Long, Long Trailer (continued)

Ah yes, we own a trailer!  Rather like Desi and Lucy we were ignorant on what all that truly meant!

We sign the papers, held out our eager palms and await the keys dangling above to drop.  The feeling of those keys, you remember that first car.....I know you do!  No one forgets that moment.....roller coaster thrills course through your stomach......it's mine!  Then of course comes the roller coaster drop.......the add on!  The very nice sales men takes into the show room.....yes they have those too :)  inside is all the things every new trailer owner wants and maybe doesn't need but we don't know that yet!  

I am Lucy!  Oohhing and aahhing over every item.  "I'm sure we need these awning lights!   Oh and that cure sign to hang by the door!"  Then comes the BIG TICKET item......sway bars and trailer brakes!  Now if you have seen the movie, 'The Long, Long Trailer',  you will remember a glazed eye'd Desi trying to remember the trailer brakes!  Rob had that look, as the guys tried to explain why we needed sway bars and those trailer brakes....sweat began to break out.  I knew we were in trouble!  Wisely putting down my armload of accessories, I walk over to hear the sales pitch on sway bars.  After hearing about wind movement and semi trailers swaying your vehicle I couldn't get those bars fast enough!  Who knew there was so many options in towing packages!

We arranged to have the towing features installed and left.  The balloon of excitement now deflated....what were we thinking!  Hauling 28' of trailer behind our car, that would be loaded full of Poodles.............we must be certifiable!  At least that is what my husband, like Desi thought!

The day arrived.....tow package installed....check.  Now onto the class of 'How to do......everything trailer 101!'  I wisely brought our video camera to record everything, lest we forget some important item.  We also brought, our son.....the techie guy to help!  

Roll camera................class begins.  I had a list of questions after watching you tube videos....smugly I thought I was prepared!  NOT!  We start inside the trailer with the panel that shows tank levels, then onto fuses, how to drain the pipes, use the air & heat, TV antenna, DVD, Radio......he lost me at fuses!  Outside, it really got complicated!  Hot water tank valves, gas or electric, yada, yada......he was sounding like Charlie Brown's Mom to my ears! "Woah..woah.."  

It got really bad.....'Desi bad', when it came to backing up the car hooking up the trailer and those dang sway bars!  Rob's eyes reminded me of those cartoons with the big white eyes in a dark cave!  No REALLY!  I knew better then to try to talk to him at this point, it just wasn't going that well.  He made about 5 approaches to the trailer and was off every time........finally we had touch down!  He and Hobs (our son) hooked up the trailer to the car via instructions from our salesman now instructor.  "Okay," he says "Now take it for a drive".............OMG was he kidding!  Rob looked at me with .....terror in his eyes.  We all climb into the SUV with the 'instructor' in the front seat with Rob.  We had laughed so hard at Desi in that movie........now it didn't seem so funny!

We slowly pull out of the lot and on to the street..............in the back seat I am praying.....no really I am!  He takes Rob down a dead end road where he practices those trailer brakes and backing up.  After 15 minutes of practice, the instructor announces "okay, that's it!".  He gets out and we are on our own.  We all just sit in the SUV, looking back at that 28 foot monster behind us......I can safely say we all wondered if we would make it home in one piece.

That was the slowest, most stressful journey home!  No one spoke......those darn trailer brakes kept jerking the whole car and trailer.  People honked at us as we crawled the 50 miles back to home.  Rob's blood pressure, had I been able to take it, was at stroke level!  Just as we pulled into our town, we felt a sigh of relief......the worst was behind us!  We were all alive and we had DONE it!

Let me just say that the statement above was way, way premature!  In our ignorance is bliss moment.....we had forgotten that the trailer had to be BACKED into our driveway; which is on a very busy street!  As we approached home......you could see light bulbs above each of our heads going off......driveway!   Rob pulled the trailer over and Hobs and I got out to direct traffic.  The neighbors began to collect on their lawns and front porches.  I seriously thought they were going to get out the popcorn and lawn chairs!  Now, my blood pressure is rising......nothing like having an audience in your most vulnerable moments!  Desi, took out Rose bushes and a trellis in the backing the trailer scene of the movie..........What was Rob going to do!

Rob made his approach, swung the trailer toward the drive entrance and then away (just as he was taught), pulled up and then began backing.  I was in the driveway, trying to direct him.  I really needed an orange vest and flashlights like they use at the airport for guiding planes....that trailer looked the size of a 727 to me!  Off the edge of the drive the tires go!  I'm yelling "STOP!" "STOP!" as the trailer tilts to one side!  Rob pulls forward again.  Now remember we have, neighbors watching and traffic stopped and let me tell you those folks in the cars, were none to happy!  Rob tries again, same result.  At this the people in the cars are really steamed!  I walk up to the car and suggest, in my sweetest voice, that maybe he should go around the block and try again!

Off Rob goes and a stream of cars passes us, glaring like we had held them up from winning the lottery!  Rob has to make about 3 trips around the block before he is able to get that big ole' trailer lined up and finally makes it into the driveway.  What is interesting is the neighbors don't come over until AFTER our Dutchman is asleep in the drive!  Then they have all kinds of suggestions!  Really!  I had a few suggestions of my own, but managed to keep them inside of me, while I gave my poor hubby a big "Rah, Rah" cheer of encouragement.

That night, with the trailer tucked away, we sat and watched one more time.....'The Long, Long Trailer'.  This time that movie had a whole new significance!  Lucy and Desi......move over here comes Karen and Rob!

The Long, Long Trailer

Indigo, our new arrival was growing so quickly.  Spring was upon us, the snow piles became small streams of water rushing toward the woods behind our home.  Funny how Spring rejuvenates not only nature around us but in each person there is a stirring within.  Anticipation of sun, warmth and trailers!  Okay, maybe you don't think trailers in April but I did!  

In attending more dog shows, I kept seeing a common site.....yes trailers and RV's.  I began to think that if we wanted to really belong in the "club" a travel trailer was what we needed!  If I were a red head, which I'm not......Lucy would be my other half.  Have you seen the movie, "The Long, Long Trailer' ?  The stars are of course Lucy and Desi!  Now if you HAVE seen the movie you will be able to appreciate this blog, oh so much more!  If not, rent the movie.....your funny bone will be so glad you did!  In this scenario Rob is oh so classic Desi and I am the zany red head.......Lucy.

It began after we returned with Indigo.  I started to explain to Rob that the cost of going to shows would be so much less if we had a travel trailer.  Hotels are costly and it can be hard to find a hotel that allows more then one dog.  Now that we had 2 poodles, it could be a problem finding hotels.  Also, wouldn't it be nice to go back to the oh so close trailer in between shows to relax, have a snack or take a nap?  Rob began to enlighten to my way of thinking; after all it does get to be a long day of sitting in camping chairs while awaiting your next ring time.

During the last part of winter is when the Trailer/RV Shows begin.  So we started our search for the perfect little trailer!  Never-mind you, we had never hauled anything behind our car except for a u haul!  We had delusions of grandeur, ignorance is bliss!  Looking on the internet also helped to fuel our frenzy for the luxury home on wheels!  RV's with outdoor shows and built in grills. Trailers with slide outs that made the space inside double.  Imagine a fat bass, swimming past that popping lure.....stalking ready to strike!  I think those sales guys saw us, like that fisherman saw his bass.......hooked!

Reality set in when we saw the price tags on those beauties!  We decided to step back....take a deep breath and reevaluate!  An RV was definitely out, checked off the list!  We couldn't afford the gas let alone the rig!  Now a sweet travel trailer......yes we could do that!  A little cottage on wheels, was our dream.  We began to stop at every trailer dealer along our route and expanded the search to a 1 hour radius from our home.  Going in and out of small trailers, trailers with canvas extensions, large trailers, 5th wheels and pop up campers......rather like Dr. Seuses' "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish"   I mean, who knew there were so MANY types of trailers!  What this did do for us was to help us narrow our search, see the target price and set a bulls-eye!

I still recall the day.....cold and windy, grey April skies threatened a shower as we walked on the wet gravel of another dealership.  I rounded a large 5th wheel and there she was.........a Dutchman trailer!  This is significant since my husband, Rob is Dutch!  It was a sign from heaven, I was convinced; this little beauty was THE ONE!  Rob approached me from behind and he saw THAT look.....my look.  We walked in awe up to "our" trailer.  First we slowly walked around her, just the right size........see as we searched we began to realize that size mattered........when it comes to towing weight!  Looked like nothing was wrong with the outside so.....we approached the door.......it was unlocked!  As if opening Pandora's box, the door slowly opened and my eyes beheld the glory of the interior.  It's a 28' Dutchman lite, which means our SUV can handle the size and weight.  It has a queen and a bunk house in the back.  No slides, but only had one owner, it was in excellent condition.  We bought it that day and are now the proud owners of our own dog show travel trailer!

The New Arrival

With the fever raging we moved into the winter season.  Rob talked about wanting his own Poodle to show and I dreamed of owning a travel trailer.  Did I mention in my web MD search that another side effect of Show Fever is the need for more!  More dogs, more gear, more of anything dog show related.  It was obvious to our friends and family that Rob and Karen had gone past the point of no return :)  

We were in the midst of remodeling our 1924 Storybook style house; our master suite was under renovations so we had moved into our guest room.  At night I would hide under the blanket and slowly open my iPad; hoping to not wake my snoring hubby.  There in my cocoon of blankets and soft light I would scour the Poodle Breeder web pages.  Looking for the right puppy for Rob; being an architect he needed a pup that would engage his eye for detail.  One night I found it.....a parti poodle, I hadn't seen one at any of the shows we had attended.  Remember we only had gone to two shows at this point and visited an local AKC show venue.  I excited saved the web site, gently closed my iPad, un-buried my  head and with a joy filled heart drifted off to sleep; I had a surprise!

Within the next week I called the breeder; we chatted for an hour and she still had the pup available!  The catch was she held back 2 pups trying to decide which one she wanted to keep; my heart sank.  She reassured me that she would make a decision in a couple of days.  I had wanted to surprise Rob, but the anticipation got the best of me.....yup, I told him!  He looked at the photo and loved the puppy, but then thought the pup may not get tall enough for him.  Rob's a really tall man and he envisioned walking down our neighborhood with a toy poodle!  He's confident, but NOT that confident!  So I had to call the breeder back and tell her the news; she was disappointed too since we had hit it off on the phone so well.

Just a few days later, we are snuggled into our warm bed; the cool winter air permeates our guest room (we needed to yet install a new furnace), Rob turns to me, "I really think that little fella is cute.  Do you think he might still be available?"  The woman of action that I am......I reach over to the night stand, whip out the iPad and immediately send off an email.  I now get it.....breeders NEVER sleep!  I get an email back almost instantly....."Yes!  I am so happy you changed your mind!"  Okay, maybe I'm weird but.....every time we get a new dog...... I have this heart racing, excitement.......like hearing "you're going to have a baby!"  okay maybe not that exciting but really.......it's close!

Like knowing your pregnant, it's name time!  Oh my gosh, we make lists of registered names, checking to be sure they aren't already used; then you have to have a call name! This exercise can take us anywhere from a few days to weeks.  You'd think we were naming the next President!  Well, maybe the next Westminster winner!  Seriously, how does it sound in the TV emcee voice????  You don't want it so hard the announcer can't say it correctly.....this is stressful stuff!  Laying awake at night; I am the most creative at night, names like flying cars down the interstate whiz by......I keep a note card on the bed stand for just these moments.  

We now have it narrowed down to 4 registered names and 4 call names.......whew!  As the day approaches to pick up the new arrival, there is much preparation to do.  I think a puppy shower should be thrown for every new puppy.  I mean, we throw showers for weddings, babies, retirements........gearing up for a new pup is costly :)  I mean he can't get old used, hand down, pre-chewed toys....right!  or  that raggy old blanket that has seen it's better day, what about food bowls, collars, leashes and a name tag!  See what I mean........PUPPY SHOWERS!

It's winter, we load up the car with a kennel (used.....Sienna's old one she outgrew; hope he doesn't notice!), TOMTOM gps and a new fleece blanket!  Yes, I felt guilty over that old used, kennel.  Full tank of gas and we are off, hoping for good weather; it's a 4+ hours drive to the rendezvous location.  We pulled into the deserted country club parking lot; I mean who's golfing with 6" of snow on the ground!  We arrive first; leaving the car running we wait ..... 15 minutes goes by, did we miss him?  I begin to get anxious, maybe he hit a snow storm?  Wait!  I have his cell.......maybe I should call?  Rob, ever calm reaches over and pat's my hand.  I know what THAT means.......give him more time.  Looking up Rob points to a red pick up pulling down the drive.....YES!  he's here!  The Stork Arrived!   I need to remind myself, this isn't MY puppy but Robs!

The hand off.....  Out of his crate comes this furry, spotted puppy!  Such a face!  The love begins all over again!  Another family had shown up as well and were equally excited about their new arrival!

There is something thrilling about getting a new dog........even friends, family and even neighbors get caught up in this new arrival into your home.   Hmm....maybe those shower invites weren't such a bad idea!

I've Got the FEVER

Remember how I said that Rob hadn't been bitten by the show bug.......after that win; he had the initial symptoms for a case of the Fever!  Show Bug Fever!  He came back to the grooming area, heady with triumph; slapping backs with Chuck and Gary.  Football players in the locker room had nothing on these guys!  The boys all went out front to get ready for the Gun Dog Group event.  This is where Rob and Sienna, represent the Gun Dog Group for a chance at Best In Show.  That's huge, well to us it was, since we had only been in 3 shows (counting this one).  Illusions of Westminster like sugar plums danced in my head!

There was a nice showing for the Gun Dog Group, around 12 dogs.  Sienna and Rob looked polished and ready to show.  Okay, I have to say my husband is a very tall and handsome man, so when he enters the ring people notice.  Once again, I am sitting in the back so that Sienna wouldn't get a whiff or sight of me.  They really did look amazing as they glided around the ring. Rob's long legs, made Sienna reach out in perfect poodle movement.  I could hear the people around me making comments on these two; I was so proud!  The ring time seemed to go so quickly and now the judge was making his choices.  Three beautiful rosettes, flowed gracefully from his hand......Tension mounted.....who won this event went on to the coveted Best In Show ring.  Rob kept his focus between Sienna and the Judge.  The Judge awarded 3rd place, then stood back for a last look at the line up.  He moved forward, in slow motion for me.......stood in front of Rob and awarded Rob the 2nd place Rosette and then moved on to award the 1st place ribbon to the Golden Retriever.  Was I disappointed?  Well yes, I was although happy with 2nd in the group, after all we made it to Group.

How do you know you have Show Fever?  Some of the symptoms are:   A person has a skewed color perception.......you see in hues of BLUE!  Blue being the color of a 1st place ribbon!  As the fever progresses it can include Pink and blue color vision.......BIS Ribbon colors!  Some individuals have a heightened sense of being critical about oneself.  If this occurs, its advised to look in the mirror and say this mantra;' I did my best. I did my best.  You can't win every event. You can't win every event'.  In some cases of the disease you will begin to steal Rosettes from the show secretary tables or from a display of another handler.  If you notice an abnormal competitive drive.....( left untreated this can become dangerous), such as: pushing other competition or taking leashes and brushes from another competitor and yelling at the Judge. If you have the later symptoms, its time to seek professional help! The Disease is in its final stages.

I would say Rob and I were in early onset of Show Fever........I was seeing Blue!  Rob, left the ring very happy with his Red Rosette Ribbon.  We proudly displayed it on Sienna's kennel as we watched the BIS ring.  I noticed a heightened awareness of the BIS ribbon as it lay on the table; the biggest ribbon I had ever seen with long flowing tails......cue angel choir..and a beam of light..

The glorious Ribbon was awarded, everyone applauded and the lights dim on another show weekend.

Rob and I both talked on the drive home about getting to the BIS ring one day.....how that would be amazing.  He shared his disappointment in not getting first in the Gun Group and though he was pleased pleased with his performance; that blue ribbon was so close.  Stage one of Show Bug Fever!

I suspect Show Fever is HIGHLY contagious to anyone who is showing.........I probably should look it up on Web MD!