Today has been a fun day, although a long one. Up early and on the road to the dog show in Rosenberg, Texas (about 2 1/2 hours east of us). As I started out to the car with the first load of last-minute-things-to load Bentley ran ahead of me through the kitchen, through the laundry room and was waiting excitedly at the door into the garage. This little guy knew he was going on a road trip! He went in and out with me as I loaded and then was ready to hop in the front seat and settle in. I think he knows the clues: lots of grooming and fussing over him, a bath the night before, and then up earlier than usual. He's too smart!
The sky was just beginning to turn light along the horizon as we pulled up onto the freeway. I love watching the sunrise while driving. Maybe that's one of the reasons I like these day trips to shows. There were no clouds this morning, just a clear sky with the morning star shining down on us. The temperature dropped below freezing for a while and there was a heavy frost that made the pastures and fields look like snow had fallen. Beautiful!
The show venue was a little tricky to find; thank goodness we had plenty of time. It was inside one of the show barns with a packed dirt floor. Oh joy trying to push a cart with a crated dog and bags of gear piled on it! Fortunately I had worn sneakers to drive over and then changed into dress boots before walking inside. I kept Bentley off the floor at first, but then decided to just not worry about him. I gave him a quick brushing and a spray with finishing spray and he was ready for the ring.
So how did the little guy do in the ring? He was great! Very relaxed and walked fairly well. The judge was very nice, but didn't give me time to stack him. She did everyone that way - I think she knew what she was looking for in the breeds she judged. He took Reserve Winners Dog and made his Mom very proud! I did have problems keeping that long dachshund nose out of the dirt - he loved it!
