This is an open ended area.  Anything can go here.  Nationals pictures, random thoughts, whatever.

So here's the next random thought: Expanding Dog Stuff

There is a school of thought that says: If you leave room in your house for expansion, something will expand to fill that available space.  I'm sure it's one of Murphys Laws.  If it's not, it should be.  The same can be said for dog shows and the stuff you accumulate along the way.  Calabria Aussies is not immune from this curse.  Observe:
 

	Here is the Calabria setup; circa 1996.  The crates belong to Mariko, Tory and Sydney.  Sydney was the only dog competing but everyone came along.  Click the picture for a close-up.
	Here is the Calabria setup; circa April 2000.  The crates are now wire, the setup more extensive.

    When we started doing the 'dog show' thing, we traded the Delta-88 for a mini van.  In those days, we competed in Obedience only.  All we took with us on a weekend show was three dogs, three crates, one X-pen, a small cooler, an overnight bag and the black box*.  Just like you see above.  This paraphernalia fit fine behind the back seat of the van with the exception of the crates which went on the roof.
    When we started competing in Conformation, chaos came to our happy home.  We began buying "DOG STUFF."  And we needed a trailer because the van wasn't big enough to hold it all.
    So, we must discuss trailer stuffing.  This is only a 4'X6' trailer.  Everything you see above fits in here (trust me).  What I'm packing here was used at a four day show in Houston, TX.

    As you can see, we take lots of stuff to a show.  We have seven dogs and we take them all, even if they're not entered.  Why?  Because we can't leave them home alone.  They'd order pizza, watch Animal Planet all night, sleep on the couch and make a mess of the place.
    Do we take too much stuff?  Some of our friends say we do.  If they don't like it they can stop using our microwave for their Pop Tarts and put down the free hot coffee at 7 AM ring call.  Remember that the van is holding us, the dogs, clothing bag, suitcase(s), camera, cooler and a map.  I miss the old days.
    Why did I take these pictures?  I wanted to make sure I could reload the trailer the same way for the trip back.  After a four day show I really don't want to think about it.  I print each picture and place them in a folder for reference.  I learned that from the Air Force after packing aircraft pallets all day.  See, they're good for something.   :)
 
 

If you see this van behind you, wave! Then follow us to the show. Don't hit us or there will be dog stuff everywhere The "expanding dog stuff" curse is in full effect in this trailer.

* The Black Box is a catch-all container.  It's all the small stuff that floats around the van.  Leads, collars, dog food, bowls, pooper scoopers, etc.