Treasure stares at the ham as John puts on the finishing touches. She is trying to levitate it right into her mouth. You can see a little bit of her wideness here.
TREASURE / GIBSON PUPPY UPDATE: Tomorrow makes 7 weeks for Treasures ongoing pregnancy. She is very wide, her nipples are actually enlarging, some of the hair around them is coming off. Treasure must eat very small meals several times a day or she will be uncomfortable. Her appetitie is unbelievable, I do not think I have ever seen a mother to be behave as such a chow hound. We are paying extra close special attention to all of her needs, especially nutritionally and exercise wise. The new puppy room is coming along very well. There are still a few important touches that are needed. We hope to be able to use it but if it's not perfectly ready, we will set up our nursery as we have always done in the past. For the time being, Treasure is being treated like the queen she is. I am awaiting to feel the very first movement, that little flutter that indicates life in the womb. For me, this time and the weeks soon to follow are among the most important moments in the life of ATB. Life has just about started to go on hold for me now in regards to Treasure. I thank God John and I are in this season of our life where it can be that way. I am especially appreciative of how John makes certain life at ATB continues at it's normal schedule and pace. In recent months with my inability to be as active on a daily level as I have in the past, it's been so wonderful to see how strong the relationship and communication between John and our canine crew have become. Sometimes I feel like chopped liver but I do think they understand. (Look for an updated waiting list which will include those waiting on this upcoming litter, and looking for our future plans well into 2011 and 2012 including referals to other breeders involved with our breeding program here.)
The snow is coming down at a very impressive clip here at ATB. Although in my opinion this storm does not quite fit my idea of what a blizzard is there is still a lot of new, freshly fallen snow. The wind gusts are strong. There are places around the yard where the drifts are well over 4 feet tall and other spots where the ground is bare. John has been out on the tractor plowing all morning long; first our driveway, then over to both of our neighbors to help out. One neighbor has been battling the big "C" for awhile now and although he's been able to do more physically John promised he would do what he could around the yard. Our other neighbor's snowblower broke down; he and his wife were shoveling and John swung by their driveway too to lend a hand. Back here he finished up by making a track around the perimeter of the yards for ATB to enjoy running and exercising without having to get all snowy, wet, and cold. Brittanys typically develop a very nice winter coat which insulates, shields, and protects them from the elements. We've bought dog coats for them in the past but it's not something they are likely to keep on for very long especially as they romp through the woods. Their outdoor activities are closely supervised during the winter months of course and it's easy to know when they should return to the house, ours or theirs. When outdoors with the dogs it's important to check often that their under/winter coat is warm and dry. It's important for them to develop such a coat. Also when outdoors in the snow with your Brittany (or any dog) as soon as you see them paying undue attention to their feet or to their private ares, time to take them in and be sure they remove the little snowballs of snow that accumulate. There tends to be more of an accumulation in between the toes of those dogs who have their feet groomed to the extent that hair is removed. Leaving the bloomers longer in the winter helps protect their more sensitive parts from the cold. Another important thing regarding young male pups - it's not good for them to spend a lot of time with their 'cookies' directly exposed to the snow. In other words, a young male pup really should not spend much time romping in deep snow for very obvious reasons. A female who has had pups or is approaching whelping usually does not have a lot of coat on her abdomen therefor exposing her tender nipples. Be careful in all of these aspects. But above all, let them be a dog and romp and dash and jump and leap and dig and bury and play in the snow!
Well I have been battling this season's bug on and off for the last couple of weeks. I have to say that I think I am losing the battle once and for all. With the new jamies for Christmas and the 'hug throw' I may surrender in the name of being a couch potato.
Our family, neighbors, and friends enjoyed getting together for Christmas on Friday night at our daughters home (which is our prior home) and then again on Saturday here at ATB. I am happy that she carries on the tradition of an open house Christmas Eve Buffet where in some cases it's the only time we see some of our family or friends during the year. On Christmas Day we had a tree here for our family in the afternoon and served dinner for 17. It was a wonderful full house. All 7 grandchildren played together, my nieces were here, our son and his wife, daughter and her husband and it was good. A lot of work and effort but always worth it for another year.
The chills are getting the best of me. Time to crawl back to bed. Sigh. I shall try to get back for a Happy New Year greeting - but if not - we hope that you all have a wonderful and blessed New Year! Much love and God Bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany
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