Disney Cruise Postponed =(

Login to post comments
18 posts / 0 new
Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350
Disney Cruise Postponed =(

sad Today is a sad day for a few reasons. We had to postpone our upcoming 1st ever Disney Cruise. Over the weekend, my precious dog, Willow was diagnosed with SARDs (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration). On Tuesday she was a healthy happy seeing dog and by Wednesday she had lost her vision and is now blind. My heart was shattered in an instant. My biggest concern is for my pup and helping her adjust to this suddenly new way of life. Therefore, we made the decision last night to cancel/postpone our cruise and take care of our baby girl. The good news is, we did take the travel insurance, so if they deny the claim (which I anticipate they will because animals aren't usually a valid coverage reason), Disney will issue us a credit of 100% to put towards a future cruise. So we will eventually be going, just not in 34 days.

__________________

mimi's picture
Offline
Joined: 11/27/2012
Posts: 234

I am so sorry to hear your news. Wishing you only the best with your baby girl, Willow. I'm sure with your love and devotion she'll be able to adapt. You're very good puppy parents. My thoughts will be you and your family...

Allie's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/26/2012
Posts: 5477

Aw I'm so sorry to hear that, Kris! Thinking happy thoughts for your pup! muchlove

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9504

You know we are thinking of you and Willow.

Kat's picture
Kat
Offline
Joined: 05/05/2012
Posts: 395

I am so sorry to hear about Willow! My thoughts and prayers will be with her, you, and your family. muchlove

__________________

Fall 2015: Master's Degree Graduation Trip, Details TBD! Can't wait to be back in the World!
Nov. 2014: Baby's First 1/2 Day at the Magic Kingdom; our date day at Hollywood studios
Jan. 2014: Our princess was born!
May 2013: Our POR & DCL honeymoon (& my husband's first Disney trip of hopefully many!)
May 2013: Our Disney-themed wedding

crazycatperson's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/19/2011
Posts: 3718

Your dog is very lucky to have such caring, loving people.

We have a blind cat that has adapted quite well. She gets around the house almost as well as she used to - she has no trouble finding the food and water dishes or the litter boxes. She doesn't jump up on things anymore since she can't see to judge the jump, but she'll still climb up where she can - sofas, the bed, chairs. Dogs' hearing is better than ours and their sense of smell is even better than that of a cat, so I think Willow will manage just fine once she's gotten used to being blind.

finngirl's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/11/2012
Posts: 1072

Poor Willow! She must be so confused and stressed right now. I hope she is able to adapt, and kudos to you for giving up your cruise to help her navigate her new world.

__________________

Diana

Time marches on. Eventually you realize it's doing it across your face.

Offline
Joined: 09/12/2010
Posts: 4704

Oh, Kris, we are so sorry to hear about Willow! Take the time to comfort her. I'm so sad for all of you Sad Our thoughts will be with you as you adjust.

Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350

Thank you everyone. This has been a very difficult couple of days for us. Willow is definitely depressed and scared, but we are doing everything we can to be upbeat and encouraging with her. I try only to cry when I'm in a different room so she can't feed of of my emotions. We have an appointment with a different ophthamologist tomorrow for a second opinion. I don't expect the diagnosis to be any different, but I feel like I need to do everything I can to make sure we know what we are dealing with. You are all so wonderful to be concerned for us, and I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers so much! We will get through this, and our already incredibly strong bond will grow even stronger. This forum and the people on it are absolutely wonderful!

__________________

JoAnn C's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/20/2011
Posts: 6757

Sending you good thoughts from Connecticut.

__________________

Offline
Joined: 08/01/2012
Posts: 2037

Oh Kris I am so sorry to hear about your baby. There will always be time to take another cruise. I know you will take good care of Willow. I am sending pixie dust your way. stars

Vettelover's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/28/2009
Posts: 4658

Kris, I echo the sentiments all the others on the board and I am sure Willow will adapt with your love and caring. Good luck to you and Willow. stars

__________________

Jess's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/04/2011
Posts: 3280

So sorry to hear you had to end up cancelling....but you will get to go again. You are such a good momma to Willow and she loves you for that.

__________________

Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350

Thanks guys/gals! Will let you know how we make out at specialist number two today!

__________________

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9504

crossfingers

Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350

Well we're back from ophthamologist number 2. She agreed with the initial diagnosis of SARDs which I expected. I just needed to have it verified. She said Willow has some function left in her right eye although it is very minimal. She may be able to see light and dark, so at least that's something. She suggested continuing to do the steroid shots in the eye every 6 weeks to try to hang on to what little vision she does have left and she also recommended an abdominal ultrasound to rule out and tumors on her adrenal glands. She said we didn't need to see a neurologist because best she can tell, it doesn't appear to be neurological in nature, so that's good at least. Thanks all for your concern and your thoughts & prayers! You are all awesome!

__________________

disneydoc's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/27/2012
Posts: 2415

thinking good thoughts. You are a loving mama. mickey

__________________

magicalkingdoms.com Ticker DIStickers.com Ticker

taratru's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/26/2012
Posts: 556

Oh, poor baby! I hope she is doing okay. What a good mama you are.

__________________