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