That Was Then...

Good morning! It feels to me like it is Monday and that we should still be in the month of October somewhere but OMG - it is Tuesday, DECEMBER 1st and this year is almost through! WOW!   Although I sit with a calendar on the wall in front of me, another on the computer sidebar with a clock, it still seems that time has just flown by.  I always remember the older people in my life saying it gets that way as the years come and go however how can it be - I'm one of those who say the same thing now?!   Well, I'll pour another cup of coffee and see if I can come up with something that has a bit more intelligence to it rather than complaining.

 In just a few days John and I will place several beautiful and well loved Brittany puppies into the arms of their new owners, who are happily awaiting the opportunity to give Treasure and Gibson's babies the 'first day of the rest of their lives.'   For an understanding and a glimpse into how we are feeling about this, you may want to take a second look at a video made in the fall of 2008 (Jack and Chris 7 weeks Old) .  The picture above is of course our own Treasure, taken when she was about 9 weeks old.  There are absolutely no words that can describe the affinity that both John and I have for not only Treasure, but for each of our Brittany dogs here.  This breed and our specific animals belonging to it, are so intelligent, beautiful, enjoyable, and truly enrich our lives.   A breeder's responsibilities must be taken so seriously in the pursuit of wanting first to improve and build upon your own lines, and then eventually contribute to the breed itself. It has been compared to the reason an architect continues to design and build better structured buildings, line upon line, precept upon precept.  But in the case of these loving and well loved Brittanys - wanting others to enjoy their worth also comes into play.  First and foremost we are interested in meeting the need for quality bird dogs for those who enjoy the sport of hunting. That Brittany must also be of sound temperament for it will be living the rest of it's life among humans, and very often children.  Also of great importance is the overall structure, type, conformation of the Brittany because if it is not sound or balanced, it will be difficult to perform the job as perfectly as it was bred to do.  We have always emphasized the love of the dog both given and received and everything that may happen to include and mean.   In recent years however, I have particularly began to work to bring in lines specifically known for it's outstanding conformation and therefor, success in the show ring.  Whether or not someone is interested in so called 'show dogs' is not the issue.  The issue is that John and I understand now more than ever how very important it is that a Brittany is physically and structurally capable of doing it's job. 

Temperament and hunting skill has never been questioned in any of our Brittanys.  Often people testify that they 'hunt right out of the box'!  And yes, we do hope that all of our pups are given that opportunity but in reality, it simply is not that easy to guarantee that will be the case.  We emphasize the importance of daily, adequate and sufficient opportunities to express their energy.  A run thorugh a field or enclosed area goes a long way in keeping a Brittany and the family happy and often makes the difference between a stressed out, over anxious, poorly behaved Brittany and one that is content to rest at your feet. 

So, with Treasure and Gibson's litter comes yet another opportunity for John and I to learn more about the breed, and more about our breeding program.  To begin with, in all honesty I could put a blindfold on and select any one of these 11 pups and absolutely know for certain we would be well pleased with every thing about it.  I would proudly take any of these pups into the show ring while knowing their inherent hunting skills and instincts are strongly instilled in them.  As we continue to evaluate these pups every day to the breed standard, to other lines, and most importantly compare them to previous pups we have had - I'm confident that we are indeed, building line upon line, precept upon precept.  Today we will get a more professional opinion of our pups, from a neutral source, and one which will be more objectionable.  Two friends both heavily involved in the dog community, each one a breeder (not of Brittanys) will look at our 'babies' here.  Many have given guidance over the past 7 weeks and I am very interested in how my opinion and that of other breeders and friends compare with what is discovered today.  My choice of a keeper puppy will be very difficult but at today's end, I should know beyond a reasonable doubt!  And I'm very excited!

On another note, as I have already blogged earlier Pippin did allright at the Fitchburg shows.  John and I met Julie early Friday morning on the Maine Turnpike and handed Pippin over.  Julie transported her along with Bullet to the show where she met Pam (Gibsons owner).   The Central New England Brittany Club Specialty was Friday, and two other shows followed over the weekend.  Again, Bullet did very well - he won one more point towards his AKC Championship title by going Winners Dog and also had a Reserve Win.  He additionally went Best Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes!  We were ecstatic! Miss Pippin had a good day Friday,  Saturday she was a twit, and on Sunday she placed first in her class. Julie handled her for me as I opted to stay home with 11 pups, did not think it was right to leave them although John is quite capable of holding the fort down.  As in my last blog, I hadn't known at the time of writing about Pippins Sunday placement, Julie handled her very well.  Pam was  happy with the way that Paris showed herself.  Pam and Julie called me every night to share the events of the day and I felt like I was there.  I told them it was nice to be missed! John and I enjoyed Julie and Bullet's company as they stayed overnight.  Julie pitched right in on Monday morning with helping me with the chores and of course we had ample puppy time while she was here.

In a couple of hours my kitchen gets transformed into a puppy play room.  The two 2-X-pens will be joined together to create a fun environment for them. One of our new puppy customers left an extra puppy size crate here for us which is very helpful.  We have a couple but with 11 pups every bit helps! Speaking of pups in the house, I have another friend who has wall to wall carpeting.  She puts a piece of plexiglass cut just a little bit bigger than the size of the an X-Pen down over her carpet and covers it with appropriate absorbant material, and enjoys her litter (smaller breed) that way.  This week our babies will be separated into smaller groups and then individually crated overnight in the house.  We will also put a quail out for them to work with and they will be wearing puppy collars (under supervision) and introduced to a leash.

NOTE: If you haven't already, those who are bringing home pups are reminded to let me know you have scheduled your well puppy visit and have made plans for basic puppy training classes in the future.  I have emailed home puppy take home check lists to some folks, please let us know if you need one.  Bringing your puppy to your vet for a well puppy visit within days of them leaving here is very important to us.  The pups will see our vet this week for puppy shots, health eval and certification. If all goes well we should have some very nice photos of all the pups today and we will also send out the actual results of the puppy selections, choices, etc.  I believe this will put smiles on a lot of faces!.

Time to let the dogs out, check on pups, put on another pot of coffee, and greet the day, which still feels like Monday!  As the so - called "Christmas Season" begins, we hope the feelings of gratefulness and thankfulnes perhaps expressed last Thursday on Thanksgiving will carry over into December.  Each day brings us closer to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  No, December 25th may not be the actual day but it is one day that this entire planet sets aside to remember the greatest gift of all that "God so loved the world, that He GAVE...His only begotton Son..."  No matter what your belief system may be, we hope that the reality of the life of that little babe born so long ago, makes an impression upon yours as it has done on so many millions of others over the centuries of time.  Me, being one of them.... Take care and may God Bless you and yours, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany   Happy Monday -errr... Tuesday that is!!!