b'words and photographs by Brooke Palmer KuhlTails of Hurricane IanOn Monday September 26th, Tampa Bay was expecting the Grand Lakes. We knew friends from Tampa and St. Petersburgworst. Hurricane Ian would be the first major hurricane to were making plans to head there as well.directly hit our beautiful area in 100 years.As I packed up my As a Gold Elite Marriott Bonvoy member, booking thetwo rescue Pitties, the ashes of my three previous dogs, the Ritz was a no brainer for me. While pet friendly, their typicalashesofmyin-laws,andafewpersonalmementos,Iwas pet policy has a 40 pound limit. But with a hurricane on thepreparing myself to return to a damaged home. horizon, I was grateful they waived the weight requirements.My husband Craig, myself, and our two dogs, Lily and Additionally, there are no breed restrictions, and I was clear IScarlett, live on Tampa Bay. We have a 14 mile view of the had two Pit Bulls. Taylor, the reservationist, was helpful, andopen water, which we enjoy every day, with gorgeous sunrises mentionedhoweagershewastomeetourdogswhenweand dolphins frolicking each night. The dogs sunbathe on our called to confirm their stay. Note: There is a $150 non-refund-chaise lounges and chase after the pool sweeper. For 20 years, able pet fee. I have lived in my idyllic slice of paradise, only evacuating two WeheadedtoOrlandoearly Tuesdaymorning.Upontimes previously for hurricanes Charley and Irma. This time arrival, our dogs were enthusiastically greeted by the bellmenfelt different. The dread was all consuming. We were evacuat- and valets. Wiggle butts abound. We were checked into oured as expected, and decided to go to our second home in roomimmediately(at9:30ammindyou!),toldwhereTampa, in flood zone C. The weather reports kept getting thepupscouldtakecareoftheirbusiness,includingtheworse,sowedecidedtogototheRitzCarltonOrlando, designated indoor potty area. 34 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'