b'Within minutes, a Ritz-Carlton team arrived to our roomwith four dog bowls, two Ritz-Carlton branded dog beds,and treats for their stay. The experience only got better. Despite the stressful lobbybathroom trips, the staff was overly cognizant of other petsand humans in the lobby. That comes in handy when youhave one doggo that does not always play well with others.Every day during our stay was a welcomed and calmingadventure. Staff continued to provide fresh bottled water forus and our pups, extra towels, blankets, and coffees. Weoptedfornohousekeepingservicebecauseofthedogs.However, we asked housekeeping to freshen the room whilewe were out walking the dogs. There are nice walking trails along the lake and golfcourse, and poop bags are provided for the dogs. As thestormtookaturnawayfromtheTampaBayarea,wewatched nervously as the endless rain and wind was nowheadedforOrlando.While TampaBaywasspared,ourfriendsdownSouthweredecimated,andmanypartsofOrange County were flooded.The Ritz-Carlton Orlando suffered little damage andnever lost power. The hotel was quiet and sheltering. We, asa family, felt very safe. The food and beverage offerings wereplentiful, and staff jovial, despite working 16 hour days, andbeing away from their own families. After three nights at theRitz, we opted to leave early Friday and return home toSt.Petersburg.Wehadpowerrestored,andtheonlydamagewasalargepalmfrondinourpool.Wewereextremely lucky.Now, as someone who does not regularly travel with herdogs, despite my obsession with them, this was a great expe-rience. The hotel was very accommodating, compassionate,and welcoming. I would be inclined to bring my pets backto any Ritz-Carlton property in the future. In fact, we hadour wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and our dogs werewith us. The entire Ritz-Carlton Orlando team should be com-mended for creating the perfect storm retreat for everyoneand their dogs, including General Manager, Jon McGavinand Area Director of Events, Tami Corday. It is a week wewill not soon forget.UThe Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes4012 Central Florida ParkwayOrlando, Florida 328371.407.206.2400Brooke Palmer Kuhl is President of RSBP Events+ PR, anaward-winning event planning,hospitality and lifestyle publicrelations firm. She is also the co-founder of the Pitbull Mafia ofSouth Tampa, fairy dog mothers to rescues, with over 50 dogsplaced in furever homes. Kuhl and her family were evacuatedand paid for their own stay. www.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 35'