Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Bullet and Sassy chillin' at home after swimming and playing together

Time will only permit a hastily written post as the work that is before me in preparation for Fun Day is calling my name!  I do want to thank Julie and Jim once more for the hospitality of staying with them this week and especially say how much I once more enjoyed their guestroom, which is to me a true 'upper room'.  Little personal touches that make an overnight with them so special; the flowers, the devotional by the bed, fan in the window and the bed which was made up so perfectly with the linen and lace covered down pillows.  Last time I was there Treasure accompanied me but since I arrived  'dogless' Bullet offered his companionship and kept me company while I slept.  With Julie loaning me the next book in the Highlander series by Diana Gabaldon I fell off to sleep with the expectation of a reunion between "Claire" and "Jamie".

The concert was of course intended to be the high point of my visit with our friends but there was so much wrapped around that event itself which just made my up and back 24 hour trip seem like a mid-week mini vacation. When I arrived Jim, Julie and I sat in the shade on their back porch and visited with each other with the dogs and also the Bobwhite Quail.  Then it was time for Days Of Our Lives - a soap opera we all enjoy, and a program my mum and I used to watch together!  Julie busied herself for awhile in the kitchen preparing dinner: lasagna, salad, and garlic bread.  She wanted to take the dogs swimming so made a brownie batter from scratch, gave Jim instructions to bake them while we left for a nearby pond!  I cracked up seeing Sassy and Bullet both swimming around - each has their own style.  I won't give away any secrets of their techniques but suffice to say "BULLET - you are so busted as I have it on film!"

After swimming we returned back home to Julie and Jims for an enjoyable dinner and then she and I headed out to the Bangor waterfront.  We spent some time sitting on a bench along the shore of the Penobscot River talking about the local history; as I grew up on a river I enjoy the comparisons and learning about the area. Our seats at the concert were really good ones, a great view and out of the 3,000 attendees we were right in the middle of it.  The familiar sound of celtic instruments and the beautiful voices of Celtic Woman drew our attention promptly at 7:30 pm and the tears were immediate - for many in the audience!  It was the second song that totally blessed and undid me emotionally for yes, they did sing Fields of Gold.  And it was simply an experience that I cannot explain except to say it was beautiful.  There was no where to go but up from that point on and the total concert was just beyond description.  I really enjoy the fiddler/violinist Maererid (?) and her "spitfire, pixie-like" way of performing.  The concert lasted for about two hours and included many favorite Celtic Woman selections in addition to several new ones.  Amazing Grace was perhaps the most inspiring piece of the whole evening.  A solemen, lone bag piper dressed in full array walked through the audience under the spotlight and the stars, playing the opening refrain.  He walked along and you could just sense a holy hush.  When he reached the stage, the muscians and Celtic Woman vocalists opened the song with tremendous skill and ability.  The wind blew the fog across the stage which reflected the colors of the lighting effects and created an atmosphere that emphasized the true meaning of God's amazing Grace clearly expressed through their music.  Bangor Daily News covered the concert well.

The concert was followed by a late night tour of the city and I enjoyed seeing the sites as described by my tour guide - Julie!  We did a drive by of Stephen Kings home and I took a photograph... brrrrr... that is one spooky looking place.  Back in the Harris kitchen again, we enjoyed Julies from scratch brownies with a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream! YUM!  The dogs and Jim were both happy to see us again. 

It was hard to leave and say goodbye in the morning as the hospitality continued right up to the time I walked out their door; I was handed a 'doggie bag' with lasagna and garlic bread and a huge container of ice - coffee for my ride home!  After lots of hugs goodbye Jim carried my few items out to the car and soon I was headed south for the long ride home.  

It was great to arrive back home to John and ATB.  He'd already been hard at work preparing for the Fun Day on Saturday.  The dogs were all great and gave me happy Brittany greetings.  One thing I hadn't known was that the concert was an early birthday gift from Jim and Julie, and this made my time away even more special.  Thank you again so much.

Everything is pretty much under control and in place for our special time tomorrow here.  Each year it's a little different than the year before and we always hope that those who join us have a great time. I love seeing everyone again, sharing the mutual love and affection of the breed and of all dogs. Looks as if we are in for some nice weather to make the day even more enjoyable.  The tents and tables will be set up this afternoon, our fridge is full, and my dining room table is covered with all kinds of stuff for tomorrow.  I still have some last minute housework to do, but I may sneak in an hour or two of reading "Dragonfly In Amber" at some point!  Well, as always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany and take care, God Bless you and yours - John, Ann and our funloving canine crew. 

Songs of the Heart

JUST IN:  Good news, Scooby's hip evaluation results are in:  OFA GOOD! This rating, assigned in comparison to other animals of the same age and breed, is slightly less than Pippin's "OFA EXCELLENT"  (superior hip conformation)  but a well-formed congruent hip joint is visualized. The ball fits well into the socket and good coverage is present.  

Celtic Woman perform You'll Be In My Heart from their "Songs of the Heart" tour.

Tomorrow night our good friend Julie (who owns Sassy and Bulletman) and I will be attending the Celtic Woman Songs of the Heart concert together. We have been looking forward to this for weeks and I just can't wait for the reality of it. I plan to bring my camera, a light jacket, and tissues to wipe any tears away.

John and I have enjoyed the music of Celtic Woman for several years now. I discovered them quite by chance one evening waiting for pups to be born, flipping through channels and landing on a PBS station promoting their music. Immediately I was captivated by the sound of their Celtic instruments, the pipes, drums, fiddle, flute and harp.  Their beautiful voices as well as the amazing choreography and pageantry that accompanied it. Shortly afterwards I bought my first Celtic Woman CD, and another and another.

We have always tried to keep music playing in the dog house, especially during whelping and nursing. Consequently there are CD's which have played over and over. (we are technically challenged; no mp3s with a gazillion songs - YET - we still rely on casettes and CD's in most cases, and don't even ask about our 8-tracks in storage.) There are also favorite songs which remind me of certain Brittanys. Before you roll your eyes, please know that music has ALWAYS played an important part of my life and not only am I a vocalist but I have played the piano, flute, guitar, and keyboard. There is a whole library of songs in my heart for all of my family, friends, and yes - for each and every Brittany. Really! Anyway, it has been the music of Celtic Woman or Jim Brickman that has been most frequently played for ATB and in the past I have made CD's for people to take home to play for their brand new puppies.

(Personally, songs of my heart include "Shambalaya" by 3-Dog Night and it makes me think of my childhood friend Polly, the day we 'ahem' skipped high school and spent the afternoon at Salisbury Beach on the rides, and singing that song on the "Himalaya".  Richard Chamberlain of Dr. Kildare fame (dating myself) sang a beautiful song years ago "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight". *oh do check this old song out, and it makes me think these days of Wish, Treasure and ATB... I used to crank out "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin in the day, and every Beatle song had a life story attached to it.   Most important of all, there are many love songs that make me think of my wonderful husband, and I have songs for each child and grandchild. There are songs of difficult times in my life - when I didn't even realize that God was using music and lyrics to touch a hurting heart - either mine or the heart of someone I cared about.  He still does this.)

The song above in the video is You'll Be In My Heart, originally recorded by Phil Collins. You'll Be In My Heart is one of those beautiful songs that can have many different meanings. Don't laugh when I say it reminds me of my Brittany Timberdoodle as does the song Fields of Gold.  Timber was my handsome pup who died of cancer a little over 2 years old. Talk about heart - he was/is a heart dog. And I know that there is a chance I will hear one if not both of those songs tomorrow night as they are on the CD. That's why I will have to have tissues on hand while enjoying the concert with my friend of the heart.

What is really cool is that shortly after Julie and I became friends (courtesy of God using a Brittany to bring our families together) I discovered Julie is also a Celtic Woman fan.  We were riding together in her new van and I glanced down to see she had their CD "New Journey".

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I hope everyone is blessed to have two kinds of friends - the silver kind and the gold kind. (Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.)  There are seasons of friendship when certain people come into our lives for a particular reason.  Sometimes they are here for a long time, others are quickly gone, and there are those who come and go.  There are those that we may simply take for granted until they are no longer here. I am blessed by the golden friendships of my childhood and younger years, and although not a part of each others daily life, we remain in each others hearts.   I share the joy of new, rich silver friendships that equally bless my life.  There are times when both silver and gold meet each other.  I enjoy my friends getting to know each other regardless of how long we've known one another or how we met.   I will always believe it is God who causes certain paths to cross, as part of His design and providence.

Anyway!  It was not too long ago I received an exciting email from Julie telling me that the Celtic Woman Songs of the Heart tour was coming to Maine and asked if I was interested in going. I was absolutely interested but at first wasn't sure I could get away from ATB as it is a couple of days before the Brittany club's  fun day, which we do host. But shortly afterwards another email came with the exciting words "I HAVE TICKETS FOR CELTIC WOMAN IN MY HAND."  Julie was holding two tickets; one for her and one for me. And the rest, will soon be history!  Take care and God Bless you and  yours always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

Photographs and Memories

John Jr. & Crickett's Hunter - 1991

Moosehead Lake, Greenville ME

In 1986 our family discovered the most wonderful place in the world to spend a family summer vacation and that was at Casey's Wilderness Camps in Greenville, Maine.  It had been recommended to us by friends of ours because their parents had always taken them there when they were children.  Now as adults they were enjoying it with their children.  So the Short family decided to check it out and off we went in our very first motor home which was a Winnebego Brave.  We were not to be disappointed.

Casey's is about 6 miles off the main road heading from Greenville into Kokadjo, Maine and is located on Spencer's Bay. The drive in to the campground itself was always adventurous and moose sightings were a common thing.  Driving in for the first time leaves one scratching their head wondering just what they have gotten themselves into. Loggin roads and private camp drives veer to the left and the right until suddenly you can catch a glimpse of the lake.  The speed limit sign insists on traveling at 5 MPH and is quickly enforced as you drive into the clearing and are met with a beautiful, peaceful, scene of log cabins, boats, and campgrounds right on the water.  I truly could write a book about the many adventures our family shared there over the years including snowmobiling in on New Years eve to an awaiting cabin with the woodstove blazing, ice fishing from the porch of a cabin, snowshoeing across the lake, and of course great bird hunting! 

Every summer we would book 2 weeks at Caseys, at the end of July. A quick glance at the calendar reminds me this would be our prime week.  Although at that time we were raising children and not Brittanys, Brittanys were a very important part of our family even  then. 

"Hunter" was from our first litter of Brittany puppies, born in July 1990 and he went everywhere with us. Although we owned both of his parents, they usually stayed home with nana and grampa.  Our son John was 15 1/2 in the photograph above.  Not quite yet on his own but to the point where camping with mom and dad had lost some of it's appeal.  He spent a lot of time out in canoe with Hunter; either that or fishing from the shore.  In the picture, Hunter is standing with all 4 legs spread out, standing on the gunnels of the canoe, acting like a scout.  Spencer Mountain is in the background.  (It's funny but as I look over the old pictures of our early Brittanys (owning 2 liver/white and 1 orange/white) it was always the liver and white that I have been drawn to.  And in this picture especially I can see why I was so drawn to Treasure early on - she is marked very much like Hunter.) 

Eventually, our children grew up, got their driver's license, jobs, and had other interests which were more fun that camping with mom and dad.  We began to take the trips to Moosehead as a couple and continued to do so for years.  Sometimes father and son would go together, or our daughter and I would join them during a hunting trip.  But life continued to happen for us which eventually led to primary care giving for an elderly  parent. What was interesting however is how when our children got married, one of the first places they went with their spouse was Casey's Campground.  And when they had children, it was Casey's where they would travel to for their first camping experiences.  I am not sure when the last time was though any of us where there.  We have talked about renting the big family lodge at the campground for a week, and as time marches on, we probably really ought to do this!

On our J & A's Brittanys website itself, the homepage features a collage of sepia photographs of Hunter and our family through the years.  Three of the photos were actually taken in the fall of 1990 when Hunter was just a puppy.  He did a lot of bird hunting there over the years in the Greenville area during the fall months. He was a great Brittany and even now is sorely missed.  He remained an intact male up until his death at the age of 13 and there were never any issues of any kind with him.  We had a couple of opportunities to breed him but we just never did. It would have been a little self serving but for emotional reasons I sure wish we had but that is never a good reason to breed an animal. Anyway, Hunter was very well loved and an important member of our family from the time he was born right up until the day we had to make the best decision on his behalf.  Even now I think of him with a smile as he was a funny boy, who loved to do tricks to make us laugh, and his nickname was Houdini - for he was an escape artist.

On another note, we are one week away from the annual Summer Field N Fun Day that we host here for the Central Maine Brittany Club.  John and I are really looking forward to spending the day with members and friends and all those beautiful Brittanys!  Take care and God bless and as always thanks for your interest in our Brittanys!!!  John, Ann & ATB 

Homecoming / Jacks New Girl

Just Arrived - Official Show Photo of Pippin's 5 point Major Specialty Win 

 Our friend Dawn Hill handling, who owns Pippin's father

John and I had a lovely time last weekend when Jim and Lori from Connecticut brought Jersey (Molly/Jack) and Brandi (Treasure/Gibson) for a happy reunion with their ATB family.  An added bonus was when they took us to dinner at the Backstreet Grill, in Sanford Maine and we were joined by Ron and Pam who have Casper (Treasure/Gibson).  We enjoyed ourselves tremendously .    Despite the wicked hot and humid weather we managed to keep fairly cool and the dogs had a lot of fun.  As did the humans!  I always love homecomings and am amazed at how well the dogs behave, both the visitors and the visitees.  Half sisters Piper and Jersey interacted with their father, JackDog who loved their playfulness with him. Littermates True and Brandi had a lot of fun getting reacquainted. I also caught a glimpse of Molly checking her little Jersey out quite affectionally.  Jersie has Jacks sweet personality and Mollys high intelligence. Brandi and Treasure remind me of each other so much, especially when they played together - it was almost like a mirror image. Looking deep into Brandi's beautiful eyes is to see her mother looking back at me.  They are both beautiful girls and well loved by Jim and Lori and their children.  Our ATB family is ever growing and we highly value the friendships that form as a result of getting to know the families who love our Brittanys as much as we do.  On Sunday, John and Jim went over to a birdfield with Brandi who really had a great experience from what I heard.  Jim is very proud of her progress and we are happy that she is proving to be such a great bird dog.  I'm especially pleased to know that he is training her for the NAVHDA Natural Ability testing given the background of her grandmother, Wish.  We all enjoyed our final evening together over a dinner John had prepared, something he really enjoys doing when friends come to call.  One of the first things Jim said when he and Lori first discovered ATB was "I want to be part of your Brittany family."  Well - there is no doubt in my mind that indeed!  They are part of ATB!  Lori contacted me the next day to let me know they were extending their time away by one day, staying over at Old Orchard Beach. Look forward to seeing them again next week here, along with Central Maine Brittany Club members and friends who will join us for the 2010 Fun Day! (Dogs have to be leashed at Fun Day though.) 

We enjoyed a cookout birthday/high school graduation at our neighbors in Eliot over the weekend as well.  It was a lot of fun to be with them and to share their happiness on such a special occassion.  This included spending time with our daughter and her family and a quick dip in the pool!  The next day I was pleased with our son and his children dropped by briefly as well.  I always love seeing them and because their lives are so full and so busy - these moments mean a lot to me.  

I anxiously awaited news about Bullet, Pam, and Julie who had traveled to Vermont for a dog show. Bullet was the only Brittany entered there but they made the best of that situation and prepared fully for the Sporting Group ring where Bullet would represent the breed.  At last count there are 28 breeds that compete in this group. The competition is much different than at the class level.  Treasure and I have made it there a couple of times and it's pretty intimidating to an amateur.  Although Bullet did not place, I saw video that Julie took of Pam handling him and felt he not only represented our breed quite well, but they moved in that ring as though they belonged there.  I missed being there with them to see it. 

ROBINS

I am sad to say that between the exuberance of our dogs and a series of severe thunderstorms, to the best of my knowledge, the baby Robins did not survive the weekend. We will be more careful next time when a nest is built so low to the ground and close to the house.

JACKS NEW GIRL

We are looking foward to an evening of running dogs with Jacks new 'girl'. Her owner wants to demonstrate her hunting ability, something a dog either has or does not have. Ability is not simply exposing dogs to a field or birds and counting on a Brittanys heritage. This girl has her Junior Hunter title, has particpated in field trials, hunts with her owners and we have also been in the ring with her before. We're always humbled and pleased when people specifically seek us because they like what they have seen in our dogs and this is no exception. Jack's 'get' continue to prove themselves strong in the field as Junior Hunters and with field placements and points, as well as show points. Not to mention the evidence of hunting seasons past!  Pups are not planned until 2011.  John and I continue to remain proud of what we see in our dogs and that our years of hard work FINALLY making a real difference as we meet our goals.

Time to call it a morning!  Hope you are enjoying the cooler weather that is passing through.  The water level in the pond has risen considerably here, I'm glad.  Take care and God Bless you and yours - John, Ann, And All Things Brittany

The Robins Nest

UPDATE: Recently we took Pippin for filming of her hips for an OFA evaluation. The report came back to us yesterday. Her hips are OFA EXCELLENT - as her mothers and grandmothers are and many on her father's side of the family! This has nothing to do with "The Robin's Nest" but we wanted to share the latest good news about Pippin.

Here I sit typing at the computer with Rosie lying nearby who is enjoying a warm sunbath as the sunbeams stream through the office window. Jack rests in front of the sliding glass door leading to the farmer porch, hopeful and attentive as he listens to hear the sound of his masters returning footsteps. All windows are open wide and the scent and sounds of this beautiful summer morning permeate the air. ATB is quite content and mellow this morning as they survey their surroundings. A few are apparently sleeping in. A few moments ago I quietly called each dog by name and greeted them, striving to keep their energy very low this early in the day so they are less likely to vocalize their joy at seeing me until much later. There are however, no guarantees this will be the case.

The most notable sound at 8:00 a.m. on this summer morning unfortunately comes from the road we live on. The 'recycling facility' (we used to call them dumps)is located a few miles further down the lane. Our road is also the connecting road for the many summer residents who own beautiful waterfront property. Saturday morning is a busy road for traffic even way out here in the boonies, with several cars passing by every five minutes. I can hear the distant cawing of a crow who sounds quite distraught about something. A few songbirds make themselves known including the annoying Bluejay darting from branch to branch in the tall pines.

Speaking of birds, a family of Robins have taken up residence in the Forsythia bush in front of our living room window. A certain finished gundog who shall remain anonymous is responsible for reconstruction of their nest a few days ago. When the rest of the dogs were enjoying a swim and a romp this particular dog disappeared from view. I caught up with him just in time to rescue three young baby Robins that had fallen out of the nest he had retrieved. He looked quite foolish actually but of course my reaction to what I was witnessing drew the attention of the rest of ATB who decided to get in on the act.

Fortunately, John and I had already surrounded the bush with two exercise pens so the baby birds who had fallen on the ground were not easily accessible. That is with the exception of one fledgling I discovered only because of Rosies comendable ability to hold a point. Lying helplessly on the ground between Rosies front legs and just inches from her curious nose was the tiniest little bird with the biggest mouth and beak. I called Rose off of the bird and scooped it up into my hands. All of this was happening at lightning speed and I was trying to control the other excited Brittanys (yah right) while holding the baby Robin safely in my hands. John had already sized up the situation and quickly came to the rescue with an intact, bird nest leftover from another year. We knew for sure that there were three baby Robins but could only count two. The mother and father Robins were frantic as they flew back and forth watching the drama unfold.

When John spotted the third Robin I handed the one I had been protecting over to him and headed (herded?) the entire ATB crew back to the kennel. NOT the way any of us had hoped to end an otherwise fun filled afternoon. There was one dog in particular who literally was in the dog house as far as I was concerned and no daddy was going to bail him out this time. In that instance in my eyes he was the most pigheaded, independent, stubborn Brittany I'd ever known and I know he read my thoughts for there was no protest from the boy. True and Piper had escaped the experience simply due to their preoccupation with each other and were playing like the pups they still are in another part of the yard. Treasure was standing off at a distance sizing things up, knowing full well she was counted among the juvenille delinquents. She just hadn't managed to get herself caught. Wish, Scooby, Molly, Pippin and Rose are always so obedient and compliant to the command "KENNEL UP" so I had no problem relocating and redirecting ATB. Rose was the hero of the day for sure.

Returning back to the scene of the crime I discovered John had reinforced the anchors of the X-Pen surrounding the Forsythia bush where the new nest had been placed. I looked inside and saw all three babies were safe inside. Now to wait and see if the mother and father Robins would return. John and I went back inside the house and watched from the front window. We had not been waiting for very long and sure enough, the parents returned to the babies in the new substitute nest. AWESOME!

All of this could have been avoided if we'd moved the nest to a safer location when it was still under construction. But life happens. We'll know better next time. For now, we will continue to keep a watchful eye out and hope that these three baby Robins will survive to the point where they safely leave the nest when it is time.

Jack and ATB were all readily forgiven of course. You're not supposed to go to bed upset with those that you love, and Brittanys are no exception. I do imagine that we may do some back to basics yard training with a few of our adults very very soon though.

Take care and God Bless you and yours, John, Ann and All Things Brittanys

July Afternoon at All Things Brittany

American Brittany Club Summer Specialty - Video Highlights

Just some highlights of the American Brittany Club Summer Specialty!

The Summer Specialty - So Much Fun!

Well hi there Pippin, fancy meeting you here in the ring!

John and I traveled to Springfield to attend the ABC Summer Specialty on Friday, the day after our awesome, exciting news that Pippin had won a 5 point major at the Southern New England Specialty Show. I have to keep saying it over and over again - 5 point major - 5 point major!!   We arrived in time to watch the Brittany in Sporting Group but when John realized he was wearing his "J & A's Brittanys" denim shirt, we immediately left and didn't watch the placements.  Originally we'd planned to go straight to our motel, otherwise we would have been mindful.  It is simply poor taste to stand ringside of any show in my opinion with clothing bearing your kennel name. 

I'd waited until last minute to book our room so it was no surprise to learn that there literally was no room at the inn, or the hotel, motel or anywhere nearby the Easter States Exposition Center.  We did find a rather quaint little motel in Westfield though, 12 minutes away.  John went out and picked up a few groceries while Treasure and I kicked back after the 4 hour drive.  It must have been around 90 with high humidity, and I was thankful for the A/C in our room. 

We traveled over to the Big-E very, very early in the morning.  Treasure needed to get in some kind of run before being crated for the day so we stopped on the edge of the field there.   Keeping in mind this whole showing thing is in Treasure's mind 'for the birds', she proved the point when I opened the car door with Treas attached to the flexi-lead. (By the way I HATE flexi-leads and only use them for exercising dogs at shows.)  John and I soon were to realized that we picked the worst place in the world anyone could choose to let a Brittany out under restraint. Before I could even turn and order Treasure to 'wait' for me to get out of the car she bolted full speed ahead and I held on to the flexilead handle for dear life - just in time to see a flock of about a thousand birds feeding on the ground right in front of us! OH MY GOD.  John and I were stunned as it happened in the blink of an eye!  She caused me to physically be yanked out of the car and then stripped the entire flexilead gears, causing the retractable lead to immediately break off!  And there she was!  Little miss I am a bird hunting machine with style and grace working that field like the pro she is - while the birds gave flight around her.  She must have felt like she was in glory land!  Let me add we were in a very secluded large fenced in area of substantial acreage so we were not worried about traffic. John was laughing at what had happened to me, I'm sure it looked hilarious from his point of view and all I could see was this huge flock of birds and Treasure having herself one good time!  She is honest to recall though, and I pointed to the ground, with a firm COME AROUND HERE... and she quickly ran over to where I could collar her.  Well, that was the start of the dog show.

I'd wanted to show Treasure in the American Brittany Club Summer Specialty since I first learned in the summer of 2007 it would be in New England.  As it worked out, Pippin and Treasure were in the same class and because someone moved their dog out of catalogue order - we were next to each other in the ring (see photo above).  Fortunately Pippin is used to being with other people now with me nearby.  That was not always the case!  There were so-o-o-o many Brittanys in the ring during judgement of our class that Pippin and Treasure had a chance to interact briefly, and I was pretty proud to be standing there with our two girls.  I'm loving what has happened between Dawn and Pippin lately, they have established such a great bond.  Pippin has shown me that she will handle well with Pam, Julie and especially Dawn! We did not make the 'cut' that day but I felt that Treasure did great - it's the biggest class she'd ever been in. 

I had selected a very beautiful jewel toned suit, to compliment Treasure's rich liver blanket.  However, when I sat down in the motel room I realized we had severe static cling issues... the last thing I needed to worry about was what would happen to my skirt when I showed and presented Treasure!

There is a book I read ears ago,  "The Beans of Egypt Maine"?  In review, it is a "serious work, about somewhat stereotypical hillbillies, a la the Clampetts, steeped in their rural culture, with a vocabulary and perspective all their own.  While there are parts that are mildly amusing, there are parts where it is difficult to comprehend the type of life the characters lived." As there are aspects I have been able to relate to in some situations, over the years our family has borrowed that title and applied it to ourselves whenever we have taken a trip or ventured to somewhere that is new and we are a little out of our element and out of our comfort zone.  Our trips and adventures have been affectionately tagged at times as "Beans go to Disneyworld... Beans go to England... Beans on a Cruise...Beans go to the State House etc."   This past week I saw glimpses of the  'Beans go to the Summer Specialty' especially when it came to the last minute wardrobe change for me, and Treasure's pre-show bird hunting expedition. 

I enjoyed meeting so many new people belonging to the American Brittany Club, people came from all across the country with their beautiful animals. It was very interesting to observe the interaction among other breeders, handlers, owners - or in some instances lack of it.  On one hand I noticed some mutual admiration societies - as some Brittanys seem to have their own fan clubs!  Sometimes those fan clubs mingled with each other - other times not so much.  But one thing is certain - there were beautiful Brittanys gathered in one place together last week and I would not have missed that for the world!  I was pleased to introduce a new friend I'd met in New York to John, Dawn and others.  I was also happy to meet another new friend face to face.  And of course to be with those who compose the Brittany community in New England. It meant a lot to us every time someone came up to us and congratulated us on Pippins huge win.  It also meant a lot to receive such lovely compliments about Miss Treasure, especially noting her beautiful dark liver coat. We work hard to keep her coat that way - she can't be out in the summer sun for long periods of time, has to use shampoo and conditioner with sunscreen.  This keeps her coat from getting sunburned and bleaching out. 

There was a lovely formal sit down dinner hosted by the Central New England Brittany Club, which John and I had bought advance tickets for.  We enjoyed sitting with a great group of people, including Dawn and Paul Hill.  Awards, recognition, history, displays and so much more made the evening fun. There were a few celebrities in our midst - we had the pleasure of meeting David Frei and his lovely wife, spending some time visiting with them over the weekend.  And also there was "Tally", the beautiful Brittany who did so well in Westminster last year - I remember cheering her on as I watched her on TV.

Well making a long story short - it was great to return back home on Sunday afternoon. We did enjoy the privilege of observing Miss Pippin that morning while Dawn showed her for the fifth day in a row.  She looked real nice but she didn't make the cut that day.   We have no complaints - not one and an awful lot to be thankful about.  Someone who I least expected would say it, told me they felt  "this year your breeding program is finally getting the recognition it has deserved for a long, long time."  There were people there who wanted to show us their males, in consideration of stud selection for Pippin in the future.  We had already decided a couple of months ago, and our choice for Pippin was there.  John was happy to get a chance to 'meet' him in person and gives his thumbs up too.  Now it is just a matter of timing.

We missed the rest of the crew so much and they were quite miffed to have been left behind.  Our neighbor generously helped us out with the dogs.  And today - I am going to take it slow, it always takes me a few days to get my act together physically after being so busy. This week Pippin and Treasure join True and Piper in John's scheduled field training. I think Scooby too. 

If you're wondering about Miss Rose... she will go for her check up Thursday.   She has fully recovered from her surgery, otherwise there is no way John or I both would have gone away together.  Rose and I will be spending more one on one once we've settled back into a routine.  My presence always super charges the energy levels of our dogs once I've been absent for awhile.  With the very hot weather and especially in consideration of her surgery, re-entry back into ATB will proceed slowly.  An early evening run once it cools down followed by a swim in the pond is on today's agenda.  Casper is coming back over this afternoon for a little more birdwork as well.

As always thank you so much for your interest and your support of All Things Brittany... take care, and God Bless you and yours always - John, Ann, and the entire canine crew!  

Announcing Pippin's 5 Point Major Win!

J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "Pippin"

Sire:  Ch Hills Blazen' Jac   Dam:  KJ Requets' Bouncin Crysta

WOW.   Did this really happen?  That phone call this afternoon - Dawn telling me I better sit down.  I knew in my heart what I wanted to hear but really could not fathom the possibility.  Suddenly the words were spoken, "Pippin won a 5 point major today."  And I was speechless, then laughed, then cried... said oh wow.  Really? Really?  Oh... what a moment.  Our beautiful little Pippin was shown in Springfield today by Dawn Hill, as you know who owns Pips father, Jac.   Pippin left Maine Tuesday with some friends of ours and is spending the week with Dawn in Connecticutt while being shown in 5 shows.  BIG HUGE IMPORTANT SHOWS WITH BIG HUGE ENTRIES AND BEAUTIFUL BRITTANYS FROM ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY.  As a matter of fact there is a true celebrity at these shows, and that is David Frei. 

I have to keep this straight in my heart, head and mind.  I am the right kind of proud but I don't want to be boastful!  I want to share this joy but I also want to remain humble!  Somehow!  And I always want to remember that it is God who is control of our life, and it's always appropriate to thank HIM for blessings such as these.  And so believe me - I do! 

I know, the term 'major' may be foreign to many of you. Basically it is a term to define a significant victory in a dog show.  Points are awarded to dogs at shows based on how many dogs are exhibited.  There are single points and there are majors.  Majors are when you win 3 or more points at once based on the number of dogs defeated.  To finish as an AKC championship, 15 points are needed.  Two of them must be majors, under two different judges.  For instance, Treasure has 9 points, earned in her first year of showing. She needs two majors to finish, a minimum of 3 points each - to add to 15.  Confused? Don't worry - it is confusing and you are not alone.  Up until today, Pippin had 4 points - all single points won at small shows. 

Today it was the Southern New England Brittany Club Specialty in Springfield, MA with 25 girls entered.  This meant a 5 point major was available.  Well... Pippin won her class which had about 10 other girls in it.  Then she competed with the rest of the first place girls - and was declared "Winners Bitch".  The "Winner" gets the points.  And today - the WINNER IS PIPPIN!

Dawn and I equally share this joy.  There's a wonderful story behind our friendship, definitely aboout "the love of the dog, both given and received."  And I hope she knows how very much I value her friendship, and appreciate the many ways she and Paul help and encourage John and I.  Our goal is that Pippin becomes a champion - perhaps of both show and ring.  And today's win brings us one step closer to reaching that goal. 

Several years ago John and I knew we needed and wanted to bring in some new lines to compliment what we're doing in our program and let a few people know what we were looking for and why. Soon, we were put in touch with the owner of Pippin's mother, Chrissy. John was in Illinois and was able to bring her home with him; Chrissy lay her head on John's lap the entire way.  Chris was to teach me about showing - and that she did!  At our first show together, John and I met Dawn who had a very nice male - and of very close, similar lines to Chris.  Dawn finished him that day - and we watched who soon was to be Pippin's father - become a champion! Small world... To make a long story short - in time Chris and Jac were bred and hopes were high for all of us.  Chris only had 1 puppy though - and that was Pippin.  The four of us know how difficult a time it was for all of us for so many reasons.  And today the four of us stand shoulder to shoulder in a very strong friendship.  One of many good things I can say about Dawn is that she sets a good example for others to follow when it comes to showing, breeding, handling and in life in general.

People win majors every weekend at dog shows all around the country.  But this is the first one for ATB.  And it is a significant, huge, win - one that truly does humble me.  Pippin defeated some of the best Brittanys out there today.  She is the product of a careful selective linebreeding on 3xAmFldCh./BISS/DC/AFC Masked Shoshoni War Chief JH. And she is well on her way to being our very first champion, something I am still pinching myself about.  Overjoyed would be a wonderful way to explain this!

Even so, there are many of you who read our blog, follow us on Facebook and simply have an interest in All Things Brittany.  And a lot of you have your own champions laying at your feet, or next to you on the couch. They are champions of your heart, for they have won first place there - simply by being your friend and companion. They are champions in your mind, when the two of you hit the field together for a succesful bird hunt in the fall.  They are champions - they are your first prize - and the feeling is mutual in their canine eyes.

I'm excited about this win!  But if I ever put winning dog shows or other competitions above the other things in life that matter the most - I hope you'll all knock me down a peg and bring me back to reality.  I've seen a very ugly side of dog showing as most of you know, one which occasionally rears its ugly head.  That's not something I ever want to reflect or shine back to you.   And I've seen a wonderful side of it too a side I hope you see coming from us. I appreciate those who have been with us for awhile, understanding what we're about, sharing our lives, getting to know some of our family, and loving our dogs.  This is a great journey, and I continue to be amazed at the way God leads and guides at every single turn.  I can't separate my life into the dog part, the God part, the family part, etc.  Speaking of lights shining - I struggle daily with walking the walk that I talk.  And so-o-o-o-o many of YOU... help me stay on the path , you really really do. 

I'm elated tonight... and I know Dawn is too.  She has her work cut out for her with Pippin and several other dogs she's showing the rest of the week.  I'll be remembering her in my prayers, in appreciation of all that she has done.   Good night, take care and God bless you... Love from John ,Ann and All things Brittany.

WOO HOO PIPPINATOR!!!!! 

 

NEW LINK for Photos

New:  Here's a new place I'm using to upload ATB photos.   At this point they are random but many are taken with my new camera - the Canon PowerShot SX120IS and I'm very happy with the results I get.
This will be ongoing.  Hope you enjoy!
It's hot.
God bless and take care, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

http://atb-photogallery.blogspot.com/

Lyme Symptoms / Rose / Field Work

J & A's High Flyin' Girl  "PIPER"    DOB 10/27/09

Sire: J & A's Apple Jack of Acton    Dam: Chloe

Owners: John & Ann Short    Breeders:  Fred & Lynette Huth

Fireworks are going off all around me this evening as I sit and write with windows open, ceiling fan turning overhead, and Miss Rosie resting comfortably at my feet.  Our neighbor out back must have bought some fireworks to shoot off over his pond, I can hear them but can see nothing.  It's not disturbing to All Things Brittany as they are all relaxing, spread out somewhere cool and they barely raise their head to look and see.  I think the dogs are happy for a brief reprise from the heat, even if only temporary overnight. I'm finishing up a Danielle Steele paperback which I have managed to actually find time to read this week.  That is due in part to a fairly serious flair up of Lyme Disease - something which seems to be rearing it's very ugly head a lot more than usual this summer.  So - when I feel like there is little I can do physically I do get to catch up on reading.  Besides, I have had the joy of being nursemaid to Miss Rosie as she recovers from her major surgery of surgery.  Anyway, as far as the Lyme goes - unless it is flaring up such as is currently the case - usually it's manageable and the symptoms don't interfere with life in general.  But last night was particularly discouraging if I say so myself.  The entire canine crew was enjoying a grand old time (with exception of Rose, who was 'resting comfortably' in a quiet area) romping, racing, swimming, and having a blast being dogs.  I walked down to the pond and sat at the picnic table there to take some pictures and laugh at their antics. On the way back up towards the house though it was noticably difficult for me to move very fast.  All I really wanted to do was play with the dogs and that's what they wanted too.  It's hard to be discouraged for long though when in the presence of these happy animals - and they did lift my spirits almost as quickly as they had fallen.  That is one thing I love about our Brittanys.  They are each so in tune with what is going on in their humans and in each other it is almost supernatural. 

Case in point. I'm not of the persuasion that all dogs belong in the house all at the same time although some people are.  But then we do have a very nice dog house which is well ventilated and cooled in the summer, and heated during the winter, dry, cozy, clean and each dog has their own roomy 'suite' and large sheltered outside run. We practice the rotation method around here, which keeps all people and dogs happy.  The most dogs we have in the house at one time is 5 but that is not every day nor all day every day.  Well, with Miss Rose recovering from her surgery, the golden boy is the only one in the house with her. So last night she was noticeably missing from the din.  We're at that point in time where no one is in heat anymore, no pups or pregnant ones and hormone levels are stable (sshhh that will change in a heartbeat!).  Treasure, out of all the girls is the most princess like in behavior. Pippin, she's the classy little tough cookie who doesn't put up with anything - Molly Rose, submissive but somewhat queenly and expects royal treatment which she gets (they all do, don't let them fool you) - Wish, is a matter of fact I'm a hunting girl and that's all I care about - and little Piper, serious hunter and wild child in the making.  Treasure is always the least likely to follow obediently into the 'dog house' regardless of what the enticement may be.  She will lay on the banking and watch her fellow Brittany family happily comply with the most basic command at any given time "KENNEL UP!"  They will go obediently and happily with tails wagging - all but Treasure.  Something funny though is going on.  She has been happily returning to her home away from home with as much enthusiasm as the others... I wondered what was up.  And I can only surmise that somehow Treasure understands that it is necessary for Rose to have the people house all to herself.  No I'm not doing the transferring of human emotions/ideas/thoughts to an animal thing... truly I'm not.  I'm just sayin! 

Speaking of the Rose. Her behavior over the past 72 hours has been strange.  Rose was never bred so she's never whelped a litter of pups obviously.  But her physical behavior since her spay is very much similar to a dog who is about to give birth.  She's tried to 'make nests' in every corner she can find in the house and under the end tables, even to the point of panting heavily.  I knew she'd become anxious after her surgery so we have meds to help her rest comfortably.  We've been walking her on a flexilead so she won't run off and she'd been doing well.  Today I let her off leash briefly - WRONG!  She ran down to the pond and took a quick dip to cool off, meaning that she also got her sutures wet, when they are supposed to stay dry.  She seemed so happy and pleased with herself, and I could tell it totally refreshed her.  I gently cleansed and dried the area. No more off leash until she is completely healed.

John has been in the field daily now with the dogs, especially Piper and True. Our homing pigeons are getting a good work out!  The word is official - no more shows for True until we run him in a few trials and hunt tests this fall.  True's had 8 weeks of handling classes, a match and several shows under his belt and we like what we see there. An October born puppy needs to be in the field the following summer and fall so the timing is right for both he and Piper.  True had the ultimate compliment the other day when it was said he actually did better than JackDog!  I only have to think back to the early bird training that True and his littermates had courtesy of Treasure.  It is no wonder he is excelling. I had the thrill of seeing Casper work the other day, his liver/white sister.  WOW.  And then I actually saw True which I've not had the pleasure of seeing yet... I had to jump in the dog truck so he wouldn't know I was there.  True hit the ground running a very stunning pattern, quartering and looping forward - something I love to see!  Some loop forward, some loop back but he was forward all the way!  Then I had been told he locked up, slammed solid on a chukar the first time one was used.  No sight pointing or milk trails for this young pup - he has a good nose and is stylish to boot!  I should brag as much about Piper (sorry Fred and Lynette!)!  She is really doing well - a completely different style, much faster and ranges out further.  Not a problem! You can always bring them back closer as they mature, and it's a lot easier to let them range out than have to push them back out when they are older. Many a good bird dog is ruined within the first 6 months when in the hands of an overzealous inexperienced handler.  Getting them on birds too early, too much early obedience - all these things - can add up to a downfall. A pup needs one full year of happy times. Anyway - Piper is a love and as she matures I see major changes in her that I really love.  She's always had a big happy heart of gold, and loves to be loved.  And that's easy to do.

Well the fireworks seem to be quieting down while the heat is still quite oppressive.  One more walk outside with Miss Rosebud, a run for JackDog and a goodnight ladies and gentlemen to the rest of the crew.  This promises to be a busy week.  Take care and God Bless and as always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany!  John, Ann, and our canine crew... Happy fourth!

Happy Fourth of July

This video sends a very strong message which I realize may not reflect everyone's belief system.  However I do believe it is a message to consider and reflect upon in light of the condition of our country and the  attitudes that surround us now as our nation once agains pauses to celebrate July 4th, "Independance Day" with friends, families, and neighbors.  While not all may agree with the total message here, I'm confident most of this message is one everyone can agree with. 

July 2, 1776:  "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty; solemnized with pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever." -  John Adams

Reflections of Spaying Rose

J & A's Ever Ready Rose of Acton (click for her video)

Sire:  Tunk Pride of Crane Acres

Dam: KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose

I remember her birth well.  Molly experienced Stage One of early labor for days it seems.  I was on the phone constantly with Karra (Molly's breeder) and Donna (Tunks owner/breeder) asking for advice and guidance as well as frequently consulting our two vets.  It had been over 10 years since our last litter here at All Things Brittany, John was still working full time, so it was just me and Molly.  We had her whelping area set up in the back bedroom so she could have complete privacy. I began taking her temperature faithfully about Day 50; first to establish a baseline average for her and second, to be sure not to miss the two significant drops to indicate how far away the actual birth was.  Early in the morning of April 2, 2005, on Day 62, Molly gave birth to her first litter of 5 beautiful Brittany puppies.  Rosie was the first one born, and she arrived in much the same way her entire life so far has been lived - unpredictable, fast, and non-traditional.  Molly had labored intensely with Rosie and suddenly jumped out of the whelping box and I saw Rose emerge with a huge push from Molly, suspended in mid-air, hanging several inches out of her mother by her umbilical cord and still encased in placenta! A second push plopped Rosie out onto the floor!  Fortunately I was ready and did know what to do and acted quicky, gently cradling Rosie so that her hanging weight would not cause undue stress on either mom or pup, reached for the blunt scissors and gently severed the cord at the proper distance. Coaxing Molly back to her whelping box I held Rosie's face to Molly's mouth and nose in hopes of maternal instinct kicking in.  Sure enough it did and Molly gently bit away and licked at the remaining placenta that held Rosie captive.  I let out a gasp of relief and observed from a distance just overseeing. And it was good.  Four other beauties followed; Boomer, Crystal, Roscoe, and BennyJack. 

We had decided beforehand that a female would stay from this litter. Our primary interest was to observe behavior indicative of a strong, independent hunting dog, and to lean more towards white than color, making visibility easier in the field.  It was a no-brainer from the start as little Rosie quickly demonstrated for the world to see that she was highly intelligent, independent, inquisitive, energetic and extremely loving and affectionate.  (The entire litter exhibited these characteristics which was no surprise.  Rosies sire "Tunk" was Frank Prides field dog, out of his prized Buschman line.  Her mother "Molly" also carries the likes of "Rimarda's Trademark", "County Lawyer" and Renegades Double Stuff - a Mark offspring.)

Our little "Rosie" stood out to us from the start.  She was intent on making sure our eyes fell on her first and remained fixed on her - which was very easy to do given her charm and personality!  I think she seemed to know the choice was going to be made between her and her equally precious sister, Crystal.  At that point in time we thought Crystal was actually the 'passive' one... HA! She ended up possesing as much tenacity and independence as Rosie, only it surfaced after Crystal was happily living her wonderful life with her new family! (At our annual Brittany club fun/field days I always enjoy seeing Crystal and Rose together again.)

A great disappointment was in store for me personally though concerning Rose. I had really hoped to learn about showing dogs with her at my side, and to eventually breed her if all went well, to carry that line of her father, which was the line of our first Brittany - "Hunter".   Over the course of the 8 weeks of puppyhood we usually have several vet visits and evaluations.  Everything was going well with Molly's litter until the day we were to get our overall state health certificates for the litter. 

The vet wrote "Malocclusion" on Rosie's certificate. Rose's teeth were not aligned properly. A Brittany's 'bite' is a scissors bite.  Her's was an over bite. Some genetic bite problems do not show up in each litter because they are recessively passed on. We consulted several breeders with Brittanys on either side and could not find any other animal with the overbite. Sometimes abnormal bites are proven to be genetically influenced but our vet helped us determine that was not the case with Rose.   We were encouraged by others who also said sometimes it will not develop further but this was not to be the case with Rose.  And then there were those who also advised us to 'put that dog down'.  That was a decision I would reach only if it ever appeared over the course of her lifetime the overbite would prove to interfere in any way in her otherwise normal development, which it has not.

 It was a no brainer to decide what to do with Miss Rose. Love her and care for her and keep her for all the days of her life and that's a decision I have never regretted.  She has been surrogate 'big sister' to many of our pups through the years, is official ATB 'scout' and is definitely the 'alpha bitch' (that is under me of course ha ha!).  Rose is high maintenance, needy, and tends to get anxious. And she is extremely intelligent and beautiful, happiest when hunting as are all Brittanys.  She would be an excellent therapy dog because she senses when humans are hurting and simply need the comfort of her company. And Rosie makes me laugh! Her original name was to be April Rose... but she reminded us so much of the 'Ever-Ready' bunny in the battery commercial - she keeps going and going and going - her AKC registered name had to include that descriptive term!

There always should be intent and purpose for putting two animals together.  Never to be entered into lightly. Some animals just should not be bred especially when pedigree or lack of it, appearance, and/or temperament come into play.  You can't 'fix' a pedigree if there was never a good one to begin with. But that is not the case with Miss Rose.  I won't deny that, even as a responsible breeder, my thoughts occasionally have wandered to the "what if Rosie, and what if Jack, and..."   Our decision to keep her intact was personal and while I support spay/neuter of all pets I do not support it for all hunting and/or performance animals.  One obvious goal of selective breeding is to mate one animal to another that has, among other things, superior occlusion - which Rosie did not.  If Rosie ever had a litter of pups, it would have been devastating and impossible for her to care properly for newborn pups due to her overbite. Other reasons came into play of course too.

It has now been 3 hours since I dropped Rose off at the vets for her surgery later today.  This is major, invasive surgery.  An ovariohysterectomy (OHE) or spay is the complete removal of the female reproductive tract. The ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns, and the uterus are removed. It is a big deal. It is a positive step for many reasons. But right now I am thinking with my heart and really missing her, looking forward to the phone call that says she is out of recovery. The reason why?  The last time one of our Brittanys was under anesthesia - he died of a heart attack during exploratory surgery. 

Thanks for listening to these ramblings... my writing is helping me get through this and I'm feeling the prayers of those who have been praying.  Good reports to follow I am sure! Take care and God bless you always,
John, Ann and All things Brittany!

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