Can it be? Yes! Yes! It is! SHILOH! (George) at 4 months old!
Sire: CH. Gibson JH CGC
Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon a Star
Just a brief intermission... Yesterday John had some rototilling to do nearby, and just so happened that it was next door to where Shiloh lives. When he drove by with the tractor etc. loaded he noticed Shiloh out in the yard with one of his new owners. On the way back he stopped and paid a brief visit. John said Shiloh is doing really well, that he's a nice looking boy at 4 months old - today! Sherry had sent this picture to us last week so thought I'd share it here on the blog. Shiloh was very happy to see John and vice versa. Good reports all the way around and oh yes - John's work was with one of our vets (also the vet Sherry uses), who happened to mention how nice she thought Shiloh was as well! Moxie (Martha) is doing great too, Lili and her family provide frequent updates as well. It's a small world too with Moxie because she's actually attending puppy classes taught by one of our neighbors who is an outstanding dog trainer. It always means so much to John and I when we get pictures, emails, and updates about our Brittanys. What is especially nice about seeing Shiloh and Moxie photographs is their mother is Treasures mother, and their father is the father of Treasure's litter! Speaking of which - on with the puppy update!
We can hardly believe that our puppies are already over 2 weeks old. Every single day there are changes, from one morning to the next. If you are one of those following along with the development of Anka's pups in the book "Art of Raising a Puppy" you'll notice we've gone from Chapter 3 (The Neonatal Period: 1- 13 Days) into Chapter 4 (The Light Shines in the Darkness, Transitional Period: 13 - 20 days).
Over a period of about 48 hours the eyes of each puppy has opened. And now many sensory capacities begin to function. The eyes looked like little slits that widened more and more each day, until finally the eye itself is seen. They cannot see very much, but can make out the shadow of Treasure or me, when I get down on the floor and lean over the whelping box I have actually been 'woofed' at by a very wobbly puppy who was sitting up of all things! They are not crawling - these pups are walking. With the records we keep I can look back and see how they compare to other pups before and they started to walk on Day 11 - which is the earliest we've ever seen that. The pups are not yet interested in much human interaction although each time they are handled and cuddling they become increasingly more responsive to my touch. This is definitely a transitional period. Sensory changes and physical abilities develop rather quickly during this time frame heading into the 3rd week of life. The greatest change in my opinion occurs from 3 - 4 weeks when, at that time, pups are aware of everything around them and socializing takes on a greater meaning and becomes of the utmost importance. We constantly have music playing in the dog house - with or without pups. Our Brittanys enjoy the likes of Jim Brickman, Celtic Woman, Enya, and piano solos. As the hearing of puppies develop, we do not want them to have a rude awakening and are very sensitive to the noises surrounding them. As time goes on however we intentionally begin to expose them to more sounds and louder deliberate noise - afterall, this is a sporting breed and those who will become bird dogs must be accustomed (in time) to the sound of gunfire. One time honored way of doing this is to make loud clanging noises while they are eating, and eventually fire a cap gun when they are eating. This is one way they will associate a positive experience with loud noise. And it's hard to believe but these experiences are really not that far off! I plan to take steps towards weaning at 3 weeks, or in other words - this next weekend. I do it the same way my parents did with Boston Terriers back in the 60's - with Gerber baby cereal! I will make a 'gruel' using Esbilac, warm water, and the cereal and take each pup into my lap, and get them to lick a bit of the watery substance... nothing major, just an easy introduction. As time goes on, the consistency will become thicker and shortly after that, the cereal will be replaced by moistened puppy food. We use the large size puppy saucer feeding pans. I love messy puppy faces almost as I love messy baby faces when they are learning to eat solid food and take lots of pictures! (Who me? Take pictures?!) As time goes on, we will begin to feed the pups separately so that we have a good idea of their individual appetites, also it helps us see if there are any problems with snarly little babies when they are eating - NOT ALLOWED!
I'm jumping ahead I know... but who knows how often I'll be able to keep this blog up in the days to come!
We are looking forward to upcoming visits with those who have given us deposits on a puppy and so far everything is looking good for those who have been waiting... and many have been waiting a long time for Treasure's pups! Availability is good for those who sent deposits in early as well as those who have been with us for awhile. I'll be sending an updated email to those who are on these lists so you'll see where you stand as far as the selection process. There are some of you who have not made up your mind yet and that's understandable. We're never in a hurry to 'sell' a puppy just for the sake of it. Our process includes being just as selective about hand picking our pups new owners, as we hope their new owners are about selecting a responsible breeder and puppy. There will be a nice selection of pups available and we are still going to accept serious inquires about this litter but always discourage random 'internet shopping'. That's not what it's about and believe me, John and I can tell the difference!! We are not a breeding kennel - and you'll never find us acting as if we were. To repeat an often used phrase which goes along with our philosophy - it is all about the love of the dog, both given and received. In the meantime - enjoy these fleeting October days, take care and God Bless you and yours,
John, Ann and All things Brittany!
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