Crufts regular Brenda Oades is giving The Gazette an exclusive first-hand account of the goings on at this year's show. In part one of her on-line diary she gives us an insight into the preparation that goes on leading up to the famous show.

"Crufts is the largest show in the world. Once a year all dog show exhibitors, and many interested people, get ready for the start of this annual event. I am no different to thousands of others who take extra care preparing their dogs for the greatest dog show.

This year the Toy Group, which my Pekingese Daniel, Champion Brentoy Red Adair' is competing in, is on Thursday. While Saturday and Sunday are busier with members of the public, Thursday and Friday have the traffic problems, and I will therefore, have to leave home earlier than I would like about 6.30am, to ensure I get to the show on time.

Crufts has been a special show for me since I was a child when my parents used to attend at Olympia then Earls Court in London.

During the past few years I have done quite well at the show, with Daniel's mother Ch B. Scarlet O'Hara' winning the Challenge Certificate in 2002, and his half sister B Evita' being awarded the Reserve Challenge Certificate in 2005.

Preparation for getting Daniel ready for the big day starts a few weeks prior to the show. He is given a full bath a couple of weeks before the show, not too near, as the Pekingese have a harsh top coat, and bathing too near the show will soften the coat.

Preparation of the dogs is not the only consideration. Deciding what I wear for the big day is also an important part. I will have to make sure shoes are comfortable, as the walk from the car park to the venue is quite a distance, and I will also be on my feet most of the day. Comfortable clothes are also a must, but you have to be smart, so a pair of trousers and jacket are my favoured choice.

On Monday, the pre-show preparation really gets into full swing. Daniel is groomed thoroughly, which takes approximately three hours, combing, brushing, spraying, making sure ears, eyes, etc are clean and feet are trimmed.

On Tuesday afternoon, Daniel is, what I call, top and tailed. He is washed underneath along with his tail, ears and trousers. After blow drying, another full grooming takes place, again this takes up to three hours.

As well as making sure the dog is in good condition, the grooming bag has to be ready. Making sure that sprays are full, brushes and leads clean and packed, bedding for the benches are ready to go, a lot has to be remembered.

As I am also handling two of my mothers dogs, on Wednesday I check them to ensure they have also been given the full treatment regarding grooming, and do a bit of touch up.

I bring them back to my house, and take them along with Daniel early on Thursday to the show. My mother comes along later with my husband, as it is such a long tiring day. Another grooming session awaits Daniel. I also pack the car with boxes to carry the dogs in to the show, the grooming bag, covers in case it rains, and any thing else I can think of.

Thursday morning does not just entail getting in the car and going off. I have four other dogs that need attention before leaving, they have to be let out in the morning, fed and made comfortable, as it is a long day for them as well."

5:52pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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