Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!

Okay, ENOUGH already!!!! We've had ENOUGH rain for awhile and it's time for sunshine to come up and dry up all the rain.  Rain, rain go away!  Don't want anymore 'rainy day feelings'!  And STOP with the 'raindrops keep fallin' on my head'!! 

Oh there are some good things to consider about all of this.  Like having our grandaughter come over on this afternoon of torrential downpours just because she wanted to hang out with us! As nearly every day at ATB is a grooming day of some sort or other, today was no exception so the first thing we did together was work on Rosie and then Pippin.  Brook quickly learned about feathers, bloomers, and more as we stood on opposite sides of the grooming table brushing, clipping, etc.  After this I showed her a little bit about clicker training and how easy it is to teach a young puppy with the use of it.  We were quite a team as True kept a down/stay for several minutes.  I slowly walked away from him as he lay in front of Brook.  Each step I took that he didn't move I would click and Brook would treat. It was a lot of fun for all of us!  Grampa wanted to know what would be good for lunch and no one could decide so I came up with the diplomatic approach; let's write our favorites on a piece of paper and then draw our choices blindly out of a hat!  Chinese food prevailed and soon we were sitting at the dining room table sharing a Pu-Pu Platter together. Of course, the pouring rain was a good reason for turning into couch potatoes and relaxing the rest of the afternoon while watching the Cartoon Network.  I cannot remember the last time I actually settled back long enough to watch cartoons, and enjoy it!  There are a lot more characters now and many of the cartoons I'd never seen before so I needed to keep asking about everything. True and Piper settled into their crates right on schedule while Rose and Pippin made sure they let Brook know how special she was to them.  Jack made an appearance every now and then.

John has moved the well loved and well worn whelping box out of the 'dog house' and into storage.  Usually we will not have need of the pellet stove at this time of year when there are no pups but with all the rain and wind, Treasure, Molly, Scooby, and Wish appreciate it - especially when they return from an extended run.  Speaking of which, it is just about time for some annual field cuts for some of them.  Treasure's coat has come back in so 'funky' after her pregnancy !  Molly is currently blowing hers and this is when I am grateful for the Furminator.  Scoob and Wish are so low maintainence but they both love getting up on the table - just to be closer to me and for the hands on touching that goes with basic grooming. Rosie is the one here who absolutely loves grooming the most though.  After her bath, which left her smelling like a mango, she jumped up onto the table and plopped herself there in anticipation of what was to come. Her bloomers and tail needed serious attention (she'd been in heat) and I believe Rose wanted to make sure I was aware of this.  Before I knew it, she rolled over onto her back, spread her legs, and went to sleep. She obviously was just trying to make my work a little easier for me in that particular area. 

This past weekend was a big weekend for me.  For starters, our oldest grandson celebrated his 7th birthday.  He spent the day with his dad at the movies and then out for a haircut, returning home to a small family party.  This is so cute...I have to share it!  When he arrived back home, his dad came running into the house with instructions from Cal that he wanted to be surprised! He knew there was a party but still, he wanted the surprise.  We all cracked up and happily obliged him, hiding in a corner of the living room so he could not see us when he came in.  As he ran around the corner we all jumped out and in unison yelled "SURPRISE"!  The joy and happiness on his face was just incredible so for some reason this meant a lot to him.  Our daughter had prepared dinner for everyone there (did I say we raised an outstanding cook?) and a good time was had by all.

Our plans for Pippin's get away weekend went well.  John and I delivered her to a friend of ours who was traveling to Connecticutt with his own dogs for a field trial.  She stayed with them on Friday night at the trail grounds and was met by our friend Dawn on Saturday who worked with Pippin and spent a lot of time bonding more closely with her.  When we arrived home from the birthday party there was a voicemail from Dawn about Pippin. I quickly called her and learned Miss Pippinator was having a sleepover at her 'fathers' house and with her half sister Bailey.  She also got to know Miss Morgen (new AKC champion) much better and others in the family, canine and human.  I was really happy to learn she was there.  Kidnapped - but couldn't be by a better person!  On Sunday, Dawn handled Pippin in the Amateur Walking Derby stake.  She did have two good finds however in a Derby stake dog must establish a point for shots to be fired and this did not happen.  Dawn said she ran real good once she knew what she was out there for.  At the end though  little stubborn pig headed Pippin would not come in for Dawn when it was time, Pippin wanted to keep it going. Not to mention the very long drive home that our friend had to make... In the end, she made it back to us safe and sound and we're thrilled she had this opportunity!

Getting close to wrapping this up and the rain seems to continue to pour even heavier than it was earlier.  All of our little puppies are gone now and doing wonderful with their new owners. Have had great reports! Our 2010 program does not include any other pups in the near future, perhaps early winter we may have a repeat breeding with Treasure and Gibson though.  Several of 'you' are indeed on our waiting list already. Have signed up for handling classes with True; these begin shortly.  Cannot wait!  Oh he is really something but then we knew he would be. I was going to mention Piper too as she did very on the grooming table tonight - especially once Rosie decided Piper needed a little 'calming' and jumped up and lay down by her.  Too funny that Rosie. 

On a much more serious note... let's be reminded that this is "Holy Week", the week that leads up to the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  To some - this means very little beyond cutsie bunnies, eggs, chickens and baskets of candy.  To others - it is the very reason for our existance.  To those who belong to the Church of the E&C (Easter and Christmas) it is a reason to buy a beautiful new Easter outfit.  And to those who have never ever known the agape kind of love God imparts,  encountered the life changing experience of KNOWING the reality that Jesus lives, or who have never invited Him to come live inside their heart... to those... it can mean a brand new beginning, a place to begin all over again, a place - where in our heart of hearts, we come face to face with what Easter absolutely does mean.  Just as we are, we can come to Him, turn to Him, cast all fear and doubt aside... and receive the gift of salvation, of forgiveness, of eternal life through Jesus Christ, all BECAUSE of the work at Calvary - and as seen in the evidence of EASTER - the Resurrection morning, when we can all say along with those at the sight of the empty tomb that day - HE IS RISEN!!! HE IS RISEN INDEED! 

These photos with the exception of the post card were taken during my trip to the Holy Lands

in July of 2000.  I traveled to Israel that summer with one of my best friends to participate in the 2000 Milennium Believers Summit, a gathering of ministries from all over the world.  We attended with @ 300 other members of Aglow International, a wonderful Christian women's ministry. While there we did visit the Garden Tomb and many places in and surrounding Jerusalem including Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, and more.  Oh... yes, and by the way... the tomb?  When I got insided, it was empty, nothing there.

Here we are at the Church of the Nations with the Eastern Gate behind us. 

This is the view looking across to the Mount of Olives. 

The First Day Without Puppies

This is "Tenzing" helping me as I finish up on paperwork to give to his new owners.  An 8 week old pup from Molly and Jacks January litter, "Tenz" began the first day of the rest of his life today.  All 8 pups are now enjoying their new families, friends and new homes. 

For the rest of this year my life is not going to revolve around canine proestrus, estrus, diestrus, or anestrus cycles!  No longer will I be watching for the boys at ATB to tell me to be on the lookout for 'first blood'.  And it will be awhile before I look for signs that will indicate a viable pregnancy.  A period of 63 days will not be the driving force that compels me to closely monitor a Brittany in whelp closely followed by 8 weeks of total devotion to a litter of Brittany puppies. There will no need for a weeks worth of trips back and forth to the veterinarean for progesterone essays and cytology to determine the best day for breeding.  At least not for awhile yet. 

"Tenzing" (pictured above) just left with his new owners Hi and Helen, who were beaming with delight at their new little puppy.  Tenz also was introduced to his two new older 'siblings';  Choc, a beautiful brown border collie and Lhotse, a very handsome Brittany.  Choc and Llotse have been very sad as have their owners over the past few months.  They lost a very special part of the family when their other Brittany "Tilly" left for the Rainbow Bridge back in December.  Today Tenzing joined this special family and I believe he will bring much joy and happiness to them all.  Helen is very involved with the sport of Agility with her dogs and Tenzing will be trained with this sport in mind. John and I worked very hard to be sure that the match would be perfect and after today, we are confident that is so.  Tilly was one of the top competing Brittanys in the country from what I understand and quite celebrated by those who knew her.  Helen sent me a wonderful article about how she started training with Tilly for this sport and how far they came together.  I'm not familiar with all the titles but Tilly held a MACH title (AKC Master Agility Title).  Something tells me we're going to have a renewed interest in this sport.  If Tilly is anything like her half sister Sassy (Master Flyball Dog Champion Gold) she will be quite outstanding in her own right!  I'm very happy for Hi and for Helen.

This weekend John and I are sending Pippin off again only this time instead of going to a show, it will be to a field trial.  A friend of ours is going to transport Miss Pippin to Dawn who will handle her in the Amateur Walking Derby this weekend with the Southern New England Brittany Club.  Dawn has also said she'd love to handle Pippin for us at the upcoming Futurity in New York.  It's time to put the Brittany mobile back on the road for Julie and I will be traveling together to the Futurity.  Bailey, Bullet, and Pippin are all "Futurity Nominated" and as their breeder I'm very proud.  We have never ventrued out of New England for an event before, and certainly never had any of our litters of Brittanys futurity nominated.  Basically, these special events are an opportunity for breeders to showcase their breeding programs and is a time honored tradition of the American Brittany Club. Well... I'm still going to miss Pippin although she'll be in excellent hands.  John and I will be celebrating Callum's 7th birthday here in Maine!

Last night I did something I have not yet done with True, and vowed I never would do as "things would be different" with him.  HA.  After the long and sad day John and I had yesterday we both were so exhausted when we came home.  I'd pulled my back (nice) and my knee was still complaining about me showing Pippin myself on Sunday so all I wanted to do was crash.  Not so easy with ATB!  Our friend Mal called to invite us for a spaghetti supper - by the way he makes the BEST spaghetti sauce.  When he learned we'd just arrived back home and how I was feeling he told John come down to his house and he'd send dinner our way.  Wasn't that nice?  Well anyway - I went to bed very early last night as did John. At around 2 A.M. the dogs in the house began to get restless for some reason and I went to see where they were and what they were doing.  And I came back with True... who stayed with us until John got out of bed early in the morning.   He is a cuddle bug like his mother Treasure! 

Speaking of Treasure, for those who have an interest in her next litter - there are 5 puppies definitely spoken for and that's not including what the Jacksons or John and I want to do about a pup.  I do not expect to see pups until very late 2010/early 2011.  This is our only planned litter for 2010 though and in which case you do not want to wait, we are always happy to give referrals to other breeders.  Otherwise we'll be happy to add to our serious inquiry list.

I'm still working on getting some photos published from the New England Sporting Dog Group Association shows this weekend.  I did get a video up of Dawn and Morgen winning her championship.  There seems to be a lot of shows coming up but it will be pick and choose as to which ones Pippin is shown at.  I'm thankful to have Pam, Julie, and Dawn all so willing to help me out.  I think my knee is going to eventually need surgery but for now I'll keep gimping along, living on Aleve and Icy Hot while using my knee brace. Even so, Dawn empasized I needed to be able to move out with Pippin, and reinforced what a FANTASTIC job Julie did with her on Saturday.  Julie was on standby Sunday but it was awesome to work with Pippin myself.  For the first time in awhile it felt like teamwork.  The same thing is said about Dawn regarding a willingness to help Pippin at field trials too. And I love to work with Bullet as well when it's helpful.  Speaking of field events - anyone wishing information on some of the upcoming Hunt Tests just let us know or you can go to AKC and search for time/locations.  "Our" Brittany club is getting closer to holding Hunt Tests ourselves, I'm so glad!  And we are having a field trial in the spring this year - first time in a long while.  There surely are going to be enough 6 month old puppies around to run in the puppy stakes!!!

We never ever tire hearing of stories of Brittanys especially those from ATB.  I was thrilled to hear that "Riley" (Treasure/Gibson pup) was used by NAVHDA trainers to demonstrate natural ability and skill recently.  How cool is that?!  And the reports about Brandi plus what we saw ourselves here are cause to be very proud.  I could right down an entire list and include most of our dogs over the past few years and beam with great pride at all they have been doing in the field and in some instances, in the ring and other events.  Versatile takes on new meaning!  And how can I ever forget how exceptional Remi has been the past 18 months in the field with his owner and trainer?  I'm beginning to fear overlooking or leaving a name off of my accolades - just like with children and grandchildren - I don't want anyone to be left out! It's time for an ATB brag book, with contributions by owners - not just me bragging!

Soon you will notice a whole new look to the website at J & A's Brittanys.  I may need to temporarily shut it down for awhile as I transfer some files and move the domain.  But it is time for a facelift.  In the meantime information about All Things Brittany will be found here and pictures, pedigrees, and testimony will remain right here.

Above all, remember to keep life simple in as much as you possibly can.  Think on things that will bring encouragement and uplift not only others, but your own 'spirit'.  Never take yourself too seriously.  And when people just plain old bug you, and no matter how hard you try to work things out - give yourself permission to walk away. Avoid being used but when you discover you have been, just get over it.  Life is way too short and precious to waste time trying to figure out what makes other people tick.  When it comes to friendships - REAL friendships - think of this little childhood song "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."

John and I are so appreciative of those who have taken an interest in All Things Brittany.  It's fun to share ordinary things about extraordinary dogs with very extraordinary people,  like you!  It's not just surface stuff here you know - we'd like to think it's the 'real deal'.  Although there are times I'm personally challenged to accept the reality of it.  But who can deny the way lives are drawn towards each other, how paths cross, how timing seems perfect more often than not... We're enjoying this journey we call life - with all the ups and downs, highs and lows, challenges and successes, and victories and failures.  And sharing it with Brittany dogs who are more understanding and forgiving than most people - and in my opinion, certainly more intelligent than a lot of them!!!! 

Tired tired tired.... so take care and God Bless You and Yours ALWAYS!!!

John, Ann, Rosie, Molly, Wish, Pippin, True, Treasure, Jack, Piper, and Scooby Doobah!

Please remember...

Please remember the family of our friend, Jane Crowe who passed away recently after a battle with cancer.  Today is her funeral and John and I will be attending with several of our mutual friends.  Remember especially her husband and Johns very good friend Lenny Crowe.  It's been a difficult time for all concerned as you can well imagine.  Thank you for the kind words of sympathy expressed to us personally which mean a lot to John and I. Over the years we've enjoyed a lot of wonderfully fun and enjoyable times with Lenny and Jane and several other couples. It is difficult to realize that they are now just a memory but we're thankful to have them to help us remember better days of health for our dear sweet friend.

God bless you and yours always. Sincerely, John and Ann Short

Reflections Once Again

Introducing the newest AKC Champion from Hills Brittany

CH Hills Mornin' Edition (Morgen)

A beautiful liver and white female Brittany bred and owned by Paul & Dawn Hill

Always owner handled by Dawn Hill

John and I are so happy for all of you!!!! Congratulations, this girl deserved it!

Will do a complete behind the scenes Dog show update  soon!  We all had a great time with our Brittanys, the host club went out of their way to make everyone feel very welcome, and there was an inpromptu happy birthday celebration for Kristyn McCartney in honor of her 21st birthday.  The highlight of the weekend for me though - this is not including how pleased we all were with our own dogs - was watching Dawn Hill take "Morgen" around the ring, gaiting in her most excellent and elegant style and winning not only her class, but winners bitch - her second major and thus with accumulative points - became AKC Champion Hills Morning Addition!  The next day she triumphed again by going Best of Breed in her first specials class!  What is especially noteworthy to me is that Morgan has been exclusively breeder/owner/ handled for the past 6 years and is a Liver and White Brittany!  Congratulations Dawn, I was so happy to be there and watch your girl!  There were other important wins for exhibitors there this weekend as well of course, all deserving.  But this one with Morgen was extra special for me.  Dawn exemplifies for me in many ways what I personally like to see in a Brittany - the dogs that she and Paul breed are family and hunting companions first and foremost and each one is well loved.  I know this because of Miss Bailey (out of Chrissy and Jack).  Dawn has titled several of their Brittanys, who are also extremely competitive in the field as well as the ring.  This weekend Pippin will be transported to a field trial in Southern New England where Dawn will spend the time with her, and run her in a derby stake if all goes well. 

I also have lots of good things to share about the weekend with Pam and Paris, and with Julie and Bullet - and pictures to show. Anytime we are together friendship, joy, and laughter abound.  More on that this week.

On a very serious note, John and I have lost a very dear friend to cancer.  We heard the news Friday morning before Julie and I headed to Fitchburg.  Although we knew it was coming - it has been hard to wait for the phone call.  Her services are Wednesday. Jane's death was utmost on my mind at the show and as a result I did not have the energy nor the desire to deal with or address ugly gossip and immature actions/reactions. They fell to the bottom of my list of concerns as I mourn the loss of a very vibrant forever young woman and friend.  Rising above the fray and enjoying the friendship and acquaintance of other likeminded exhibitors this weekend, celebrating the 21st birthday of a very talented and gifted young woman with so much potential, and so much more.  I also listened in horror and disbelief to the details of a tree crashing through the roof of another breeder/exhibitors beautiful brand new home - and realize they have a lot to be thankful as the story is told.  Things have a way of coming around full circle.  Yet again, Brittanys are found in the middle of that circle - somehow bringing God's greater understanding to the Light of what is really really important.  Pups going home at the same time we mourn the death of our friend Jane and concern for her husband left to live without her... The tree crashing through the house, I cannot imagine... A birthday celebration for this same family... Winning and Losing take on new meanings... greater meanings... The disappointments of dear friends become my own... Another birthday this weekend of our oldest grandchild... The celebration of 35 years of marriage... Yes indeed... think on these things... and as I choose to let extreme drama fall by the wayside, may my ability to continue to rise above it all be strengthened, and I appreciate that ability.

Julie and I returned home late late Sunday afternoon and found that John had a wonderful dinner waiting for us.  He's so thoughtful! We persuaded her to stay overnight and head out this morning.  We've had our special time with pups going home today with those we look forward to also sharing our life with as part of All Things Brittany.  More about that too here and on Facebook.

For now... day is done.  My prayers are with Jane's family, and especially Lenny... Our friendship evolved by way of John and Lenny working together for years and retiring to enjoy that friendship and beyond.  There have been several couples who have done annual canoe trips, bonfires, camping trips, Christmas parties, dinners, etc. together and we've all become very close.  Anyway... we've all shared some real good times together. Learning of Janes diagnosis not so long ago was enough of a shock... to learn she had little time to live was even greater... to discover last week this meant only days - has been a little hard to handle.
Thank you for listening... and if you're so inclined to do so, remember Lenney in your prayers..

Take care and God Bless you and yours - always... John and Ann, and our family of Brittanys

Brittanys and The Twilight Bark

It's one of those mornings here in Maine that seem to promise to us that the winter is nearly past, it's time to stretch, strengthen the spirt that is ever willing even when the flesh is weak, take a deep breath and hit the floor running!   It's been a quiet morning and All Things Brittany is somewhat settled for the moment, there is a sense of peace and tranquility as several of the dogs are nearby. Sometimes we have to have made a deliberate choice to silence our minds, turn down the noise inside of us,  put aside the pressures of our ever growing 'to do lists' which always get lost, and again... simply breathe.

As for time spent here with our beautiful Brittany 'family', I can take the same approach.  At least a couple of times a day it is somewhat chaotic here for obvious reasons.  Dogs will be dogs and my angelic (HA) crew is no exception.  Whether someone is visiting us for the first time, or if I am simply spotted from across the yard it is usually a special and happy occasion for the dogs and they gladly make that fact known!  The reasons a dog will bark varies of course.  But one thing is certain.  At All Things Brittany, dogs bark out of sheer joy and happiness! Um... well... most of the time.  I could be a little more reasonable of course concerning the 'pack howl' something that Miss Molly always instigates, often in the middle of the night whether she is alone in the house or in the kennel surrounded by ATB.  It always reminds me of  a scene from my favorite Disney movie, 101 Dalmations, involving the "Twilight Bark."

“.....The humans tried everything. Now it's up to us dogs and the Twilight Bark. I'll sound the alert! Woof! Woof! Ahh! Treasure, come in here! Wish! Be quiet now! Aw, shut up! Quiet! Will you be quiet! Rosie, what's going on? What is it? What's all the gossip? 'Taint no gossip, Pippin. It be all the way from London. - You don't say! - puppies.  Something about puppies? Well, then, we'd best send the word along. It be up to me to reach the JackDog! He be the only one in barking range. You'll never reach him at this hour! Well, I can try! I'll bark all night if I have to. Ahem! Hmm-hmm-hmm. Hmm... sounds like Scooby. It's an alert. Scooby! ScOOby! I say, SCOOBY! Oh, yes, Treasure! Barking signal. It's an alert. Report to the JackDog at once. Righto, sir. Right away, sir! JackDogl? I say, JACKdog! JACKDOG? - What? Who goes there? Scooby reporting, sir. Rosie? Wish? Pippin! Look here, Treasure. What's the idea of barging in at this hour? But JackDog... Hold on, Molly. You hear that? - Sounds like an alert. - Yes, JackDog. - We'd better look into it. Come along, on the double. - Righto, sir. It's little Piper and True, sir. By Jove, yes! So it is. Well, I'll see what they want. Ahem! Woof, woof, woof! Woof, woof, woof! It be JackDog himself! He wants the message. You'd better make it loud or he'll never get it. One long howl, two short. - One yip and a woof. - Two yips, sir. - What's the word? - It's from London. - It must be important. - Yes, I'll get the rest of it. Ahem! Woof, woof, woof! [Distant Barking] Sounds like a number. Three fives is . - That's sir. - Of course, . [Barking] Yes... Dot, Spot... Spotted puddings. Poodles. - No, puddles! - Puddles, sir? spotted puddles stolen? Oh, balderdash! Better double-check it, JackDog. Oh, yes, I suppose I'd better. Woof, woof, woof! Two woofs, one yip and a woof. - It sounds like "puppies"! - Of course, puppies! It’s time for Molly and Jack's puppies to go to their new homes!”

And so 8 lively, happy, bouncy, intelligent, funloving, beautiful, loveable little orange and white furballs will begin the first day of the rest of their lives with the wonderful families that are waiting for them.  As we are always asked, is it hard to say goodbye to a litter of puppies we have devoted ourselves to and bonded so closely with?  It is absolutely very difficult and don't let us fool you.  But any sadness John and I may experience is greatly overshadowed by the confidence we feel in having selected the best families and environments for our pups.  It's always bittersweet, but there is also the future to look to, when we get the updates, the puppy kindergarten graduation pictures, the news about the pups development and especially those who are hunted - that first fall season of bird hunting.  It's who we are and what we are about by the grace of God.  And we s enjoy sharing these things with those of you have an interest in ATB.

John's holding the fort down this weekend as I look forward to spending time in Fitchburg at a dog show there.  It is no secret to most that showing is not the main event or focus for John and I but I like going to some of the shows and sharing the fun with good friends. We all try our personal best in the ring.  Sometimes we win and always we have fun.  Although, I'm pretty darn happy with how Miss Pippin is lookin! And speaking of shows, a quick walk through of the Brittany Mobile yesterday makes me REALLY look forward to the spring/summer/fall shows of 2010! 

Hope you all have the opportunity to get out and enjoy this beautiful day. Take care and God bless!
John, Ann and All Things Brittany

Think on These Things...

People often are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people may still accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends
and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be

shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.

Think big anyway.

What you spend years building
may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but
may attack if you help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway. - Anonymous

God bless you and yours and as always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany!  John, Ann and our wonderful canine crew.  (NOT about Bob LOL!)

Time is flying!

J & A's Keeper of the Stars of Acton ("True) 

DOB  October 11, 2009

Sire: CH Gibson JH, CGC

Dam: J & A's Dreams Come True of Acton

This is 5 month old True on 3/6/10 on live quail for the very first time. He experienced his awakening this past weekend in a very impressive manner.  The bird was tucked in within a foot of where locked up solid.  John styled True up a few minutes before when he first picked up scent then relocated him. True obviously did not need any help and notice the slack lead.  I do believe we are in for a great adventure with this young pup if this weekend was any indication.  When the bird was flushed True remained fairly honest especially for the very first time.  We do not rush our young pups and prefer to wait them out, until they are ready to show us what they've got - and then take it from there.

No time to say hello/goodbye ?!!! 6 week old pups! WOW! What an active bunch of Brittany puppies, they are on the go, having a blast here there and everywhere!  Have not even had time to sit and upload the many pictures taken over the past weekend or to provide updates about the evals etc.  John is not always happy to see me typing away at the computer and it alway seems just about the time I locate a missing file, or am in the middle of an upload, proofing an article or simply trying to form a coherant thought suitable to post on the blog - that is precisely when I am needed elsewhere. When I return to what I was trying to work on - of course my focus is gone!  Not complaining in the least but I am entitled to moan occasionally?   Well he is as well, and especially with feeling so rotten lately - I have been after John to PLEASE go to the doctor, he's had a terrible cough and congestion for too long.  Therapy of choice tonight is Vicks Vapor Rub.  Usually I'm watching NAVY NCIS at this time on a Tuesday night. What am I doing here?  Trying to explain why the blog has not been updated!!!! 

I'll back up long enough to share - we had the BEST weekend here for so many reasons. Here's a snippet of what I was going to include in my 6 week puppy update - it may be a little disjointed but wanted to share it none the less!

We have enjoyed visits with many of the soon to be new owners of Jack and Molly's pups. It is unique in that we are either working with repeat clients, people personally referred to us through mutual friends, folks who have waited for at least 6 months or more, with 5 hunting families and one active Agility family. What is even more amazing is that people are now waiting for our next planned litter which will not arrive until 2011.  How can we ever thank everyone enough who has such an interest in our Brittanys and belief in what we are all about? 

Things got behind here due to the 4 day power outage that we had but that is all behind us now. The pups are doing so well and Molly has completed weaning them. As a matter of fact tonight is their first complete night without her. Even so, there will still be plenty of time spent interacting with mom right up until they go home.

The Puppy Aptitude Tests were conducted this weekend with Julie Harris, Sam & Pam Jackson staying overnight after giving John and I much appreciated assistance. There were few surprises other than some pups lack of interest due to meal and naptime conflicts. Overall we saw a real consistency in this litter with very little variances. This isn't always the case. It was fun having Jim and Lori join us all for lunch and evals and to visit with Brandi. We all enjoyed seeing all the dogs romp and play together. True, Piper and Brandi had an awesome bird awakening experience. It was also neat because Brandi had a playdate with her sister the day before. The evening found John and I enjoying our guests as we gathered around the table together with good food, good beverages, and good conversation. Everyone contributed to a wonderful family style dinner, and it was good. Another highlight of the weekend was an unexpected visit by another Treasure/Gibson pup (Sweet Pea now known as Tillie). Their family has a cottage on a nearby lake and really "just happened to be in the neighborhood." Not to be overlooked, "Boog" aka Patches - has checked in via voice mail! (I WILL get to that phone and return the call to the owners of the best Brittany in the world as they refer to Remi, but I can't say it - ALL of our Brittanys are the best aren't they!)

Pippin is in need of a major miracle these next few days as we prepare for our next show. Right now she is not going to competition for anyone and I'm not kidding! Praying for a major miracle right here!

Check our the new Facebook page I've made.  I hope that it will become interactive and work out for those who may already be on FB.  PLEASE upload your own Brittany photos, make your own albums for all to share.  Will probably do a Q&A Discussion list at some point.  Cuz we LOVE LOVE LOVE staying in touch with everyone, as well as having others enjoy our unique world of All Things Brittany.

More soon I promise and HOW IS NANCY P. doing??????????

Take care and God Bless,

John, Ann and the crew!

We Are Back!

We're back after several days without power. A new blog will be forthcoming and some greatly anticipated pictures and updates!!!  It's been crazy. I do want you to know that we had our priorities straight during the power outage, our generation was hooked up to the dog house so the pellet stove and heat lamp kept pups and ATB warm! The puppies have changed so much, as they always do from 4 - 5 weeks.  I do think we can easily identify who Lewis & Clark II will be... or in this case it will probably be "LOUISE" and Clark LOL!  Some of you have figured out that SPUD may fall in that category.

With the power loss, so does the opportunity to recharge my camera batteries. Tomorrow is 'someones' birthday, so I have a cake to bake and there is also a work session Maine LD 1598 for me to be.  We are in the middle of our wonderful time of puppy visits here but I absolutely PROMISE to get some pictures up here.  The PAT evals are this Saturday, I'll have those pictures and probably some nice ones of the pups posed for you to see.  Have totally enjoyed our visits so far and in one instance a reunion with 3 year old 'Durgin' from the West Forks - another handsome Brittany dude.  Also, at the CMBC member meeting this past weekend, I was reunited with another one of our offspring, "Hunter",  from Chrissy and Jack's very first litter. The Jacksons and The Harris families will be here to assist with the evals, don't know what we'd do without them.  Looking forward to seeing Jim and Lori here too!  Speaking of visits, I'm happily looking forward to a visit with Steve and Steph in April. 

As you see there is a lot to write about but currently we're waiting for Bob and Andy to arrive so I'll try to get back later. In the meantime we hope that all of you are doing well, enjoying the better weather albeit quite muddy here - and know that we always appreciate your interest in All Things Brittany! 
Take care and God Bless!
Ann and John and our canine crew