable, inexpensive airport shuttle service. You can call 415-775-5121 to make your reservation, or book it online at: www.airportexpresssf.com Upon arrival at the airport, collect your luggage and call Airport Express at 415-775-5121. They will direct you to the nearest pick up area where a van will be waiting. To return to the airport, ask your Hotel Concierge to arrange your pick up. Hours of operation are 4:30am to 10:00pm.
 

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Express
phone: 415-775-5121

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rate
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx. 2 hours 15 mins depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

75 miles from the airport to the hotel
   

Airport Express offers reliable, inexpensive airport shuttle service. You can call 415-775-5121 to make your reservation, or book it online at: www.airportexpresssf.com Upon arrival at the airport, collect your luggage and call Airport Express at 415-775-5121. They will direct you to the nearest pick up area where a van will be waiting. For your return, ask your Hotel Concierge to arrange for your pick up. Hours of operation are 4:30am to 10:00pm.
 
Driving Directions
  From Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Rohnert Park As you exit the Oakland Airport, turn right onto Hagenberger Rd. Take I-880 North to I-980 East to I-580 West. Cross the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge (Toll bridge). Take US-101 North to San Rafael/Santa Rosa for about 33 miles.. Exit at Golf Course Drive/Wilfred Ave. Turn left on Commerce Blvd. Turn right on Golf Course Drive. Turn left on Doubletree Drive at the 2nd light. Distance from Airport to Hotel: 54 mi. Drive Time: 75 min.
  From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Rohnert Park On exiting the airport, take US-101 North to San Francisco. Exit at I-380 West. Exit at I-280 North. Exit at 19th Ave. then to US-101 North. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit at Golf Course Drive. Turn left on Commerce Blvd. Turn right on Golf Course Dr. Turn left onto Doubletree Dr. at 2nd light. Continue to end of the drive to main hotel entrance. Distance from Airport to Hotel: 62 mi. Drive Time: 1.2 hr.
  From Santa Rosa to Rohnert Park Go South on US-101 to Wilfred Avenue/Golf Course Drive. Turn right onto Redwood Drive. Turn right onto Commerce (under freeway overpass). Turn left on Golf Course Drive. Turn left at 2nd signal onto Doubletree Drive. Continue to end of the drive to main hotel entrance.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country after 3:00PM.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session before dinner.

ORIENTATION: We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

 Dinner: Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants. In addition to the regular Road Scholar meal plan, this program offers a vegetarian meal option. Unfortunately, there are no other special meal options. Participants with special dietary needs should be prepared to avoid certain foods or supplement the regular meal plan as needed.
 Evening: CROSSING POINTS: Participants and grandchildren introduce themselves to the rest of the group.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.
   
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Guide Dogs for the Blind/Bergin University/Pet First Aid Class
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel restaurant
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Field trip to Guide Dogs for the Blind

Introduction and guided walking tour of Guide Dogs for the Blind campus

 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Bergin University of Canine Studies to learn how people are taught to train dogs. Children have an opportunity to observe training techniques and learn how to apply them to their pets at home.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: CLASS: First Aid for your Pet

A local specialist talks about first aid for your pet. Work begins on assembling pet first aid kits. Each child will make two kits; one to be donated to the local Humane Society and one to take home.
   
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Local Dog Agility Trainer/Canine Companions for Independence
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel restaurant
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Visit Agility Acres Recreation Facility (AARF), a local dog agility training center to learn how the animals are trained and to watch some competition.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Guided walk of Canine Companions for Independence campus. CCI provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. They train four types of assistance dogs to master over 40 specialized commands: Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: Complete your pet first aid kits.
   
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sonoma Humane Society/Charles Schulz Museum
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel restaurant
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Sonoma Humane Society and learn about the operation. Spend time holding, petting and playing with animals. Donate the pet first aid kits.

Visit the Charles Schulz Museum, home of Snoopy and the Peanuts cartoon gang.

 Lunch: Lunch at the Warm Puppy Cafe at the Charles Schulz Ice Arena
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel for pool time
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: Everyone enjoys the movie "Underdog."
   
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: K9 Unit Visit/Independent Departures
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel restaurant
 Morning: CLASS: A K9 unit visits our group to give a demonstration.

HOTEL CHECK OUT: This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed our "Intergenerational: Puppy Love - Share the World of Canines With Your Grandchild" program and will join us for other rewarding programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa Rohnert Park
This tourism site offers information on hotels, restaurants and attractions in Rohnert Park, CA, one of the first planned communities in the United States, which is attractively designed for families, with charming neighborhoods and tree-lined boulevards. This children-oriented community is a sports and recreation destination boasting many recreational facilities and opportunities. For additional information, visit http://www.rohnertpark-ca.worldweb.com/
  Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Bureau
9 Fourth Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Toll Free: 800-404-7673

Local: 707-577-8674

Get the FREE Official Visitors Guide & Map of the Sonoma County area from this friendly and informative tourism site. For additional information, visit http://www.sonomacounty.com/chamberscvbs/santa-rosa-convention-visitors-bureau-california-welcome-center

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st Century


Author: Denise Flaim


Description: The Holistic Dog Book addresses your whole dog and all the ways you can bring a more natural approach to your dog's care. Whether you're interested in essential oils, homeopathy, natural diets, herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage or emotionally satisfying training, you'll find what you need to make well-informed decisions about what's right for the both of you.



Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero


Author: Michael Hingson


Description: This gripping, survival story about a man who survived the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center is heightened by the fact that the man, Michael Hingson, is blind and is aided by his guide dog Roselle in descending 78 stories on foot to reach safety.



Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques


Author: Cesar Millan


Description: Both inspirational and practical, A Short Guide to a Happy Dog draws on thousands of training encounters around the world to present 98 essential lessons. Taken together, they will help any owner apply the key aspects of Cesars celebrated philosophy to create the most fulfilling life possible with their dogs.



Healing Companions: Ordinary Dogs and Their Extraordinary Power to Transform Lives


Author: Jane Miller


Description: Written by the leading expert in an emerging new field of therapy, Healing Companions is the first book to detail how dogs are increasingly benefiting those who suffer from a range of emotional ills, from eating disorders and anxiety to agoraphobia, depression, and post-traumatic stress.





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768