Take Me out to the Dog Show

It was a great weekend for all Brittanys in Maine at the Pennobscott Valley Kennel Club at Cumberland Fairgrounds. Rain? What rain? Pictured here is evidence of what fun and friendship is all about, just captured in Pam's face. Despite the fact that she has a broken foot and will spend her summer in a cast and on crutches! Lots of good news from this weekends show including my own pride of handling Bullet in the ring for Julie. He took the blue in his puppy class! Bailey, his sister won a Reserve 3 pt Major. Pams young Brittany Paris, earned her first show point, and another friend Lisa did well with placements for Izzy and Hero too. Even better - it was a Brittany who won BEST IN SHOW! We had two birthday parties over the weekend, a belated for Julie and one for Marissa.

As John and I continue to personally evaluate our own pups on a continual basis it is exciting to see two of them now in the breed ring. Our Brittanys have great records and strong reputations among bird hunters and trainers as close working gundogs. The dogs behind them support great genetics and inherent natural ability which is something that a dog either has or it doesn't. Even so, we've been encouraged and persuaded by other breeders to step into the ring, and it's quite the learning curve! But more often than not, J & A's Brits are not only in the blue but also in the winners circle one way or another. For us the majors remain just out of reach despite how very close we have come. Nothing is predictable about dog showing. And nothing is predictable about those who show. I recently experienced gaiting in the breed ring with Pippin along with one of the top Brittanys in the country and his breeder/owner/handler. His son was also in the ring. It was a humble experience, something to reflect on. That day the best Brittany won Best of Breed. Being defeated by such an outstanding ambassador of the breed is nothing to be ashamed of, (especially when Pippin took Best Opposite Sex.) You win and lose points or awards - but every time you take your dog into the ring, you are a winner - simply by being there and trying.

Silence is golden and speaking of "Everything Nice..."

PUPPIES COMETH and another reason Pam has to smile is not only because of Paris but because Gibson is about to become the father of a litter of pups. Last night, I felt the evidence of life within the womb of our Wish. She lay next to me, pressing against me, as my hand gently massaged her swollen belly. The soft, subtle movement came underneath the palm of my hand... the sign that was missing from Treasure earlier this spring. I can be wrong... but I can believe I am right. We are 12 days away. And this experience for Pam, Sam, Gibson, and Paris - I pray will be a very positive and rewarding one as they look to the future themselves. We are blessed to have several wonderful families awaiting the birth of these pups. And I am thankful for all of you who have an interest in All Things Brittany. Speaking of which, we are looking for a litter name for the pups - having to do with the Fourth of July. A theme for the babies... to identify them in the weeks to come.

Take care and God bless you all, John, Ann and All Things Brittany