Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[ChildAtHeart82]

I am so sorry! I'm glad your son wasn't hurt too badly and it sounds like he's toughing through it. I can understand a little bit of what you're feeling. Our dog is family to us. I know how hard it would be to have to get rid of him or put him to sleep so I understand you wanting to explore every other option.

I went to the American Kennel Club website and looked for information on obedience classes. Here's a link to a list of clubs that offer classes in PA: http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/training_clubs/index.cfm?action=search_state&state=PA I know you're from western PA, but other than Pittsburg, I don't really know what towns would be near where you are. The couple of classes I looked into cost $85-$95.

You could also try calling a pet store like Pet Smart or PetCo if you have one in your area. I know they offer classes but I'm not sure how much they cost.

I hope you can find something that will work for you so that you can keep your dog!

 

[Disneychix]

I know I haven't posted on your PTR in forever but I just had say HAVE FUN!! I can't believe you're going in one week

Can you let me know where you found the Toy Story character letters for your DSs shirt? That is too cute!!

Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

PS: on the dog issue. Has your dog just recently changed into this bad behavior? Could it be that something is wrong with the dog? Or is it just bratty behavior? Maybe you could look into giving him away to someone with no children or someone who has the time/resources to spend on his behavior issues.

 

[photographymom517]

I am so sorry! I'm glad your son wasn't hurt too badly and it sounds like he's toughing through it. I can understand a little bit of what you're feeling. Our dog is family to us. I know how hard it would be to have to get rid of him or put him to sleep so I understand you wanting to explore every other option.

I went to the American Kennel Club website and looked for information on obedience classes. Here's a link to a list of clubs that offer classes in PA: http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/training_clubs/index.cfm?action=search_state&state=PA I know you're from western PA, but other than Pittsburg, I don't really know what towns would be near where you are. The couple of classes I looked into cost $85-$95.

You could also try calling a pet store like Pet Smart or PetCo if you have one in your area. I know they offer classes but I'm not sure how much they cost.

I hope you can find something that will work for you so that you can keep your dog!

Wow, you don't realize how much I appreciate you taking the time to look into that for me! Last night, I was just too exhausted to even look anything up. I started looking for something & just got upset & started to cry.

That is great that it only costs around $85-95...I will gladly give up some souvenirs to save up the money for my puppy!!! I him & he is my baby!!!! He is such a huge part of my life, I can't imagine giving him up!!! I will look into the classes now & hopefully be able to schedule something for after we get home from Disney. I noticed on the link you gave me that there's one in Butler, which is only about 25 minutes from me. Its perfect!!!

Thanks for the suggestion about PetSmart or PetCo, but that's actually when the problem all started. I'm not sure what they did to the poor dog, but I took him to PetSmart to get a haircut & he's never been the same again. He used to go into pet stores with me, wagging his little tail, happy as could be...but now he's terrified & won't step foot inside! I had to get a buggy last time & put him in the top & pet him & give him treats the whole time I was in the store! His first haircut was traumatic to him, so I'll definitely mention that when I go to the training.

I'm very happy & relieved to have other options!!! Thank you for the information, I truly appreciate it!!!!

 

[photographymom517]

I know I haven't posted on your PTR in forever but I just had say HAVE FUN!! I can't believe you're going in one week

Can you let me know where you found the Toy Story character letters for your DSs shirt? That is too cute!!

Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

PS: on the dog issue. Has your dog just recently changed into this bad behavior? Could it be that something is wrong with the dog? Or is it just bratty behavior? Maybe you could look into giving him away to someone with no children or someone who has the time/resources to spend on his behavior issues.

Hi!!! Nice to hear from you! We are so excited about our trip!!!

I will look into the Toy Story letters, but I'm pretty sure I got them from Milliepie. I'll double check just to be sure!

I was lucky enough to get some great info from ChildAtHeart82 about obedience classes & they are only 25 minutes away from where I live. They are also much cheaper than I thought, so I'm going to try that first. Hopefully I can schedule something for when we get back & if that doesn't work, we'll just go from there.

I will hopefully be posting again this afternoon!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

I'm glad the information helped! I can understand what you mean about PetSmart and PetCo. We didn't have any problems when we would take our dog into PetSmart when we lived in Texas, but we took him to get groomed at PetSmart after we moved to South Dakota and got a similar reaction, though not as severe. He definitely acts a lot more cautious when we take him to pet stores but he refuses to go in the back grooming room. When we took one time after that, he nervous peed all over the floor. They seemed like nice people but something obviously happened. We haven't been back for grooming since.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

To be honest, I'm not really in the mood to post tonight, but I will anyway... I'm very sad right now & not sure what to do. Its even harder since this is all happening right before our trip! This afternoon I had to babysit my niece & take my son to the doctor for some congestion. We wanted to get him on an antibiotic & try to get rid of his congestion/runny nose/cough before the trip. I think an airplane ride with those symptoms would be horrible for the poor little guy! Anyway, after an exhausting day (and other problems including a broken airconditioner!) my son was playing with the dogs, my husband was researching the airconditioning problem, and I was researching Disney (of course!) I all of a sudden heard my son cry & my husband scream! Our dog bit our son & its fairly deep. I was able to stop the bleeding right away, clean it out & apply medicine/bandaid. He stopped crying within a few minutes. I called the doctor & the vet & they both said it didn't sound like it needed stitches & he just needed an antibiotic (which he already got earlier for his congestion). He's been a real tropper through all of it & lets me change the bandages & apply more medicine every few hours. (they said to clean it at least 3 times a day for the first few days)

My husband wants to give away our dog...I'm considering putting him to sleep...and I just am so torn & don't know what to do! Before responding, you must understand...I know its wrong for him to bite, but I think there's other options. My husband says I am just making excuses for the dog. I just think we could try obedience training or something (when I mention it, all my DH sees is $$$ and its hard to get him to spend a penny!) I would like to try something before just getting rid of him. There are other problems...everytime we take him to get his haircut, he has obedience problems. He always bites or tries to bite the lady who cuts his hair. She's always been nice about it, but honestly, if I were in her shoes, I wouldn't be so nice! If you touch him when he doesn't want you to, he bites. If you touch him while he's eating, he bites. If you touch him when you're eating (because he wants your food), he bites. If you touch his tail, he bites. He's bitten my son before, but its never been anything major. He's bitten me too but it was years ago. I don't even remember why he did it.

I was never allowed to have a pet as a child. I never had any animals growing up. This dog was my very FIRST pet...ever! At age 23, I bought my very first dog...and this is him. He's "my" dog...he follows me everywhere! He used to go in the car with me whenever I went. He even went to college with me a few times when I just had to run up there for a few hours! He's been through alot with me & I just don't know what to do.

Any suggestions? Or know where I could get some info regarding this?

Poor Luke!!! Devon just got over the whole sick thing a few weeks ago... I will say that when we went to Disney this past Sept. Devon was fighting a small cold and allergies, and oh my word.... The poor kid was crying his eyes out when we were desending into MCO!!! I felt so terribly bad. All I could do is hold him and rub his head and tell him it would be ok!!! I felt so helpless! Devon has been flting since 16 months and this was the 1st time having and issue like that being sick. Told me he wasn't getting the the plane to go home! Thank goodness I was able to get him better by the time we had to go home!!!!

OMG Hope!!! I hope Luke os ok! I sorry to hear the dog bit him... Unfortunately, I'm not an animal person, so I can't be unbias here! But, I see where you are coming from. Good luck on deciding!

 

[photographymom517]

Well, today has been my laundry & research day so far! I actually learned alot of things that are probably completely obvious to all of you, but new to me since I rarely fly! (this will be my 2nd flight!) I'm a little worried that my carry-on bag is too large...it can only be 10x16x24 and I think its 12x16x18 or something like that. I have to remeasure it. I took it last trip on AirTran, so I'll have to check to see if their standards are the same as Southwest. I also learned that I can take solid cosmetics, lipstick, & solid deodorant in my carry-on bag. I don't know why, I must have been confused last time, but I thought you were only allowed to take THREE 3 ounce bottles...oops! I guess you are allowed to fill a gallon zip-top baggie full of 3 ounce bottles...no limit as long as they don't overflow the bag & its not stuffed full. I only plan to put my foundation (1 fl oz bottle...but its in glass right now so I think I need to transfer it to plastic?), my mascara, eye liner, eye shadow sticks, concealer, travel sized shampoo and conditioner, and hand sanitizer in the baggie! I also want to take a small bottle of baby sunscreen because I know my son will want to jump in the pool as soon as we arrive!

I also learned a good tip...roll your clothes instead of folding them to save some space! I also think it will be better for wrinkles!

I am also excited to learn that snowglobes are now allowed in your checked bag! I wanted a small one sooo bad last time...actually I wanted a large one but couldn't afford it. I plan to get either a 4 parks, 1 world (if they have the small version), one with Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, or Eeyore. Of course, I can't make up my mind, but I like to keep my options open until I see them in person!

Last thing to do today is to check my digital camera batteries. There are some types that aren't allowed in carry-on OR checked luggage so I need to look into that. (the lithium ones aren't allowed, but NiMH, Alkaline, NiCad, Silver Oxide, and Carbon Zinc are all ok)

Over all, today the planning is going pretty well. I found out all the answers to my questions that I had concerning my carry-on bag.

Oh, is it ok to take a full box of crayons? I know that sounds crazy but every little thing worries me!

I'm off to sew some things...my husband's luggage strap broke & I have to sew 2 of my shirts. I don't sew so this should be interesting! Darn, my mom just stopped by, I should have had her do it! She actually enjoys sewing so she would have been thrilled. lol

I'll try to post again soon...oh, I also looked into the puppy obedience & its only $60 for 6 weeks (its a 2 hour class for 6 weeks). I'm really excited. I emailed the lady already for an application & asked her when I could start.

 

[Charlefours]

Did you ask the store if something happened to your dog while in the store? Sounds like he was abused/got bitten. Glad you found a class to enroll him in--I sure hope it works!


Hard to believe you have less than a week left to go!

 

[lledman]

I’m sorry to hear about your son’s bite, but glad to read you found a class for your dog. I don’t think I could keep a biter – just too much liability on my conscience – what if the next time Luke isn’t as lucky. Tyler was bitten by my aunt’s dog a couple of years ago – pretty bad b/c he needed a few stitches – the dog had never bit before (or since) and we think he just startled the dog – but luckily it didn’t really phase Ty much. Our dog is a huge push over – the kids can lay and pull on her any time/anywhere and she doesn’t mind one bit – in fact she craves it – which is great b/c I love having her around.

 

[BippityBoo]

I am so sorry to hear about your dog and your son These things always happen before a big trip!! I am praying that you find the right answer. I am sure you will. ((Hugs))

 

[Tinkermom76]

We had a dog once that bit Emma but we didn't have him very long so I gave him away, but that would have been very hard if we had him longer. Sorry that you are in that situation and I am glad you found him classes

 

[stephielela]

I'm sorry to hear about your dog situation. That would be so hard! I've had my dog for almost 4 years now, and she was my first "baby" too. I can't imagine what I would do. Luckily she has always been good with DS, which was a concern when I was pregnant because she has always been a spoiled sort of puppy, but even though she isn't the most well behaved dog, she is great with him. I hope the classes work well for you!

 

[photographymom517]

I'm glad the information helped! I can understand what you mean about PetSmart and PetCo. We didn't have any problems when we would take our dog into PetSmart when we lived in Texas, but we took him to get groomed at PetSmart after we moved to South Dakota and got a similar reaction, though not as severe. He definitely acts a lot more cautious when we take him to pet stores but he refuses to go in the back grooming room. When we took one time after that, he nervous peed all over the floor. They seemed like nice people but something obviously happened. We haven't been back for grooming since.

Yes, I know...I never had a problem with Pet Smart previous to that incident. I'm not sure what they did to him, but they did take over 2 hours to groom him & they said he kept going to the bathroom so they had to bath him about 10 times. I didn't understand why they would do that...I wish they would have called me (they had my cell number) and told me what was going on. I would have told them to just stop & I would come to get him. I don't understand why they didn't understand that he was obviously scared & thats why he was going to the bathroom so much while he was there! Aren't they supposed to know this stuff?

I haven't been to that particular store since it happened, but have been to a Pet Smart in a town close by. The people there do seem nice, even at the grooming area, but because of the experience I had, I'm still leary about taking him there. I found a really nice lady who was good with him. I even told her she may have to muzzle him & explained his previous incident @ Pet Smart. But when I picked him up, she said that she loved him & he was such a nice dog. She didn't have to muzzle him at all. In fact, she said he was very well behaved.

Poor Luke!!! Devon just got over the whole sick thing a few weeks ago... I will say that when we went to Disney this past Sept. Devon was fighting a small cold and allergies, and oh my word.... The poor kid was crying his eyes out when we were desending into MCO!!! I felt so terribly bad. All I could do is hold him and rub his head and tell him it would be ok!!! I felt so helpless! Devon has been flting since 16 months and this was the 1st time having and issue like that being sick. Told me he wasn't getting the the plane to go home! Thank goodness I was able to get him better by the time we had to go home!!!!

OMG Hope!!! I hope Luke os ok! I sorry to hear the dog bit him... Unfortunately, I'm not an animal person, so I can't be unbias here! But, I see where you are coming from. Good luck on deciding!

Thanks Reese! Luke is doing very good! I am really proud of him. He sits on the sink 3 times a day & lets me wash his hand with soap & warm water. Then he helps me put the medicine on it & bandaid. My mom gave him some special Spongebob & Scooby Doo bandaids so he loves putting them on his hand. He actually comes & shows me his hand when he wants to change the bandaid & pulls my arm until I go into the bathroom with him! As for his congestion, its getting better. He does really good with the medicine because its that pink amoxicillin that doesn't taste bad!

Did you ask the store if something happened to your dog while in the store? Sounds like he was abused/got bitten. Glad you found a class to enroll him in--I sure hope it works!


Hard to believe you have less than a week left to go!

No, I didn't ask the store, but I did complain. It didn't seem to do any good. They just made some comment to me like "these things happen sometimes" but I don't think the reprimanded the employees working that night.

I got the application for the Dog Obedience Training this morning in my email so I'm going to fill out the forms & mail it in before we leave on our trip.

I’m sorry to hear about your son’s bite, but glad to read you found a class for your dog. I don’t think I could keep a biter – just too much liability on my conscience – what if the next time Luke isn’t as lucky. Tyler was bitten by my aunt’s dog a couple of years ago – pretty bad b/c he needed a few stitches – the dog had never bit before (or since) and we think he just startled the dog – but luckily it didn’t really phase Ty much. Our dog is a huge push over – the kids can lay and pull on her any time/anywhere and she doesn’t mind one bit – in fact she craves it – which is great b/c I love having her around.

I understand what you're saying. We actually have 3 dogs...the mom, the dad, and one of their daughters. Our 2 pups had 4 puppies (all girls) and my mom kept one and we kept one. My mom's dog is such a sweetheart! Its funny how they all have different personalities. My nephew actually rolls on top of her & chases her & hits her & everything & she never even growls at him! She just flops over on her belly & wants him to pet her!

The puppy that we kept has a "leave me alone" personality. She is also our protector...when I first had my son, she would "guard" the crib...she'd lay right beside it & not move until he woke up from his nap. Then she would come & get me & bark at me or put her paw on my leg until I followed her. Everytime I followed her into his room, sure enough he was sitting up awake. She is similar to my mom's dog because she will let the kids do whatever to her & never growl/bite...but she also runs & hides from them whereas my mom's dog will just sit there & loves it!

I'm glad I found the obedience class for my dog & I'm really hoping it helps him. I can tell he really feels bad. Normally he eats a ton & yesterday he just laid around & looked so sad. He barely ate all day & when my son would go near him, he would run & hide under the bed. I wish I would have been in the room when he bit Luke because I'm not sure if Luke did something to him first or if they were just playing. Its still odd to me because they run around the house & play together almost everyday.

I am so sorry to hear about your dog and your son These things always happen before a big trip!! I am praying that you find the right answer. I am sure you will. ((Hugs))

Thank you for your prayers! I really, really appreciate that! Please pray that the obedience classes help as well!

We had a dog once that bit Emma but we didn't have him very long so I gave him away, but that would have been very hard if we had him longer. Sorry that you are in that situation and I am glad you found him classes

Yes, it is hard. He was my very first pet because I wasn't ever allowed to have a pet when I was younger. We've had him over 5 years & first got him as a puppy (he was only 6 weeks old when we got him!) I still remember the day I brought him home from the pet store.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog situation. That would be so hard! I've had my dog for almost 4 years now, and she was my first "baby" too. I can't imagine what I would do. Luckily she has always been good with DS, which was a concern when I was pregnant because she has always been a spoiled sort of puppy, but even though she isn't the most well behaved dog, she is great with him. I hope the classes work well for you!

Thank you! I hope the classes work! I know what you mean, I was worried when I was pregnant as well. We have 3 dogs, so I had concerns times three! lol They were all very good with him when he was an infant. I babysat for awhile during my pregnancy because I was laid off from my job. Since I babysat in my own home, it got the dogs used to kids and they were good with other people's children as well!

 

[photographymom517]

The UPS man has visited my house three times in the past week...the first time I was expecting him (it was my son's DVD player)...the second time I was expecting him (it was my shorts & $1 flip flops from AE)...the third time, I had no idea!!!

My husband says "are you expecting UPS?" and I said "no...maybe he's at the wrong house."

He was actually bringing me....MICKEY MAIL!!!!!!

I looked at the envelope & immediately saw Disney Destinations! I called the other day to check to make sure it was ok that all of our documents said the wrong date. They said it was fine, but I guess to be on the safe side, they decided to send me new info via UPS Air. I'm glad because I was a little worried about it! Now, no worries!!!

 

[Charlefours]

Glad you got new Mickey Mail with the right days!!

 

[Tinkermom76]

YAY Mickey Mail!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Oh wow, how exciting you are going so soon! AWESOME!

 

[photographymom517]

Glad you got new Mickey Mail with the right days!!

YAY Mickey Mail!!!

Oh wow, how exciting you are going so soon! AWESOME!

We are very, very excited!!! Can't believe we leave in 5 days!

​

 

[photographymom517]

For anyone who would like to see a good video of the grounds of the Caribbean Beach Resort, visit this link:

Caribbean Beach Resort Grounds, Room, Pools, Food Court, etc.

I hope its ok to post on here, its not my video. I've been showing my son different rides, parades, fireworks, etc. on YouTube this evening & we came across some really good CBR ones! This was one of my favorites because it shows a little bit of everything!

I'm afraid to even say this because once I say something, the opposite usually happens. But I'd really like to be in Jamaica or Aruba. I know that we won't be in Trinidad North or Martinique because when I talked to the CM on the phone, she said all of the preferred rooms were taken. I also know we won't be in Trinidad South because someone told me all of those are pirate rooms now & I told the CM I definitely don't want a pirate room. So, it looks like Jamaica, Aruba, or Barbados. I'd really prefer not to have Barbados...it might be a little more convenient for our arrival & departure days because we're very close to the check-in building (is that where the ME bus picks you up on your last day there?) but I've heard there is lots of noise in the Barbados village because of cars/people. Its not really a big deal, I mean, honestly, I'll just be happy that we are there!!!

Not much to report as far as trip stuff. I still have to cancel Fulton's that we had ADR's for on Sunday & our GF photo session on Saturday. I'm also considering putting our cat in a kennel, so tomorrow I have to call around to get prices. I'm hoping its under $100 for 10 days but I bet it isn't. We also have a very limited number of kennels near us...I think I only have 3 to choose from. I guess I'll just decide after I talk to them.

I'm glad I watched the videos of CBR because I realized that I need to pack hangers. Does anyone else have that problem? Last trip, I think we only had 4 or 5 hangers all together. We were there for 5 days, so we each had that many outfits & no where to hang all of our shirts. It wasn't that big of a deal last year since my son was so young. I just put all of his clothes in the drawers of our armoire at AKL. Although my husband was a little mad that I hogged all 5 hangers! This trip, I'm going prepared...I'm just going to take my son's "toddler hangers" and I can use them for my clothes & his clothes. Then my husband can have the hangers they provide...see, I'm being nice this time since I hogged them last time!

I also watched a video on Summer Nightastic. I'm completely confused...it was the actual video from Disney & it showed the fireworks show...with Tink and Dumbo! I was disappointed that I wouldn't see Tink since they aren't showing Wishes, but I guess she's in the new show as well. And Dumbo is one of my all time FAVORITE movies! I have great memories watching it as a child, so I'm excited to see Dumbo in the fireworks show flying over the castle!!!

GUESS WHAT???? All of you will be absolutely shocked to hear me say this...I was thinking about not bringing my planning book! Can you believe it??? Me...super OCD, crazy planner, obsessive planner, worried over every small detail... After all of the work I've put into it...researching for months and months, all of the questions I've posted on here, being worried about everything! (Don't worry...I'm taking the planning book!!! LOL) I just felt like I was having information-overload & that half the trip, I'll be saying "Hold on, I have to look something up" and I'll spend more time reading my book than enjoying myself! So I think each morning, I'll wake up early & sit and read it while enjoying my coffee in my refillable mug! And then I'll bring it along to the parks in case I need it, but I will leave it in my bag most of the time. I think thats a good compromise!

I'm really interested to see how my son will react to everything on the trip. I know already that he absolutely LOVES fireworks! He loved Illuminations last trip (it was the only show we stayed for) & he loves watching it with me on YouTube. He also just watched the Summer Nightastic show with me online & he was clapping most of the time! He also loves animals, so I know Animal Kingdom will be a definite highlight of his trip. And all of the movie characters at Hollywood Studios are some of his favorites. I'm thinking we may only stay at HS a half day because I remember alot of things being more for adults. He doesn't sit through shows & he doesn't wait in lines, so it should be interesting! lol

My nephew wants me to bring him back a giant firetruck...does anyone know if they have a Mickey somewhere with a fireman's hat on? I'll have to check with the CM's when we first arrive. My other nephew is only 3 and has been to Florida more times than I have in my entire life! So, he will be hard to buy for as well. It was so much easier to bring them home stuff last year before they had opinions! I just got each of them a stuffed animal & a tshirt. Depending on the prices, I might just get them each a Dinosaur from Build a Dino...they all love dinos so that would be perfect. And then they would each have one, so they can't fight over who has what because they'd all have the same thing! My souvenir pics should be interesting! I get so excited once I get back & have to run to everyone's house & give them out right away...so I'll take pics of them while I'm in Disney so I don't forget! Its also my first time with the whole "food porn" thing so hopefully I don't forget that either! I'm sure my husband will love that...he's usually done with his entire meal before I even start eating mine. He'll love "Oh, wait a minute, I have to take a picture of that!" I am sooo looking forward to taking lots of pictures!!!

Will post again one day...if not over the weekend (have some family activities & a baby shower this weekend) then definitely Monday or Tuesday morning!!!

Ooooh, and btw...I'm already helping some other people plan trips to Disney!!!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Just so you know when I stayed at the CR last year I needed more hangers so I called housekeeping and they brought me more. Don't be afraid to ask