Off to the shows!

Bags are packed, crates loaded. Bringing a puppy to a dog show is like bringing a baby: there's chew toys, lots of extra crates and lots of interesting new toys that he won't see until Moto and I enter the ring. Hopefully this will keep him quiet while we're in there. I bought a fancy new soft crate for Pinch, the kind with shades that can be rolled down so he can't see out (again, hoping this will help keep him quiet while Moto and I are competing).
I'm nervous as this is my first on the road dog show in years. We are just in Wildcard Novice but it's our first step towards "real" competition. I'm also nervous about driving in St. Louis rush hour which is never pleasant, but everything is especially scary since the car accident.
On the plus side I am SO excited about the entries! The B classes are huge with 40+ dogs in each class. I can't wait to see who shows up, and am looking forward to seeing many great dog/handler teams.
Then there's our hotel. When I booked it I'd asked for a first floor room. When I re-confirmed I was not on the first floor. Dog show people like first floors because it's hard to schlep all our stuff and dogs up and down stairs and elevators and avoid it at all cost. When I asked why, the clerk said I had such a low rate there simply weren't any rooms at my rate on the first floor. When I said I would be flexible about the room (hey it's just me and my dogs, I don't care if there is just 1 bed or multiple bed) he said he wanted me to be happy and booked me a 2-room suite! Complete with coffee maker, fridge and micro. Life is good!
I'm clueless how Moto will do. These will be near perfect ring conditions so it will be a good test to see where he is at. I'm also looking forward to exposing Pinch to show conditions and traveling with these two. Moto and Pinch are best friends and should enjoy being on the road together. It's reminiscent of the Dusty and Shiloh days. Only thing different here is Dusty has always loved to snuggle and demanded Shiloh the puppy be in his crate with him. I'd purchased a large crate and the two used to cuddle together at the shows. I think Moto would be the same way but his sheer size would demand too large (translation: expensive) a crate to accomodate the two.
I hope to have a glowing report after the weekend. My goal with Moto is that he remains focused and gives a good effort in his Wildcard runs. We also have Rally Novice to do in case he needs reminders of what his job is. My goal with Pinch is that he enjoys travelling.
Off we go - ROAD TRIP!