Packing for Rugby

In preparation for our trip to the American Maltese Association's National Specialty in San Diego this week, Rugby is packing everything he needs to live away from home for a week. It has gotten much easier to remember everything with all the practice he gets going to dog shows. Notice how much space his stuff takes up in the suitcase, though. The real challenge now is packing my things into the same bag! 

Here is our list of essentials, starting with what you see in the picture.

A) Dog Food

This one is tricky since Rugby gets fed raw food. This time, we are trying something new and bringing Stella and Chewy's Dehydrated Raw Dog Food (beef and duck) and a roll of Red Barn Dog Food (lamb). My only complaint is that both foods have fruits and veggies in them. Unnecessary. 

B) Dog Grooming Supplies

So Rugby can always look his best. 

C) Fleece Crate Pad

Hotels generally like if you protect the floor from your crate with something and this is it for us.

D) SturdiBag Pet Carrier

This is Rugby's ride for the trip and helps keep him comfy before, during and after the flight. We wrote our detailed thoughts about the bag on our first trip with it, here. It is growing on me. 

E) Towel

This serves two purposes. The first, as a crate cover to give Rugby more privacy. The second purpose is simply as a towel. We try not to use hotel towels on dogs. 

F) Extra Leashes

O.K. So this one isn't essential. They don't take up much room, and it is nice having a leash for every occasion. 2 shoestring leashes and a braided parachute cord one. The selection could change with the trip. 

G) Suitcase Crate

I can not even begin to tell you how much I absolutely adore my Precision Pet Suitcase Crate (we have two of them). It folds flat to fit in the suitcase and is strong enough to keep small white fluffy dogs contained. Lucky you if your dog won't bust out of a soft crate, since the wire crate does make the suitcase much heavier. 

H) Article Bag

Rugby needs to bring his Obedience equipment with him in order to show. His are packed in his gorgeous Wyndsong Custom Article Bag. 

I) Potty Bags

Self explanatory. I try to keep these with the dog at all times, so they go in the SturdiBag.

J) Collapsible Water Bowl

Another item for the SturdiBag. Even dogs get thirsty on long flights.

K) Paperwork

Different states require different paperwork for incoming dogs. California only requires a rabies certificate. I have copies of Rugby's certificate in every bag (for a total of 5 copies), so it is always handy. Perhaps a little overboard, but better safe than sorry. 

L) Video Camera

Last but not least, a flip camera to bring back videos of Rugby's adventures.