NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[luckytso]

Thanks for all your encouraging words about Lucky.

Milta96 - you made me cry when reading about Amber. That is exactly what makes me upset at this point. I keep thinking what I need to do when that day comes, but I just can't say goodbye. I know we should just hope for the best, however, knowing how fast his cancer has spread, my guess is that day will come sooner than I think. We all hope Lucky will have a good spring and a great summer so that he can just sit on the yard, watch the squirrels, and take some really good naps in the sun. He is a very red golden, and I love to see his coat shining in the sun. It is really pretty.

Anyway, you will be at WDW soon, especially with these boards.

Thanks again.

 

[Mouseteacher]

luckytso ~ please know that all we dog lovers have been there and know what you're going through - we're here for you.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

 

[Mitla96]

luckytso-

Our last year with Amber was actually the best-after her recovery from the operation she felt good and we appreciated her so much that last year because we knew time was short. I never regretted having had gone through with the cancer operation. How you deal with the end of their life, I think, is the true test of pet ownership. If life was fair, dogs would live 70 years and people 14.

Mouseteacher-
When Amber was sick, I never thought I could love another dog like her, but then made the mistake of looking at Corgi puppies with a box in the car!

pbhunt-I'll make that request today-thanks for the advice.

Janet in Michigan

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Mitla96~ tears sprung to my eyes as I read your post - when I had to put my other Airedale down I felt as if someone had ripped my heart right out of my chest. The pain of her loss was overwhelming! I vowed then to my family that was it - no more dogs - we couldn't go through this again. 3 Months later Reilly came home! Famous last words, huh? I guess I just can't be without a dog as hard as it is knowing that awful day will come again. The years of love and joy in owning one takes over.

"IT IS BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST...THAN NEVER TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL." I have felt this horrible sense of "emptiness" after each and every animal loss. I have always felt it was the "last" time, and each time have proven myself wrong. Never say...Never. One day in the LOVE of an animal, is worth the pain of a thousand deaths.

 

[dreamflight99]

Janet...Welsh corgi's? Aren't they the cutest, with the stubby cow-toed legs? I would LOVE to see a pic. of chaddie! My girlfriend in grade school had three, and they "Ran the household", with their regal personalities! PBhunt is so correct about the calling/notifying the Dolphin of your requests. Do not wait until the 5-day recommended time, call/email now. Politely inquire about the "possibility" of a free upgrade to CL, etc. This is what I do when I reserve at most all props now, and I always call the resort "directly" as opposed to the 800#. If, no Free upgrade is available upon check-in, I merely take care of it using another method (cash/points, etc.).

luckytso...You are indeed fortunate (if you look for the rainbow/silver lining), as you know your dog is declining in health. Just as DH was able to visit his father to say his farewell's, many are not as fortunate. I've had animals make it past the worst case scenarios, only to be struck down unexpectedly. It is devastating anytime we lose a loved one (animal/human animal), but to lose the chance to say goodbye leaves an aching/longing in the soul.

I had a "once in a lifetime" dog, named Jack. He was like a soulmate, and I have oils I painted of him hanging in my office. He was stoic, and magnificent...and he knew it. He endured three series of surgeries for a tumor (12 lb) in his spleen, ruptured incisions and infection. He was so weak at times (after surgery) he was a mere "shadow" of his former self. Yet, he quickly recovered showered with love and constant attention. After playing together in the backyard, on a balmy late summer afternoon on June 14, 1996, Jack dropped unexpectedly (almost seemingly "folded/crumpled") in an awkward manner, and my heart literally stopped. I ran to him, and scooped him up in my arms, tears streaming down, calling out to him in the setting sun. He was facing west when he fell, as if he were "going home" to the heavens. I kissed his cheek/face repeatedly, as I said my goodbyes. If only I had known he would be leaving this world, I would have had the chance to bid a "proper" farewell, saying all the things I always intended for him to hear...but never had the opportunity to truly tell him. He was nearly 13, and I am thrilled for each moment I had with this soul. Yet, as JANET in Michigan wrote: "If life were fair, animals would live to be 70, humans 14." Very well stated. As a young girl, my mother taught me one thing which still resides in my mind/heart, "Beware of persons whom are mean/cruel to animals, as they are mean/cruel to humans as well." Anyone whom can hurt an animal, can also easily hurt a person. These heathens are devoid of any emotional conscience.

Steph....I look forward to seeing the pic. of your sweetie maltese!
CL is on the 12th (AS mouseteacher wrote), and also includes the 13/14th floors. I agree with Mouseteacher about the WALK (long/short) to any place in the resort! We enjoy it as part of the "experience" and maintain the memories of each step, long after we have returned.

Rpsemont...WELCOME. You will not "bounce" yourself out of anything by requesting a view/upgrade. You should email/call the resort directly and inform them (politely) of your Gold SPG status when inquiring about the possibility of an upgrade to CL, or a balcony view, etc. If you use the pool frequently, the WEST side would probably be best for you (facing MGM). You may still be able to procure "CL" privs while in the balcony/view room. I would request all of these in advance, and work out the finer details upon check-in.

Have a great Saturday....be kind to animals.

 

[luckytso]

Thanks for all your words. This board now seems like a family. I agree with so many things you have said. I also believe people who love animales can't be bad people.

I vowed, when this whole thing happened, that I will NEVER have another dog. It hurts way too much than I can bear.

It will take me a long time to get out of this. I cannot imagine anyone can ever replace Lucky.

Thanks again.

 

[Gilligan]

Disnurse - Relaxing in the grotto with a long, cool drink sounds good to me. See you there!

Confession time to all you dog lovers: I don't have a dog, although I'm trying to persuade DH to let us have one. I do have Penrose, my black & white cat with no tail. (She used to have one, but we think she got into a fight with a fox when we first moved to this house...and she lost. Needed an amputation, but she manages fine without it.)

 

[Mouseteacher]

DH and I feel that the August 03 trip we hoped for probably will have to be delayed until 2004. Oldest DS wants to dorm his last two years of college - starting this fall. Youngest DS is following quickly behind - entering college in the fall of 2004. I guess we must deal in reality and take a year off (last trip Aug. 2002). Unless we hit the lottery!!!

However, the DIS keeps me connected to that magical place.

DF ~ I received the WDW video. I enjoyed it, too. I just love the ending - view of the castle at dusk "the place where magic lives" - goosebumps time!

 

[ozziewags]

gilligan.......it's ok if you don't have a dog. You are welcome here anyway. This is a place where we keep the magic alive, even when we are not actually in it!

 

[pbhunt]

We don't have any pets at all right now. We have been traveling quite a bit. We do have a squirrel feeder, and I buy walnuts 50 pounds at a time. They are really fun to watch and the neighbor comes over and fills it when we are gone.

We haven't had dogs for a while, we are cat people. But I understand how hard it is to even think about getting a new one, when that special one has passed on. Louie was our last cat, and he was so smart, and so special that we're still not ready. Bill, made a webpage for him, if you'd like to see it:

http://www.herbytoys.com/Louie.htm

We are also not visiting WDW until 2004, we will again be staying at the Swan. we purchased our park hopper tickets on our last visit, for our next one!

 

[Mitla96]

Luckytso-

You don't have to worry about replacing Lucky, cross that bridge when the time comes. Personally I really, really need that happy face when I come home. And all my animals have been so different, none really replaced the other.

Gillian-your poor cat! What a noble way to lose a tail! I have a funny fox story-one day my sisters and I (all in our 40's) were driving down the street in a neighborhood in the summer with the windows down. We drove by a street construction worker, and he smiled, pointed and yelled "Fox!". We were all complimented until we realized there was an actual fox running across the yard behind us!

Dreamflight-
What a nice ending with Jack. Oh and I loved your entry about the shuttle-expressed I think what we all feel and makes me wonder if you are a writer.

I entered an upgrade request email through the Swan site-I will call them tomorrow-should I be specific when requesting an upgrade? I feel shy about it. I would sure like to meet Mama T. If we don't get a complimentary upgrade, we can't afford to pay for it, and I think our vacation will be fine without it. Also, since we are getting in so late that evening (Valentine's Day, no less) I'm afraid we might miss out on upgrades.

This sounds so selfish, but I was planning to take the kids to the Kennedy Space Center on Monday, Feb. 17 after my husband flies home. If anyone hears whether it will be closed or not, let me know. My daughter (8) is doing a space unit at school and I had hoped for a cool tie-in.

Janet in Michigan

 

[Mitla96]

pbhunt,

We have something weird here in Michigan-jet black squirrels! It freaked me out when we first moved here-I had never seen one in all my travels but they are the norm here in East Lansing.

J in M

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
DF ~ I received the WDW video. I enjoyed it, too. I just love the ending - view of the castle at dusk "the place where magic lives" - goosebumps time!

This will keep you connected! Play as often as you NEED to!! LOL (*sorry to hear about the delay...yet some things in life take precedence).

Gilligan...I LOVE ALL animals, CATS included. We have two adopted cats, which are the nrighbor's outside cats...but both frequently visit us INSIDE our home...LOL. My DS, has 13 cats...all inside! She is the "Cat Lady." She also has a huge dog, named UNO (he is so nice to the kitties), and a bird named Goober. Very comical, indeed.

pbhunt....WOW, that is one STUNNING cat. Love the photo of the "paws" sticking out from under the green sunbeam grill cover. Our last cat was ANDY (passed 1/12/'00). He was 21 when he left us, and I still miss him every day. He was all black, long hair. Louie looks like a "special" kitty, very loved. I'm sorry for your loss, and hope time will heal the pain you still feel, and permit you to embrace another kitten. So many need good homes. You both have SO much to give. Thanks again, for the great link to Louie's page.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

I HAVE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD NEWS!

Sorry had to let off some excitement! After not expecting to return to WDW for a few years, my sister has decided to split costs and help us to be able to go for a few days! Of course we are staying at the Dolphin like the last two summers! We will be booking the Teachers rate because both my sister and father are teachers! Last trip this past August we upgraded with SPG points to a club level, though we felt it wasn't really worth it. I won't go into detail, but we were not treated nice at the area where you get the free continental breakfast/snacks and stuff by an employee. Anyway, I was wondering if there is a more friendly way of "requesting an upgrade" lol. I know that sounds greedy, but I've read so many people who have recieved that.

Also, does anyone know how many points it is to upgrade to a Junior Suite? Where are these rooms located? We saw the two pictures on the Dolphin site and like the look of the room! If anyone has pictures the suites, please let me know!


Well, I'm so excited and this post may have spelling errors, etc... So I apologize, lol!

Mike

 

[jgates]

Evening guys.....

I had to take a few nights off - my countdown clock isn't counting down as fast as I would like it. Thought if I gave myself a few days off it might look a little better when I came back! No luck.

Any suggestions for a short vacation this summer to tide me over?

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Does anyone know how much a Junior-Suite is with the Teachers rate? I'm really interested after seeing the two pictures of it!

 

[ozziewags]

I think it was $189 without CL and $249 with CL. I got it for $129 with CL and a platinum SPG card and the resort fee waived, as well as the rollaway. I was soooo happy.

 

[ozziewags]

jgates........have you thought about Cedar Point? I hear it has great coasters and I always wanted to go there for a weekend. They have a website.

 

[dreamflight99]

Awesome news...Really great! Now,as for the upgrade to the JR. Suite~I'm clueless. SPG recently changed many of the points necessary for the upgrades, and I'm not even sure if they offer a "teacher's rate" for the JR. SUITE. Call the resort directly and inquire asap. I do know the AP/ENT. Rate is close to $300 per eve for this suite, well worth the pennies.

Call the resort directly and ask for a FREE UPGRADE. Just politely inform the associate you speak with, that you have heard of such things happening, and were wondering if this is possible/probable for you? It NEVER hurts to ask!

jgates...LOL! Give me some details of what you're looking for (in a short vacation), and I'll come up with some goodies!

 

[Shelly]

jgates, what about the dells, or do you go there often.
We are thinking about that for a small vacation weekend, to bad they don't have a starwood hotel. Unless you know of one there?