So My NZDAC preparation started months ago, as I made some specific goals and made a training and fitness plan. I'm determined, best I can, to feel like I made my best effort to prepare for the event.
But now it's getting closer to the event I wanted to give you some ideas of long event and trip preparation.
The polo field at Morrinsville Rec grounds - this is the field that the NZDAC rings will be on!
The area the event is being held
I'm lucky to live only a couple of minutes from the park where NZDAC is being held.... it's actually my go too walking spot away from home for my dogs. Morrinsville is relatively small - it has a couple of supermarkets, a bunch of takeaway places, a Warehouse, one Pharmacy (NOTE - it's only opened limited hours!) and lot's of rural companies. It's also only around 30 minutes drive from Cambridge, Matamata, and Hamilton which is handy!
Raw food nearby:
New World supermarket has some fresh Jimbo's products, Possyum, and usually has offal in the meat section.
The Countdown often has Chicken Carcuses in the offal section, and has frozen bags of Jimbo's patties.
Tame Wolf is pretty close by
Raw Essentials in Hamilton, and Cambridge
The BP has frozen pilchards in the bait freezer
The New World and all the service stations have Ice freezers, the closest to the grounds is probably New World.
There is no Animates or other large Pet Store in Morrinsville.
My favourite takeaway places in town:
Loxies is a fantastic Cafe - food, coffee, it's all excellent!
Curry Delight has great Indian food
But there's a ton that are excellent! Most are in the main street of town.
Other things of interest
Car wash with a pet washing station
There are a number of vets, we use Veterinary Clinic Morrinsville... who are also an event sponsor, and the duty vet!
The River walk at the Rec grounds
The wider area
Here's a few ideas of fun things you can do in the surrounding area if your staying in the Waikato for a little longer.
Karangahape Gorge has some lovely walks you can take the dog on
Waihi Beach has a off lead dog end
Hobbiton in Matamata
Ruapuke Beach is over in the Raglan area, but a very remote beach that dosent have the volume of people and dogs that you usually find in Raglan.
Te Aroha has a cool mineral spa if you want to treat yourself, and a fun Goldmine walk you can do with the dogs
Packing!
Here's some things to remember of consider packing.
Duct tape. Always handy for those emergency fix up situations!
Soap. Because there's nothing worse than a poo covered dog in your vehicle. We love this one.
Dog coats. October historically has unpredictable weather. I pack for the dogs warm coats (Pomppa), waterproof coats (Scribbler Pets), recovery coats (Back on Track), and just in case cool coats. Oh, and a human coat too (Scribbler!).
First Aid supplies
Vet Wrap (even better if it's glitter Vet Wrap!)
Arnica - my favourite is Traumeel tablets... useful for humans and dogs with sore areas!
Pumpkin Powder - awesome to add for dogs with upset tummies
Fish Oil - a great all around inflammation and joint support, but there is also evidence it can help in recovery. This is SO important in a big event!
Slippery Elm powder - for upset tummies
Antihistamines
Medication - get anything from your vet in advance that you might need!
Foot care supplies - paw balm, booties etc. in case of pad injuries
Skin itchyness / irritation care - we use Shy Tiger Soothe and Protect
General packing and wound wrapping supplies
Saline fluid for flushing wounds
Sissors, nail clippers
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