On April 24, 2013 the unthinkable happened. I had just completed
a very long day of work. In fact it was my busiest day of the week. I had
walked twenty four dogs and was absolutely exhausted.
I was looking forward to going home, spending time with my
adorable Boston terrier Lani and possibly ordering some take out. Once I walked
into my condo, I knew, I just knew something was wrong. My Lani was trembling
on the couch. Behavior of a very scared little dog, not common for my super
cuddly pup. Then I saw why?
OH MY GOD, water was gushing, everywhere. I stood there in
shock. The unit upstairs was flooding into mine, it wasn't a simple little
drip, this was a wave that had burst through the ceiling. End result: My
bathroom was a complete loss !
Holding onto my dog, to comfort and protect her from this
unexpected disaster, the thoughts in my head were spinning. What was I going to
do? Where were Lani and I going to live? Yes...where were BOTH Lani and I going
to live. We're not separating, she is my dog, she is my family.
I called my insurance and got the process started. My rep at
Horace Mann couldn't have been any more supportive during this crisis, he took
ownership of this situation and calmed my nerves. He stated:
" You will need a place to live and
your policy covers your hotel stay."
Immediately without hesitation, I responded " It
needs to be pet friendly, you need to find a place where my 22lb Boston can
stay with me."
My rep made a few phone calls and all was taken care of..he
found THE place. The Marriott Residence Inn Andover MA.
I packed up my car, Lani and I drove over to the hotel. I had
that " Momma/daughter talk with my baby girl letting her know that things
were going to be a little crazy for the next few weeks and I needed her to be a
big brave dog. She knew what I was saying, she understood and she gave me a big
kiss.
I really didn't know what to expect. I had never had to live in
a hotel for an extended stay and I had no idea how my dog would do in this new
environment.
As with any construction rebuild, delays are going to happen.
However, mine turned into a four month project. This was not in my game plan. I
never expected to live in a hotel with my dog for four months!
From day one, this staff made me feel at home. What I never
expected was the way the staff went up and beyond for my dog. My Lani tends to
be shy with strangers and doesn't really do well with new situations. But every
single staff member made her feel comfortable. Lani was spoiled with a gift
basket of toys and treats, was known by every employee on a first name basis
and she even got to hang out at the front desk every night.
Yes, the Marriott Residence Inn is pet friendly and I am proud
to say every person checking in was welcomed by my Lani and received kisses
when departing.
My Lani was treated as more than just a dog staying in a room,
Lani was made to feel at home. For me, that is what I needed and feared
wouldn't happen. I wanted my dog to feel at home and she did.
Life can toss situations at you when least expected but when it
does occur, there needs to be a resource, a solution to the situation, and it
has to happen.
The Marriot Residence Inn in Andover MA, part of the Marriott
corporation is a pet friendly hotel. Exactly what I needed, they were my
resource, they were the solution to my situation and they made it happen !
To anyone that may be traveling with their pets or become
displaced from their home and need a place for their family including pets, I
cannot express my gratitude enough to this wonderful corporation for allowing
pets to stay in their hotels.
Literally a life saver for me and my dog..............
And to the entire staff at the Marriott Residence Inn Andover,
Lani sends each and everyone of you a BIG WET SLOPPY KISS !
http://northandover.patch.com/groups/tracey-zysks-blog/p/our-pawsitive-stay-at-the-residence-inn-andover-ma
