Yes, Specialties ARE special. At the basset Specialty last August, I put a 3 point Major on Charlie. He already had his two Majors, but they were earned by his breeder. As a newcomer to handling my own dog, it was a thrill unlike any other!
Charlie just finished his Championship at Vacationland last weekend -- a mixed blessing. I've so enjoyed showing him, and now our journey is over. I'm not going to Special him. Now, it's my little girl's turn. I'll show her, hopefully finish her, but she nearly died in January and has some permanent nerve damage. The vet at Tufts thought it was possibly Coon Hound Paralysis. So -- I've been told to show her and finish her, but I'll never breed her. Way too risky for her.
Where's your Specialty being held? I'm going to Wrentham this Saturday and Sunday to help a friend show her dogs. Matilda isn't entered. But there will be a nice little girl there I'm going to try and spend some time with, and next month I hope to bring her home with me!
Good luck at the Specialty. If nothing else, it's a great opportunity to see other people who share your love for your breed!