Thinking About Timber...

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J & A's Timberdoodle of Acton

January 1, 2005 - May 2, 2007

Sire: AFC/FC Coos Rylee

Dam: Ruby Mountain of Coos

Some things are not fair.  Being a 2 year old Brittany struck down with a rare form of cancer that takes your vibrant fun loving life away from you is one of them.  Spending almost 5 months down south doing nothing but work birds all winter long, to return home only to die within a matter of weeks is not fair.  Being a fully finished gundog and ready to be seriously campaigned on the spring field trial circuit only have a heart attack on the operating table once the dreaded cancer had been discovered - only too late for the spine and all the tissue surrounding it was destroyed.  To go from soaring on the wind, running for all you are worth to greet the one who loved you most - jumping up into her arms, knocking her over, and giving dog kisses because you were so happy to see her... to just a couple of weeks later, barely being able to hobble over to her - although that's just what you wanted to do...

So many times after losing Timber I thought of 'me' how sad I was how unfair it was that such a great Brittany was taken from me.  But as I reflect tonight, I am sad for him again.  Timber would be 5 and a half now if he were still here.  But he's not and all that is left is the memory.  May 2 makes the 3rd anniversary of his passing. And I think of him every day even though we have other Brittanys in our life... most significantly his son Scooby.

There's a song that makes me think of Timberdoodle; it's "Fields of Gold".  For me that says it all and every time I hear it, no matter where I am I cry.  And I've seen John shed tears too.  Timber was the first Brittany I ever trained myself on birds.  I learned about whoa posts, check cords, planted birds, Bill Tarrant and Delmar Smith, Chukar, Hungarians, launchers, backing, and all the technical terms and tools we take for granted in training a bird dog.  I saw what it was like for a Brittany to get turned onto birds, I was there to see my Timber transition from a playful puppy into a serious hunter - within just a few minutes.  That moment gave me chills and I'll never forget it.  We had some kind of Brittany in Timberdoodle.

So as I have relived the timeframe of March 25th marking the date he came home from training - and approach May 2 - the day he died... I have kept the memories just below the surface.  But here we are.  And the date is only days away.  I'll be busy.  John will too.  But the day will not pass unnoticed. 

Timbers cremains were scattered here and there and at Timbers' fields of gold just down the road the night before his pups went to leave to go to their new homes.  The pups romped, the wind blew, and we scattered his ashes.  It was not for Timber to be locked up tight, kept in a jar or a keepsake box on a shelf. 

One of the funniest memories I have of Timber I love to recall.  We were down in the fields and I was walking along the road, knowing he was off to the edge where he loved to run.  He was a fast running far reaching Brittany and I never ever tried to take that out of him.  He was too young and had such a zest for life.  The grass in the field was high, so I was never exactly sure where he was and every once in awhile I'd sing for him so he'd know where I was or I'd blow a couple of times on my whistle for him to come around.  It was just such a beautiful place to work with a dog and truthfully I have only been able to go there a very few times since he died.  It was a field of gold.  Well this one day I was walking up in the higher field and happened to look down and saw a whole flock of turkeys take flight suddenly.  I hadn't even know there were any turkeys there.  They were not flying very high at all and it reminded me of seeing ducks do something similar just above the water while I was canoing at Moosehead Lake years ago.  It just was odd. But suddenly there is Timberdoodle, leaping with his ears flapping in the wind, up and down, up and down oh my gosh it was so funny!!!  He was in hot pursuit of those turkeys and it was like he was trying to jump right up into the sky and catch one but of course he couldn't.  Of course this was not what I wanted in a gundog but I just was laughing so hard as the scene unfolded.... Eventually he figured out that I was laughing at him and he turned away from the game and bounced across the field over to where I was and we sat back in that grass together and shared a bottle of water together.  The worst thing I could have done was let him chase those turkeys but the experience didn't hurt him any.  And it sure left me with a wonderful memory to share this night as I think long and hard about the doodley boy. 

Sometimes I just feel like I've let Timber down.  I had such good intentions to work with Scooby at the same pace that I did with his father. He has the same potential and ability.  I see how well Timbers father continues to do nationally, he's at the top for shooting dogs, is an American Field Champion (AFC) always placing in the top.  And we've used Rylee in our program here and probably will again.  Scooby has all of that in his genes.  And it's up to me to help bring it out. Scoob doesn't hold it against me though, he's quite a happy boy and he knows how deeply I love him and what he means to me. 

Timberdoodle, I miss you tonight.  I really really do.  As the 3rd anniversary of your passing approaches, I will think on the happy times we had together.  In hindsight, I'm thankful you got to spend your last 5 months of your life running in fields, training daily on live birds.  But there was not a night that did not go by that I didn't miss you here while you were down south.  And there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss you now since you left to go to the rainbow bridge. I love you my friend, and I do believe there will be a day we'll be together once more Timber....  I am positive. As I leave for a new adventure with ATB, there is a liver and white Brittany figurine that hangs in the motor home... it has angels on it.  Someone gave that to me shortly after Timber died... thanks for listening, didn't meant to be sad but I know some of you have lost your friends too in the past and totally understand.  Take care and God Bless... John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

Light at the End of the Tunnel

The Light At the End of The Tunnel

I have Julie to thank for sending us some really cool pictures recently of Bullet and Sassy investigating and exploring this culver pipe.  There are several awesome candids showing them running in and out, carrying a toy, going through together and just having a blast.  This one happens to be my favorite and perfectly demonstrates ATB style - about reaching the light at the end of the tunnel.  Of course I could take this to a deeper, more reflective level in terms of spirituality but not today.  Just for now - it is enough to have the visual that is needed to add some humor into extremely full and busy days where time seems to slip through your very hands.  So on a day when "Lions, and Tigers and Bears - OH MY!"  meets up with "I'm Late! I'm Late! For a Very Important Date- no time to say hello! Goodbye! I'm late, I'm late I'm late" my Bulletman pictured above indeed proves once again there is light at the end of the tunnel! 

Our oldest grandson fell and cut himself fairly seriously last night, and had to go to the E.R.  The good news is he is allright, and they did not take stitches but he was home recooperating.  I spoke with him on the phone earlier and the most significant thing to him was the story his mum told him about how when his uncle's  friend shot him in the foot with a B-B gun and he screamed all the way to the hospital".  And I do remember that as if were yesterday, very scary stuff but evidently it helped ease the pain.  Our oldest grandaughter just called grampa and she's all excited because turkey hunting season is approaching and she's looking forward to going out with her dad.  Hunting is a family tradition here that is for sure.  Last but not least we celebrated a very special birthday party for her sister earlier this week!  It was a lot of fun.

Pippin really looks beautiful and is already for the upcoming shows this week.  She had one more day in the field yesterday; John worked her with Jack and came back very happy that Pippin had backed him nicely.  Frosting on the cake.  Not sure how she'll do in the field trial but it will be fun, I'm sure of that.  I've never been somewhere before where there was a show one day and a field trial the next, with many (not all) of the same Brittanys. I really can't wait and I'm looking forward to see which Brittany comes out as the 'dual winner' and especially getting to see that work in both the field and the ring.  I hope to take many photographs of these beautiful Britts and share them.  We won't be there for the entire field trial weekend but instead will go to Sassy's flyball tournament and that will be fun too! 

Saturday John spent the day at the Maine Bird Dog Club Field Trial Grounds with a few club members who showed up to do some much needed work before our May field trial there.  One of the highlights of the day was the new outhouse built by our good friend Frank Pride! Seriously, this was a well needed enhancement especially made on behalf of the children and moms who had to deal with the old one - YUCK.  Here's a picture of the new one to the left.  Our Brittany club hasn't had a spring field trial in quite a few years so we're expecting a good turnout, including perhaps some pro-trainers with their string of dogs.  We have a couple of pups to run in the puppy stakes just for fun that are 6 months old.  John will probably enter Pippin and Jack too.  I am ECSTATIC because he just told me tonight he's really like to run Jack in a couple of upcoming field trials.  Jack is 'finished' or 'broke' whatever you'd like to call it.  We're not big into field trials but Jack surely could be competitive with the training and experience behind him. I hope in the future I am writing about the field trial(S) that Jack ran in and how he did! 

True has a handling class coming up in a couple of nights, I know he'll be very happy to see Pam.  She and Sam had a wonderful vacation and returned home this weekend.  Piper is doing well in her informal training.  She's a now you see her now you don't girl!  Couldn't have a better name than that of an airplane. We have a good friend who is a photographer, and especially enjoys airplanes.  Needless to say he speaks highly of her!  I think I said this already in an earlier blog but he and his wife recently lost one of their Brittanys. She was 16... John and I shared their grief and shed tears right along with them.  They are wonderful folks who love Brittanys.  He's going to be at our field trial taking photographs again; he took them professionally several years ago and they were some of the best I've ever seen.   That was the day Sassy won her field trial puppy points by winning First Place, Open Puppy.  It was pouring rain and no one wanted to stand out in it for their pictures but God bless Ralph... we all slopped out to where the display and banner had been set up the day before - just so Julie and Sassy could have their photo taken.  Julie is grinning in that photo from ear to ear - but Sassy?  Sassy looks SOME ticked off.   Anyway, I'm looking forward to Ralph taking the pictures for us again, and spending time with both he and his wife.  They got one of their first Brittanys from Sebego Kennels and remain good friends with "Pete" Jordan - who is 94 and going strong!

Well, there is a TV show on I've been waiting to watch, ATB are all settled down for the evening, and it is couch potato time. Rarely do I settle long enough to watch much on TV, and there really is very little on anyway, even with the hundreds of chanels one gets with a satellite dish!  As always we appreciate your interest in All Things Brittany. Oh! Almost forgot.  The website is nearly finished as far as the revision goes.  A few more tweaks but that will wait.  I do want you to check out the new link with "Our Journey" on it.  It's a new cool free online program for making slideshows etc. and I wanted to present our show and field photos in a unique way.  Take a few minutes and look at everything else, there's a lot of new stuff! Here is the link to our journey http://www.mainebrittanysitejas.com/Field--and--Show.php   Always love to hear from people, and feel free to drop a comment or upload a photo to our Facebook Page!  Take care and God Bless you and yours,  Sincerely John and Ann Short and our canine crew!

A Little of This, a LOT of That

Special Brittany 'Family' Moments....

Even though we don't have puppies we have been extremely busy lately!  John and I are getting ready for a trip to New York with Julie, Bullet, Sassy, and Pippin and we're in the process of loading the Brittanymobile while Julie is making her lists and checking them twice. While away we will take in the American Brittany Club Futurity Field Trial and Bench Competition, as well as the Hudson Valley Brittany Club Specialty Show.  Then we'll turn around and head back for Sassy's next Flyball Tournament in Massachusetts.  John and his friends Mal and Rob have been training the dogs as often as they can recently.  This morning they are out working 6 dogs together, including 4 English Setters. The younger Setters are doing really well, and Mal has a top notch dog who (we have to brag on his behalf) won the Central Maine Brittany  Club Amateur Derby stake last fall (what happened to the Brittanys?!).  I'm confident Pippin will do well next weekend where she will be handled by Dawn Hill in the trial.  I am still undecided as to who will handle her in the ring - I'd really love to take her in myself but we'll see how the old knee is doing!  I'm proud that John and I have 3 Brittanys bred by us entered in the Futurity, which is a first for us. 

True and Piper are coming along really well in our endeavors to train them.  They are both different as night and day but such a delight. Piper is growing into such a pretty girl, all her body parts seem to be coming together just right and she's so smart and outgoing!  I could say all the same things about True (of course he's not a pretty girl though - yet quite a handsome boy!) who continues to 'get' the concept of Clicker Training.  I just ordered a couple of more books of higher level training methods.  I've been working with True a lot as Pam has been away on vacation with her family. I think she'll be pleased with his progress.

Yesterday Steve Stepanian stopped by.  Please see the  "Only In Maine" photograph to the right. Anyone want to take a guess as to what is going on in the picture?   Speaking of Steve, he has written a fascinating article about "Horn Hunting" with Brittanys which I have submitted to the American Brittany Club magazine for publication.  Although it is actually hunting for antlers most hunters actually refer to it as horn hunting.  I won't give the story away but those who belong to the American Brittany Club will be able to read all about it.  (I'll publish the story here once it's come out in the magazine which may be awhile yet.)

Tis the season 'AGAIN" for All Thing Brittany 'girls' to be in 'their' season.   Sigh.   It can't be helped that they all come into it at the same time but just about the time the entire canine crew here is finally enjoying being out together as a complete 'pack' hormonal issues flare up.  This means we are back to closely supervising who runs with who and who is in the house at the same time yadda yadda yadda. A couple of girls will soon be spayed though so that will make a difference too.  You think?!!! Not necessarily!  During our visits with Starr and/or Sassy here, both of whom are spayed - the boys enjoy the challenge of romps with them at a heightened level of interest.  I wonder why??!  Jack was definitely misbehaving although you'd not be able to tell that by the picture below.  Notice the affectionate way in which Starr is laying her head upon Jack's paw... Is that beautiful or what?  They are both out of Wish... His sire is Pride & Joy's Butchman, and her sire is AFC/FC Coos Rylee.  You can see that she is a beautiful tri-color Brittany, (one of 3 which Wish has had over the years, each a female.)

As I write I can look out to the ond and see that the fish are jumping this morning again.  John is so happy about this!  It's nice because the leaves are slowly but surely filling in the trees so things are a bit more green looking in that direction.  It will be awhile before we see much grass as there is still muddy areas in back of the dog house.  Last weekend John had a big brush pile to burn, and he used the tractor to keep pushing it back, resulting in more muddy ruts. Nope. I'm not complaining.  I love the work he's done and we've always been able to envision our little diamonds in the rough which is what I perceive the pond project.  The dogs are doing so well with water retrieves and just plain having fun splashing around.  Pippin, Scooby, and True are our swim stars at the moment but I'm sure the others will follow. Rosie does quite well, and they are all happy to go in and wade out.  The waters are clean and clear so it's nice for their coats - and if I can divert them to walk with me where there is less mud, it's not so bad.  Plus John installed the portable camp shower just outside of their dog run.  Propane heats the water which is hooked up to the hose, and all I have to do is rinse the mud off.  That way if they come up and need a bath, there's no tracking of mud and it also keeps the dog house itself much much cleaner!  I like the way John thinks of these things.  He has another project in mind where he wants to take one section in the garage and turn it into a grooming studio for me!  I just can't wait because it will include a small, raised bath tub to make it easier on my back.  Speaking of grooming - do wish me luck - Pippin is less than a week away from showing and with all her training this past week, her coat needs a lot of help.  But - if you really want to know the truth - as fun as I think showing can be, I'm just so happy that she's having the experience this spring of regular training on birds. She watches John's every move from the time he heads down to the bird pen, walks to the truck, get's his gear and comes back for her and Jack.  The girl is transformed!

We have experienced with some friends of ours an unexpected turn of events in their life.  As strong as my faith is as a Christian, there are just times that I cannot understand why a certain thing would happen.  Such as the case now.  Out of great respect for those involved, I'll be intentionally vague yet ask those of you who do believe in the power of prayer, to simply trust that there is an unspoken request heavy on my heart and these wonderful folks could really, really use your prayers as well.  To have lived a productive life that was full, vibrant, busy and finally reach a point where you may be able to live indeed with no forwarding address and finally turn the pager off and walk away from that season only to learn that health issues now dictate the plans for the next season - it's not fair and I don't know what to say... so I point to God and pray for 'you', and in my mind that is the absolutely BEST I can do, because I do believe.

We would like to welcome Benn and Barb to the family of All Things Brittany!  They first were in touch with us late last summer, about the time they lost a dear 14 year old Brittany.  Over the next few months, their life took a difficult direction as well.  With precision timing however, and no coincidences - they recently contacted us again. We always enjoy working with people over a period of time and this was no exception.  Joy and happiness is rising up in their lives again.  I'm very happy to say that a real special Brittany puppy has lovingly been embraced and welcomed into their heart and home by this couple, who we share a mutual acquaintance and a mutual belief system with!

The natives are getting restless... Hope you and yours have a wonderful day, take care and God Bless!

John, Ann and our canine crew here at All Things Brittany!

Becca and Durgin of West Forks

Perhaps one of the most frequent questions we are asked is how to introduce a new, younger puppy into a home where there is another dog. Our advice is to simply let the dogs work things out on their own, within reason. There's a lot of good books on the market about dog behavior, and our library contains a good number of them. Some of what I'm writing here is gleaned from those books.

Perhaps one of the most important things is for all dog owners to be aware of basic dog communication. Dogs have a highly developed language between themselves and it consists for the most part of physical signs and behaviors. Some common behaviors are actually calming signals and include yawning, licking their lips, keeping their heads turned and not making eye contact, and of course there is the familiar tail wag. We all assume a wagging tail is a happy tail so here is a little more information but it's not been edited for dogs with docked tails or pointing breeds!:

■Relaxed tail: Relaxation and comfort.
■Hanging horizontal but not stiff: A sign of attention. The dog sees something interesting.
■Hanging horizontal but stiff: The dog is confronting an intruder or someone or something unknown.
■Upright tail: This is a sign of authority of a dog that shows itself dominant.
■Upright tail and turned over the back: shows trust and self-control.
■Downward and close to the hind legs: If its extremities are rigid and it wags its tail slightly, it shows "I'm not feeling well". If its legs are slightly bent it's a sign on insecurity.
■Tail hidden between its legs: Fear or submission.
■Raised tail and slow and rhythmic movement: The dog is on guard.
■Wagging lightly: Is their normal welcome.
■Wagging with broad circles: "I like you". When two dogs are mock fighting this movement confirms it's a game.
■Wagging at a slow speed: When it's being trained it means "I'm trying to understand you, I want to know what you're saying but I don't understand yet". Once it finally understands, the dog wags its tail faster.
■Short and slow movements: Shows that it's pleased. Sometimes its only wags its tail a few times when it's on the floor.
■Wagging fast: Excitement to a desired activity or object.

When dogs interact with other usually it is a good idea to let them tell each other what is and what isn't appropriate. For instance, butt-sniffing, rough playing, barking in each other's ears, mounting, and other actions that dogs do would not be acceptable in human company, but are perfectly normal dog behavior. You do need to know when your dogs behavior is annoying, scaring, or angering another dog and it is your responsibility to do something about it. Often distracting your dog by calling him away or squirting him lightly with water (this acts as a shoulder-tap, not a punishment!) is enough. If your dog is too excited or intense, take him a few feet away from the action for a light-hearted but calming time out. This is NOT punishment, it's a cool-down period.

Sometimes there are dogs that just do not know how to communicate with another dog. Perhaps they have been overly coddled, or not been with other dogs enough. If other dogs snap at yours, or if you are calling other people's dogs 'aggressive' stop to consider your dog's actions and what he/she may be communicating. Maybe your dog "getting in the other's face or space. Perhaps he's not responding to calming signals or indications that the other dog does not want to interact. Or, if you find you have a dog that is trying to 'protect' you as demonstrated by his behavior of getting up upon you and crossing his body over yours, sitting in front of you, looking away and growling, or other things - he is thinking of you as a prized bone.

If you find that your dog is "protecting" you, consider that your dog thinks of you as a valuable resource that he must guard, like a prized bone. He has taken possession of you. A lot of owners unknowingly will encourage this behavior by stroking their dog, telling them "it's allright". While the person means it's allright no one is going to hurt me... the dog is thinking it's allright to be possessive of you. Many things we do without thinking are actually communicating the wrong message to our dogs. Do you sit and absently continue to make body contact with your dog, over and over, throughout a conversation with another person? Your dog is in control in that situation. Try not patting them for a minute or two and see what happens!

When there are more than two dogs involved, a third dog will often act as an interceptor. I see this a lot here when ATB are running together. Two dogs will stop and stare at each other, trying to read the body language of the other. Very often this results in a frozen posture for a second or two until one play bows or shows a sign it's time to play. In the meantime, another dog will just simply run between the two as if to break any potiential developing stress. When Steve and Stephanie were up for a visit last weekend there were several Brittanys running around getting acquainted and reacquainted. It was interesting to me to see young Piper run in and out of the adults. Dog language!

The absolutely worst thing to do in my opinion when two dogs meet is to yank up the lead without any slack and hold the dog next to your body. This communicates to your dog that you are afraid, and if the dog thinks you are afraid, then that sets a lot of things in motion. Especially if your dog is being approached by another who is off leash. You don't have to let go of your lead or allow your dog to lunge but keep some slack in the lead so that your dog can at least reciprocate the sniffing going on. WATCH for physical signs of fear and true developing aggression but don't teach your dog to be afraid of meeting other dogs.

It may sound really strange but I will often mirror calming signals back to our dogs that I happen to observe them doing. Sometimes the dog is trying to calm themself, other times that dog is trying to calm you or another dog. It's been especially helpful for me to do this when pups are on the way, and momma dog is looking for reassurance!

ATB's good friend Julie Harris often passes along wonderful books about dogs to read. One of my favorite ones is written by Turid Rugaas who wrote "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals". This woman is an internationally renowned trainer and writer who has devoted her life to dogs, their behavior and their well-being. She's spent years studying the communication of dogs including their communication with owners! My book is well worn and literally dog eared as a valuable resource.

I'd like to thank Dee and Linda Hobart for letting me use a photo of their two gorgeous Brittanys, Durgin and Becca to inspire me to write a little bit about dog communication tonight. Durgin will be 4 this summer and is out of Molly and Smoke. Becca is one of Molly and Jack's pups born back in January. They are living life to the fullest in West Forks, Maine - truly God's country if you ask me! Speaking of photographs and beautiful Brittanys, hope you've checked out the changes to our website. Still working on it but hope to finish up by the end of the month which is, come to think of it - next week! If you have a special picture(s) you'd like to include in one of the galleries, send it along. In the meantime, take care and God bless you and yours, John, Ann and our canine crew!

POP QUESTION:  Who are some of Durgin and Becca's ATB relatives?!

The Truth About HSUS

TRUE THOUGHTS...

True is back home with us after being away for a week.  I received this wonderful email the day before he came home. I'm sharing it because it meant so much to me as does the special friendship between True's father's owners and John and I.  I hope it will always be this way, the caring, the feeling, the involvement and the sense of true family between all of All Things Brittany...

"This is our last nite togtether , I will miss him terribly, in the short time he has been here it has been proven  he is a part of our family too.  I have seen many things this week and hope that I can remember to tell you everything. One of the neatest things as I was watching True and Gibson this afternoon I saw True following his father and imitating whatever thing he was doing.  Wherever Gibby smelled, True smelled and where Gibby ran True followed after him.  It was wonderful to watch! Gibson has so enjoyed having True here.  They have played and wrestled and chased each other until they were worn out.  Paris also liked playing with True but gets jealous when they boys play together and not with her so she will stand over them barking.



Some of the things we worked on this week (other than playing) was "Off".  I would say "off' and when he got down, he was petted.  Whenever he was scolded I'd point my finger at him so he would know that Ii am serious. I hope to use this in the ring when I need his attention, as a signal that this is serious time not playtime.   He was great for me on the grooming table and and is fine with the dryer and clippers. I didn't use them alot, just a little so he knew that it was ok and not scary!  I used the noose on him but didn't pull it tight. Another thing we worked on was going up and down stairs. True was fine with 1 or 2 steps but having a lot of steps was scary to him.  After he was left outside by himself but not coming up the stairs he learned how to do it. Now he runs up and down happily!   I also don't go outside until he gets off the steps and when he really has to go its not an issue.


Again I can't tell you how much we will miss him but I know that you have missed him more and will be happy to get him back.  I  look forward to tomorrows class and the fact that I will get to see True for the next few weeks.  Maybe after I get out of school he can come back to play again. 

He also loves sleeping in bed! I woke up the other night and he was sound asleep and upside down with all 4 paws in the air..."

I went to handling class last night and arrived a little late intentionally; I did not want to interfere with True's training.  These classes at Petiquette are awesome and I learn so much observing and taking notes, things I can apply and adhere to with our other dogs.  But last night it was about Pam and True. He had not changed a lot, but I could see a few subtle changes.  He was certainly much more focused on her, moving very nicely and walking into a free stack just the way I like to see.  They worked on going through the door first, making the dogs wait;  also things like how to get your dog to raise his head up in the ring while gaiting (will pay attention to that for Pippin!!) move in a straight line etc. etc.  I thought a couple of times he may have noticed me across the studio but if he did, his focus willingly quickly returned to Pam.

It was a happy reunion at the end of the class for me to be with True again.  But as happy as he was to see me, he easily would have remained with Pam, that was clear to see!  I know they will miss each other. 

(Thank you Pam... I really really appreciate everything you are doing with True, making it possible for me to continue to follow our dreams here - my knee would hardly allow for me to do the classes and that's getting harder to accept for sure.  But what matters is your willingness (and that of Dawn, Julie, and Shania) to help and so I know True and ATB are in good hands in the ring and or the field.  Thanks also for letting me share your very special note with ALL of those who have an interest in ATB.  I sure hope that your experience with Gibson and Treasure's pups, being involved from the very beginning has meant as much to you as it has meant to me.)

Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and the Brittany crew

Piper !

Here are two recent pictures of John and his newest "girl" - Piper!

Just a quick note to say that the work on our website is coming along well, I have brought in some new designs and worked with some of the old text but very pleased with the way it's going.  We have a new host but easily transferred our domain without a hitch.  It is a WYSIWYG platform (what you see is what you get) and that is just way easier for me to work with.  ANYWAY!

The "ABOUT OUR DOGS" page has a brand new look.  You can click on any dogs photograph and see the enlarged view.  A quick click on their name and you are brought to a bio and a pedigree.  I wanted to post this information because there is one little puppy girl here who we are thrilled to pieces to have but very little has been said and few photos posted. The lack of photos?  She never stays still long enough and that is the truth!  

Anyway - I wanted to share about the website but especially about Piper's bio - she is a sweetie!!! And I know that her wonderful breeders would probably really enjoy knowing how much we adore her~!

Coming Next:  A TRUE STORY as written by Pamela Jackson

Take care and God Bless as always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

Time Well Spent with Friends

Steve and Stephanie with "Starr" and "Nash"

Yesterday was a day that John and I had been looking forward to for quite awhile.  For awhile our schedule and that of Steve and Stephanie was just so busy that it was impossible to find just one day where we could plan to enjoy some time together.  It was at the end of February that we finally decided that April 11th would work out.  Back then, it sure seemed like a long ways off! Their visit was well worth the wait.

Each time someone arrives at our home they are loudly announced by our Brittanys so we were notified appropriately when Steve, Steph and their two Brittanys, Nash and Starr, pulled up to the gate.  John let them in, secured the gate as our ATB "greeters of the day" were eagerly awaiting to see who was here.  Soon I opened the door so Molly, Treasure, Piper, and Jack could do their job with great enthusiasm and  unrestricted joy.  This particular method of greeting is not appropriate for everyone but was appreciated and embraced by Steve and Stephanie who soon released Nash and Starr to join in the fun.  We're always mindful of initial interactions between the dogs of course, and can fairly anticipate if things are going to go well or head south. It's not always possible to have all our dogs interact with those who come visit for various reasons including hormonal issues etc.  While it's fun to see if pups and/or adults remember each other (Nash and Starr were both born here) the reality of it is that may not always be possible. Yesterday things went very well though and it was a lot of fun to see those 6 particular individual dogs interact, check each other out, get their act together, and enjoy a little time romping and running around.  Jack and Molly are the parents of Nash so I really enjoyed comparing the similarities.  Starr is out of Wish and Coos Rylee and although Wish was not out playing, I could easily see things about Starr that remind me of her mother.  Starr is also Treasure, Jack, and Scooby's half sister (confused yet?!).  She's a near mirror image of Wish except for her colors.  Starr is a very pretty little tri-color girl and is pictured here resting with Treasure. Handsome "NashDog son of Jackdog" enjoyed some positive interaction and play with his father.  They look a lot alike except Nash does have his mothers finer bone and is smaller than his sire.  He also has his mother's face, although it is masculine in appearance.  Jack REALLY liked Starr and although she is spayed, it did not stop him from having a keen interest in her.  She didn't put up with it though, and neither did John who draws the line with certain behavior from Jack and decided the visit would be more enjoyable for Starr if Jack was in the kennel. We did have the same kind of thing going on between Nash and Treasure.  She's just come out of season and was not up to the typical inquisitive gestures that are typical of canine communications.  Molly, whose pups have only been gone for a few weeks now has just plain decided that she's had it with motherhood - and abruptly told her son Nash this was a fact!  In the meantime, sweet little Piper enjoyed bouncing here and there and everywhere, having a blast interacting with the adults and also communicating calmness to them by her insistance on running in between them.  The dogs continued to romp and play under our supervision while we sat outside and caught up a little bit. John had just taken some of the patio chairs out of storage but athough the sun was out the breeze was still quite chilly!  

Stephanie had brought pulled pork, Asian slaw, and rolls to go with the baked beans we had cooking so it was a no-brainer to finally go into the house and enjoy our dinner together.  John and I really enjoyed the afternoon.  It was relaxing to visit with Steve and Stephanie and especially to see two of our full grown babies return to ATB for the day.  Plus John had made strawberry shortcake for dessert!  (Most every weekend from now until forever it seems we are committed for one thing or another. This is not a complaint because we always look forward to times with friends, family, and canine related events.) I'm so glad we finally had the chance to spend some time with Steve and Stephanie, it was really a lovely way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

I am still continuing to work on new webdesign for our site at http://www.mainebrittanysitejas.com/ and it is coming along well.  Some of my software programs make it easy to work with graphics and photos, something I really do enjoy doing.

John's worked with Pippin more this past week, getting her ready for our trip to New York.  We've been looking forward to this for about 2 years now.  It will be fun and the Brittanymobile is pretty much all set for the journey as Julie and I travel out to the futurities, a field trial, dog show, and flyball tournament with Sassygirl, Bulletman, and Miss Pippin. (Ought to be interesting with two canine  '-anators'.)

Last evening John and I stood together at the edge of the pond and enjoyed the simplicity of watching our trout jumping.  We now have Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout and so far so good. 

Last but not least I really miss True puppy.  Pam has given me updates every day about how well he is doing.  She did something really fun by sending a picture of True and a picture of Gibson as a puppy and having me guess which dog was who.  I really did have a hard time telling the difference, True looks like his father a lot.  We spoke on the phone and I could hear him in the background. I could have talked to him but I believe that it would have been disruptive for him - beneficial for me, but not so much for him.  This time the two of them spend together is very valuable for the future.  He'll be back home soon!

Heard from Bob P. that Remi (Jack and Chrissy pup) had a run in with a porcupine, poor Remi!  It could have been worse and it can happen to anyone but I'm sure it hurt.  Also Boog (Treasure and Gibson pup) had a quill on his tongue - evidently he got that from Remi, that's not fun Boog!  A couple of summers ago I was working with Rosie at one of the nearby orchards and noticed she'd locked up solid on something.  I thought probably a bird but boy was I wrong!  I didn't know it because she was quite far away but not less than three feet in front of her was a porcupine all curled up in a ball under the apple tree. Let's just say it was a teachable moment in respect to her remote training collar as I reached out and "touched her" from a distance,  enough to let her know she best not move one single muscle forward!  As I approached and saw exactly what had caught her attention I quietly but quickly hooked her check cord back on and walked her away with little fanfare while my heart raced.  I think that was the same day I saw the fresh bear 'dropping's there; it's been awhile since we went back to that particular orchard.

Monday morning, and an April one at that! The sun is shining, sky is a bit cloudy, a chill in the air but the signs of nature all around indicate the promise of warmer days.  And all is well at All Things Brittany... Take care and God bless, John, Ann and our canine crew.

True's First Handling Lesson with Petiquette

Recently we received an invitation to attend the grand opening of a brand new dog training studio in Southern Maine, called Finish Forward Dogs.  Although we did not attend I heard very positive reports from those who did including how this new venue has a lot of potential for hosting dog shows, matches, seminars, and other events.  Prior to this Penny Cary, a friend of ours in the dog world, polled a group of people as to their level of  interest in attending her handling classes at the new facility.  (Penny and her "Petiquette" canine education classes are no stranger to the local dog showing community.)  I responded positively to the poll and sort of forgot about it. We've been very fortunate in our selection of dog trainers in the past for puppy classes, show handling, and field training.  I'm of the belief that there is always something fresh and new to add to your 'toolbox' of dog teaching techniques and using various training 'tools" benefits both dog and handler.  I also suggest that developing a positive relationship with several dog trainers is equally important. There have been times when I've come out of the ring and ran straight to my trainer for guidance!  But I'd never been to one of Penny's classes before last night.  And I am impressed.

Pam (Gibson's owner) has attended Penny's handling classes in the past and suggested we enroll True.  She offered to handle him if I'd enroll him.  How could I resist?!  She also offered to take him for a week following the first class so they could bond and she could work with him.  This was not quite so easy to decide needless to say but John and I agreed it would be a real good experience for True. (Being brave and strong at the moment.)

I walked into the studio and I was impressed. The entire floor of the room, which is the size of a small gymnasium, is made of some kind of soft, textured rubber.  Good for the feet, quiet for the dogs, easy to clean and just perfect for a dog training environment.  Along the perimeter of the entire room, about 5 feet from the floor there is a small, open 1 sided shelf useful for putting treats, bags, you name it up out of harms way yet within easy reach.  Then placed on the outside of the shelf at intervals of about 3 - 4 feet  are hooks with clips, for you to secure your leashed dog to.  There's mirrors, equipment, a place to water your dog, clean up equipment, and so much more.  Everyone was just so friendly. 

True was a little overwhelmed when we first got out of the car.  (Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore - lions, and tigers, and bears - oh my!)  Some of the other clients were walking their dogs outside the facility and True reacted like a nutcase at first.  Fortunately, in this day and age most dog owners who have dogs that interact with others frequently understand dog language and communication and how to respond.  I liked the two - way approach... with me reacting to True firmly yet gently, and the others approaching him properly with their dogs.  There was no sense of 'oh my God what's wrong with your dog' but instead a sense of understanding where True may be in regards to developmental stage.  So going into the studio was another experience in itself too. But Penny quickly came over to True, asked him name, and immediately began to treat him, getting him to follow her.  I dropped my lead so he could do this freely without interfereance from me.  A few minutes later, she pointed to a Toller and said "see that dog?  When it first came here it would not get up off of it's belly.  At it's last show it won a 5 point Major!" Okay so there was the encouragement I needed, thanks Penny!

In no time at all Pam arrived and came through the door.  It was so good to see her and True was pretty happy too.  Right away I handed True off to Pam and I literally took a back seat so I could sit and observe.  I did have to change where I was sitting because in the beginning the little "momma's boy" kept looking for me.  Pam really has a wonderful way with dogs and in no time at all she helped True overcame some  initial behavior issues that could have interfered with his lessons.  I was impressed again!

Although I had brought my camera of course the batteries died within minutes.  I did manage to take a couple of  photographs.  I also brought a small notebad and wrote pages of notes as Penny taught the highly motivated and energetic class.  Many different dogs were there for True to experience. The students included a HUGE and I  mean HUGE Great Dane, 2 Boxers, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver (the one who won a 5 point major), 2 Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, Black Labrador Retriever (?) and of course a Brittany.  That little 6 month old Brittany did very well as did his beaming handler who I happily applauded.

For one hour I had the pleasure of watching Pam and True become a team together.  The class was demanding but it was also outstanding.  Penny has a way of working with each handler and their dog that builds confidence and trust. She will not put up with any foolishness from any dog, but her methods of correction show respect for the dogs intelligence. Penny also spends one on one time with each canine student and their handler in the class and will often take a dog and demonstrate a particular technique.  I learned a lot of new things.  Some methods of training I am familiar with and use frequently, others were brand new to me. 

By the end of the handling class True was moving out very nicely with Pam, she had captured his undivided attention, and he interfaced well with all the other dogs and people there.  It was especially helpful for Pam when Penny took True and moved him through a series of muscle exercises and offered very positive feedback.  I told Pam there is no way I could have gone through those paces - and WOW - that is some workout! 

When everything was said and done, I left True in some very capable hands for the next week.  He was very tired and slept all the way home, and enjoyed his first night cuddled up with his new best friend, Pam. He's going to experience a whole new world in the days ahead and be all the better for it.  Do I miss him? You betcha.  He has a heart of gold, he's a lot like his mother Treasure and is extremely affectionate yet without being needy or demanding.  True studies a situation, much like she does and then figures out what to do about it.  Usually if it involves making me happy, he's quick to take it on.  Last night he couldn't really see me too much, Pam intentionally blocked his way. But every once in awhile when free-baiting, he would look beyond her and turn his head slightly in my direction.  'Do you see me now?  How am I doing?  Are you happy? Do I make you proud?' 

Oh yes little Mr. True, our Keeper of the Stars, son of Gibson and Dreams Come True... indeed I saw you and I was very proud.  You showed me glimpses of dreams coming true and hope. You helped me further understand another dimension of All Things Brittany, where the mutal interest and love of  Brittany dogs,  develops into strong and solid friendships based on respect, trust, and honesty. With that comes the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, the opportunity to guide and mentor those who are receptive, and sometimes the right to speak boldly and honestly into someone's life. Once again I find God has used a Brittany dog and those who love them to speak into my heart about His love, which is always given but not always received. 

Thank you Pam and to all the wonderful family and friends that are a part of our lives. You're all very special.

Take care and God Bless you all, John, Ann and ATB

Trout Surfacing

John is so happy and when John is happy, Ann is happy!  Early in the morning when he walked down to the pond he saw the trout he'd put in several days ago skimming the surface.  We are only putting in a few at a time to monitor them and be sure that everything is at is should be.  Of course my not so brilliant question of the day was would the fish be okay with the dogs swimming in the pond and I am a brunette... err, actually no I am a greyette.  If all goes well we will be adding more trout on a continual basis and some very special grandchildren will be able to experience the tradition of fishing with grandpa. And our dogs will have a big swimming hole to enjoy this summer as well.

These April mornings are becoming more and more magnificent each day.  I am thinking of repositioning my computer so that I can look out directly towards the pond.  We do expect that perhaps ducks and geese will eventually discover us as there have been geese on our neighbors pond.  Unlikely they'll stay long though with ATB around.  Last night when letting True and Piper out for their final outing I walked around outside and enjoyed the milder temperatures.  It was chilly of course, but not cold.  The air was so clean, crisp and fresh. I found myself anticipating a night sitting around our fire pit in the near future.  And then the dogs came running back by and I was jarred back into reality.

I am saying goodbye to True today... but only for a week!  Here's why...Due to my ever unpredictable knee issues I will have to limit how much show handling I physically do myself. (As enjoyable it was to show Pippin a few weeks ago I paid dearly for it afterwards.)   Even so, I am blessed beyond belief at the generousity of our friends who have offered to lend a helping hand in the months ahead.  At Pam's encouragement I signed True up for an intensive handling class.  "The class will focus on care and conditioning of the show dog, basic ring routines, pre-ring procedures and nerve management, proper ring etiquette and dress, stacking, gaiting, and free-baiting, preventing undesireable behaviors in the ring, attention training, handling and grooming tricks and hints on competing with the pros.  True will also be exposed to a variety of simulated ring conditions.  This training will address the whole dog and specifically strengthen the bond between dog and handler for optimum performance. The training is partitioned and incremental, leading to a series of successes culminating in a final, well-choreographed ring presentation. NOT your average handling class!" Tonight we will meet each other at the training center where Pam will be True's handler at most shows from now on.  Not quite old enough for the actual show ring yet, he will also be going home with her for a week so they can get to know each other better.  So Mr. True will be hanging out with his real father "Gibson" and also with pretty "Paris".  I know that Pam and Sam love True as much as we do, afterall he was their pick of the litter!  My approach to this is one of strength and braveness, it's not like he's leaving to begin the first day of the rest of his life with new owners.  He's not going to be that far away.  Pam and Sam will definitely take excellent care of him and I know this will be a very important part of his ongoing need for increased socialization.  I do think last night he knew something was up though.  Typically he will check in with me, show a bit of affection and either settle down nearby or head off to investigate.  Last night True approached me time and time again, pawing at me and cuddling close.

Speaking of cuddling close, Treasure has finally come full circle from being bred, to whelping, to weaning, to blowing her coat, to undergoing a major physical transformation, to going back into heat again, and finally returning to her typical self!  She really changed after having 11 pups in more than one way. Nothing negative of course but her behavior was so fickle.  One morning she'd decide to run like the wind around and around which she usually loves to do.  The next time out she'd take a more laid back approach and lay on the ground enjoying a bone. Her coat came in then her coat went out.  All these funky and kinky strands of hair appeared out of nowhere. Just about the time I thought things were going to be somewhat normal (normal is not the standard for Treasure) she proved me wrong and then went into heat.  So here we are, 8 months later and thinking hard about the future of this 3 year old beauty!  In 2007 her trainer finally gave me the thumbs up to take her into the ring when she was a little over a year old and she won Best of Sweeps, one of her 'claims to fame'.  Treasure wasn't ready to show prior to that and the strategy was to debut her and pick up all of her 'minor points'.  We met this goal over a period of time of selectively showing her. Treasure just wasn't ready for majors after winning 9 AKC championship points although she was definitely competitive in a ring with more entries. I have always loved showing Treasure, she is my 'learning dog' and we've learned a lot together. I pride myself in knowing that her points all have been won in the Bred by Exhibitor class.  Treasure does need two majors to finish and I will continue to do my personal best on her behalf.  I hope to bring her back out this spring as we work to get her in top show condition.  If not - we're going to be just as happy with things the way they are!

Well today is shaping up to be a gorgeous day !  I'm loving this April so far.  I think it's nice to start the month off with Easter.

Before I forget, there are a few changes going on over at our J & A's Brittanys website which will be obvious shortly.  The new, current web design has been enjoyed and commented upon by many people. 

On with the day! Take care and God bless,

John and Ann and All Things Brittany

A Dripping, Wet, Muddy Dog is a HAPPY DOG!

I have had the most amazing and fun experience this afternoon with ATB here.

Last fall John began our pond project, something he has wanted to do for a long time.  This spring he is continuing to work on this and it's really coming along very nicely.  Of course it does tend to get muddy with the tractor going back and forth in between here and there.  The  upper edge around the pond is very dry and flat.  Easily walked upon.  John has scattered hay and grass seed in those areas.  There is an intentional gentle sloping off to one side where we hope to eventually have a little area for wading. We'll have some fish eventually and perhaps even a little dock.  Anyway, today was the day for the dogs to discover that a pond meant more than a surface of ice to play upon.

They explored the pond with the curiousity of a 6 year old kid.  Piper and True scrambled down over the edge and put a paw in and then took it out, fascinated by the action of the water.  Treasure ran around and around, dipping down one bank not quite going in, climbing back up and dipping back down again a bit further.  Rose and Pippin ran side by side on the topside, Pippin doing it just because Rosie was doing it and she wanted to be cool like Rose.  Wish ran right down into the water for a couple of feet and it was easy to see how happy she was!  Molly... hmm... well Molly is ever the prima dona, and while I was busy watching the other Brittanys, Molly was busy finding where the fence ends and came up on the opposite side.  Now she must have known she was far enough away from me that I really couldn't tell which side she was on because she just stood there watching. What a brat.  Eventually each of them went all the way into the water and amused themselves and each other playfully. 

I love Scooby. I  mean I REALLY love Scooby.  He's a doodle, and that means he's from my Timberdoodle who waits at the Rainbow Bridge.  Scoob's a heart dog and a liver and white boy just like his dad.  Scooby lives to make me laugh and he never fails in that job.  Oh there's the serious field dog hunting companion side of my Scooby, but when it's me and him, it's me and him.  So today he discovered a brand new way to make me laugh, a way to keep my eyes on him, and a way to spend some precious time with each other.  Today Scooby showed me that he is a fantastic natural water retrieving Brittany!

In trying to interest the dogs in the water and lure them out a little deeper, I'd yell 'FETCH"!  and throw a stick out further.  They all would go into the water and give fetching a try and did quite well. But it was Scooby who understood what I was asking and it was Scooby who offered the behavior with little bribing or coaxing. Standing seriously, waiting for a command that meant business, Scooby was poised for take off.  So I seized that moment regardless of the playfulness of the others.  "SCOOBY!  FETCH!" and I leaned towards the pond with my right arm straight out towards the water. He hesitated long enough to mark where the stick I'd tossed out hand landed in the water then suddenly Scooby gracefully leaped into the deeper water and swam like a champion towards his intended goal.  I was like a little kid clapping my hands and praising him and encouraging Scooby to keep going.  Then he turned around, made eye contact with me, and headed back to shore (the very muddy shore). I was so proud of him and he knew it.

After a few more just for fun retrieves, fun because I was laughing my head off and he was loving my reaction, it was time to shape this behavior for the future and we worked very deliberately together.  Scooby could not have given me more than he gave me this afteroon.  And I like to think I gave him back just as much too, by letting him know by my behaviour that indeed, he'd succeeded at pleasing me, something Brittanys live to do for those they love.

I'm not saying I love my dogs to be dripping, wet, and muddy.  But I do love my dogs to be happy, and they seem to love seeing me be happy too. I look forward to things drying up down back, and the conditions will only improve.  I have suggested that maybe we think about making some kind of walk way if possible, to make it more enjoyable but that of course means more work for John who has enough to do as it is.  The water in the pond is clear and clean and once the vegetation begins to take hold and the ground continues to dry up it is going to be quite enjoyable.

Sometimes things are way too serious in our lives and we are afraid of simply letting go and letting 'whatever' happen.  Did I really intend for all our Brittanys to experience a mud bath after their time down to the pond?  Was I happy that I came back up with mud all over my clothes and shoes?  Do I really look forward to giving them all a bath? Absolutely not.  But it was all worth it for so many reasons.  Most importantly, I have discovered a wonderful new way to spend time with our Brittanys who obviously love the water and are going to get a lot of enjoyment out of the new pond.  And I have experienced yet another dimension of enjoying All Things Brittany - with the absolutely exhilarating and joyful discovery of Scooby's love of water and retrieving.

On a more serious note, a friend of ours lost her senior Brittany today, the day after Easter. As I extended sympathy to her and her husband the subject of Timber came up in my note to her.  We talked about the impact of these amazing animals on our life, and how God does indeed care for His 'lesser creatures.'  In our sharing, she sent me a most amazing video which I find somehow applicable to where my head and my heart are currently.  I pray it touchesyour heart... God Bless you, John, Ann and ATB

Easter 2010

The day has come to an end, our home is much quieter than just a few hours ago, and it is as if a blanket of peace has wrapped itself around me this Easter night.  Our morning was busy with last minute preparations for Easter dinner and trying to pull the house together which is always a challenge.  I wiped the paw and nose prints off of the sliding glass doors for the zillionth time in two days but you'd never know it.  In our family it is John who does most if not all of the cooking, and a holiday meal is his expertise. He also happens to enjoy cooking.  Baked ham with all the fixins, mashed potatoes, peas, and the most important part of it all - the Short family secret recipe called "Gramie Short's Salad".  None of us can really remember the exact story behind it but this was something prepared and served ONLY for Easter dinner.  And the "Gramie Short" referred to was of course, John's grandmother. It's a very special combination of cabbage, pineapple, and ssshhh!!! other ingredients.  In our family, there have always been certain 'food traditions' such as never, ever eating watermelon before the 4th of July!  And the Easter salad fell in that category.  That is until 2001 when our daughter in law, who had just given birth to our second grandaughter, was craving it from her hospital bed!  Well, "Dad" totally caved when that request was made and promptly delivered a container of the salad to the birthing unit of a local hospital!  Most everyone in the family likes this salad, but we'll concede that our daughter is the exception to the rule.  That's okay though, she usually comes through at Christmas time with baking another family tradition - "Nana's Date Walnut Cake".   Nana was a wonderful cook, and our daughter spent a lot of time at her side growing up.  No matter how many times I have tried to make that cake - it never came out as good as my mother in law made it.  But our daughter definitely knows how to bake this just like Nana did.  But this is also only made at Christmas!  (My family growing up never had any food traditions as best as I can remember.) 

Our son and his family and our niece came for Easter dinner.  Our three grandaughters that were here looked so beautiful, each had a really pretty sundress on, and some of the dolls with them had matching dresses. And of course our next to the youngest grandson, their little brother, looked very handsome as well.  Mom and dad both dressed in bright Easter colors.  John and I as well as our niece were more on the informal and casual side.  She'd just run a race the day before and was sporting a very sore looking knee where she fell during the race.  Our daughter and her family also ran the race together yesterday. She and her son (our oldest grandson) ran it together and finished at the same time!  Our son in law had the stroller for the baby, and their daughter. It definitely was a family affair.  They couldn't be with us for Easter dinner today as "mom" had to work and we sure missed them!

We usually hide Easter eggs for all the grandchildren after dinner and have tried to do this most every year.  This time we couldn't find the eggs we like to use so our daughter in law picked up some beautiful colored eggs to fill.  Trying to figure out a way to make it happen for the children, finally a plan was made.  We'd fill the eggs with various amounts of change, and have a couple of very special eggs contain 'bills' instead!  The kids had to go hide in the back room while the eggs were hidden and when it was time there was no mercy as they ruthlessly looked high and low to find all the eggs!  It was just a lot of fun for everyone.  Jack and Pippin were involved too of course.  After the egg hunt, Pippin laid down on the floor and our grandson came and snuggled up to her. Too cute. 

We were also treated to a recitation of John 3:16 by the three girls and I captured it on video (click to view!)  Oh so yes... I was caught with tears in my eyes more than once today, and this was no exception. 

I brought my pictures out that I posted a few blogs ago that were taken in Jerusalem, Israel in 2000.  The ones of me going into the empty tomb.  I also had some pictures of the Garden of Gethsemane.  This was the first year that the girls really took an interest in them and it's such a joy to relive the experience through their eyes of wonder. 

With our niece being here she called her mom (my sister) to wish her Happy Easter.  She lives in Florida now and it is at holidays that I miss her.  So having my niece here really meant a lot. Anyone have a niece that's more like a sister or a friend?  Well I do... and I'm thankful for her and all that she does on behalf of our family.

Tomorrow looks to be another nice day.  As I type, the windows are open in my office area.  The temps definitely have dropped but it is still so nice outside.  I am listening to the peepers at last!  When our children were little, Johns parents told them the little frogs were saying "cold feet! can't sleep! cold feet! can't sleep!"  Well use your imagination - you'll hear it too!"   Last night was the first night the peepers made themselves known and the dogs were a little concerned about this strange sound in the night.  Of course, we heard all about those concerns as Molly initiated the 'call of the wild' howl... Early in the spring they are always more vocal than at any other time of year. I worry about disturbing the sleep of our few neighbors so often we will close the door to the outside pen on weekend nights.  

Lots going on this week, and this entire month actually!  And a week from today a long awaited visit with friends Steve and Stephanie, Starr and NashDog takes place.  So for now, it's time to say goodnight.  As you know by now we are so appreciative of your support and interest in All Things Brittany.  Each one who reads this blog or is a fan on facebook - you're in my prayers this Easter night. Where ever you are, what ever you are doing or where you may be going... know that you are loved and that you are very special.  Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and our Brittany crew 

IN CHRIST ALONE - HAPPY EASTER - HE IS RISEN!

April Morn...

Believe it or not, BOTH of these pictures are of the same dog.  It's Brandi, nearly 6 month old daughter of Gibson and Treasure, pictured here during a recent training session with her owner in CT.  You may remember her as "Dottie"! (A picture of Brandi at a couple of weeks old follows my post here)

She was going to be called "April Rose"... however her behavior from birth showed us instead she was meant to be an Ever Ready Rose.   And yesterday our April born Ever Ready Rose turned 5 years old!  Happy Birthday Rosie - and also to Boomer, Crystal, Roscoe, and Benny.  We have another April born Brittany here too, also known as the Pippinator.  She will turn 2 on Monday.  There are no siblings to share birthday greetings with though, as she was a singleton. We wish Miss Pippin a Happy Birthday too!  We have stayed in touch with the families of those who own Rosie's littermates and the half siblings of Pippin as well.  Staying in touch is important to us for many reasons. But mostly because we stand by our Brittanys from year to year to year.  Not out of duty.  But out of love.  A very special relationship exists with many of those who follow our blog here or on Facebook. We've found a way to stay connected that works.  And we share it with others who are interested.  I think it's very unique and wonderful.  On a near daily basis John and I hear about our Brittanys from those who share their lives with one or two of them...

Marc in Ohio has Bridget.  She is Scooby's littermate, and is out of Timberdoodle. Bridget hunts birds in the midwest and has become an excellent gundog. (After seeing 3 generations of strong natural instincts I am not surprised.)  Marc and I spoke recently and caught up a little bit.  Bridget is OFA Good and a breeding is anticipated to FC Windy Hills Ike.  Ironically, we had an inquiry from someone in Ohio interested in our Brittanys so we could refer them to Marc.  

Gary and Gwenn in Connecticut have Toffee.  I always felt we were supposed to keep Toffee. At first she was promised to a young woman in NH but it did not work out.  Then, a young couple in Yarmouth decided she was everything they wanted after spending much time researching... however this was part of my learning curve about which homes should or should not have a Brittany. The experience left me quite disillussioned and I asked for her back at the age of 6 months. PERIOD.  It was not long afterwards that Gwenn called me. Toffee, who was out of CH Triumphants Magic Voodoo Man and Birch Springs Charly's Promise was one beautiful little puppy.  She would have done well in the ring as for the lines behind her on both sides.  But that wasn't our focus. Suffice to say, Miss Toffee is one beautiful spoiled Brittany who enjoys jetting back and forth in her owners private jet to Martha's Vineyard, runs side by side Gary who is a marathon runner, and enjoys the pampering and love that is lavished upon her by Gwenn, and their grandaughter.  We saw Toffee and her family last summer at Fun Day - where she earned her CGC. We get birthday photos every year and Toffee is almost 5.  One of her littermates is "Vegas", a Brittany that our friend Donna owns.

We hear quite often from the owners of 'the best Brittany in the world."  ( And perhaps the owners of even the 'second best Brittany in the world.")  Remi, full brother to Bullet and Bailey as well as Tilly, Dakota, and I'm sorry to be having a brain cramp... indeed has demonstrated beyond a doubt his skill and ability as a class gun dog, a gentlemans hunting companion, and part of the family.  Believe it or not, we never do tire of hearing how awesome Remi has done in the field, about his bird work, or what others people say about him when out training/hunting with Bob.

Looking back I love to recall the excited emails and phone calls and especially the awesome photos of the first real hunting season and pictures of the Brits and birds with Jessie in Sidney Me., Cody with Paul, Rudy with Mike, Barley with DJ, Nash and Starr with Steve, and others.  If I took the time for the next few minutes I could name so many pups and their owners who have shared with me about these hunting experiences.  I'm not intending to overlook anyone - but simply want to establish - if not for the testimony of these stories and photographs, John and I really would not be driven to continue to the extent we plan to.  I also consider for example, Jacks full sister and brother, Annie and Shogun respectively.  Annie is owned by Apple and Linda - her first year out we ran Jack and Annie together, and John and Apple did yardwork together here.  When Apple shot Annie's first pheasant over her, they proudly drove over here and gave the bird to us!  A beautiful ring neck cock pheasant. And Shogun (also Donna Pottles dog)... he is the spitting image of Jack but he is liver and white.  His hunting ability is very impressive as well and much bird hunting was done over him.  He's the reason we get such good recommendations from a top NAVHDA trainer!

Every once in awhile I feel like bragging.  And I guess tonight is one of those nights.  Maybe it's because of the encouraging phone call John had with Jim in CT. about Brandi, one of Treasure's pups.  Or it could be because of all that was said today at the Maine Sportsmens Show about Riley-Cone, another of Treasure's pups. And it might also be because of the number of times someone has been out hunting with one of our Brittanys and someone has complimented the owner and the dog, asking where they got their dog. 

I'm proud of my husband John and all that he pours into All Things Brittany.  Not only for our dogs, but for others who own dogs and hunt or compete with them in the field.  He has spent the last week either on the road or on the phone with legislators, commissioners, game wardens, dog trainers, breeders and you name it - trying to clarify a hunting law that was recently passed which effects all of us.  With one week left to this legislative session, time is drawing to a close.  We have appealed to the Attorney General about this particular law and await an answer. No one has given us a consistent answer and it pertains to whether or not those training a hunting/sporting dog in the fields here in Maine are mandated to have on their possession a hunting license.  This would sound like a given if you are a hunter. But what if your'e not?  Yes, you have to have a permit to train sporting dogs year round, using fire arms and wild birds (quail that you've raised count too) but that permit says you don't have to have a hunting license.  The new statute says you do.  What if you're in a field trial or hunt test, and you're from out of state.  Do you have to have a non-resident Maine license?  Oh I 'm sorry I did step on my activist soap box for a moment and forgot what blog I'm working on... this is one for our other blog, the Maine Hunting and Sporting Dog Owners blog... (There now, wasn't that clever how I did that?? LOL)

Seriously... it's a time to reflect on something of great importance.. .and I hope that each of you will celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ tomorrow, Easter day with a sense of awe and reverence.  Be blessed by the time spent with family and friends in however you choose to observe it. I love Easter morning and every Easter sunrise.  There are years I've spent them down on the beach gathered with brothers and sisters in Christ, watching the sun come up over the ocean and singing a hymm as the day begins, and bowing our heads in prayer.  There have been times our family rose together to do the same.  And there are those mornings when it is enough to walk out onto the deck, look towards that same sunrise and speak out into the morning air...HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!  In much love, friendship, and the hope of God's blessings for you - John and Ann Short with Rosie, Pippin, Molly, Treasure, Scooby, Wish, Jack, Piper and True....