28 A MANUAL OF TOY DOGS 



but such terrors are groundless so long as the entry 

 has been sent in before the date of the show, all will be 

 well. 



The next question is the burning one of escort. Per- 

 sonally I should not like to send little toy dogs to a 

 show without some trusted attendant, and I cannot, 

 therefore, advise anyone else to do otherwise. 



Taking them oneself, with maid or man in reserve 

 to leave in charge, is the most pleasant way, for all 

 parties, of arranging matters, and the paraphernalia 

 accompanying is somewhat as follows : 



A warm and comfortable travelling basket for each dog 

 preferably a little house in which it can sleep at night. 



A campstool for the attendant. Standing about at shows 

 is killing work, and chairs are not always obtainable. 



Coats for the dogs if the weather is at all cold, for exhi- 

 bition buildings are almost invariably draughty. The 

 Petanelle coats (sold by Spratt's), of French pattern, with 

 storm collars, are specially warm and smart, and are also 

 aseptic, and the Petanelle cushions are charming in every 

 way. 



Some suitable food. Toy dogs will seldom eat what the 

 show authorities provide, and are often too excited to take 

 anything but what is specially dainty. A lunch-basket tin 

 of small pieces of chicken or meat, ready cut up, with the 

 dog's own little plate, will be found useful. Milk at shows 

 is not always reliable, and if any is wanted it should be 

 taken in a bottle, especially for litters. 



A brush and comb. A warm, large shawl. I say nothing 

 about the millinery with which people often hang their pens, 

 the satin cushions, etc., with which I can but say the dogs 

 are often made to look extremely silly, but unless there is 

 any rule in the schedule to the contrary, exhibitors are at 

 liberty to provide anything which appeals to their taste in 

 this line. The shawl, or blanket, is often useful for draping 

 round wire pens to keep away draughts, and as such things 

 cannot be got without much trouble once the show has 

 begun, it is as well to be provided beforehand. 



Taking dogs out of the show at night can always 

 be managed, usually on payment of a deposit ; and the 

 trouble is quite worth while, for fatal colds are apt to 

 be the result of leaving delicate toys to shift for them- 

 selves in the colder hours of dark and dawn. 



