Going to Disneyland, but what about Ash?

I don't know what else to tell you, but this is EXACTLY why I won't be going on vacation.
I can't IMAGINE anyone else taking care of Ella.
I feed her, I walk her, I know her.


Having said that though, who knows, maybe she'll bond with your uncle and they'll have a GREAT time. I wouldn't worry too much about it, you can always call and check on her.

She'll be fine.  I know you will worry (I do too) but she'll be fine. 
 
Make sure your memo to your uncle includes your contact information (cell phone number in bold), the name and number of Ash's vet, and of an after-hours emergency vet, just in case.  Also, when I've done that for dogsitters, I list some commands that might be useful for the sitter to know (things like sit, stay, down, go potty, go to your bed -- anything that might make it easier for the sitter to control the dog).  Also, if Ash waits to hear a release command before she eats (Ace won't eat meals unless he hears "OK"), make sure you put that in too. 
 
Less is more, so I might edit down the routine and behavior-type information, unless it's critical stuff he really needs to know.  If you say too much, it will be less useful.  And use short paragraphs with headings so the information is easily accessible on the page. 
 
Breathe and have fun on your trip.  She'll be just fine. 

Dont forget favorite toys and if she uses her crate and is comfortable in there then bring it.She may want a safe haven in a strange place.

Take the CRATE, it is very familiar to her.  The schedules are a good idea and will help.  I strongly second the id suggestions.  at the pet supply place here, they have one of those engraving machines.  I would get a really obvious tag (metal) and attach the cell phone numbers.  Make sure she wears the tag under supervision prior to taking her to your uncle.  Dogs who have not worn tags some times chew on those danglies and a plastic one could be destroyed and information lost.
 
Disneyland has a kennel on site (at least they used too).  Kenneling is actually good for a dog.  It prepares them for an emergency.  It is actually easier on your dog that you think.  I used to spend summers when visiting my friend (during the day) I helped at her kennel and also took care of the dogs on a couple of days when family obligations took them out of town.  Most dogs did just fine.  Yes it can be stressful initially, but I had plenty of dogs show me through their behavior they were quite happy to be there.  Personally I kenneled my first dogs when they were well into adulthood (7 and 13)  The 13 thirteen year old terrier mix didnt blink an eye.  The dobe struggled, she ran her mouth non stop and came home hoarse.  Now I start a boarding experience with the dogs young.  They spend a day and get picked up a couple of times, followed by an over night.  That way when bad things happen, like a family medical emergency or a death, the dogs are familiar with the place and the folks.  I really feel that giving them positive boarding experiences is in their best interest long term.

I always leave not only Vet number, address, directions, hours and Emergency Vet number, address, directions, hours, but a note authorizing charges to be made to my credit card to care for my pet in any health emergency.  I've even actually faxed that in to the vet's offices in advance when I'm gone for more than just a few days.
 
I once was caring for an animal who became critically ill in the middle of the night and had to drain my bank account to get her to the E vet and save her life.  I knew it was what they would want done, but not everyone who watches my animals can spring for that nor would I want them to have to! But I want to make sure the care I would provide IS provided.

Leave your uncle the vet's number, and be sure you have her permanently ID'd (microchip).  Otherwise, unless you have the money for a top notch kennel or petsitter, that'll have to do.  She should be fine, but ask your uncle to call you IMMEDIATELY with any concerns.  And, why not sign him up here?  We'll be happy to answer any questions he has on the board or by PM)

We went thru the same thing last year we drove to Florida though. We felt so bad that we actually came home a few days early. Just to get Spike. He was staying at a boarder and she actually liked him so much she took him home with her so he would not be alone at night (the kennels are on the same lot as her house) but we felt bad either way and I had to call and check twice a day to see what he was doing.
But just to let you know and it might be to late for this vacation for you but they do have dog day kennels at disney for when you bring your fur babies with you you drop them off in the morning and pick them up when you leave the park and from what one of the girls that worked there told me it is like doggy day camp.
Next year when we go back we are going to bring the boys.
 
 

I wanted to do this, but we're driving there and my family said "No way". I am not allowed to bring Ash. I was told I need to be a big girl and learn how to leave her behind sometimes on vacations.

Oh - that's too bad.  I was going to tell you the same thing.  If you're going to be staying someplace where Ash can be with you at night, they do have great day kennels at Disneyland.  Years ago we had to use them, and it worked out fine.

Joyce

Disneyland/Disneyworld - I assume they have the same 'rules' -- and it's NOT easy.  Good, yes .. but not 'easy' because you have to make your way out to the main gate to **walk your OWN dog** -- they used to walk them for you but won't any more - at least here at DW - and it takes like an hour just to WALK from one end of the park to the other so it can really be difficult.
 
Also Disney ****requires**** the combo shot -- and I had to do some fast talking the last time we boarded ours (we live here in Orlando and have year-round passes).  They didn't understand 'titer' and their 'rules' said .... and suffice to say at Disney the mindset is that some follow rules and some don't and the ones who DO have no imagination, understanding or anything else and if you had a God-sealed gold-embossed titer report they wouldn't take it if your paperwork didn't fit with their 'requirements'.   I finally won, but it took all my knowhow and loud complaints and several days of pre-planning. (cos mine never get the combo shot).
 
If your dog doesn't have 'proof of vaccinations' then they have to be OUTSIDE (no air-conditioning).  And you have to collect your dog at "closing" (which is BEFORE the fire-works, etc.)
 
I like Disney and it's better than nothing, BUT it's not 'easy'. 
 
That being said, Sylvia -- this IS good for Ashland.  It IS good for you.  there ***will*** be times in life when you can't take your dog.  So look at this as training for you and the dog, and make it such!!
 
"Ash, Mom's gonna be gone for FOUR [4 fingers] bedtimes!  YOU are gonna stay with Uncle ____.  Now we gotta teach him how to do this, so you gotta help me, ok??"
 
Tell Ash exactly what you expect -- show Ash the pre-packaged food -- "When Uncle __ runs out of bags WE will be home!!"
 
Trust me -- this works.  It will help un-stress you, and the dog.  It lets the dog KNOW you plan this, and this is all according to how YOU want it.  YOu gotta not be all stressed ... that does Ash a great dis-service and sets him up to be in trouble and be upset.  That's not fair to Ash. 
 
Between now and then show Ash things that have one, two, three, and four 'things'.  So he gets used to the fact that four is a finite quantity.  No, dogs can't add and subtract, BUT they can know that four bed times is ... well, what is it?  Is it before trash day?  Is it after the weekend?  Give Ash a frame of reference.  He'll learn and so will you.
 
This is SO good for them ... they learn you say what you mean.  You SAY you'll be back and you WILL be back.  It's not easy for you ... but it is good for both of you. 
 
There will come the day when something difficult parts you ... and you will be able to walk thru it knowing Ash understands.  Yep, I'll be back in TWO bedtimes (or whatever).  It helps.  I've been gone for weeks but have told the dogs "I'll be back after fire-cracker day ..." (or turkey day, or Christmastree day ... or whatever the handy frame of reference is).  They learn as much language as you teach them.  See this as a learning thing -- it will make it easier and better for both of you!!