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Camping at a Show – What an Experience

Lyle and I had grown tired of staying at hotels because it seemed that we were loading and unloading dogs and equipment continuously.  Our car has been broken into at a hotel and a lot of our equipment was taken.  What a hassle with insurance and replacing everything.  We don’t like leaving our girls in the hotel room by themselves, because they bark and cry after us.  Seems a sure fire way to get kicked out of a hotel.

Our friend offered us his pop-up camper.  We had two friends joining us with another dog.  Now imagine this, three adult women, one adult man, two standard wirehaired dachshunds and one 105 pound Leonberger all staying in a 12 foot pop-up trailer.  Add to the drama that it came a downpour just as we pulled into our camp-site and we (meaning Lyle mainly) had to put up the trailer.  Chris and Jenn put up the Easyup to have something to stand under while Lyle and I got the trailer up and the awning on. 

It was nice for Lyle to insist that the girls go grocery shopping while he finished levelling and getting the inside ready to be lived in.  We made it back after dark and unloaded the groceries and Lyle made delicious hamburgers for supper.  Everything tastes better when it is cooked outside, you are camping and you are exhausted.

The Ghetto Camp-site

There were bets that none of us would be speaking at the end of the trip!  Considering we didn't have indoor plumbing and there were three women who needed to blow dry their hair and get dressed each morning, we did pretty well.  Also considering that none of us had ever camped together before, we made it all work.  The biggest challenges we had was rain that kept us tucked inside the trailer instead of sitting outside around a camp fire, and I didn't pack enough blankets. We almost froze the first night.  Thanks to Diane Bell for loaning us blankets.  She saved our lives I'm sure.  It’s amazing the stories you hear in the mornings from your camp mates, who was snoring and who was passing gas in their sleep.  Of course that is always blamed on the dogs. 

We had a lot of fun and laughs.  It was great having the xpens and crates set up outside for the dogs.  Of course, they slept with us at night.  I must say that one Leonberger is no more trouble than two dachshunds.  We called our camp-site “The Ghetto”.  Everyone around us was in nice dry, spacious motorhomes or travel trailers.  We had our towels and wash cloths hanging around our Easyup.  But...everyone around us was friendly.

Thanks so much to our friend for the loan of the Popup Trailer.  I learned a valuable lesson. Lyle and I are middle aged and too old to rough it. We need a spacious travel trailer that sleeps at least six and has a full kitchen and bathroom.  Lyle and I have narrowed down what we are looking for.  Come Spring, we will be moving on up to the Sunny-side of the Camp ground!  Our Welcome Mat will be out for those staying in Popup Trailers or Tents that may need to borrow blankets.

ASK THE EXPERTS

This will be a regular feature of my blog.  I will be asking a question to a cross-section of Canadian experts involved in various areas of the dog world.  If you would like to participate or have a question you would like to have asked or have an expert you would like to answer a question, feel free to contact me.

Question:  What training is required to become a Ring Steward?

Answer:  Tannis Postma from just outside of Lamont, Alberta.  She is a Breeder/Handler/Ring Steward.  She owns Pekeapug Kennels and breeds Black Pugs.

I think attending ring stewarding seminars that local clubs offer is a good way to learn.  Mentor with someone for a day when you aren't showing, but NOT under judges you will show to during the rest of the show.   Always pay attention to what is happening when you are sitting or waiting at ringside.

Watch and learn.  Clubs need good stewards. The best training happens when you actually get in the ring and do it.

  

The hardest part of ring stewarding is keeping the ring moving by not allowing a judge to take too much time with one breed.  Keep the dogs coming in the ring.  Some judges like to give handling lessons to each and every person that enters under them, you need to keep the ring moving. It is your job to keep the judge on time.

Next are puppies, which ones do you bring back in?  I circle the puppies with my red pen, then you are not forgetting someone and when the judge asks you why only those dogs, you go to your sheets and show the red pen marks and they understand.

I always bring my own things.  Red Pen, Marker, blank Armbands, elastics, safety pin, clip board, post it notes and fine blue pens.  Being armed with the things you may need at ring side is helpful.

Most of all, BE NICE, BE FORCEFUL, and BE ON TIME!!!!!  

Unless you have been a Ring Steward, who would have known everything a Ring Steward does.  Perhaps we should be thankful for their hard work.  Let's all remember to thank the Ring Stewards before we leave the ring, doesn't matter if you won or loss.

I like to see people do nice things for others.  If someone does

something nice for you at a show or you see or hear about 

something nice being done, please send me an email at 

djenkins@shaw.ca.   Be sure to put in the subject: Nice

We will mention that person by name in the blog.  

This nice deed was submitted by Kelly Canham-Tonkin

Location of Nice Deed:  Oakville Show in Ancaster, On

Will Alexander
Professional Handler/Groomer and Instructor

MacKenzie and her 8 month old Chinese Crested were in the Group ring. Will made sure she was where the judge wanted her to be, when he wanted her to be there.  He also gave her tips and a huge congratulations when she beat him.

Another great example of Positive Professional Conduct.

            

                

Happy Thanksgiving

I can't tell you how thankful I am for each of you.  Thank you for supporting my blog and for contributing your time to answer my questions or to report nice deeds.  

I hope you each have a safe, joyful and thankful day with family and friends.

To my husband, Lyle, I Love You!

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog.  

XXXOOO