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April 27, 2016 By Eileen Blass 4 Comments

The greatest (and funniest) packing list for going to a dog show

Packing List Art
© 2016 BernerWise

The countdown has begun. There’s less than a week to go before the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America National Specialty in Frankenmuth, Mich.

But the packing has been ongoing for weeks.

It’s a skill I perfected traveling the world alone as a USA TODAY staff photographer.

Now I travel with Bernese Mountain Dogs (Teddy, 3 1/2 years old, and Ziva, 6 months), instead of cases of photo gear.

A list-maker to top all list-makers

I’m a serial list maker, especially when packing. I have so many lists. I have lists of my lists.

But it appears I’ve been outdone in the list-making department.

Maria Crifasi, who is getting ready to leave for her 12th National Specialty, has the best packing list of all – and it’s hysterical.

Maria, a Berner owner since 1999, has graciously allowed me to share her list with you.

So I’ve ditched my list for hers. Enjoy!

Maria Crifasi’s Packing List
for the BMDCA National

  • your dog/s
  • WINE
  • Crate
  • crate dolly
  • crate fan
  • cool pad for crate
  • cool coat for dog (hot weather)
  • regular crate pad
  • x-pen with ground cover
  • reflective blanket & clips
  • dog toys
  • WINE
  • bitch pants for the girls in season
  • rolls of paper towels
  • vanilla extract (for nose of sex-crazed male dogs)
  • WINE
  • frozen water – provides air-conditioning and cool water to drink – from home in case Berner may be sensitive to different water
  • cooler with ice and drinks/food for you (fruit, crackers, snacks, drinks)
  • bowls for food and water
  • ample dog food, supplements, medication PLUS a few days extra
  • can opener and spoon for canned dog food
  • WINE
  • MORE WINE
  • first aid kit (for dog and for human)
  • tissues for human
  • lint brush
  • extra collar and leash
  • show collar and leash – obedience collar
  • WINE
  • auto harness
  • license tag, ID, health certificates, proof of vaccinations (one vet insists on not only tags but receipts), microchip number.
  • treats & special bait for the ring
  • the Premium List and your tickets!
  • road maps
  • WINE
  • camera – charger! computer + charger, Ipad + charger (you get the idea).
  • grooming supplies: comb, brush, nail clippers, shampoo, towels, scissors, cut stop, mist bottle, dryer, grooming table, ear cleaner, cotton balls, Q-tips, eye drops, dental supplies, no-rinse shampoo (for muddy feet)
  • carpet/upholstery cleaner
  • recent photograph and a written description including name, breed, height, weight, coloring, distinctive markings, your vet’s phone number for emergency contact, microchip number; tattoo number. This info will make an instant flyer
  • folding chair or seat cushion if there are bleachers
  • sheet or blanket for hotel bed so that your Berner doesn’t get the bedspread dirty
  • sunscreen and sun hat for human. Optional for Berner + other fun dog wear
  • WINE
  • clothes lint brush
  • umbrella? raincoat? boots? gloves? CHECK WEATHER!
  • Breath mints to camouflage flood of terror-induced adrenalin in show ring
  • WINE
  • poop bags (easier than trying to find the public shovel) & flashlight for night
  • hand wipes (in case you bought cheap poop bags)
  • LOTS of money for the vendors
  • cell phone so you can tell your friends about your wins and phone CHARGER

And last but not least: A corkscrew AND WINE glass charms!

Filed Under: Resources, Show, Training

Comments

  1. Gay Towfiq says

    April 27, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Wow. Makes me wish I could drink without getting snockered after the first swallow. Never realized so much stuff is needed just to take a dog somewhere. I have a backpack for therapy dog stuff though which includes water, bones, insurance cards, extra leash and collar, paper towels, etc. Keeping a copy if this. Will think about the wine though.

    Reply
  2. Barbara says

    April 28, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    Love this????

    Reply
  3. Debby says

    April 29, 2016 at 8:22 am

    I love this list & will try the vanilla extract with my boy, thanks!! Will keep the list, it’s better than mine too !!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Eileen's First Aid Kit for Dogs: How to put one together says:
    August 20, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    […] it’s easy to travel with if you’re going camping with your Bernese Mountain Dogs or to a dog […]

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