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