Parting Shots

Tomorrow, at the age of 8 weeks old, our two beautiful patriotically nicknamed pups, George and Martha, will begin the first day of the rest of their lives. I am frequently asked how hard it is to let puppies go when it is time. As I've shared here before, it is truly bittersweet and indeed, a few tears are bound to fall. But John and I believe that our fullness of responsibility towards each puppy we bring into the world extends into every aspect of that animal's life. Long before we have purposefully selected two specific animals to bring together in hopes of improving our line and eventually contributing to the breed as a whole, we begin to work with people who have inquired of puppy availability. And we say "no' more often than we say "yes" to those who contact us. As anyone who loves and understands the 'nature of the beast' a Brittany is absolutely NOT for everyone and we know this without any doubt. So, when we give our goodbye kisses tomorrow, George and Martha become "Shiloh" and "Moxie" and their new owners can know we have given them the absolutely best start we possibly could in the past 8 weeks. We in return can know their new owners are well prepared to bring them into their lives where hopefully, they will live the next 13 years or so together. And John and I will always remain a part of their lives in some way. When a puppy leaves, there is joy in knowing they are going to the absolutely best suited home they possibly can go to. If the joy were not there, we would not live with regret or sadness at saying goodbye - there simply would be no goodbye for puppy would remain here for as long as it took for their rightful owner.

Okay so now I've given you my big and brave testimony full of pride and boastfulness to assure you that I'm going to be okay when the pups leave tomorrow... but wait... let me wipe the tears that already are falling...

These two pups have won my heart. I feel that we got the conformation, the balance, the structure we've wanted to get from a Wish pup for so long. I saw that this summer in a year old neutered male too. There's never been an issue with temperament or hunting ability, but we have had to overcome size issues due to the saturation of proven lines of all age amateur field championships, in which breeders often wanted the taller, bigger Brittany. This is not a criticism in my eyes of any of our dogs that are on the tall size of the standard. But when people began to say to us - your dogs are so beautiful, you should show them. And I knew then it was more about a beautiful dog. It was about stepping up to the plate and working HARD to breed a Brittany that not only excels in the woods and the fields, but in the ring. I do not particularly enjoy showing - other than the fun times shared with good friends. My dogs don't seem to like it much either. And you spend hundreds of dollars to win a $5.00 ribbon!

I truly dream of the day when we have our first AKC show champion. All the hard work that has gone behind it will have been worth it. This is something I must do for myself and for the love of the dog, both given and received. I also dream of the day when our personal breeding program (a hobby) results in more consistency. It's important to understand the importance of conformation that is rewarded in the show ring. It means - that your Brittany, a working dog, is going to be physically, structurally, and mentally sound to be able to do the job it was born to do. Your dogs job may be hunting, agility, flyball, or any other ACTIVE sport. Your dogs job may be to a lifelong companion. Either way - it should be bred to standard and the only way that is determined - is when it has been fairly judged and evaluated in the ring. We have bred according to our knowledge, experience, and ability at every level. As in all things - we gain more knowledge by each experience. And we are blessed to know in return, our Brittanys have brought love, joy, and happiness into the lives of some very wonderful and special people.

Yup. I'm sad. I'm reflective. And if you ask me if it's hard to let them go, I'm going to have to say - you bet your life it is!!

God Bless you always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany