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!