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