Dorothy / Letting Go

Shania:  A Very Special Young Lady

Pictured above is a young lady who we have had the pleasure of getting to know since moving here several years ago.  I first met her grandmother, Maria, at the town office where she worked.  I had a very young Jack puppy in my arms and was working on socializing him.  I wasn't sure how a 10 week Brittany puppy would be received by the municipal officers of the town but he was welcomed with open arms.  Maria took an instant liking (loving?!) towards JackDog and told me how her boyfriend had once had a Brittany too. It was the beginning of a special friendship with a special family.

In time John and I joined York County Kennel Club. Maria and her mother, Charlotte, were very involved with YCKC and I believe were co-founders with several others.  We shared mutual friends in the club and right away I could see that the sport of purebred dogs ran strong in this family.  Charlotte must have mentored everyone and anyone in this area concerning showing as well as putting on shows, how to do matches, breeding, selecting an animal and you name it - she knows about it and has the experience to support it.

The first year that we were members we also were on the set up committee.  Unfortunately that was also the time when Timberdoodle died suddenly of cancer.  I remember going up to the fairgrounds to apologize for not being able to fulfill my duties and being met with kindness, sympathy, hugs, and shared tears with offers of shoulders to lean upon by so many of my friends in that club.  Charlotte and Maria were among them as well as Tracey and Jay and others.

And it was there I met Dorothy.  She was dressed in a beautiful blue and white aproned gingham dress, her dark brown hair in pigtails, and believe it or not - she was wearing ruby slippers with white bobby sox.  I learned that Dorothy's grandmother had made the outfit for her.  I was introduced to a young girl with rainbow dreams of showing dogs in her future and that is where the yellow brick road of friendship began with a very special family.  Dorothy's real name is Shania.

Our paths have crossed often since that time for a variety of reasons but usually surrounding dog shows, club meetings and setting up/taking down at YCKC shows.  In the meantime Shania began to attend handling classes under various instructors in the area and I heard how well she was doing.  Her uncle had a Doberman named Pace and Pace is the first dog that Shania took into the ring.  I had the privledge to be ringside for her show debut and was amazed at the interaction between Shania and that dog. 

As time went on, we'd all bump into each other here and there, and I often referred to Shania as Dorothy - as that has always stuck with me for all the right reasons.  In 2009 I was chairing our Brittany clubs specialty show and had entered Miss Pippin who was just a little over a year old.  I was also showing Treasure and my plate was full of all kinds of responsibilities; suffice to say I was overwhelmed.  Suddenly Shania appeared out of nowhere and asked if I needed any help. I suggested she could take Pippin for a walk for me and she was thrilled to do so.  I observed the immediate bonding that occured between my puppy and Shania and was really quite taken back.  Pippin can be a very bratty girl but Shania had her wrapped around her fingers.  I am of the opinion she is a dog whisperer in the making.  Without hesitating I asked Shania if she would like to help me out and show Pippin. She did.  And they ended up placing in the Specialty among some very stiff competition.  

As time went on we would always hook up together at various dog shows around Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  Sometimes it would work out for Shania to handle Pippin, other times to simply give me a hand with the dogs, and often also to assist other Brittany exhibitors as well.  Just this past weekend in Cumberland Maine Shania succesfully handled Bullet for Julie to second place in Open Dogs.  Shania also handles her grandmother's beautiful Australian Shepherd named "Annie".

School just let out and hopefully Shania and her family will be at some of the same shows we are at over the summer. When that happens, we will compare schedules and see what happens.  I see the promise and hope of continuing the legacy of showing dogs within Shanias eyes.  I see the support of her grandmother and great grandmother and of course her parents as well.  I understand what is going to be necessary in order for her to continue to improve and finetune her handling skills as she ever becomes increasingly more competitive.  And because I've raised two children myself, I'm aware of other responsibilities in her life.  But John and I will do what we can to support her, to enable Miss Dorothy to follow her own yellow brick road - which is ultimately Gods Providence for her life.

There is a Brittany in Shania's future as timing and the perfect situation present itself.  When it does, it will be perfect for all concerned as we hope to offer her a co-ownership with a puppy from Pippin, with her family's support.  We have plans to breed her in 2011 to multi BIS Champion Tonan Hopes RU Kidden Me. It was Shania's great grandmother who suggested he would be a wonderful match for Miss Pippin. In the meantime, John and I and many of our ATB family will continue to encourage this special young lady.  There were a lot of things going on this past weekend at the Brittany club's Specialty show - and I can write more about that for there definitely are things to brag about.  But tonight I just wanted to introduce Shania by way of the photo above.  It truly is worth a thousand words and reflective of the love between our special young friend and our very special Brittany, Pippin!

In closing, I wanted to point to the comment section of the blog prior to this one.  Some of you may remember "Sweet Pea" of Treasure and Gibsons litter.  She is now "Millie" and at nearly 9 months old is beginning her formal field training with our friend Bob Paucek.  Greg, her owner dropped her off today at Bob's and it was extremely difficult; but she is ready to learn the finer points of being a bird dog and he wants what is best for her.  Last week John took Greg over to meet Bob and all went well.  But today is the first day of summer camp and I can totally relate to how Greg is feeling. It is never easy but the time will pass and in the end the thrill of walking into the woods for their first hunting season together is going to make it all worthwhile!  Take care and God Bless all of you - we so appreciate your interest in All Things Brittany!

John and Ann and our amazing Brittany crew!

Happy Reunion / On The Road - AGAIN! / Breeding Plans

Yesterday was the day Boomer had waited for since his family left for England two weeks ago!  He was so excited to recognize when our daughter's van drove into the driveway,  he ran to the gate barking and dancing. While waiting for the gate to open he was so excited he tried to crawl out underneath.  Boomer jumped into the open window and proudly rode in the front seat back to where I was laughing. Well my joy was as happy to see our daughter and grandchildren and hear all about their trip to see their family in England and the wedding in Wales.  Welcome home, we missed you and I'm so glad you're home.  I wonder if that ends the world travels of our family this year?  John's mission trip to Russia, Teri's mission trip to India, Hubby's fishing trip to Canada, and my trip of course to New York.

I'm ready to slow down but life shows no sign of any such thing.  I'm loving the daily schedule here lately for the most part.  Serious field training has started for True and Piper who daily are in the birdfield complete with handling from horseback.  Methods alternate to one day with birdwork to another one of whoa training/check cord/whistle work.  I'm of the school of thought that birdwork, whoa training, and basic yardwork do not come together until pup is honest about the birds.

Each month this year has been full to overflowing with activity from Molly's January whelping to preparing those pups for their new homes, dog shows, field trials, and enjoying some special times with our family - I cannot believe it is the end of June.  July will be equally full but I've decided to take August off.  Famous last words.  The focus for us is now turning to the field.  I think we've done what we can at the shows for the time being with the exception of Pippin.  We have the ABC Summer Specialty and that may be the last show for me until October.  John is trying to work with those who have our pups to arrange training for them with our trainer and in one instance arrange a one on one with one of Gibson's pups. The news is good about Treasure/Gibson and Jack/Molly's pups who are all over 6 months old now.  Training is in full swing for these youngsters and they should all hit the woods this year in style.  It is so encouraging to be at this pivotal point in our goals as breeders to take the step into hands on training with our dogs we bred and/or own.

A shout-out: We are very blessed to add to our understanding of training a close working gundog under the wonderful mentorship of  Bob Paucek, referred to in years past as New England's foremost gundog trainer and has been turning out first-class shooting dogs for more than 55 years!  Bob has trained many J & A's Brittanys as well as Brittanys from other gundog breeders. The longtails in his kennel do far outweigh those with short tails LOL! Learn more by googling Bob Paucek; he was also a featured pro-trainer in the book "Hunt Close" years ago.  Bob has impacted the lives of many gundog breeders and owners over the years and achieved many championship titles through American Field. His daughter Kelly Fogg Short (no relation) is the first woman handler to ever win a American Field National Championship and is a fine breeder of English Setters.   Know anyone looking for an English Setter pup? Bob has pups available currently.

Our breeding program is beginning to stir.  Many people beginning to look for pups to be born within a certain timeframe and I believe we'll be able to accomodate them for next year.  Treasure/Gibson come to mind first.  And we have made arrangements to breed Pippin when the time is right. There were 3 specific suitors Jay-Jay, Chevy, and Paploo who were all suggested and/or offered to us.  After discussions with owners/breeders of all thee males based on experience, their get on the ground, and evidence of what is valuable to us - we feel we have arrived at the best choice for us and she will be sent away when the time is right.  This truly will be the beginning of the next generation of ATB.

Our friends Frank and Donna Pride have just had a litter of beautiful pups too but I believe they are all spoken for.  The sire is FC/AFC Coos Rylee, Dam is Annie's grandaughter who is nominated for the Brittany Field Trial Hall of Fame this year, Suzie is also half sister to Sassy and to Treasure.  And our Bridget has been bred to Ike in Ohio (thank you Delmar) with pups due there @August 9th.  We have been accepting inquiries on behalf of both of these litters of pups and happy to continue to do so on behalf of those looking for pups earlier than our program will provide.  Great line breeding on Beans Blaze and other notables including Microdot etc. Bridget of course is out of Timberdoodle, sired by Rylee.  Pippins hips have been x-rayed - no anesthesia was needed. Plans for Scooby next week hopefully with no sedation either then next surgery is planned for Rose end of the week.

Heading out this morning for a weekend of nearby shows which will include the Central Maine Brittany Club Specialty Show.   I should be further along than I am but I somehow overlooked to take some laundry out of the camper from last weekend!  Really all I have to do is load the camper and get myself organized. The beauty of the camper now that trial season has ended is everything can stay where I put it and I don't have to constantly pack/unpack/pack.  Have most of the food prep done for our hospitality luncheon. Yesterday John and I headed over to mark things out to make it more welcoming and easier for our exhibitors.  I am so happy that we have such a large entry. I look forward to seeing all the beautiful Brittanys. There are a couple of people coming who I have never met in person before but have 'known' them and communicated with for a few years. This will be fun~! It will be busy, I hope the humidity isn't a problem.  I really hope everyone enjoys themself, I know that I plan to.

Thank you as always for your interest and support, and if we happen to cross your mind this weekend, say a little prayer - I'm sure we can use it!  Take car and God Bless. John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

All Things Brittany Topsfield Road Trip - Oh what fun!

A highlight of the weekend was spending time with Steve and Stephanie, getting to visit with Nash and Starr, seeing where they live, meeting their neighbors and hanging out.  They rolled out the red carpet for Pam, me and the dogs.  Visiting with us at the showsite, inviting us over to their beautiful air conditioned home for dinner, offering the most gracious hospitality in every way, and then coming to watch the show on Sunday.  I'll write a little more about this below but I was totally blessed and I know it meant a lot to Pam too.  I will always treasure the memories of such a warm, welcoming visit with this extended ATB family, for sure!

As I begin to journal here about our road trip that began June 18th I am reminded that date is the birthday of my lifelong, childhood friend, Polly. Although she has the illustrious honor of sharing the same birthdate as Paul McCartney it is Polly I wish to extend a very belated but sincere birthday greeting to!

Pippin, True, and I headed out very early in the Brittanymobile on Friday morning to meet Pam at the Topsfield Fairgrounds in Massachusetts. This was the site of a 3 day dog show cluster. Ringtime was 11 a.m. and we both arrived in plenty of time. Summer started officially with hot, humid weather.  True is a wash and wear Brittany, so not much work was needed.  This was his second cluster of shows, and the first time Pam would take him into the ring.  I think she'd been waiting to do this since he was first born!  True did well with her.  He placed 2 out of 2 each day, and went in for a try at Winners Dog, and we came home with 3 red ribbons.  The important thing about showing True right now is to keep it fun and enjoyable, observe where he has difficulty, and focus on the postive. Standing ringside with Linda of Triumphant Kennels I commented on the brief moments of potential that I could see as Pam gaited him. She laughed and said that is called 'glimpses of brilliance'.  I like that comment, and think it applies to all that is positive as a young, inexperienced pup finds his way in the ring.  No complaints on Trues performance, the judges all looked him over thoroughly and one commented 'Almost' as True tried to turn on the charm enough to persuade her to "pick me! pick me!".   Pam has done a great job of show socializing True when we are there and he obeys her even if I am standing nearby them.

Pippin was freshly bathed and had been pre-show groomed but needed some time with Dawn, her other 'momma' who often puts the finishing touch on what I've done.  Dawn and Pippin have come a long way together and I have to say that this weekend the Pippinator really, really turned it on in the ring for the first time and boy - what a thrill for me!  Even more important to me was seeing the way Pippin interacts now with Dawn.  Although I was at the end of her lead ringside, it was Dawn who Pippin looked to.  There was none of the balking that she has showed in the past.  On Saturday - Miss Pippin picked up one more point towards her AKC championship bench title and also won Best Opposite to Best of Breed! She simply was on !  Sunday, it was Pam who took her into the ring for me.  First time with Pippin.  And she handled beautiful for Pam!  Pippin was the only girl entered, so there were no points availalble.  However imagine our joy when she not only won Best Opposite Sex to Best of Breed but also won Best of Winners - which meant she earned the available point for the boys that day!  So - we came home very happy and with 2 more points. 

Pam had a very special reason to be happy that weekend!  For the first time in well over a month she was reunited with her beautiful Brittany "Paris", named appropriately after Paris Hilton.  She's a Brittany who looks pretty in pink but don't let her fool you - she can cut up the field like no one's business!  Linda has been showing Paris and brought her to Topsfield to spend a day with Pam.  I had the pleasure of accomodating the princess Brittany. I don't know who was happier, human or canine, but either way it was clear joy overflowed!  Very close to finishing,  Paris will be away from Pam and Sam just a little bit longer. Later that afternoon Pam's son and his friend stopped by to visit her.  They brought a long a rescued little Chihuahua named Bandit whose life was not very happy prior to now.  I fixed lunch for everyone and it was just so nice to see them having a good time. 

I spent some time ringside holding a Retriever for 'Kim' and 'Patty' who also live in Maine.  Both are Golden breeders with great reputations and many successes behind them due to their beautiful animals!   Ringtimes were not cooperating for them to help each other out though so I was happy to step in just for a few minutes.  Patty also has a young handsome Akita and he is doing well as a puppy.

Our 'chauffeur' Mr. Steve picked Pam and I up to transport us to their nearby home for dinner.  He loaded 3 crates for Paris, True, and Pippin and off we went together.  Stephanie met us at their lovely home with dinner waiting. Steve took care of all the dogs for us, got them settled in and I got to see first hand what a wonderful life Starr and Nashdog have!  They have their own bedroom, I'm not kidding, with freshly folded dog laundry (blankets) stacked near their crates.  What blew me away completely was the J & A's Brittanys bulletin board on their bedroom wall!  It was so humbling to see that there were photos of ALL of Nash and Starr's immediate 'family' as well as many other ATB pictures.  Their first collars, tags, pictures of John and I and even poems and saying that we'd shared over the past few years.  I was deeply moved... I took a picture.

Their home is lovely, filled with photographs and precious treasures of family momentos and more through the years.  Steve is a gifted craftsman and Steph has an eye for home decor, while keeping it extremely personal.  And that extended to the dinner, the music, and the sharing time together.  We do have a lot in common, and I saw the evidence of that. But the happiest moment was seeing the two shining stars themselves so content and well cared for and obviously loved.  I always like to think my canine 'babies' remember me... and this time was no exception.   After a very enjoyable dinner of fried seafood (THANK YOU!!) we took a walk over to their neighbors house with all 5 Brittanys in tow.  John has a beautiful fenced in yard that he so generously 'shares' with Starr and Nash.  He extended that towards us and Pam and I couldn't believe it.  It was so fun and such a great outlet for the dogs who had been working hard all weekend. The Brittanys surely invaded Peabody that night!

In case you're wondering about John on Father's Day.... I surprised him with a nice little gift and card before heading out to the shows.  We (meaning ATB) gave him a cute personalized mug, with a picture on it of Miss Piper with him at her 1st place Open Puppy win!  I also had a sheet of US Postage stamps made with the same photo on it - John totally enjoyed and appreciated them.  We have a standing comment we share with each other on Mother's or Father's Day - "I'm not YOUR mother/father so why do I have to get you a gift??!!"  Of course we do a lot of little things for each other throughout the year, and do hope that our children always will remember to honor their dad on his special day. But it is just one day - and overall, they are both great kids and often show their love and appreciation in so many ways.

So on to the Central Maine Brittany Club Specialty which is this coming weekend!!! Most of us will scarcely have time to catch our breath before we jump feet first right into this event.  It's going to be a busy time and I sure hope everything goes well for exhibitors, members, friends and everyone.  I am especially looking forward to having Kristyn as our sweepstakes judge and I hope it is a very special time for her.  Kristyn accepted this assignment with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.  She's seriously accepted this role with integrity which testifies to the professional way she is approaching her first assignment! 

John took very good care of ATB while I was away.  I usually ease back into my routine here after being away for a few days.  It is easier on the dogs all the way around.  I did get a standing ovation when I arrived back home and a nice long howl kind of greeting.  I missed them all so much, and it was Treasure who found her way to my pillow last night... I happily obliged.

Will leave you with the latest SMILEBOX which is simply some highlights of this past weekend. This is an application I really enjoy using so hope you enjoy it too.  I am sure I've left something/someone out of this blog - it just feels that way... But as always thank you so much for your interest in All Things Brittany - take care and God Bless you and yours... John, Ann and our canine crew

Treasure Turns 4

Treasure's first moments of life as seen under the infra-red heat lamps. 

J & A's Dreams Come True of Acton

Sire: Pride & Joy's White Smoke / Dam: Birch Spring Wish Upon a Star

June 16, 2010

Happy 4th birthday Miss Treasure!  You arrived here bottoms up, first born out of your litter and delivered (plopped!) right into my waitng hands as one of your paws gently reaching out towards me... how could I resist?  NOT necessarily the best way to select a pup (usually you like to wait until they're older when you have the pick of the litter) but as with most things here at ATB it was definitely a heart issue from the very beginning. I have not regretted you choosing me for one moment.  We have come a long way together, learned very many things and I look forward to the rest of the journey.  You never let me down Treas', and I hope I never let you down either.  In my eyes you absolutely are the most stunning liver and white girl in the whole world, you carry yourself with such grace and beauty no matter what you're doing!  And talk about playful. You have some wierd characteristics like coming up and kicking me in the back of the leg to let me know you either want to play - or you are uncertain what you want!  I love how you dance around for 'daddy' when you know begging is not allowed.  That's not begging is it?!  You twirl around and around in a circle, woo-wooing and working your cute little Brittany butt off.  It usually works too!  It was a joy to see you become a mother this past year, and I learned so much about natural instincts just from watching you and your puppies - even after all this time.  Perhaps the neatest thing of all was the way you took matters into your own hands and introduced them to birds in your own way - and I'm so glad I had a camera on hand to catch the rawness of that moment in time on video.  Sharing my love, attention, and time with All Things Brittany is one of my favorite things to do in life especially when that  means being with you Miss Treasure.  Indeed, it is all about the love of the dog - both given and received. Happy birthday with love to Treasure, Spirit, Acorn, Buddy, Rusty, Champ, and of course to Beanie! As always thank  you for your interest in our canine crew here at ATB - take care and God Bless!

PS No blogging probably for a few days.  Pam and I will soon depart in the Brittanymobile with True and Pippin for a very small show and will hook up with Dawn, Steve & Stephanie there.  This one is just for fun and the experience as entries are pretty low.

Talkin' Bout the Weather / Boomer is Here / Busy month

John and Hunter - Greenville, Maine - 1992

It's the middle of June already!!  In just a few more days summer officially begins and shortly after that, we will begin to notice ever so slightly the decreasing amount of daylight each evening.  When June consists of more rainy and cloudy days than warm and sunny ones I must remind myself of weather in years past when our children were actively involved in school sports. Our lives evolved around their activities which included faithfully attending each and every sporting event they participated in.  Many, many June evenings were spent huddled under an umbrella in the drizzy, cold, Maine watching softball or baseball games locally or away.  When conversations lead to a discussion of weather, and what  a chilly, rainy month this June or any other June for that matter has been I am quickly reminded this really is typical for New England.  Most of the time when John and I were at the outdoor early summer/late spring events we were drinking hot cocoa or coffee to keep warm!  Rescheduling a game on account of the weather was rare.  So I can't complain about the funky weather we've had lately but I do wish if it were going to rain - it would POUR, get it over with, plus this would really help the water level in our fish pond come up!

We are dog-sitting for two weeks and have the pleasure of enjoying "Boomer", a 5 year old liver/white Brittany boy out of Molly and Tunk.  For those familiar with the lines this means Boomer is a Tailspin grandson, and related to Hunter (pictured above with John.)  Boomer's purpose for being is to bring joy to 3 of our young grandchildren and to their parents!  Yes, he can hunt and has hunted. He also has enjoyed some informal agility work.  But what he is best known for is the job he was born to do, as a well loved family pet sharing in the daily lives of an active family of 5.  He had to work hard at it in some instances as our daughter's husband did not grow up around dogs at all.  Getting to know a Brittany is one thing; getting to know what your first dog is about who happens to also be a Brittany is quite another.  Truthfully though, the bond was made early on when a 4 week old Boomer puppy took a dive for the worst and we thought we'd lost him.  That was when Boomer suddenly exhibited extreme lethargy and lost interest in playing with his other littermates - which in itself is enough reason to get to the vets immediately.  With a few other symptoms showing up our sweet little Boomer had to undergo subcutaneous rehydration, many blood tests, electrolyte replacement, and stay overnight at the animal hospital. There never was a specific diagnosis and when we brought him home it was not with a cheerful or positive prognosis, it was more like 'hope for the best, we've done all we could do.'  That was when I knew that our son in law was ready to become a dog dad as he spent a lot of time sitting on our couch simply holding Boomer to him. The Boomdog had to be kept separate from his littermates.  In a matter of days however and several hundred dollars later he was once again playing with his littermates and a return visit to the vets showed no lasting effects. Just 'one of those things.'  With survival being a 50/50 chance either way we didn't have to go to the vets and could have decided to care for this little pup without medical intervention.  But the choice we made was the right one.  He is one handsome liver and white Brittany boy who loves his kids, and the sun rises and sets by them as far as Boomer is concerned.  He misses them but he's doing well and for replacement therapy he simply has several Brittanys to play with instead of 'his kids' - plus he is reunited with his mother and full sister.  Unfortunately, Molly and Rosie are less than thrilled about that! 

I'm really procrastinating this morning.  I should be doing anything other than blogging at this moment in time. I have to ready the Brittanymobile for another roadtrip and get several dogs ready to show.  John has started working on a small grooming area in the garage, the walls are already up but it won't be ready for awhile. (He is the best for doing this, I didn't even ask!)  I'll print out my pre-show checklist and begin to load the RV, get my 'show clothes' pressed and ready, grocery shop, and set aside the next few days for pre-show grooming.  The next several weeks are going to be extremely busy but I know once I'm in the swing of things and get over this initial dragging my heels I'll be fine.  One big highlight on the horizon is the Central Maine Brittany Club  Specialty Show.  As show chair, I'm so pleased with the support shown to the club by the number of entries - there are 2 majors each day for both boys and girls.  There is a lot of club work to be done specifically in preparation of that show of course, this in addition to my own to do list!  I'll be praying for the pain in my knee and lack of flexibility to be minimal and manageable which it should be if I pace myself, and by relying on my friends who I do not know what I would do without them - and the best friend of all - my hubby!

This isn't getting me anywhere.  Will let you go and hope you and yours do have a wonderful Monday and a great week - the sun is peeking through, clouds are departing, and it's looking to be a very nice day!  Take care and God Bless you and yours always, John, Ann and our Brittany crew here at ATB!

Jack's Birthday / Whelping Revisited

UPDATE:  Miss Bailey gave her father Jack an unexpected birthday present!  She qualified today for her 3rd leg towards her AKC Junior Hunter title!  Congratulations Paul, Dawn, Bailey and family!

2005 was the year that John and I experentially re-established a breeding program that started in 1990. (This statement differs from a person saying they are a breeder when in actuality the fact of the matter is they have never experienced the reality of it.) We were very fortunate to have several seasoned Brittany breeders in our life who were there to help us through our own labor pains of re-establishment.

Because it is customary to bring the girl to the boy, and as I was not quite ready to leave Jack's mother, Wish, with her 'intended' John and I were prepared to spend a week on the road with her. The girl typically travels to the boy because he is more confident and likely to be dominant in his own surroundings and in his territory. Having the necessary Brucellosis testing done prior to breeding, and then working closely with our vet,we knew exactly what the best dates were for breeding Wish based on the results of her progesterone essays. And we were not disappointed when the intended couple came together. It is always best to introduce a maiden to an experienced stud or vice versa. It lays a positive foundation for both animals. And so it was when our pretty little liver and white Wish was bred to "Butch" son of Hall of Fame Brittany NFC/NAFC/AFC/FC Aux Arc Mark.

Her pregnancy advanced into that high expectancy mode where one day you are certain there are puppies, and the next day you are certain there are none! I had the benefit of my father's whelping journal from the '60s when he and my mom raised Boston Terriers. Wish enjoyed a nutritionally enhanced diet when it was appropriate to do so. It's not good to add a lot of nutrients but it is beneficial to focus on increasing particular ones. Our old standby includes specific proportions of yogurt, liver, cottage cheese and a recipe for 'nursing mother's pudding'. These are added in rotation to the meals, which must become increasingly smaller and frequent as pregnancy advances. Our vet also frowns on added vitamins at this time and instead advises us to begin feeding a high quality puppy food to the mother to be.

10 Days before the anticipated due date we faithfully started to take our girls' temperature - first every 24 hours, and then at intervals of 8 hours. The first temperature drop signifies approaching labor.  The second temperature drop usually helps indicate pups will arrive within 24 hours.  We do not leave a laboring animal alone at all, nor do we leave her alone with her puppies for the first few days.  At all. Anyone who is preparing to whelp a litter of pups needs to be available 24/7.  With this litter John was working fulltime and I was home with ATB.  We burned the telephone lines calling each other!  John and I had had been watching for all the other obvious signs of being in whelp and knew that she was with puppies. Her whelping area was well prepared, and she'd been introduced to where she would give birth a couple of weeks in advance. It is critical for a bitch in whelp to have a sense of privacy and to respect that about her.

Wish is always an affectionate girl and especially so during her pregnancy.  She also finds way to 'communicate' just how close she wants me to be - or not.  I love her to pieces, and she loves us and trusts us too.  I especially have enjoyed being with Wish the times she had pups, massaging her rotund belly, stroking her muzzle softly while she snuggles ever close to me, offering her everything and anything I can to let her know I'm right there.  We keep the lights low when there are pups on the way, we play music, and we even have a scented candle.  I know it sounds ridiculous, like I'm doing the humanization thing with the dogs - but I believe it makes a different in mom and in the pups.  I have found it is better to stay nearby but not in her face or in her space.  Sometimes it is hard to know when to assist and when to let well enough alone. But if we interefere too much - whether it be with the actual breeding itself, whelping, or care of the pups - the mother will not be so apt to react instinctively and we are training her to rely on us when she should be tapping deep into that reservoir of natural instinct.  Which in itself is beautiful to behold.

I think one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed was Wish gently nudging a wet, wiggly, newborn puppy towards her nipple to nurse - still with the umbilical cord attached.  I have a photo of that somewhere that I took under the infra-red heat lamp.  Another beautiful memory of this litter was watching little tri-color "Annie", just hours old, climb way up into the tufts of her mother's hair, with just her wee little head poking out. These are pure gifts and glimpses into the beautiful and mysterious reality of life bringing forth life.
I may be wierd but I take all of this very seriously. I take into consideration the amount of love and respect I feel for our dogs and that must carry right into the whelping pen. There are details that are private for the animals that give birth. We do take a lot of photographs to document the arrival of pups, the time and the size are often better recalled when looking at the photos after the event itself. And very often, we do not announce too many details until after the first crucial 72 hours.

Even so, I can remember each and every detail of the arrival of the litter that brought us Jack who was destined to become a very special part of our lives on June 13, 2005. The entire litter was spoken for so we were happy to share the good news with all those who were waiting. And mostly we wondered about which puppy would be ours. There were 5 pups born, 2 of them liver and white, 1 tri-color, and 2 white and orange - 3 girls and 2 boys.

We strive to bring our newborn pups and mom to our vets within the first 24 hours. This way we know for sure that there are no retained placentas or worse, the vet can check to be sure milk is coming in, suckling strength of the pups, and more. Also we believe that the sooner the tails are docked and dewclaws removed the less stressful it is for the babies. Our vet is great that way and always is on standby when we have pups due. It was with this litter that we instituted the 'dime' method of measuring the tails before cropping. I am a strong supporter of docking Brit tails and removing dewclaws but I always hate that visit to the vets though... John goes in with the pups and I take mom for a nice long walk around the grounds to keep her mind off of her pups being out of site.

The ride over to the vets is always planned well in advance. Hot water bottles are wrapped in soft towels and laid in the bottom of the puppy basket. (A gift from Steve and Stephanie when my other basket was not returned. I'll never forget the day they showed up with the basket chock full to overflowing with gifts of all kind for dogs and for us!) We did not have our beautiful crochet puppy blankets from Julie when Jack was born, but now they do line the basket. (That first puppy blanket was actually a full size afghan Julie made for John and I, that matched the smaller one she'd made for Sassy when she came home from ATB in 2006! Since then she has blessed us with puppy blankets for every litter.) Mom is crated as we don't want her to get nervous while we're driving and try to sit on top of her babies or something. When at the vets we make sure that pups and mom stay far away from any other animals. The pups are extremely vulnerable and we don't mom picking up something strange from where another dog may have eliminated.

I'm enjoying this reflection of the past... 5 years ago today... all these things were on our mind, and we were living the reality of this wonderful day - the day Jack was born. I look out the window and see him faithfully following John every where he goes. They ride in the truck together, lay on the couch together, train and hunt and you name it. John will sit in his recliner and ask Jack to come give him a hug - Jack jumps right up and presses into John's chest. It is so cute. I remember the first time we went hunting with Jack by our side. John nearly filled up as he said softly to me "I've always wanted this kind of a hunting dog... he's just what I dreamed of."

John picked Jack because of his mellow attitude. When his littermates were all scrambling for attention, Jack would sit back and watch quietly. Then when the initial excitement was over, he'd just walk over and look up with those eyes of his... and make hearts melt. He's still like that. One look from the boy and it's all over.

So JackDog - we're very happy you are in our life! We love you and you are really more than we could have hoped for. With you it truly is all about the love of the dog both given and received. And unlike Hunter, we are happy to see your strengths and abilities carried on in your children too as they bring the same pride and joy to their owners. Even yesterday - we had a call from Dawn that Bailey had qualified for her second leg in Junior Hunter, and today another test.

Happy Birthday Shogun, Annie, Toffee, MollyDew, and of course Jack!

I've rambled... but I hope it's been a good ramble. It sure feels like it to me.
Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

Play Ball!

Chibougamou / Ramblings

John and one of his good friends Stevie on Lac Chibougamou, Canada

John and 4 other friends headed to Quebec a week or so ago for a well deserved fishing trip.  Destination: Chibougamou, a 12 hour drive from home. Over the past 10 - 15 years there were many trips there and each one equally memorable.  Usually the memories include so much laughter to the point that looking back at some of the photographs will evoke instant insanity as one releases laughter from the deepest part of their being!  There is also some truth to "what happens at Chibougamou, stays at Chibougamou."  The last time our entire family went together was in 2000 - and our oldest grand child was just a baby. Now we have 7 grandchildren so time flies.  The last time John and I actually went together ourselves was immediately following our daughter wedding.  After a year of preparations, company coming and going, major surgery on my part, sewing her wedding gown, and all that goes along with your daughter getting married - John and I jumped in the car and headed north to Chibougamou for a couple of weeks. It was the perfect getaway for the parents of a very beautiful and happy bride!  You have to absolutely love the wilderness, tranquility, solitude, and no contact with the outside world to enjoy a trip like this.  And not only is that true for John and I, but it is true for the friends who have made that trip with us over the years, and especially for our children.  Although our camp is no longer in our hands, the trip to Chibougamou is still possible as evidenced the past couple of weeks. And there is always Moosehead, Lake - another favorite destination of the entire Short family and just a little bit closer to home.  I really missed John while he was away, he called each evening to check in and make sure things were okay here.  JackDog actually went into mourning poor thing.  But he kept me company and I enjoyed that he was constantly by my side, something not typical when John is home.  All of the dogs adjusted to him being away and believe it or not, they somehow tried to make up for his absence by their behavior.  They were very much aware he was not here and it seemed as if they were more attentive to me, that is when they were not trying to catch emerging frogs in the pond, burying a ball or a bone from one another, simply laying under a shade tree, or most enjoyable of all for me - resting nearby with me on the grass.  Motley crew. Indeed they are. I enjoyed some time with them all to myself of course and vice versa. I think I'm rambling at this point though.  I stopped writing this blog entry much earlier today when 4 or our grandchildren were dropped off to spend some time with us - we had the best day!  And then I came back to pick up where I left off and find I can't jump back into that 'place' of writing I was at a little earlier.  But I can share that today we gave tractor rides, blew bubbles, played baseball, had a cookout, and enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. Jack played baseball too - he literally stole second base, he picked it up in his mouth and ran off with it - leaving us in stitches laughing!  Then he decided to be the catcher, caught the wiffle ball and started to chase John with it, actually tagging him with the ball in his mouth.  Oh I have pictures to prove it!  I'm tired.  It's been a great day, a great month so far, and as they say - life is good.  Always so much to share with those who care about All Things Brittany!  And we care about 'you' too.... take care, God Bless you and yours... John, Ann and the motley crew of Brittanys we choose to share our lives with.

Bridget Update / Pup Availability / 21 Mini Messages

Today's Photos:

J & A's Ridge Running Bridget

Sire: J & A's Timberdoodle of Acton

Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

I am so pleased to provide an update for one of Timberdoodles pups, Bridget.  She is Scooby's full sister and just had a birthday last week, turning 3!  John and I are particular to a fault about where any  of our pups go and her Ohio family was no exception. They were equally as  particular about where their new puppy would come from and we worked together for about a year.  They knew a liver and white female Brittany was in their future for a hunting companion and they were willing to wait.  Their waiting including going through the heartache and devastation of losing Timberdoodle with us, to wondering whether Wish was pregnant or not, and then to the medical screening and assurance from UC Davis that we had a viable, healthy litter.  Which we did.  The night before Bridget went to Ohio Timber's ashes were scattered in his field of gold, and at several special places.  He was never content to be inside, in a crate, or kenneled but lived to run.  His ashes literally soared on the wind when we released them that summer evening.  If I did not know that it was his daughter in the top photo, one would have to convince me it was not Timber himself.

Pictured here is Bridget and her tri-colored sister "Maggie" as they ran side by side that evening in Timbers field of gold. (Maggie, one of 3 tri-colored Brittanys out of Wish, enjoys an active and fun life with an wonderful Brittany 'couple' in Westbook, Maine. The Central Maine Brittany Club which John and I are actively involved with has an annual summer field day and Maggie and her owners usually attend. Speaking of which, that is coming up on Saturday July 31st. It's a club event, open to members and their friends and family. This year we're planning an Agility Demo, dog grooming, and of course lots of good food!)

In this picture to the right Bridget looks more like her mother who has such a  nice, square, cobby structure.  But if you know our dogs and especially if you knew Timber, you can see him in her eyes.  Well the long and the short of it is that this week Miss Bridget will be bred to a real nice field champion with a recognizable pedigree behind him, even doubling up on some of the stuff behind Bridget. If all goes well this litter will arrive during the first part of August. This is as close as will get to having a litter with liver pups available until much later this year/early 2011 so please let us know if you'd be interested in Bridget's pups. They will be OUTSTANDING hunting companions. And speaking of puppies, there is another litter of Brittany pups due this month to very good friends of ours who are longtime, well recognized and established breeders producing many field champions, with Hall of Fame and National lines behind them. Their first litter in many years, I expect availbility to be extremely limited and understandably so.  This will be an o/w and l/w litter.  Ironically, the sire of their pups is Bridget's grandsire and the dam is closely related to Treasure.  I do have pedigrees available for both litters and contact information.

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21 MINI - MESSAGES

We probably all get messages in our email that tell us to forward the contents to 10 people within a certain amount of time or... ! Most of us are not superstitious but we like the message and send it along anyway, knowing those who know us will probably approach it in a similar way.  Such was the following email I received this morning from Dawn - (thanks for sending!).  I decided to send it on by posting it here!

Here are 21 wonderful mini-messages to offer guidance, advice, and encouragement which I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did.

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
FIVE.. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye..
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE.... Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice
TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

At the end of email it says:
"Send this to at least 5 people and your life will improve.
1-4 people: Your life will improve slightly.
5-9 people: Your life will improve to your liking.
9-14 people: You will have at least 5 surprises in the next 3 weeks
15 and above: Your life will improve drastically and everything you ever dreamed of will begin to take shape.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart. Do not keep this message."

Okay, technically I didn't keep this message because I shared it with all of you!  Do I believe the above things will come true because I did?  What I believe is when sincere, heartfelt advice, guidance, or encouragement is offered and in turn is received as such, things are bound to improve. So no, I don't believe sending or keeping the message will determine the outcome.  What determines the outcome is the 'spirit' in which the message is communicated and in which it is received, the manner in which it is heard.  Jesus often ended his teachings with the somewhat mysterious instruction, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (as in Luke 14:35). What did our Lord mean by implying some had "ears to hear" and some didn’t? Obviously, he wasn’t referring to their physical sense of hearing. It seems he meant some could hear spiritually—were open to spiritual truth—while the ears of others were closed to his words.



God bless you! Have a great rest of the day, take care, and as always thank you so much in your interest in All Things Brittany.  John, Ann and our fun-loving, wonderful, sweet, Brittany crew!

True's Official Show Photo / Alice and Jerry Kind of Friends

J & A's Keeper of the Stars of Acton "TRUE"

Pictured here in his first official show photo taken when he debuted at the Southern Maine Coastal Classic recently.  True won his first two sets of ribbons each day - 1st Place Puppy Dog 6 - 9 months, and Reserve Winners.  His show photo just arrived today and I'm so pleased and proud to share it with the rest of the world.  Those of you who follow ATB happenings will remember his litter nickname was "J.R." and is one of the 11 pups from Treasure and Gibby's litter.  I've spent a few moments in the blog archives here and have enjoyed looking at the photographs of True and his littermates. We'll be showing him selectively,  enough to get him used to the experience of it throughout the summer (selectively as in it costs a lot of money to show two dogs and I want to focus on Pippin!)  Donna Pride said it took her 3 years to decide that showing wasn't for her and I am reminded I'm in that timeframe right now.   I'd probably enjoy it a lot more than I now do if my knee was cooperative as it was 3 years ago when I started.  (I hear you Nancy P. and no I still haven't gone... and thank you so much for the encouraging note you sent, hugs to you!)  In my head I see myself as a graceful competitor, stretching my legs out with each stride, bringing out the best in the dog at the end of the lead.  In reality the picture is anything but that!  I am thankful to friends who stick by or stick up for me, good or bad. Sometimes they even have to hold me up.  Other times they have to hold my dogs.  I've held them up a time or two (especially in matters of prayer).  I've been known to hold their dogs too.  But one thing for sure - we don't hold grudges against each other.

Speaking of holding - I've heard from a dear dear friend from childhood - she's going to be doing a blog soon about remodeling her home and I can't wait.  There's actually 3 of us who have known each other since forever, and recently I shared my joy at hearing from the other friend.  We all grew up in a small hometown where "Hastings Mills and a sweet little place called "Friendly Village" found Alice looking, Jerry seeing, and Jip jumping as we learned to read.  As we think about getting together again  I am reminded of the wonderful song we sang together in our Brownie troop "Make New Friends But Keep the Old, One is Silver and the Other Gold."  I enjoy it when silver meets gold - maybe it's self serving to simply enjoy being in the company of people who are so important to me, who help me be a better person, who love me no matter what. They fall into the category of  "a true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though she knows that you are slightly cracked."  Or in some cases, totally scambled!  Take care and God Bless you and all that concerns you, John, Ann, and our canine crew.