May 23, 2009

When asked what is my favorite flower, it may sound strange to some that I say it is the Lilac. I love to pick armfuls of them and bring them inside, make several bouquets, and enjoy their fragrance. Some years they precede Memorial Day, other years they follow. Lilacs are a nostalgic reminder of things past and a promise of things yet to come.

We are anxiously awaiting the appearance of several early signs of pregnancy in one of our girls... it is too soon to announce much of anything or to let our hopes rise quite yet. The breeding occurred earlier this month and we are just not sure we got the two dogs together in time or not. Although she was in full standing heat for a few days she was not brought to her 'intended' as early as we'd hoped. Even so, there was a very succesful unassisted tie between the two. There has been ONE early sign that this particular lady typically shows to us though; every time she has been pregnant she has a barely noticeable, light, clear discharge and we have seen that this week. And now I am going to watch for morning sickness, just like in humans. This will be accompanied by a loss of appetite for a few days. She also gets much more affectionate early on - although Brittanys are always extremely affectionate. There is nothing like awaiting the birth of a well planned litter of pups with homes already waiting for them. I especially enjoy having puppies in the summer. So many opportunities exist for them. A brief list of some of our socialization program is provided on our website. The stud dog owners are equally excited as we will mutually share this experience with them.

Another big announcement is that Miss Chrissy will soon become the one and only Brittany for a very special family way-y-y-y-y up in Northern Maine. Friends of ours recommended us to a couple whose older Brittany died. One unfortunate outcome of new animal welfare legislation, touted as eliminating substandard kennels (puppy mills - an AR term) is how it powerfully effects those who only breed occasionally. In order to comply with certain licensing laws, we are only allowed to keep a certain number of dogs. AR's think if you have multiple dogs you are not taking good care of them. Chrissy is the mother of some absolutely oustanding hunting dogs, and a few who are currently being shown on a limited basis as they mature and develop. Being pregnant though takes a lot out of Chrissy, so she'll be spayed. While Chris enjoys the rotation of time in and out of the house with us it will get harder for her as she gets older, and she turns 8 this fall. We would rather she have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of her life as someone's 'one and only' beloved pet and companion. It's going to be hard to say goodbye to Chrissy, but we will stay in touch and get pictures and updates. She's a sweet, sweet girl who will be deeply missed. And I trust the Lord completely that this was meant to be, the 'connections' are no coincidence. We would be happy for Chris to spend the rest of her life right here at All things Brittany. But a door has opened that will meet a need for Chrissy and for the family who happily awaits to welcome her into their lives.

From now on, because of animal welfare laws, we'll be forced to make this choice often in the future. It is not a choice I am particulary happy about, but the animal rights industry is in the business to eliminate purebred breeding and promote the adoption of dogs from shelters (I do not oppose adopting dogs in shelter.) In years past, you didn't have to worry about how many dogs you owned, intact or otherwise. If you had multiple dogs, if you had dogs retired from showing, hunting,or breeding - they stayed with you for the rest of their life. That's not possible for those who are not prepared to be classified as a commercial breeding kennel. If you have all your dogs in the house with you, you are a hoarder. If you have too many intact animals, you are a commercial breeder. If you have an outside building with attached runs, shelter etc. for your animals, you are considered a facility and that building must submit to unnanounced state inspections. I'd like to know how all these new laws really prevent animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty. It seems to me they are targeted at responsible dog owners who are already abiding by the law and taking damn good care of the animals they love. I've tried so hard this year to work with legislators, the animal welfare department, and many other stake holders. But until the general dog owning public grasps the deception of the movement of the animal rights industry and the stronghold it has in Maine enought to dare to speak against it, responsible dog owners and breeders will lose. Trust me, it takes a lot of the enjoyment out of we do here and it is very discouraging. Dog breeding is being criminalized and heavily legislated to the point where we just can't breathe. It's not just Maine, it is everywhere.

Even so! It's time for me to get outside to enjoy a romp around the yard with All Things Brittany! The fencing of the entire 5 acres is almost complete and boy are we all happy about that. This year we have the new garage and sssshhhh! I'm converting a corner of that into an informal 'grooming studio'. John says the garage is all his... errr.... yup! Of course it is!

He's at a Beagle field trial but will be home later today. A few weeks ago he spent the weekend at and judged puppy stakes at the Maine Bird Dog Club trial and set up his 'chuck wagon'. Last weekend I took the Brittanymobile to Scarborough for a dog show. Our good friend Julie met me there, we really had fun. All the dogs did wonderful, Bullet was Best Puppy in the Breed, Bailey got a Reserve 3 pt major, Pippin got a Reserve, and Treasure for the first time in a long time actually looked like she enjoyed herself, she was so proud and beautiful in the ring!

The natives are getting restless... and I have a rhubarb pie to get in the oven before John comes home. Hope everyone enjoys this Memorial Day weekend and takes a moment to reflect on the reason for it. Maybe we'll have some great barbecue weather for getting together with friends and family as in days gone by. Tonight is our Prairie Home Companion Night and if weather permits, our first outside fire in the firepit! I spied some marshmallows in the pantry... God bless you and yours with love from All Things Brittany!!