And now we have one....

 Patch and Cone sliding - no kidding!  Cone is with his new owners. 

See update below regarding PATCH.

Yesterday we had a lovely visit with a couple we've been working with for awhile now. I noted with interest how 'Cone' was especially drawn to Tiffany. In all of our aptitude tests etc. he has shown the same amount of independence as True has, which meant he was happy to receive attention but also quickly left to continue exploring. Some pups love to be held, others not so much and Cone has been right in the middle. Yet out of True, Patch, and Cone - yesterday he was absolutely thrilled to be held on his back and enjoy gentle belly rubs, and lifting his little face up to kiss this new person. John and I felt that we'd probably be working with this couple for awhile when they left, as they originally just wanted to check us out and vice versa! This morning, I was sleeping in (John would say what else is new LOL) and heard him on the phone telling the caller I would call them. Okay for the nine millionth time I'm not a phone person so yes, I was a little grumbly before I had my first cup of coffee.... but I returned the call and heard a very happy, delighted voice on the other end of the line say if Cone was still available, they were very interested in him! Well, John and I had already decided that they were a very good 'fit' for one of our pups, now or in the future. Of course I had a few questions I wanted to ask before saying YES... but it was a no-brainer. Everything serious and important had been done on behalf of the pups and this couple over the past few months. John and I had commented well into the evening how Cone had been so taken by Denis and Tiffany. To make him available to them was obvious! Earlier in the day (Saturday) we had placed Smoke into the waiting arms of his new owner who delivered him to the rest of his excited family waiting anxiously in New Jersey. A referral from another breeder, this family also has another Brittany which is great for Smoke (now Rugby) who was especially close to Treasure. Well, a couple of hours ago we said goodbye to Cone (now Riley) and very happy that he, like those who have gone already, is beginning the first day of the rest of his life too. And I want to say there really are times when a certain puppy with pick their new owners. With it being Christmas we have made it very clear from the start - these pups are NOT Christmas presents, no surprises or gifts, and worked with wonderful people who have been planning and preparing, many for quite awhile. But because it is Christmas time, John and I also understand that the pups will bring an extra measure of joy, excitement, and celebration to all of these families who have come into our life. The mandatory well puppy visits have taken place already and/or appointments made for them this week. Reports have been great! Many have already signed up for basic puppy classes of some kind. We've loved the updates about the first 24 hours and on, the photos of pups in their new environments. John and I are taking a deep breath, relaxing a bit more, and very happy with all that we have heard and seen. Treasure is doing so well. She has spent time with each pup just before they left. Some say mother dogs are just glad to be rid of the pups. Not Treasure. We sent the video around of her training the pups with the pheasant wing and received great compliments, including someone saying they had never seen such a smart puppy mother before. I concur. She's been in on the pup's departure. Maybe that's silly, and maybe that doesn't work with every litter. But it was part of Treasure's experience.

So this morning I returned two phone calls. One about Cone. And the second to give first refusal for Patch to a family who we already know is perfect for one of our Brittanys, as evidenced by their outstanding care and training another Brittany from us. Bit the timing has to be perfect. We have a waiting list of several well qualified families and we're never in a hurry to have all our pups leave just because they reach 8 weeks. In fact these past 9 weeks have flown! So Patch may be here for awhile with us, or not. However it works out, is going to be just fine. No one expects 11 puppies at once, and I wonder if few are really prepared! I wonder if anyone realizes how blessed John and I feel knowing that all 11 pups - have been spoken for in one way or another since before they were born. I apologize to those who we have not gotten back to, but we will and we know you're willing to wait. Which we appreciate. And in the end, when you prefer not to, many of you know - we will refer you to breeders we enjoy working with as referals work both ways.

So I've rambled again... and we'll be making at least one phone call about Patch later. UPDATE!!!  Patch will begin the first day of the rest of his life with his new family on Sunday, December 20th. 

I have a migraine from too much sodium/salty foods at a Christmas party last night. But oh it was fun - except that the Yankee Swap gift I was hoarding was snatched by the person who had #1 LOL!! Well, it is snowing heavily, Christmas songs are playing, wood stove keeping us warm, and most Brittanys in our life are taking a nap - which I'll be doing shortly.

I hope you enjoyed the new Christmas Family and Friends video I uploaded to YouTube. Also posted in yesterdays Blog.  ALL our new ATB families are added to it, and it may be updated one more time. I'm beginning to 'feel' a bit like Christmas, but of course that is a feeling you can embrace each and every day of the year - the celebrations just enhance it when you remember "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"! As always thank you so much for your interest in ATB - we are so blessed in many ways and enjoy sharing times with you here. Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and ATB.