Thanks Jeanie. We are doing the prelim packing. I have almost finished cooking up the 5 dinners for my sister who will be staying home this time, to take care of Magic. Magic can't travel with us, because his rabies titer test won't be done in time
It is okay as sis is not so fascinated with doggy shows lol. And Magic will be on guard duty at night, so I feel okay with leaving sis home, and the neighbours all have agreed to look in on sis.
I have the grooming supplies almost packed, just mixing up my shampoos and gathering together the conditioners I will need. Extra collars, leads, harnesses (Razzman), gathered up. I usually spend about 10 minutes throwing some clothes into a bag for me
Printing off all my entry confirmations, routes, and hotel info. We have notification of our arm band numbers etc.
Unfortunately due to show times, Dara won't be able to partake in the health clinics ... but I hope to manage to get her entered into CGC on Friday. But there is a 20 dog limit entry and the show starts Wednesday and we don't arrive until Thurs, so I shall see if there is a spot available to her.
Our first aid kit is always packed, but I also make sure to have diarrehea and anxiety stuff with us.
Last will be our food for the trip, as we try to eat our lunches that I make, and I will pack some frozen soup to do us for a couple of dinners.
We will have to purchase raw food first thing on Thurs for the pups, and some minimal grocery shopping for the humans too. We love our coffee! I bring a French press and usually buy a lb of coffee. We can't stand motel coffee!
Thurs all going well we arrive mid-day - go immediately to show grounds, set up our crates etc, wash Dara, blow her dry. Go to motel, check in, get set up there - do food shopping etc. Walk every-one, big long walk.
Then onto show grounds earlish Friday. Prior to that - full one hour exercise with our very energetic gal, and basically have fun with her. I usually do the teeth at the motel, after early morn feeding. And that feeding will be hand fed with the beard moved up and out of the way. Final grooming is done on site. For Blackies, I will blow dry the beard. Make sure ears, eyes are sparkling clean, check nails (again). Fluff the hock area, snip errant hairs. Final check of collar and lead for integrity. The coat should shine like black velvet when the light hits it, not one single tangle or knot palpable. Early to the show grounds is a good policy, because you are not rushed, and then you take your dog for a walk around with lots of treats and toys, and especially for a puppy you make it a fun time!!! Well at least that is how I do it.
I hope I can sneak her home made treats across the border - we shall see. If not I can purchase some pure liver treats at the pet store
Very exciting time for us! Oh yes we have bumped up Dara's food to put a little more weight on her, as she is kept in sports condition usually. That means she is eating 3.5 lbs a day. But she is burning off a lot with the conditioning exercises too! Ilona said on Friday, okay now you bump up her food, cough cough, well we started last wk to bump up her food.... lol lol, so we have bumped up even more now.
Nationals are pretty important - in fact they are if not the most important, one of the most important shows a breeder attends.
I am so looking forward to hearing Dr Denis Obrien speak on Saturday night about the new genetic test for JLPP!
I will try to post pics and vids to facebook or something.