By Tracey Zysk – November, 2013
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, and she is my family.
I called my insurance company 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 representative 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, the 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 lifesaver for my dog and me.
And to the entire staff at the Marriott Residence Inn Andover, Lani sends each and everyone of you a BIG WET SLOPPY KISS!
Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional. She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness. Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net. Become a fan on Facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care.