Our babies are here...

On January 26th Molly Rose delivered her first beautiful Brittany baby at @ 1:00 a.m.  By 4:30 a.m. she whelped her 8th pup, and rested... she and Jack have 4 males and 4 females.  All are doing very well.  We are still within the first critical days/hours of life for these precious neo-natal pupies who John and I have a deep responsibility for. As we preer to go to the vets within the first 24 - 36 hours after whelping, they had their dewclaws removed and tails docked plus Molly and her pups recieved a thorough exam by our vet.

I have to comment here about our vet, Dr. William Lowe DVM at Broadview Animal Hospital in Rochester NH.  Breeders should be so fortunate to find someone like we have, who supports our program, whose staff is available 24/7, and always takes time to talk us through difficult and/or challenging situations when it comes to our Brittanys. Dr. Lowe became our primary veterinarean when John and I decided to re-establish a program we left behind in 1990.  A lot of changes had occurred over the years which we were unaware of. Yet patiently, he walked us through them and taught us so much about responsible breeding, as well as cutting edge care of animals.  His staff always makes us feel very very welcome and most of our visits to Broadview Animal Hospital are related to our breeding program.  Unfortunately, these days the influence of HSUS and other animal rights organization and post secondary schools cause many good vets, to push spay/neuter and animal control, and in some instances will go to extremes to discourage responsible breeders of purebred dogs.  Anyway,  Dr. Lowe had to leave his practice for an undefinite amount of time.  In the interim he was greatly missed, but his staff provided the same level of care and attention to our dogs and to us every time we visited.  Recently a situation arose when I needed a consult and I was so pleased when he took my call personally, and once again, in his wonderful way - talked me through a situation I had questions about.  I had not been aware he was taking patients again until I called this week for Molly and her pups. Suffice to say both John and I were very pleased and happy for Dr. Lowe to be available for such an important occasion.  It was just so blessed wonderful to see him with our Brittanys again.  He's never judgemental, always supportive and understanding, and shares his knowledge.  We have an ongoing joke when we go to Broadview for taildocking.  There is always a question of the correct length of tail, and we were told long ago by a seasoned breeder to simply use the measurement of a dime.  So John will go in, with his dime and the pups and stand by as their tails are docked to this measurement.  Sometimes we get strange looks, but we always get our dime's worth!  I must also single out Dr. Norris and Dr. Chapin.  Accolades to Broadview Animal Hospital and WELCOME BACK DR. LOWE! (The website contains a wealth of information and valuable resources, check it out!) 

Now back to Molly and her puppies!  They are nursing well and she is very attentive to them.  Molly is a very independent mother.  Typically we can take mom and clean her thoroughly after whelping (it's messy).  Not so with Molly.  She is very primal and protective.  Molly will run to you and wag, and be happy as long as it is on her terms.  Approach the whelping box while she is with pups and you will be met with warning vocalization which must be respected.  It takes several days for her to move beyond that but it's simply the difference between one dog to another. Very little assistance is given while she whelps, and she is very graceful and unassuming when giving birth.  Sometimes we may offer help and tear the sac from the pups face, or sever the cord with blunt scissors but not unless needed.  Our work is focused right now on making sure Molly and her pups are warm, clean, and quiet.  She keeps her pups very clean and all they do is eat and sleep and eliminate when she stimulates that function.  I do begin my early neo natal stimulation, however it is done when Molly is away from the pups for just a few minutes. 

These pups are very similar in appearance, and I've not yet sufficiently ID'd them quite yet to be able to point them out in the pictures but we are charting their weight by order of birth and all are doing well.  Of average size for Molly and Jack pups in comparison to her 2008 litter. I love sitting in the quiet of the dog house while listening and observing.  These are the very precious, quite, private times between an animal and their offspring which is a gift and a privledge to observe.  The rest of ATB understands the atmosphere and although curious will not take any opportunity to investigate.

True and Piper in the meantime are growing like weeds and learning something new every day.  For anyone who has been cautioned by me NOT to get two pups of similar ages at the same time unless you KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING... believe me, it's good advice!  Even with our experience over the years, it takes time to establish a schedule that includes separate training time for each pup.  A social time together, or with the other dogs, outings one on one, rides in the car, experiences and introductions to new things... each on their own level.  The housebreaking is coming along really well, Piper's signs and Trues signs are both distinct but they have signs!  True will come right to me and look me in the eye, much like Treasure does and then look away.  Piper will go to the door and scratch and wiggle.  She goes out with a 30 ft lightweight drag cord on and has a blast running around the yard and once even headed down to the frozen pond - all on her own!   True is also an adventuesome type but is very tuned into to where I am. I know this will be outgrown but I like it that way now. 

Speaking of the pond.  We had heavy rains that washed away over 22 inches of snow but there is still substantial snow on the ground, just have to be careful as it's more icy.  Each Brittany has discovered what an ice covered pond is like.  Most of them do not like the feel of their feet going out from under them (picture Bambi movie) but then there is Pippin and Treasure who think it is great fun to roll and slide, just like a couple of otters would do... then they kick a piece of ice or snow up and try to catch it, perhaps a type of canine ice hockey?  Gotta love it - and I do!

Yesterday John kept the home fires burning while I spent the entire day in Augusta.  The Animal Welfare Advisory Council met and as municipal kennel representative I attended.  The Commissioner of Agriculture and the Attorney General were both at the meeting to discuss concerns of the council.  It was quite interesting.  I've only been a member for a few months but learn a lot each time I go.  It's important to me to look out for the interests of responsible dog owners and breeders while protecting the animals.  Then the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners had their meeting.  I have several responsibilities with that organization as well via Central Maine Brittany Club.  (PHEW!)  Anyway, I did not leave Augusta until 8:30 PM last night, just in time to hit that terrible fast moving snowstorm.  OMG... I sat on the side of the road for about 20 minutes with my flashers on as visibility was 0.  It was whiteout conditions with blizzard winds and worse.  The drive typically is 2 hours but it was over 3 hours to get home.  John was waiting up for me... as I was greeted appropriately by husband, pups, and dogs.  So I'm tired today, and have a lot of paperwork, followup to take care of.  And John is ice-fishing.  I like it.  ATB is taken care of, pups are napping in the living room, Jack and Treasure couch potatoes and pups and Molly on the monitor.  It is windy and cold but there will be an afternoon run for all of them, Wish, Pippin, Rose, and Scooby will be sure to remind me I said that! 

There are some pups available from this litter although 4 have been spoken for for quite awhile.  There may be 1 female left. These pups must go to hunting families and/or those with Brittany experience.  Trust me, I know!  Jacks pups hunt. PERIOD!

Take care and God bless, stay in touch and stay warm!  January's almost over - YEAH!  Ann, John, and ATB

Awaiting Puppies

John with Molly on her first night home with us, May 2003

Truly and absolutely, each Brittany we share our lives with is unique and special in it's own right. Collectively, we are proud of our beautiful, intelligent, fun-loving, canine crew of hunting dogs and companions.  Individually, we identify their differences and treat them respectfully for the individual dog they each are.  Such is the way I am feeling tonight as John and I await the birth of Molly and Jacks puppies. 

Every Brittany born or brought here arrives with a special purpose.  Every time we make the responsible decision to breed our dogs there is a reason.  And every time our thoughts turn to the approaching birth of pups it is as if for the first time, even if it has been many times over the years we experience this gift of life.

Molly Rose is in the early stages of her labor.  Although she is quite predictable in her behavior and we can refer to our journal of past deliveries, she will not be left alone.  Her temperature wavered back and forth for the past two days before finally remaining below 99 degrees.  Our checklist is complete and the water bottles have been filled and placed in the puppy basket, the heat lamp checked and rechecked, digital scales set for measuring weight, all necessary items sterilized such as aspirator, blunt end scissors, forceps, hemostats, the cotton balls and iodine are ready for the umbilical cords, and precut heavy thread with needle awaits to tie the cord off.  I've kept close watch of her temperature the past few days and her behavior.  She is becoming increasingly restless, panting more frequently, straining quietly and gracefully, and has no appetite at all.  We have a bottle of Pedialyte to replace for her water after she delivers to be sure she remains hydrated and that her electolyte level is not depleted.  Blankets and paper to shred are in her whelping box where she now chooses to spend all of her time.  As this night continues all of her behavior patterns will increase until the actual birth of her first puppy, which always takes the longest.  We have our vet on standby and will call to let them know when the litter arrived and travel to them within 36 hours for mom and pups exam along with dewclaw removal and tail cropping. 

Molly prefers to have John at her side as her labor advances and I respect this.  She is definitely his girl although she and I are also very close.  But this is very important for both of them.  When Molly had pups previously John was always at work and not here for her delivery.  I would call him there as each pup was born and keep him informed that way, but it wasn't the same.  This is the first time he's actually been here for Molly, beginning to end and believe me - I am yielding right of way for all the right reasons!  I love how much he loves the dogs, how much they mean to him, and how important they are.  And I think of John  now in the dog house with Molly, surrounded by the quietness of the moment.  I know he has an attentive eye on Molly and that she has her eye on him as well.  Watching them via the surveillance camera, listening over the monitor warms my heart. In the past he has been so tired from having worked hard all day that he'd fall asleep with the walkie talkie on his pillow while I played midwife.  Tonight it is very different but it is the way it should be.  And I am very relaxed and comfortable with the way it is.  I know John and Molly are as well.  She is a very good size but at the end of this pregnancy her appetite has waned and it's been hard to get her to eat. She has enjoyed liver, chicken, and many other supplements to her diet though.  I do not know how many puppies she will have.  But they have been extremely active, which is always the case with Molly's puppies anyway!  All is well and we have 4 families waiting for hunting companions.   Jack and Molly's pups from their first litter are 2 years old now, and are all simply amazing.  I do say that about all our babies, but it's true regardless. 

It is a special night here at All Things Brittanys and it is always a joy to be able to write and share these experiences with those who are interested.  But there is also a seriousness about all of this, and the first 72 hours after pups are born are critical.  There may not be any update for a day or so for this very reason but we will do our best.  In the meantime, we'd sure appreciate a little extra prayer tonight from those who Believe.  And speaking of prayer... Teri is doing well in India and will return home to her family this coming weekend.  I can't wait until I know she's safe and sound in the USA again.

Take care and God Bless! John, Ann, Jack, Molly and All Things Brittany

Mainely Winter

Piper gets a first hand look at one of our homing pigeons held by John

Okay...cabin fever wants to set in here but it just cannot happen.  I want to crawl under the covers and not emerge until springtime. How realisitic is THAT?!  Actually yesterday afternoon I had to give into that feeling for just awhile.  It may have something to do with the new SleepNumber bed... which gives us the best sleep in years, and has minimized the stiffy joints and achy muscles.  And it is large enough to accomodate half a dozen Brittanys - well isn't that the most important thing??  Molly Rose, Treasure and I politely excused ourselves from the rest of ATB and left it all in the very capable hands of John, quietly closed the door behind us and enjoyed several hours of rest in the late afternoon.  The 'little ones' were in their crate for the afternoon, Jack was of course with John.  Rosie, Wish, Pippin, and Scooby (why do I always feel I'm leaving someone out?) had earlier enjoyed several romps around the pond with me which is probably one reason I was so exhausted!  It's not 'just' a walk around the pond - it is a major expidition through over 2 feet of snow which has yet to be packed down into a suitable path yet.  I'd been counting on the Brittanys to re-establish the path again but they were only going half way and then turning back around.  That is with the exception of Pippin and Piper who had no problem jumping and leaping through the white stuff!  Suffice to say, I finally was able to complete my first journey around the edge and the rest is history, sort of.  These little walks continue to be the extent of my attempt to add more daily exercise - which is really important for me right now.  I have snow shoes and I have cross country skis but it's been awhile since I've used either.  It's possible that they'll be brought out of storage, who knows! 

John has become primary caregiver to Molly this time around. In past years he has usually been working when pups arrived but now he is really enjoying the opportunity to be involved beginning to end.  Molly absolutely loves and trusts him anyway.  She's very close, is quite uncomfortable, and labors gently with the evidence of quiet moans and frequent readjustment of her body.  This is one reason why I like to rest with her... it is relaxing for Molly and I get to observe what's going on in her body.  The young pups spend time in the dog house when Molly is with us and vice versa.  They would be too much for Molly to try to cope with of course.  John has been the one lately to spend the most time with her and I love this, I really do.  He's always busy with the more laborous of chores that relate to what we do and I get to enjoy some of the more special times with the dogs.  I feel that we have become more of a 'team' in recent months, working together and I know that's especially because of our decision to keep two pups.  He's looking forward already to beginning a basic training program for the spring, moving beyond anything we've done with our own dogs before.  We both know what needs to be and must be done and together I feel we are flowing in that now more than ever.  It's a nice feeling.  And he can take off and go ice fishing to get away, and I can do 'whatever.' I'm really looking forward to Molly and Jacks second litter of pups together.  Her tummy is moving all the time, these babies are going to be one active litter!  John is very protective of all his 'girls' and Molly especially so.

Well this little lull in the day is coming to an end for me, as I hear True and Piper making sounds from their crates which means they are ready for the next part of their day.  I am too!  We have invited John and the kids over for Baked Beans later on and the beans cooking smell so wonderful.  I think I'll make some cornbread and maybe some kind of dessert.  We have had very good reports about Teri in India from John.  She doesn't leave until the 31st.  A lot of people are praying about her trip there, thank you.

Hope you are all enjoying some kind of wintry outdoor sport or activity.  I know Julie and Sassy are in Portland today at a Flyball Tournament.  I had hoped to get away and see her in action but I couldn't get away to go.  I know she'll do great though - she loves the sport of Flyball and it shows.  Take care and God Bless you and yours always, and thanks again for your interest in ATB!  John and Ann

January THAW?

Pictured above is our oldest grandson "Callum" who caught this 19" BROOK Trout
 weighing in at 4 pounds!

CONGRATULATIONS CALLUM!

I'm just settling back into my routine here after being gone from Thursday - Monday at shows.  Over the weekend we were all experiencing what seemed to be a January thaw with temperatures into the mid 40's. Perfect conditions for ice-fishing!  Our daughter and family came up to keep 'grampa' company while I was away and they spent the day on the lake.  As you can see by the photo above, they caught fish!  That was Saturday and on Sunday afternoon our son and his family (sans Teri who is in India) joined grampa here for dinner and had a great time visiting.  I thought it was so nice that he got to spend this time with the kids while I was away.  Speaking of Teri, she has been in touch with John and all is going well on her mission trip, she's mentioned banana trees and elephants as well as the work with children there.  Please continue to remember them in your prayers, thanks!

The shows were busy, hectic, and fun.  We didn't do as well as I'd hoped with Pippin over the weekend.  The competition was good and while we won the blue in our class of 1 each day ;o)  we were consistently defeated by the other girls there.  I do know the judges gave Pippin a good look, she moved well, and was more enthusiastic in the ring than the last time but - she was in heat and it had effected her coat and her attitutude quite a bit!  Neither Bullet nor Pippin won any points towards their championship but Bullet did place as Reserve Winner Dog in a class of 3.  Pippin placed as Reserve Winners Bitch in a class of 2... ;o)   Paris (Pams Brit) looked very nice each day and was shown in the Open class and we were all disappointed that she did not place this time.  Izzy, was finished by Lisa and is now a champion, and also won Best of Breed. Always something to talk about at the shows and if one is not careful it is very easy to be drawn right into the midst of it.  I don't mind people confiding in me, and sharing information, or even simply needing a shoulder or listening ear.  We're all human and want to know what is going in but there is a line to be drawn when it comes to gossip and maliciousness.  I've been a poor loser in the past and probably will be again in the future, but we manage to move beyond it.  Shows are competitive and have a reputation for being the source of vicious rumors and gossip. Sometimes these things that are said are true, other times not.  I experienced my share of offense this weekend with things spoken by people who didn't realize I was within earshot, or probably didn't realize how what they said might sound to me.  I'm thankful for the gift of true friendship in my life, that doesn't change with the weather or depend upon what dog does what, when, why or with who.  I'm thankful some of these friends are also involved with showing, for they are the anchors in the harbor when verbal storms arise.  It's important to me to get along with everyone, in as much as possible. There is so much more I want to learn about showing and those who have been at it for years are a valuable source of information.  I enjoyed some downtime with exhibitors I rarely get a chance to visit with, and it was good!

Let's switch gears here!   Pictured above are Molly and Treasure, lying down in front of our woodstove in the den just a little while ago.  If you look closely at Molly, you will see the evidence of her pregnancy! She is @8 weeks and very uncomfortable, seeking either to be close to us, or lie under a chair or near the stove. Her appetite is good, and she's enjoying the addition of liver to her diet.  Molly and Jacks pups are due next Tuesday.  She is not thrilled about having her temperature taken so we use a digital ear thermometer.  I don't feel it is a reliable but so far all is consistent.  Her last litter of pups was born January 2008, it was actually the first time we had wintertime pups, and the year we put the pellet stove into the dog house.  John has been especially attentive to his Molly girl, she trusts him very much.  Molly becomes very protective of her puppies when they are first born, and we highly respect her natural, maternal instincts to be that way.  She prefers to deliver without any human assistance so as we are nearby of course, we are out of her way and there only in case of necessity.  John and I both practice the physical 'calming signals' of dogs when she is in labor.  A few years ago Julie gave us the book by Turid Ruggas about this fascinating study of dog communication.  Time and again it's techniques have proven to be quite effective especially with a whelping mother dog. It's been real helpful for us to use with Molly.

True and Piper are doing very well in the house and although we have our hands full here, we are very careful and dilegent about how we divide our time.  Of course John gets double duty working nearly nonstop moving snow here.  We have schedules for this and schedules for that but they are all very flexible.  Definitely a little harder in the winter with so much going on but this is what we do and it is our full time job, which we both enjoy.  Miss Piper fits her name of "High Flyin' Girl" quite well!  She flies and must be anchored to earth with a flexi lead when she's outside!  We have tried off leash but she's too fast... not a problem to us though!   Sweet little girl she is learning so much as is her cousin True.  He continues to respond to clicker training and is learning specific words now that I am using to mark his behavior.  I was concerned with teaching a pup so young 'down' but he will remain down while I fix his food and put it into his crate. Both pups will sit quietly before I let them out of their x-pen.  We are learning their have to go outside cues quite well.  The biggest challenge and the most important one is to teach them individually.  When they go out to play - there are group times, but there are also one on one times.  So we will crate the adult dogs who happen to be in the house at any given time so they don't monopolize the pups, and vice versa. 

Have heard from most everyone with Treasure and Gibson pups and I do have a couple of phone calls to make regarding questions about them.  Love the pictures we've been getting.  Will have to put together some more of them soon.  Two females and one male are spoken for out of Molly and Jacks pups.  We do still have a few more questionairres to review and are still accepting inquiries.  This will be our last litter for quite awhile. 

Guess that's it for the time being!  Thank you as always for your interest in ATB, take care, and God Bless you and yours!  Ann, John, and the crew

Checkin' In!

Molly and Jack Pictured Here

Just a quick update!  We are indeed very busy here enjoying All Things Brittany but wanted to try to catch up a little bit this afternoon before heading out for several days to dog shows.  First time I've been in the ring since last August/Early September and I'm looking forward to this.  It is alway so much fun to be with our friends and we have a good time.  Of course we have an even better time when one of our Brittany's wins or places in their class.  There are two "majors" available this weekend for the 'girls' and I have several friends who would love to win that - hey, including me!!!!   I like the shows this weekend for a couple of reasons.  For starters, if cabin fever has set in this is a good way to break through it.  But the very first time I ever showed in January 2007 when I took Pippins mother "Chrissy" into the ring.  I have wonderful memories including my first placement ever - we took second place in the Open Class of females, that was just shy of a major. The judge said he'd never seen anyone be quite as excited about second place before!  But John and I were both thrilled.  John of course was ringside taking lots of pictures including the one when my "bait" fell out of my sleeve as well as when I started to take Chrissy all around the ring when that was not what the judge wanted.  But he was a wonderful judge. Since then, these January shows have always held a special place in my heart for many reasons, not the least of which is where John and I first met Dawn Hill, owner of Pippins sire, Ch Hills Blazn Jac and we were there when he finished his championship.  Last year Julie, Lisa, and I were ringside as Trues sire, Ch Gibson JH CGC, won his AKC championship title.  Who knows what this year will bring?!  One thing for sure, I am looking forward to being there with Pippin and our friends.

With clicker training True has learned his name, comes when called, focuses in on me, sits, and lays down.  He also asks to go out, is crate trained, does a great job of posing for me, and so much more.  John is working with Piper (sans clicker) and she does many of the above, and is doing very well with "whoa" and letting him steady and styler her up on her points.  Daily each pup is with birds or gets frozen wings to work/play with.  And they are both loves!

Our daughter in law is going on a missions trip to India for 2 1/2 weeks and leaves Friday.  Those who believe in power of prayer - please remember our entire family. Lots of mixed emotions happening right now. Our son will remain home with their 4 children.... I just do not have a peace about this - they know it - but I put my trust in God and leave it with Him. I'd be a darned liar if I said I was not filled with very legitimate concerns about many, many aspects of this.  I said I won't be a faithbuster but neither will I pretend everything is hunky dory with me.  Having to separate my emotions and concerns and very real fears means totally turning this over to the Lord. 

We've been receiving a lot of calls and emails for pups and doing the best we can to work with each family we feel is best qualified for one of our pups, now or in the future.  Sometimes this means people take things the wrong way, or get offended because of some of the questions we ask.  Recently we accomodated an inquiry into our Brittanys by offering several of you a chance to connect with an individual, who had also indicated we were being checked up on by another breeder on their behalf.  Throughout this whole situation I have learned a valuable lesson.  All Things Brittanys repersents to me, a lot more than answering questions about how much a dog cost, the color of the dog, when a pup is available etc.  Having one or two litters a year, means that is not our primary focus. Our Brittany and breeding program speak for themselves. We are transparent to a fault.  If someone is not happy with the way we do things, or is critical of what may be said concerning compatibilty of a pup or asks is a Brittany is indeed the dog for them.. .I am sorry.  But this is not a business and it's really not a hobby.  This is a lifestyle choice for John and I - to spend our lives at this point in time, loving, caring for, training, hunting, showing, and occassionally breeding Brittanys.  We love what we do and do what we love.  When we breed, it is for a specific purpose and we always have folks waiting for our pups. We have to be very diligent in our screening process for many reasons and sometimes it means people get offended or that we are misunderstood. But fortunately, that is not often the case.  Responsible breeders want responsible owners.  Sorry for the negative rant... !!

Having said that, my toes are cold... the woodfire needs stoking...True and Piper need to go out... Grooming and exercising are on the agenda... and oh yes!!! Packing for the dog show... Better run!

Thanks for everything... and indeed!!! TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS!!  John and Ann and ATB

Indeed - it's a Dog's Life!

(For the 3rd time in as many weeks our camera has disappeared and reappeared quite mysteriously! Actually, not so mysteriously... but saying that beats placing the blame on me, right?! I'd find the camera, take a few pictures, put it down 'somewhere' and discover it had walked away. We have found it in the most unusual places. For instance, when I walked through to the kitchen the other morning, the camera was looped to a dog leash, which was draped around the ceiling fan. Really quite odd, don't you think? Or could be someone in this house has a very good sense of humor ;o)

J & A's High Flyin' Girl of Acton (Piper)   I've been wanting to post a few pictures of Piper and especially for her wonderful breeders.  Miss Piper has been welcomed with lots of love by all of us here at ATB.  Usually we are the ones giving advice to new owners about what to expect the first several weeks with a new puppy but we're the ones with "Day in the Life of an 8 week Brittany" posted on our refridgerator.  Pippin is especially enjoying Piper and interacts with her much the same way Treasure interacts with True.  Perhaps she's been observing the two.  True and Piper have a great time being puppies together.  Jack amazes me again with his interactions with Piper.  Can dogs possibly know when they are related to each other?  Can a sire sense when they are with their progeny?  Sometimes during visits with Brittanys born here in the past there is an unmistakable kindred spirit between those directly related. We're not the only one who has noticed this, others have commented on this as well.  It's especially noticable to us on  Summer Field and Fun Day when there are informal reunions of siblings.  I am not inclined to attribute too many human emotions, characteristics to dogs as they do have their own unique way of interacting, reacting, and communicating to and with each other.  We humans just have to see things their way and learn their body language and calming signals.  Having said this, the photo you see is Jack and Piper walking along side by side.  I have a similar photo of a very young Barley walking forward with Jack a couple of years ago.  But Barley was born here and Piper was not. This is something that intrigues me!

Piper is exceptionally inquisitive and right from the day when she arrived she's shown us she has that "right out of the box" hunting ability.   Today she stood in front of the johnny house and showed me a real nice puppy point, complete with a raised front paw off the ground.  She was very interested in the sound of the birds flapping their wings and went around and around a couple of times. John has his own plans for Miss Piper but I am helping him with the basic early puppy training.  The first few days she was here she was not quite sure who we are or where she was but that quickly changed.  She has bonded with both of us now, and will run ninety miles an hour across the floor to jump into our lap and lavish us with kisses!  Crate trained, doing well on the lead, learning 'whoa' and embedding herself into our hearts, she's a delight.  Of course I'd love to take her into the ring but that will be up to John, she's his girl. (I did overhear him tell our neighbor this afternoon that both pups will probably be shown... and tucked the thrill of that revelation away!)  Point of interest:  John came close to keeping a pup from Jack in the past and was actually going to show pup himself. All things are possible and wouldn't that be cool!  He has become quite adept at grooming this winter, something which I so appreciate plus the dogs just respect John and he has a nice way with them.

I am especially mindful to work with Piper and True separate from each other. When you are a multi dog family it is so important to give each animal indivual, undivided attention.  Quite honestly, this can be a challenge to any responsible dog owner in that it is a lot easier to slip into the routine of letting the dogs 'train/teach' each other.  While tempted to save time and energy to let two pups out to eliminate together, it distracts them from the 'job' at hand and the same goes for exercising.  While our crew certainly enjoys playing and romping together, they so need one on one.  Besides they are ever learning either positive or negative behavior each day of their life.  Basically we shouldn't let a puppy do anything we wouldn't want an adult dog to do.  Easier said than done but it's true. We have such a huge responsibility when we bring any dog into our home.  I try very hard not to get into the habit of comparing one puppy to another, or any of them for that matter.  Right now I can see so many distinctive and interesting differences between Piper and True... enough so that one teaching method will not work for both puppies.  I can teach Piper the basics of 'whoa' with a flexilead... she totally understands.  However, True is learning 'whoa' in an entirely different manner, by trying to read my mind.  Piper is more ACTIVE and True is more REACTIVE.  Both (ALL) Brittanys are highly intelligent.

I've been making good use of our new pond and Johns creative plowing throughout the front yard down to the woods. We have about 5 acres here with 2/3 of it being woodland that backs up to hundreds of acres of woods, lakes, acres.  I have been faithful to walk the 'route' a few times a day with whatever dogs are our exercising and believe me, I'm feeling it but believe me... I NEED this.  I go slow... actually no choice but to go slow. I'm curious to know how much distance I'm covering throughout the day.  Anyway it's so much fun. The woods are so quiet this time of year except for the sound of a few birds here or there. This afternoon there was a lone woodpecker drilling away.  All I could think of as the soft snow fell was the poem by Robert Frost "Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening."  

Speaking of snowy evening... it is one here, and all our crew has settled down for the day.  Pups have one more trip outside later on and they will sleep through to the morning. And so will we!

Take care and God Bless you always,

Ann and John, and All Things Brittany

New Beginnings...2010

Happy New Year to everyone, hope that you enjoyed yourself welcoming 2010 in.  We celebrated in a very simple manner.  Although we were invited over to our friends we stayed home much to John's chagrin. (Translated: the 'wife' didn't want to go anywhere!)  We did have a very quiet evening with a few appetizers and snacked, watched T.V. and were both fast asleep by 10:30.  John was happy to spend most of the day out on the ice with friends, helped get the ice shack up, drilled some holes, for the first day of ice fishing.  He did catch a nice brown trout but released the live fish as he was about an inch too short (or long or whatever - it wasn't the right size to keep!).  I enjoyed conversations with both our son and daughter.  She and her husband ran their 2nd 5K race down by Salibury MA.  Their time was great, we were very proud of them.  Our niece ran what I believe was her 1st 10 K and also had great time.  As for me, I chased a 9 week old run away unleashed puppy around in the snow, up hill, in heavy boots and nearly passed out... !!  And it wasn't True. (I mean it was true literally, but it wasn't True the puppy  - oh you know what I mean!!!)

No better time than the present to tell you that we have recently become the proud owners of a Jack daughter!  It was John's perogative to make this decision, and it was something we'd wanted to do for quite awhile - just was not sure when or how.  As mentioned in an earlier blog, we had the pleasure of an inquiry about Jacks stud services last fall and the rest is history.  Last Tuesday we welcomed the evidence of his success with a beautiful Brittany owned by friends of friends who have a Jack daughter.  (Confused yet?!) Well... as our camera continues to appear and disappear I am unable to show this pretty little one off quite yet.  But she is a sweetie, and True and ATB have happily welcomed her with love.  We'll share some more about our good news soon - and offer a deserving and formal introduction. John has appropriately named her "J & A's High Flyin' Girl of Acton"  and her call name will be "Piper", after the plane.  She is high flyin, independent, always hunting, and a whole lot of exuberance, a sweet girl who easily won our heart.

We've been asked a lot about Molly lately... I'm hoping to have something very positive to share in the near future! 

Rosie was happily surprised the other night when John decided he wanted to groom her himself... she loves to jump up on the grooming table so when she did, he just started to brush her.  Boy did she feel special and poured on the charm!  Course he's not one to show favoritism (much - look at the 'golden boy) Scooby also had his special time with John.  Wish had been done earlier in the day by me.  True is doing very nicely on the table.  Tonight he sat and stayed on it while the rest of the world went on around him.  Of course I had my eye on him the whole time but I was impressed.  We've also had Piper on it briefly, teaching her 'watch me' and she's okay with it for a few minutes.  I am working with Pippin a lot lately,  getting ready for a couple of shows.  Also working more with Treasure and waiting for her coat to do whatever it's going to do.  Both girls look so beautiful... but then if I say so myself, the entire crew here is striking in their own right.  Each dog has something so unique about them.  I'm especially pleased with Pippin's continual development.  In the early fall she began to dramatically mature in appearance and behavior.  This transformation continues to improve and there are many times I look at Pippin and think indeed, the depth and quaility of her beauty that is appearing before my very eyes has been worth the wait.  Things I've missed before because of being new to showing, or maybe that I took for granted, or maybe just was ignorant of. 

Speaking of these more technical things, I have read many books which are proving to be invaluable to me as I continually seek to gain knowledge.  Two older ones written by Rachel Paige Elliot and McDowell LyonI I found on Ebay.  John bought me a new bookcase to hold my ever growing library.  It is dual purpose, like the Brittany ;o).   Half of the books are strictly hunting, and the other half strictly showing.  At some point I'll put together an extensive list just for your information.  If you enjoy reading and researching and having resources available especially about the Brittany, let me know!

Wow tonight the wind is howling and the snow is coming down.  It has been snowing here nearly constantly since Thursday!  Guess it's suppose to stop tomorrow?  We must have about 9 inches at least on the snow.  The dogs have all enjoyed several good long runs during the short lived break in the storm.

Last but not least... for those who have faith and hearts to pray, I'd like to ask for prayer for a family, friends of ours who experienced a devastating loss this past week.  Their young daughter has been showing for many years, and has been a succesful breeder as well.  (She's shown her own dogs at Westminister Kennel show before, and also was invited to Eukanuba... to show a dog of her own breeding.)  Her 3 year old champion passed away , as well as 2 of her 4 puppies born that day. A few days later, she lost the other 2 puppies.  It is so sad.  She did everything she possibly could have and everything right including performing CPR on her dog on the way to the vets, but couldn't save her as she had gone into cardiac arrest. My heart aches for her whole family and I just pray God's mercy, compassion, and comfort will be a reality to them.

Thank you...
Take care and God Bless... John, Ann, and ATB