2012 Breeding Program Information - Brittany Puppies

We have received several very serious inquiries regarding our next planned breeding, some of which still need to be confirmed. We are using FaceBook, this ATB Blog, and email to touch base with those who we have remained in touch with us.  As is customary, we will give preference to active bird hunting families with prior experience with Brittanys. At this point in time we are only planning 1 litter but are accepting inquiries for a waiting list that extends into fall 2013.

Please contact us via the form at www.mainebrittanysitejas.com to confirm or to inquire. 

We will announce the particulars once the breeding has occurred.  Thank you so much for your ongoing support and interest in All Things Brittany!  Take care and God Bless.


Sincerely,
John & Ann Short,
J & A's Brittanys, Acton, Maine

A Special Christmas Gift

My mum had a green thumb and my childhood home was filled with all manner of houseplants.  Everywhere you looked there were houseplants. Upstairs, downstairs, on the stairway landings, hanging in windows, trailing across the wall, you name the place and there was a plant there.  I did not have the same appreciation for them as my mother did, at least not at that point in time.  Not only where they indoors but mum's plants were outside as well weather permitting. And then during the winter there were plants down in the dirt cellar 'resting'.   Every year she'd bring the dead looking geraniums up from the cellar and before I knew it, they were all in full bloom looking more beautiful than ever.  The plants on my dad's graveside were also those of my mother.  She had a planter of her favorite plants that she would place there in the spring, take care of it throughout the warmer months, then bring it home to tend during the winter months. 

The furniture in our home were primarily all antiques; at least I know they were all very very old as she'd inherited them from her uncle and aunt.  The house being a Colonial several centuries old the attic was a delight to explore, just like my mum's bedroom was!  Her furniture included a very old Singer treadle machine and on top of that, sat her true pride and joy of all the plants - her Christmas Cactus. 

Now I know her cactus and the pot it was in had some age on it.  I think this too had belonged to her aunt and uncle. I have a very old black and white baby picture of my mom with this same pot and plant in the background.  It blossomed every Christmas without fail for as long as I could remember. She did not often (ever?) move the location of the plant. The temperature and light condition of my mother's upstairs bedroom overlooking the ocean offered the perfect environment.  That, and her green thumb, must have contributed to the longevity of her plant long after her relatives had passed away.

In 1988 my childhood home caught on fire. I will never forget the frantic call from my mother in the middle of the night crying that the house was on fire.  We drove over in a panic to find the firetrucks there and the firemen working hard to put the fire out which had nearly consumed our home.  I didn't know where my mom was and of course was trying to locate her.  Finally I learned she was safe and warm sitting with one of her neighbors but visibly shaken.  She was almost 70 years old.  My niece and nephew were also there and thank God they both got out of the house safely, my nephew helping mum down the stairs.  It was a terrible awful thing to go through.

1988 turned into 1989 and in the weeks and months to come the fire damage was assessed and all that entails. Most of that is a blur because my mother also suffered a major heart attack during that time and had triple bypass surgery.  As 1989 drew to a close, I also sensed my mom's time here on earth was doing the same.  Mum was so happy when her Christmas cactus blossomed again that year!  Evidence that it had indeed survived the fire from the year before, just as she had done.  It was the last time however we would see the Christmas cactus in bloom.  It was also mum's last Christmas for she died the following month, leaving me with a great big hole in my heart. I found solace though in knowing she was once again lying next to my dad as she was laid to rest by his side, together in the care of our Lord, and I know..."there will come a day."

Life changed as we all know it from that point on.  Along the way most of my mother's plants that had survived the fire were moved over to our house as her home was sold.  I never had a green thumb but I had a new appreciation for the commitment to my mums plants and truly gave them my personal best.  As time went on though, despite the best efforts the plants did not survive. I gave some to one of my nieces who did well keeping a couple of them going for awhile.  I did my best with Christmas cactus, learning about it's unique care and waited for it to blossom that Christmas, the year my mother died.

That was 1990.  Mum's Christmas cactus never bloomed.  Over 20 years later John and I moved and left the Christmas cactus for our daughter to care for. It was barely alive with just one frail branch trying to grow but she did manage to keep it from dying.  And every year we'd all look for signs of blossoming.  Mum's Christmas cactus never bloomed with 8 years of our daughter caring for it. 

As time goes on lives change, people move, families grow but we all know that the heart still goes on, that love never dies. So much of what happens in our life we are just not prepared for. But somehow we get through the tough times and we rejoice in the glad times. I think a key to peace of mind and having joy in our hearts truly is found by trusting God no matter what.  Which is never ever easy. Even more difficult is praising Him in the good times and in the bad.  I feel it's important to make a deliberate choice each morning when we get up whether we're going to remain stuck in the struggles of life or instead, rejoice in the blessings around us. For things could always be worse and there are always people whose lives are in much more turmoil. Sometime we can help them, other times we can't. I think there's a good reason to count our blessings, name them one by one.  Otherwise it's too easy to take them for granted or lose track of them all together.  There's a beautiful song called "Blessings" which would fit in well with what I am sharing here... (I hope you listen to it.)

As I've been counting my blessings this Christmas I am thankful so many things.  The love of my wonderful husband, our children and grandchildren; our health is not too bad; we can put food on the table; we have a wonderful circle of friends; we have a roof over our head; our children and their families are doing well; and yes of course our beautiful, loving Brittany dogs.  There is the added blessing of knowing our son will begin his ministry this Christmas Eve with his first service, a service which I will play music at. (My mum was a pianist who played by ear and I grew up loving to hear her sing and play!)  Last but not least, my nephew has moved back home to New Hampshire after living down south for many, many years which has made me very happy - and even more so because he is a new daddy, with a sweet little son born a couple of months ago. "Eli" is very much loved by his mommy and daddy, and so many of us!!

This weekend Maryann was here and very excited about some pictures she wanted me to see.  As I looked at the photographs I could hardly believe my eyes. She was telling me how 'Gram's Christmas Cactus" was in bloom!!!   I stood there staring in disbelief and my eyes began to fill with tears.  I couldn't believe it.  Maryann knew it hadn't blossomed in the 8 years she had it so she was just as happy as I was. She didn't realize however that it had not bloomed since 1990 when my mother died so I told her the story behind it.

God works in mysterious ways.  After my mom's death so many years ago I experienced a few 'things' that were private and special, but things that let me know our love for each other was alive and well - she just was in 'another place'.

My thoughts are especially sensitive towards memories of my mum at this time of year and understandably so.  I'm sure some of 'you' out there can relate.  As special as some of the blessings are in my own life right now, these same blessings would be just as special if not more so to my mother. Blessings which I would give anything to have been able to share with her throughout the many years she has been gone.  I'm thanking God for this special Christmas gift of mum's Christmas cactus blossoming because I can see the reality of not on His love - but hers too.  A simple thing with such great significance for our family. A very special Christmas gift indeed.

We hope you and yours will have a wonderful happy Christmas!  Enjoy your loved ones and appreciate what you do have, and make time to see the reality of God's love which is with us - not only at Christmas, but every moment of our lives.  Merry Christmas!  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

2011 Family Christmas Music Slideshow

Christmas Is

(As sung by Regine Velasquez*)

Fireside and winter snow

Lights are on the tree

The world is all aglow again

With all the season brings

And though it comes around each year

The meaning of the season

Sometimes disappears

Oh it's good to be reminded

Christmas is for girls and boys

Trimming trees and Santa's toys

It's Mom and Dad and Gram and Grandpa, too

Christmas is a sacred birth

A chance for home and

Peace on earth

It's everything that we hold dear and true

but most of all

Christmas is the love that lives inside of me and you

Sleepy eyes are open wide and tiny hearts beat fast

To celebrate the morning

Just like every Christmas past

We gather close to family

Embracing all that's been

And all that's yet to be

Oh it's good to be reminded

Christmas is the candlelight

Jingle bells and silent night

Friends from long ago

And friends we've made anew

Christmas is a sacred birth

A chance for hope and peace on earth

It's everything that we hold dear and true

But most of all Christmas is the love that lives inside of me and you

From where it all began

One night in Bethlehem

It reaches out to all of us

Reminds us once again

Christmas is for everyone

The greatest gift of the Father's love

The star that shines on all the world

The light that leads us through

Christmas is a sacred birth

A chance for hope and peace on earth

It's everything that we hold dear and true

Oh, but most of all Christmas is love that lives inside of me and you.

written by: JIM BRICKMAN, REGIE HAMM, MARK R. HARRIS, REGIE GLENN HAMM

ATB: Pippin & Pups

Hemi and Thistle are showing us all so much potential.  There is a deliberate effort on our part to keep the training for the ring and for the field as balanced as we can.  When we come back from a busy show weekend (match or otherwise) the first thing we're trying to do is get the pups out into the field and on birds the very next day.  The handling classes and the matches have been the training ground for understanding what will be expected of them as they grow into adulthood.  Right now it is all about fun and these pups are not going to have any problem in either venue.  Hemi and Thistle honor each other now and that is without effort.  We are mindful to let the fieldwork remain fun and uninhibited and actually vary the methods being used on any particular outing.  Both pupsters have 5 shows and 3 matches under their belts with very significant placements. At 4 months old Hemi even has a fun field trial placement!  Hemi won his first blue ribbon in Springfield with competition and Thistle enjoyed her first time in the ring with second place.  Pippin, Bullet, and Treasure were also entered in these shows.  (I was happy for our friend Lorri who finished her beautiful Brittany that weekend with back to back majors.)  But the most encouraging time so far was this past weekend when, at a small show with some competition, they both came home with points towards their AKC Championship titles. Thistle knocked our socks off when she went Winners Bitch (WB) for 2 points, Best Opposite Sex (BOS), and and Best Puppy in Breed on Saturday!  Hemi did get Reserve Winner (RW) on Saturday.  Then on Sunday Thistle went WB for 1 point, and BOS.  That was the day little britches Hemi - won his 1st point with Winners Dog (WD) and went Best of Winners (BOW)!  Bullet showed well for Julie and placed in his class. 

As exciting and wonderful as these accomplishments were I had a personal best goal for the weekend.  I really wanted to show Pippin to the best of my ability on Sunday in the Best Bred by Exhibitor in Breed (BBE).  It ended up not being much of a competition with one entry but her breed win opened the door to compete with other sporting dogs bred by their exhibitors as well.  Julie was willing to take her into the Sporting Group competition for me but she also encouraged me to give it my best shot.  Pippin had given me her "happy tail" and really turned it on in the ring.  She gave me 100%.  After standing with Pippin along side of the Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best Opposite Sex, and realizing her two pups won the available points - I was pumped. 

Pippin spent some of the afternoon resting and later a final grooming before going back in.  There were 6 beautiful entries of Sporting Dogs in the BBE Group. I was going in for the fun of it.  Pippin was easy to present as we went into the ring. Her movement felt right on, I was confident as she placed herself leaving very little for me other than adjust a certain spring loaded leg.  I remembered how very much I love showing Pippin and it reminded me of taking her mother Chrissy into the ring years ago.  My own mobility continued to be somewhat limited but I did my best knowing the presentation is everything.  Going into the ring the adrenaline rush was so tremendous, all that mattered to me was Pippin at the end of the lead. She kept looking up at me as we went around the ring as if to say 'is that really you? are you really doing this with me?' and I just kept telling her what a good good girl she was.  And when Pippin is happy, it shows and makes everyone is happy!  I swear she smiled.  I know I was when the judge selected us for a Best Bred By Exhibitor Group 4.  A very personal goal has been successfully achieved.  Here's to meeting more of them in 2012 on behalf of all of  J&A's Brittanys !

As always take care and God bless, thanks for your interest - John, Ann and All Things Brittany

PS Those of you who have been on our waiting list for our next litter, would you please email me privately?  We need to reconfirm your level of interest! Thanks!

ATB: 3 Brittanys Demonstrate HONORING each other

(Pause the PlayList music to the right before viewing)



(Omission to Bullets name... he too is an AKC Junior Hunter!)

I'm always so pleased to capture something raw and natural on film. This is no exception. Julie was here visiting John and I and we all took some of the crew down to the field. It had been a very long weekend of dog shows in Springfield, MA so the dogs (and their owners!) deserved this outing.

I think this video really demonstrates what the word "HONOR" or "BACKING" means in regard to hunting dogs. Bullet, True, Jack were all working together with chukar in the field. Bullet picked up the scent cone and followed it to where the bird was with True and Jack coming alongside. They saw Bullet slam into a point and came up beside him. It was beautifully orchestrated through the instincts within them. We have never had to put a lot of effort into the retrieve/backing training of our Brittanys but of course there is always much room for improvement. Even so, it's the stuff they instinctively do that is so exciting! 

What stood out to me the most in this short clip is the direction of each dog's head. They are clearly turned to face Bullet's body while Bullet is looking in the direction of the bird. The only time Bullet turns his head is when John approaches him, as if to acknowledge his presence and to say 'okay, I'm here now what do you want me to do next?'

Thistle and Hemi also had a great outing in the field, they are naturals. We do not believe in pushing them along when we have already seen the evidence of their strong birdiness displayed each time they are on birds. Sassy had a succesful run and ended up finding her birds as did Pippin. John says next year the girls will get their chance to test for some hunting titles!

Hopefully we can keep our Brittanys working right through December and they will all be fresh for whatever the springtime brings.

Working on more photos/collages to share soon. In the meantime thank you for your interest and as alwasy, take care and God Bless you. John, Ann and All Things Brittany

ATB: Thanksgiving Takes Many Forms

In a few more days we will celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and friends.  We've been slowly but surely shopping for the meal that will be shared as 18 of us gather together around the table.  Our traditional Thanksgiving menu usually consists of a large roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, squash, turnip, rolls and pickles.  The cooking is always done by John whose father before him always prepared all the holiday meals. The turkey, stuffing, gravy, and pickles are all recipes that have been passed down in our family.  There's a secret ingredient for the stuffing and gravy which John sometimes will share with others! Other items we sometimes add to our meal include corn, peas, carrots, and/or sweet potatoes.

Tomorrow (Monday) I will begin making the dough for the pies I will bake on Wednesday.  (Speaking of pies, I have just learned our grand daughter Alana will be baking a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving!) I make my pie dough from scratch, separate enough for each individual crust, roll it into a ball, wrap in wax paper and let it chill for a day or so.  Then it's all ready when I begin my bake-athon.  Years ago when my mother in law was alive we would race each other to see who finished their pies first!  We lived next door to each other so I'd call her about 6 a.m. and she'd tell me she already had one pie done which motivated me to get going.  I miss that friendly competition. Typically I bake the following:  apple, mincemeat, squash, pumpkin, cherry, chocolate cream, and pecan.  It usually depends upon how many are joining us for dinner or who may drop by for coffee and dessert later in the day. Another staple for Thanksgiving, also from Nana's recipe box, is Date Nut Bread.  There are many recipes for this however only one of them comes out tasting the same way John's mother's did.  And so far, only one other person can make it that way - our daughter Maryann.  (Although one year her husband made it and no one could tell the difference!) Most everyone in the family has their favorite pie.  Our son's has traditionally been cherry although he will change his mind from time to time.  But again, it was 'Nana' who always baked a cherry pie on Washington's birthday - just for our son growing up. This year he tells me pecan is his favorite.  Cherry pie has also become our son in laws favorite pie.  Speaking of pies, I think we have observed each and every grandchild sticking their finger into their own leftover favorite pie long long after adults have left the table. This has been captured on camera.  I must absolutely have all my baking done during the day on Wednesday. Evening comes and  the kitchen becomes the sole domain of John.

He has his own techniques and methods. Even with all he has to do there are few ways that I am of help once the pies are made.  I will take loaves of bread for stuffing and break them to be just the perfect size then fill the roaster pan with them to dry out in the air.  In the meantime he makes an innovative aluminum foil tent for the turkey. It has to be just right.  I will often do some vegetable prep but even that must be done a certain, perfect way. Mostly I stay out of his way! Before going to bed however our home has already begun to smell like Thanksgiving.  Our turkeys are roasted slower than slow for many, many hours overnight at an extremely low temperature.  I love the way it smells in the morning.  I also love being a taste tester for the Short family secret gravy recipe.  John works diligently to have it taste just perfect and he will not offer me a chance to test it until he's certain it needs nothing more! Sometimes I may DARE to suggest a little more this or a little more that - but mostly it is ALWAYS so delicious - as is the bird, as is the stuffing, as are all the fixings he prepares. 

In the past I have suggested we go to a restaurant or accept an invite at a friends for Thanksgiving dinner - only because I know how very hard John works as he puts his heart and soul into this meal.  But even when there are Thanksgiving dinners when family and friends wish to gather somewhere else, we will always be found together at our own table. We did have one year when that actually happened.  I felt bad for John but he was perfectly happy to simply be where he wanted to be, leftovers and all! I've seen years that he has prepared more than one meal to accommodate others. It's just the way he is. 

Sometimes friends and family will bring a dish or a dessert to share but we never expect them to.  When asked what to bring, we simply say bring yourselves and your appetite! It is not a fancy affair here by any means.  In past years I have gone all the way by making place cards with names and Scripture verses, glowing candles, beautiful tablecloth with matching napkins and rings, had the finest of our special dinnerware, silverware, and glassware. We have sets of dinnerware and serving pieces that belonged to our parents and I am especially proud of an antique serving platter which belonged to my mother and was in her family.  In recent years however John and I have opted for ultra casual, informal, and E-Z clean up and splurged on Chinet plates and paper napkins. Sometimes we simply serve Thanksgiving dinner buffet or cafeteria style!  With 7 grandchildren it does make it a lot easier for everyone that way. We are also blessed to have those with the 'gift' of service. By this I mean, our daughter in law and our niece both are extremely helpful with making sure that the utilitarian aspects of serving a large meal does not create any additional work for us, for John especially. 

Thanksgiving (and most of our meals) always begin by giving thanks and asking God for His blessing.  As the grandchildren grow up it's been meaningful to go around the table and have everyone share one thing they are grateful for. Not to say all the adults all of the time are that agreeable with this, but nevertheless they do it to appease me more than anything.  And I like that.

There's so many jokes and TV shows around that really mock the tradition of a family Thanksgiving meal shared together.  And the history behind the first Thanksgiving is full of holes and inconsistencies that it is easy to understand why some people could care less.  I suppose there was a time in my own life that I looked upon these times with ho-hum, do we HAVE to do this, HAVE to go here or there, do we HAVE to?  And it always reminds me of one particular Thanksgiving.  The one I'll never forget for as long as I live.

My dad died the year I turned 12 years old leaving my mom a widow at the age of 46.  I was too young and naive to even be aware of her grief and mourning the loss of the man she loved, my father. That year as well as those immediately following his death are all blurs as far as I'm concerned and I often coin them all 'the blackest night' but that is another story for another time for it is my Testimony of how I became a Christian.  No, it is that first Thanksgiving without my dad that I always seem to reflect upon.

We didn't talk about it that morning. Didn't even acknowledge it was Thanksgiving.  My mom had cooked a turkey and I watched with interest as she made several sandwiches and packed them up.  Then she announced we were going to go for a ride.  I don't remember any conversation at all.  I do know it was a cold, breezy November day.  We ended up at Old Orchard Beach in Maine, at the pier which was totally abandoned.  We sat in the car together and ate turkey sandwiches.  When we were done we both got out and walked along the shore together, saying little to each other.  I think my brother was still in the service and overseas at the time.  My sister and her family were somewhere else with friends.  It was just my mom and me and a lonely beach on Thanksgiving.  Now looking back I can understand so much about that day.  I can even understand why we went to that particular beach because before my parents married that is one place they always enjoyed going together.  There must have been even deeper meanings to her to want to share Thanksgiving alone together there in that place. And to this day I just respect her decision to handle her grief in her own way that year so long ago.  I also wonder how would I have handled becoming a widow at the age of 46 with a 12 year old daughter.

My mom and my dad rest together in the Lords care as do John's parents. My faith allows me to believe there will come a day... when the circle will be unbroken, by and by Lord, by and by.   I now live in the present moment, very aware of the need for family and friends to mark the years that pass all too quickly through these various holidays and times of celebration.  These are the times of our life and we never really do know from one year to the next what will transpire, what will change, who will be here and who will not.  There is much to be thankful for when we are here and are gathered together, but there is also much to be thankful for when that is not the case.  To love, to be loved, to be able to love, to be able to give love, to know love, to have known love - these are among those things we can always be thankful for. Sometimes this is very difficult, other times gratefulness flows free and easy. 

This Thursday will be just as wonderfully crazy busy as any other home celebrating Thanksgiving together with family and friends.  There will be moments of reflections too for most of us in our own special way, just like my mom had hers that Thanksgiving so long ago. I bet she never thought her actions would impact the way I look at Thanksgiving for a lifetime - but they did, and it is all good.  As our family gathers together to ask the Lords blessing, we are also mindful of the many who are not so fortunate for surely, but by the Grace of God go I.  I will never take what we have for granted. I appreciate what to me, is the richness of our life found in the simpler things.  By the standards of some we have very little.  But I am persuaded we have an abundance, especially when I think of others in need.

It's funny because these days John and I are the family 'matriachs' - oh my!  And we hope that our family and friends know how much they mean to us, how much we love them and care about all that concerns them.  For we do thank God for the many blessings in our life, and especially so on Thanksgiving.  Take care and God bless you always, John and Ann and All Things Brittany

ATB: Hemi's Introduction to Dog Shows

Oh, Hemi!  I find that my heart is captured yet once again by a sweet Brittany puppy.  And as it feels the chains of love surround it, this heart knows that there are many, many years to look forward to.  I can look in any direction from where I sit writing and look into the eyes of our Brittany canine crew. From the oldest to the youngest, my heart is embraced with the reality of living a life - all for the love of the dogs, both given and received.  Each stage of development, each new horizon brings an untold joy of discovery.  As certain as I am of so many aspects of our ATB family, it is the affirmation of a confirmation which brings satisfaction.  Confirmation of what was hoped for, materializing in front of my eyes. Affirmation of the original hope and dream and that all knowing which can only be found in the heart.  Bottom line?  FAITH.  For readers who are not familiar with what is perhaps the most illusive definition of all but which also makes perfect sense it is found in the  Bible, Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (KJV).

And what is the inspiration here?  What is the motivation?  Simple.  Being on the end of a leash, showing little britches at his first dog show.  We've been to handling classes together, participated in two matches, and spent the last 6 months bonding with each other on many different levels.  As I try to reflect on this past Thursdays show with Hemi, I feel as though I am once again a 'dog show newbie'.  Apologies to my friend Karen for borrowing the name of her blog to describe this latest ATB adventure!  Speaking of which, it is a great blog and I completely relate to Karen's comment when she says "I was never that great a handler, between lack of coordination and stage fright. My hat's off to anyone who sticks with it."  This past Thursday was no exception for me, but Hemi was very forgiving.

Hemi's 6 month birthday fell on the same day as his introduction to dog shows. I entered him in Day One of a 4 day cluster known as the 'Breeders Circuit' in Fitchburg, MA.  I wanted to keep the experiences from his handling classes with Penny Cary at Finish Forward Studio, the Penobscot Valley Kennel Club Fun Match, and the York County Kennel Club Fun Match fresh and in front of him.  The show entries were minimal with 7 Brittanys to be exhibited, 2 of them would be dogs.  Perfect.  Hemi and I could go about this in a very calm manner.  It was to be all about Hemi. 

At 6 months of age, a puppy is still in the middle of various developmental stages especially in regards to socializing.  Really, the last thing I wanted was to appear over zealous at Hemi's expense by showing him if he was not mature enough.  When I observe pup in the ring that tucks their tail between their legs, back away from the judge, and/or lock up when the handler tries to move them in the ring I know that pup is not ready. The ring is not the place to train a puppy - that's my opinion. You may end up with a judge who is just great to show a very young puppy to.  But you may end up with a judge whose technique with pups leaves a lot to be desired.  Speaking of showing at the pups expense - is it worth it to take the chance if you do not know the judge in question?  Not to me.  Yet Hemi was ready. He was actually more prepared than I!

We are down to one vehicle at the moment.  For me to travel to Fitchburg meant literally leaving John at home.  And it meant that I would load and unload a vehicle I had never used by myself for a dog event. Please don't get me wrong when I say I do not like driving John's truck.  It is great for John! It is great for field events and the dog topper is awesome.  And I appreciated I even had something to drive.  But I like to be very organized when it comes to going to a show. Believe it or not, I do have a routine. 

When a show is coming up I print one of several show checklists.  I have one for day trips, one for weekend trips, one for RV dog show trips.  The list appears on the dining room table the week before the show and I gather things on my list, checking them off as I accumulate the items.  Although I do have tubs, totes, grooming kits etc. always ready to go I still need to go through EVERYTHING to be sure I haven't neglected to put something back in it's place.  Not that I need EVERYTHING at the show but you never know when you MIGHT need something. Most fellow exhibitors are happy to share a spritz of their grooming product or offer the use of their favorite blending shears but it's better to be prepared with your own favorites.  Wednesday night I had everything ready and packed.  Most important of all, I had a beautiful, freshly bathed and groomed little puppy to not only show, but to show off!

Thursday morning! Hemi's 6 month birthday and we were on the road by 7 a.m. for a 10 a.m. ring time. Typically I would have driven down and stayed overnight to avoid rush hour traffic but did not have that luxury this time. Not a problem.  That is, until I hit road construction about an hour out from the show site.  Not to mention the early morning commuters who seemed to ALL be having driving difficulties from my point of view.  Coffee. Give me Coffee. ATB runs on Dunkins - especially when it comes to dog shows. Hemi slept comfortably in his crate, right up until the road construction.  Then he was sick.  He puked. Although he had nothing in his tummy, he was sicker than a dog. Sick as a dog. Whatever. He was sick.

I took the wrong exit in the middle of rush hour traffic.  Hemi was sick. Hemi was barking and scratching.  I could not get Mandy to cooperate with GPS signal yet I could see we only had 15 minutes to ring time.  I've seen frustrated exhibitors rushing in at the last minute and soon, I would know what that felt like. For the first time. 

Driving into the already filled up parking lot I frantically looked for a place to unload. There were none.  I pulled the truck off to the side, opened up the tailgate and set up an impromptu grooming station. Right there. Little britches was drooling from being sick and visibly shaken. We both were. I contemplated whether it was worth it to try to show him so after getting him cleaned up we went into the building.  I would let Hemi be my guide, he would tell me and I would know.

I couldn't believe my eyes when the first person I ran into was Nancy Morabito, who co-owns Chevy, Hemi's father.  She was there with Hemi's competition, a handsome Brittany just needing a couple of single points to finish.  Nancy's sister was there too.  I must have looked as frazzled as I was feeling because she and her sister kindly and quickly helped me get my act together. And Hemi? This whole time he's just taking it all in stride and was particularly happy about the cushy royal blue carpet.  I know this because he lay down in the middle of the aisle doing a frog dog.  Nancy did ask me if I planned to take Hemi's coat off before showing. 

There was no time to lose, just as soon as I picked up my exhibitor number it was time to go into the ring.  Mints! I needed mints!  They work wonderfully to conceal the hormone that releases the scent of stress.  I also needed Hemi's treats which was dried partridge from birds John had shot over the adults this fall.  Couldn't find it - too bad - too late - had to go in with dried bits of who knows what.  It didn't matter. None of that mattered.  I was hot, I was roasting, I was sweating - someone turn down the heat! 

Suddenly, the stewards call.  "Number 9, male Brittany puppy, 6-9 months." Oh my goodness.  This is it.  Indeed.  It was.

For I looked down into the face of a wide eyed loving sweet little puppy, a puppy who came into my life 6 months ago and soon became mine.  A puppy stood there looking up at me, with trust and innocence, just as if to ask me what were we going to do next mom?  Where's my treats?  Do you want me to stand this way? Or do you want me stand that way? I'll back up for you if that's what you want?  I'll even wag my tail if it will make you happy!  You know, if you ask me I can speak to you, and sometimes I can make you laugh by sneezing. What do you want mom?  Just tell me? I'll do it for you. 

With new found pride and new found joy we went into the ring as a team that understood each other. Hemi was not aware at all of everything that I felt had gone wrong.  All Hemi knew was that we were together, doing something familiar to both of us yet in a brand new setting. And he liked that royal blue plush carpeting I was walking him out onto. I half wondered if he might just spread out and make himself at home.

The time in front of a judge is very brief but the concept of how long things actually take to happen become quickly skewed and distorted.  No matter how often I visualize what is supposed to take place, my mind often draws a blank when I'm there and it's as if I have never shown a dog before! 

With just one entry in the class, the judge only seemed to glance at Hemi when we went in and I never really had a chance to set him up properly. That's probably just as well, I knew he'd only stand still briefly and I needed some capital to work with!  The judge motioned to me to take him around the ring.  He looked up at me as if to say "I've got this covered" and off we went.

Hemi reminded me of handling his grandmother at the very first show I ever participated in, almost 5 years ago now. Chrissy taught me about a Brittanys movement the first time we gaited around the ring. Translated this means Hemi amazed me.  I quickly began to let the length of his lead out more and more so that by the end of the run he was out in front of me nearly on a loose lead. Wow. This was like power steering. No pressure. No dog in front. No dog in back. But he has moved with many other dogs in matches and in classes. 

So now it was time for the judges exam.  Dear Lord, please let Hemi remain still for this. Little britches gave me my window of opportunity to work with him.  I began to count to him just like I've been doing at home practicing a hard stack.  I've heard that you should be able to set up a dog in 5 seconds or less.  I don't know if that's true for a puppy but we did it!  And the judge was in a hurry to exam Hemi.  I presented him to the best of my ability and he made eye contact with me while I told him he was being a good boy. 

I learned that there are some dogs that like to be able to see you when the judge moves down their body to feel them, after looking into their mouth. By the way, Hemi had no problem with having his bite checked. I do prefer to lift the gums of my own dog and show teeth - it bothers me to think of the judges hands going from mouth to mouth when there are many dogs in a class.  After checking his bite I slowly moved from his side to the front where I could very gently cup his muzzle, praise him softly,and scratch his chin while the judge felt him all over and under. He didn't mind having his cookies examined to be sure there are two. 

Hemi's judge asked us to come into the middle of the ring and instructed us to go down and back.  Well, this was a little different.  Half way down Hemi decided he wanted play and gallop.  Rather than try to correct him I simply stopped and caught his attention.  When I had his focus again we continued on just fine.  Turning around, I walked with my back to the judge, keeping Hemi's attention until I knew he was on track again.  I was basically playing with him.  As Hemi and I approached the judge the 'Go see!' training from Penny paid off.  Hemi focused now on the judges face and seeing she had a friendly face decided to get up close and personal, happily wagging his tail.  Hemi won his first blue ribbon for that!

Then it was time to compete for Winners Dog and for the point. I'm being realistic when I say I had no great expectations for my Magnificent Obsession to defeat a seasoned show dog with all his major points. Nancy had been kind and said earlier well you never know!   I did know.  Not to mention once again I had a good case of nerves because I went back into the ring and headed to the wrong spot with Hemi!   

Even so, I was very proud of Hemi and it was really nice to be able to share his first show with Nancy.  That was an unexpected surprise and blessing.  The dog she was handling won the point. And little britches? Well he won Reserve Winners.  I enjoyed showing him, and he showed himself very well! 

It was great to hook up also with Phil Thayer at the show. He has a lovely year old liver and white girl who should do well.  If you know our dogs, you know there is a lot of Birch Spring Brittanys behind them which is Phil and Sherri's line. I'm glad to see them showing again.  He and Nancy go way back with their dogs. It was especially enjoyable to listen to their recollections and talk of Birch Spring glory days in the ring. 

Last but not least there was time to spend visiting with friends Kim Zuk and daughter Cindy.  Kim's recovering from knee surgery and I really felt bad for all she's going through. My prayers will be with her in hopes of a speedier healing.  Cindy showed their beautiful Beagles. We talked about the pups that Jasmine just had which are out of JackDog.  I said hello to several others, wished Linda and Kristen good luck at the upcoming Nationals and gleaned some grooming tips from Nancy. It was a pleasure to meet her sister who really gave me an extra hand when it was well needed. 

Headed home only to drive in the pouring rain.  The truck was an experience and we did get home safe and sound at the end of the day. Hemi's treat was a big long Bully Stick.  I like to get those for the dogs at the shows because it helps keep them content in the crate where a lot of time is spent out of necessity.  He chewed on it all the way home until he fell asleep. 

Okay Hemikens...little britches... Magnificent Obsession.  I am indeed once again and as so often (always) is the case, I am smitten. But we already knew that didn't we. 

As always, thanks for your interest in All things Brittany. Take care and God bless you and yours!  John, Ann, and our fun loving canine crew.

ATB: John's 1st Moose Story

I'm not writing from a hunter's perspective as I tell the tale about the first moose John has ever shot and killed.  I weave a story from the perspective of a wife and mother, who did not grow up in a hunting family but, as a grown up, became part of a hunting family.  It was at my father in laws side that I first learned how to shoot a gun, it was with my husband that I went on my first deer hunting trip (in our back yard in Eliot, Maine), and it is now as a grandmother I see the Short family tradition of hunting continue.

A native of Maine, John has put in for the moose lottery since it first began on July 15, 1980 (see article).  Quick calculations determine this means he entered 31 times. So for 31 years our family waited for the drawing to take place, only to learn time and again his name was not drawn.  Shooting his first deer at the age of 16, he has hunted every year with family and/or friends.  Very often he didn't even have to leave his back yard of 11 acres, or surrounding properties.  He hunted in a time when posting property was not a common occurrence but knocking on the door to your neighbors house to ask for permission to cross their land was.  Speaking of family, friends, and neighbors I just heard from one of John's best childhood friends who lived across the street from him.  'Jerre' told me his mother, who still lives there, really appreciates how our son John Jr. follows the same etiquette taught to him by his dad and grampa.

John and our son have traveled twice to St. Johns Bay, Canada on a group Caribou hunting trip together organized by John. Each of them were successful. They've also hunted big deer together in Illinois. Our son has traveled to Illinois, Michigan, and Anacosti Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence all for deer.  He and his wife went on a moose hunting trip together to Newfoundland where he shot his first moose. (We babysat the two girls pictured above in their hunting gear who were just toddlers at the time.) As any parent knows you have to be fair in recognizing the talents of each child so suffice to say our daughter Maryann has also carried on the Short hunting tradition in the past. She shot her first deer when she was just 16 as well.  John has also enjoyed introducing our son in law David to hunting and they have gone together a couple of times locally.

I'm well aware of the anti-hunting campaign and also respective of people who just would prefer to enjoy their wildlife through photographs. But I'm also personally aware of how much shooting a deer or other game helps any family during the winter months.  It's also much healthier for you - how much more organic can you get?!


In Maine, you can apply for the moose hunting permit as early as January with the deadline sometime in May.  This year 3,205 permits were to be allocated in the states 28 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs).  This was an increase of 65 permits from 2010.  Each WMD has a 'season date' to hunt.  There are areas which are more desirable to hunters.  And there are areas which are not.  But the chances for getting drawn for a more desirable area are much slimmer than that for others.  John knew this so he selected as one of his choices WMD zone 15.  A zone where only 25 permits would be drawn.  A zone whose furthest boundary was less than a 2 hours drive from home.  And it was the luck of the draw that gave John his very first opportunity to hunt for a moose in this zone.

The drawing was held in the middle of June at Cabala's.  Staci & Jessie, friends of our son and present at the time of the drawing, were the first to hear John's name had been drawn and let us all know.  AWESOME news and one very happy husband and family.

It's really neat to think of how everything came together. We know a lot of folks in the area and there are often reasons for spending time in zone 15.  But to the best of my knowledge it certainly wasn't known for a large moose population.  The day quickly approached, gear accumulated on the kitchen table, guns were sighted in, new ammo purchased, and more.  As John had not named an alternate it was to be a solo moose hunting excursion. Lots of tips and advice were discussed with friends and family including a road trip or two through the area prior to the date.  Just days before John was to hunt, a chance meeting with a friend of his brother (Fred) afforded what would prove to be extremely timely tips and advice.

Not a morning person. But you all know that. John however is and always has been - and especially so when it comes to opening day, an opening day that was for Maine residents only.  (BTW - we are not in favor of keeping the Maine resident's only opening day but that is another story.)  Through my sleepy haze I was aware that John was leaning over to kiss me goodbye before he left.  I told him to be safe, asked him if he remembered this that and the other things, and told him I loved him. It was about 4:45 a.m. (Never leave your loved ones without telling them you love them - never, ever...) 

John is a man who wakes up ready and raring to greet the day, to tackle it head on.  He is also always ready with a joke or to tease an unsuspecting victim. Sometimes I appreciate it, other times I don't.  And often I can't tell the difference. He is THAT good.  The phone rang shortly after 7 a.m. and when I heard John's voice on the answering machine I scrambled out of bed, displacing the Brittanys there with me.  He was saying something about his moose hunt being all over and I couldn't figure out what he meant.  I did not know if he was simply teasing. I kept saying 'what?! - what?! - really!? - no kidding?!'

John had arrived at the hunting spot he'd decided upon and remained in his truck catching a brief nap before the allotted time for hunting. When it was time he quietly got out of his truck and headed to the back where his gear was stored. Suited up with orange, armed with his gun, he slowly turned and was surprised to see several large figures moving in the distance. Adjusting his eyes to the light he drew up his gun to get a better look through the scope. And sure enough, there was 1 large bull, 1 large cow, and 2 smaller yearlings. John moved closer to get a better look and walked very slowly. I can only imagine his heart must have been pounding out of his chest !  I wasn't there in that moment but I can feel what it must have been like for him - after all these years of waiting, and because of all the times he'd hunted with his father, with our children, with his friends, and yes even with me.  How awesome a moment in time for John, one that he will remember for the rest of his life as will I.

John's a safe hunter and would only take a clear and clean shot without risk or chance.  And that's exactly what he did.  One shot, behind the shoulder and he thought he saw the big one disappear from sight.  John continued to watch the others. There was little reaction in the animals, the two younger ones seemed to be playing and the cow just kept on walking, watching John.  As he continued to approach the area where the bull was last seen something BIG caught his eye and sure enough, it was the rack of the bull moose that John had just shot, lying on it's side. 

After John's wake up call that his moose hunt was over I reached my son on his cell phone. He was already out in the woods in Eliot with his two oldest daughters.  He answered his cell in a whisper 'ma... did he get one?'   For some reason I also whispered and responded softly 'yes, he did, he just called.'  So that connection was made.  My next conversation was with John's brother - we were both ecstatic.  Then John and I touched base a few more times and he let me know what was going on. He had reached his brother's friend and it is here a shout out to the Dunnel family is warranted.  This Maine hunting family was all geared up for a day of deer hunting together and ready to head out.  When John contacted them to let them know he had shot his moose they immediately offered to come help. This was unexpected.  But they quickly showed up with their 4-wheeler and trailer. They all worked together to drag and load the moose so John could transport it to the tagging station and then bring it home. That is kindness and generosity one does not expect - thank you!!

During this time our family was talking back and forth, making plans and happily sharing the news about dads first moose - woo hoo!   John jr. and his family came over to our house to wait for the arrival of John and his moose.  When I saw his truck pull into the driveway I couldn't believe my eyes.  The first thing I did was race up to my husband and give him a great big congratulatory hug and kiss - and I had tears in my eyes... really.  I was just thrilled for him.  (The animal was beautiful, and I would be lying to say I do not experience a sadness to see such a majestic animal like that however thinning out the moose herd is necessary and putting food on the table is too.)  I was happy to see John's brother Fred pull into the driveway. (Maryann was very excited for her dad too but she was where she needed to be for her family and fulfilling Saturday commitments with her kids and her husband David.)

It was a full day for all of us but especially for John and his moose.  Plans to have the meat cut and prepared by family and friends fell through due to the Nor'easter which left nearly 2 feet of snow on the ground and power outages everywhere.  John's moose hung for a day and was then transported to a local cutter.  He weighed in at 706 lbs., his rack was 47" wide with 17 points.

One of the things that Maryann and I have commented on together was how much this would have meant to her grampa, which was John's dad.  The Shorts have always been a close family, long before I married John.  They have been a family of pride and tradition, of hard working men and women, people with strong values and with strong opinions. Folks with good hearts and giving ways.  I see it carried on in our son and our daughter. And hunting is as relevant to them as breathing.  It's just the way it is. Maryann and I reflected on how her grampa must have been looking down with so much love at John, and especially at seeing both of his sons together. I know how much it means to me when I see our whole family together, and maybe that's something to pass along as well.

REFLECTION
Things are changing in our world.  And sometimes you just have to get back to basics, whatever that happens to mean to you as an individual.  I know for our son that means returning to the same woods where he once walked not only with his dad, but also with his grampa.  He was like a little Daniel Boone when a little kid - and more than once I opened a skillet to see 'some' kind of local small game simmering, usually thanks to grampa.  He and Maryann use to play make believe hunting, and they would craft bows out of flexible willow branches and baling twine.  The stories go on and on. Sometimes you have to go back 'there'.  Speaking of which, most every fall our son returns to his first hunting grounds, sets up a tree stand and is there early in the morning on to wait and watch.  Most often he is successful. And now he brings our grandchildren there.  I have to say I really was blessed to learn he still asks the neighbors permission.  As Maryann suggested grampa was looking down and smiling about John's first moose yesterday, I wonder if our son John somehow senses a similar thing about grampa when he returns to hunt in Eliot.  Anyway, these are the things a mother tucks away in her heart.  Things I value and treasure.  I'm glad my daughter and I share a sensitivity to all of these family memories and reflections with each other.  And by the way, it was on our sons birthday when his dad shot the moose. 

We'll be looking forward to enjoying the "back strap" and the tenderloin from the moose.  Afterwards, my recipe books of game will be taken out of the cupboard again!  I can't wait.

Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany, and as always take care and God Bless.  John,  Ann and ATB

ATB: First Snowfall / It's Rosie's Day (Video)

This morning's view from our deck.

By the time we let the dogs out before going to bed last night the snow had started to fall.   The weather report had called for a light snowfall but when I discovered it was snowing it was coming down rather heavy. Although the weatherman said it would not linger on the ground full evidence remained when we let the dogs out this morning.  And here it is now 11:30 a.m. with the sun brightly shining and both the front and back yards still have snow.  I'd go so far as to say there was about 2 inches total last night. From what I've heard today, apparently there is a storm forecast for the weekend. 

One of the joys of snow falling is the fun that the dogs all have playing in it.  Especially for those who have never encountered it before.  9 month old Nova is visiting us from Connecticut so she and 5 month old Hemi had a blast this morning.  (Nova you may remember was from the litter of pups born in a blizzard back in January, on the birthday of our grandaughter also named Nova.)  It's no secret I am not a morning person so it was actually John who took the photo above as well as several others when he got up.  He wanted to capture some first snow pix especially of Nova to show her owners.  I created a brief slideshow and uploaded it to Facebook. 

I awoke to the sound of happy barking dogs and peeked out the window to discover the entire ATB crew running like a group of playground kids at recess in the snow.  They were racing around, circling the house in much the same way a group of wagon trains would do in days gone by. I thought it was so funny and imagined they were trying to wake me up in an effort to come out and join them but in reality they were focused on other things.  So much for my pride. 

Last night I had a little snowball fight outdoors with Hemi and Nova.  Hemi actually seemed quite puzzled by the white stuff and kept asking to go back outside.  Nova is like her mother Treasure and they both took off together leaping with glee through the air like a graceful gazelle.  Jack is like 'oh yeah, ho hum.'  The older dogs this morning however love love love the snow and winter is a really fun time for all of them.  You see John, in as much it is a LOT of work, always plows and snowblows around the entire yard. He actually MAKES trails for the dogs so they can run and not get stuck in the deeper snow.  It helps them to stay warm because as they exercise in the winter they also get the snow stuck in their toes and coat.  With having the packed snow to run out it makes life much more enjoyable for all concerned.  But hopefully we are not even close to times like that although it has been a very happy morning as far as the dogs are concerned.

Especially so for Miss Rosie.  Her calendar indicated that it was time for her to go bird hunting with John.  She's a very serious hunter, stylish and impressive.  I identified her as a hunter when she was about 4 weeks old.  Remembering advice from Frank Pride about observing very young pups I knew she had the right stuff.  While the rest of the pups were busy with each other or with their mother, Miss Rosie was all about exploring every nook and cranny that she could possible reach.  In the beginning we were going to call her J&A's April Rose (being born in April).  But when her personality began to emerge we saw what reminded us of the Ever Ready Energizer Bunny... and her name became J&A's Ever Ready Rose.  And she is always just that. 

Fate was not kind to Rose and I have written more about this in depth on the post entitled 'Reflections of Spaying Rosie'.   Rosie is truly a special needs Brittany and her passion for life probably exudes that of all of our other Brittanys combined.  I feel so connected to Rosie, in a way I cannot describe.  And so do most people who meet her. 

So today it is Rosie's day here!!  A day from beginning to end where she will be in the fields with John.  She will return totally exhausted and spent, but she will be riding high on the thrill of this very special day.  Will there be birds?  Who knows!  I know she'll hunt hard and fast and she will give it 100%.  And she will be smiling. Yes, she smiles.  Her heart will beat out of her chest with joy.  Her fatigue will be an enjoyment in itself for it comes from hard work.  And she's in good shape. She has been part of the field training all summer and into the fall.  Every day here with Rosie is special, she's a part of everything we do.  But as any multiple dog owner knows, one of the greatest gifts we can offer to the dogs we love and share our life with - is that one on one time exclusively reseved for them.  Each of our dogs know how it feels when it is their turn to be John's personal gun dog for the day but I believe Rosie appreciates it more than any of them.

Days like this make me so happy I could cry. I love each and every Brittany in my life, they all bring something so special and wonderful to us.  They all stand out in their own right.  And then there is Rosie.  My big beautiful fun loving Rosie whose purpose in life is simply to make me smile.  Something she does quite easily.  She's patient to a point, willing to yield right away to daily needs and necessities but she is never willing to be taken for granted. 

Forever an important part of our Brittany Canine Crew, my sweet little rosebud is having the time of her life today and I couldn't be happier!  Thanks for your interest, take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany!

J & A's Brittanys 2012 Breeding Program Update

Because we are "All things Brittanys" and NOT all things puppies I thought it would be nice to share this updated information. While it is not earth shattering news I hope it's helpful to those of you who support our efforts here at J & A's Brittanys.

This is typically the time of year we receive the most inquiries for upcoming litters of our Brittanys.  Most often those of you who contact us already know exactly what you're looking for and are ready to wait with us for an indefinite amount of time for the perfect 'fit'.  And you soon learn that as important as it is for you to find a reputable, ethical, and experienced breeder - it is even more important for us to find the perfect families for pups we are responsible for bringing into the world.  During the waiting period John and I so enjoy a chance to get to know those who will probably share their life with a future J&A's Brittany puppy.  You get to learn more about what we're all about and we get to know more about you.  (There are no puppy parties here where a group of people come on a given day to select the pup of their choice. Sorry about that, look somewhere else if that's what you want.)

Most often our purpose driven breeding program (close working gun dogs for active families) includes plans for winter pups.  We know that bird hunters enjoy bringing a pup into their lives early in the year so that their summer can be spent getting that pupster on as many birds as possible.  Those who are involved with field trials also very frequently prefer a pup during that time frame so they are old enough to get their hopeful prospect into both spring and fall puppy braces and it works out well for derby age dogs too born in this time frame. But the fact of the matter is - the perfect time to bring a pup into your lives is when much planning and foresight has gone into your decision.  And for all of us, this can be very different.  (We only have pups available occassionally, we do not breed our girls at every heat, and the most important thing - our dogs are part of our family - they are not commodities.  If you are looking for a breeding kennel, you should not be looking here!) I think it's important to stress the fact that we're not in BUSINESS here, we are hobby breeders and even though the DEMAND for our pups may be strong at certain times of the year we will not compromise our ethics or values to meet that desire for our pups. We're not 'profit minded'.  If you're not familiar with our program you can download information about it here.

We anticipate our next litter of pups will be planned for the spring of  2012.  We do have additional plans for moving forward into the future that are exciting and positive while we currently remain busy with All Things Brittany right here and right now.

Soon we will be emailing our updated "Serious Inquiry" waiting list out to those who are on it.  We'll be asking you to let us know of your ongoing level of interest.  Additionally, you'll receive all of our updated information.  If you do not have a questionnaire on file with us, we'll ask you to complete that.  And so on and so forth.  Everything is fully explained and in writing.  We don't want anyone to have a bad experience with 'verbal' agreements.

In the meantime, we are awaiting the arrival of a litter over in New Hampshire sired by Jack.  This is the repeat breeding that produced Bella and Louie among others, young pups who are not only being hunted over this season but who have already received several qualifying scores towards their AKC Junior Hunter title at the age of 9 months (including a perfect score of 4, 10s!)  Jasmine and Jack's pups are due the first week of November.  Tom and Kim Zuk of Barnstead, NH are the breeders, they are friends of ours and we are very proud to recommend their soon to be born pups if they are not already spoken for. The pups from the other 2 litters of Brittanys which we have suggested with pups sired this fall by CH Hills Blazen' Jac (our Pippin's sire) are either all spoken for or already in their new homes.

Brrr! It's chilly tonight. John cleaned the chimney and the Yodel woodstove we have. We have several cords of wood stacked outside, the porch has been enclosed and there is wood stacked there for easy access in the days ahead.  We heated our home exclusively with wood last year and the furnace was used rarely.  And then there is the pellet stove that keeps the dogs' house warm.  I'm hoping to take out the infamous love seat down there.  You may remember that the cushions met their fate when I stepped out briefly leaving the then two youngest clowns to their own devices, returning to several inches of shredded foam?  Never mind, that's another story.  Anyway, I'd like to be able to open that area up again yet still have a sitting area like before.  The dogs like having a piece of furniture to call their own of course, one that will accommodate their needs for comfort and mine at the same time. And so on and so forth - you see the all have their own preference whether here or there.  What matters most to me is their happiness.  When they are happy I am happy. And come to think of it, that works both ways.  So we're all really very happy most of the time.  One thing I love about the coming cold... I love hibernating through the winter months with our motley crew of Brittanys and wouldn't have it any other way.  Take care and God bless and thanks for listening to my ramblings.  We are - John, Ann & All things Brittany!

ATB: Hemi's Page / Saturday Night Pheasant Fry Menu

Hemi's Page
One of my many writing projects for this fall is the annual revision of our J & A’s Brittanys website. A lot of updates have been made already including new 2011 photos for the actual hunting dog gallery, with plenty of room left to add more. As the update continues I’ll revise individual profile pages to be sure they are current. There will also be a brand new page for our puppy, Hemi.

He’s almost 6 months old and when I asked John what came to mind when it came to describing Hemi he replied Hemi is a little “pain in the… !” That wasn’t quite the response I was looking for so I pressed my husband to be just a little bit more specific - although I will agree with his initial reaction!

Here’s what else John said about Hemi: “He is very determined when it comes to finding his birds, especially for being less than 6 months old. We have watched him several times come across the scent and then work it right up until several feet away from the bird which he will then hold point. Flushing the bird for him and shooting a blank gun he still would like to chase the bird but of course he is just so young. We see a lot of good qualities in Hemi and he seems to be very smart, a fast learner and willing to please. I think that’s pretty good for a puppy his age!” So do I.

Because of Hemi’s age it is a little challenging to profile specific and measurable goals but John has done a great job laying a good foundation with little britches in the field. I’m doing my part in preparing Hemi for his very first dog show as past blog posts about him will indicate. As I build Hemi’s ‘bio’ page each piece of information and all the tidbits will help showcase what this little guy is about - or what we ‘think’ he is about!

In a nutshell his socialization is ongoing as it is with all of our dogs, especially the pups. Every opportunity to try something new, meet new people, or have a fresh and unique experience is given to him. And most of his practical training actually takes place in our home as normal every day life happens. Multiple dog families have unique challenges and we are no exception. I do not want Hemi to rely on the other dogs for his entertainment and certainly not for his training. He needs to look to me or to John for direction and approval. This isn’t always easy. And it’s very important for Hemi to have time alone without other dogs whether indoors or outside. He’s doing well in all of these areas.

In August I ran Hemi in a fun trial for Northern New England Brittany Club members only. He was just 3 months old so the only expectation I had was to walk the entire brace and that he would not run away from me. He didn’t let me down and has a 4th place win in a fun field trial! That will be part of his bio. We participated in handling classes under the expertise of Penny Cary at Finish Forward Dogs in Scarborough, Maine where he did really well. He was exposed to a variety of dog breeds of different shapes, ages, and sizes. Lessons included how to be prepared for handlers who will intentionally run up on another dog in the ring or other un-sportsmanship gestures. We’ve been in two official AKC sanctioned fun matches and he has ribbons for Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex, Puppy Group 2, Adult Group 4, all with competition, including a brother Magnum and sister Thistle.

I am so not in a hurry to rush the process. Hemi is fast approaching the magic age of being old enough to enter a real dog show to compete for championship points I’ll be watching him closely. Not every puppy is ready for the demands of showing at an early age, and I quite frankly just have no business plan or personal agenda in place to put showing dogs first in my life. I do enjoy the social aspects of showing, the time spent with good friends, getting away and having fun. Having said that, I will look forward to building Hemi’s page around the few events we plan to participate in with him and with his sister Thistle. There are several other in his litter who may join us in time. There’s no rush to fill in the pages of their lives in such a way. But I do anticipate what will eventually be written will be quite magnificent to say the least. And that is a fact.

One more thing from John for Hemi‘s page: At 5 months Hemi ran out into the field, came back and barked at John 3 times, then ran back out and held his point while John flushed/shot 3 birds over him which he then retrieved. Pffffffttttt! (To know John is absolutely to love John - and I do!)

What's Cooking at ATB?

Saturday Night Pheasant Fry

8 pheasants dressed out and deboned - soaking in ice cold water to which salt has been added
3 tbs crushed, dried garlic
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tbs flour
Salt, pepper
Dip boneless pheasant in a bath of eggs and milk. Coat in mixture of above. Pan fry in cast iron skillet with olive oil.
Cook thoroughly until done. Drain and serve.

Oven Baked Potatoes
Thinly slice 8 washed, unpeeled potatoes
Arrange on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt & pepper, drizzle with olive oil
Cook in 350 oven until golden brown
Serve with molasses or ketchup

Green Beans in Milk
Cook 3-4 cups of fresh, canned, or frozen green beans until done
Drain water
Add 2 cups of milk, pat of butter, salt & pepper
Heat until milk curdles
Serve

Green Tomato Pickles, Sweet Bread, Gingersnaps
Hot Tea

Hope you enjoyed this post, and as always thanks for your interest! Take care and God bless you and yours - John, Ann, and our wonderful canine crew

ATB Video: Training Our Crew

Pause music on PlayList to the Right.



ATB at York County Kennel Club 2011 Fall Match

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 

Annual York County Kennel Club Fall Match

Finish Forward Dog Training Studio in Saco, Maine.  

Congralations to Julie Harris and Thistle for winning:

Best of Breed

Puppy Sporting Group 1

Adult Sporting Group 4

Hemi was handled by Shania Hersey and together they were Best Opposite Sex to Thistle.  Although Thistle and Hemi were the only Brittanys there to represent the breed Miss Thistle (the pistol) after winning BOB then went on and competed in the Puppy Sporting Group with an Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, and a Black Lab - winning this class with style and attitude!  Thistle went on further to compete in the Adult Sporting Group, placing 4th out of 5!!

This makes two very successful showings for this now 5 month old brother and sister team out of Chevy and Pippin at Maine dog show matches and we're looking forward to the pups being old enough for actual dog shows!  Their field training is of course ongoing as well.

Congratulations also to Hemi's friend from handling classes,  a beautiful young Newfoundland pup who went home winning best of most everything at the show!  And a congratulations as well to Annie (Aussie) - who won a Group 1 handled by Shania's grandmother!

Treasure & Gibsons Pups - 2 Years Old

"Pause" playlist before viewing.

OCTOBER 11, 2009

In recognition of the 2nd birthday of True, Brandi, Boog, Kasper, Remington, Jersie, Millie, Casper, Riley,  Patches, and Rugby I thought it would be nice to share this amazing video one more time.  Personally, I never tire of watching it and it's really neat to know that it has now been viewed on YouTube over 3000 times. Enjoy this video - I never could have dreamed it would be enjoyed by so many outside of our ATB family.

Perhaps you are seeing this for the first time and are not familiar with the story behind it. It is really self explanatory and some narration text is offered on the clip itself. This is as amateur as it gets when it comes to making a video and it was made with a very basic point & shoot digital camera, a camera I just happened to have in my pocket.

The pups were about 5 weeks old, simply outside discovering the great outdoors. Weather permitting all pups from our breding program here are absolutely introduced to birds regardless of whether they will go to a hunting family or not.  9 out of the 11 pups in this litter not only went to hunting families, but are currently enjoying their 2nd bird hunting season this fall. John had returned from a successful pheasant hunt and dressed the birds for me. We often save the feathers etc. Such was the case this day.

Treasure, mother of these pups, has an amazing nose and strong prey drive so it didn't take her any time at all to locate and then steal the tail feathers from John's bird. It was the first time we'd let the pups roam freely in the yard, away from the confines of their small exercise pen.

Treasure not only inherited strong natural hunting abilities from her mother Wish, but also her wonderful nurturing and maternal instincts as well. When Treasure and her litter mates were about the same age as the pups in this clip Wish caught a chicken roaming around the yard, killed it, and delivered it to her own puppies. There is a reason why we emphasize the raw and natural instincts of our Brittanys! Wish was always an easy whelper and being her 'midwife' has been a beautiful experience for us. As any breeder knows, it is not always that way. (She is retired from her mothering responsibilities.) John and I were very pleased to discover that Treasure too has her own mother's tendencies, in more ways than one.  Like her mother, Treasure possesses specific qualities we want to see passed on.

We are used to seeing one or two of the parents of young pups interact and play with their babies. It's a precious privilege in our eyes to be treated to such a sight. Even more precious though is when a 'gift' such as is contained within this video unfolds right before your very eyes. Such was the case that day.

Treasure disappeared from sight but quickly returned with the pheasant feathers in her mouth. Her litter of pups was in the middle of their first great exploration around our yard, busy discovering things like our grand children's swing set or simply deciding whether they wanted to leave the familiar comfort of the x-pen.

How does one accurately describe a vision such as the one which unfolded right before my eyes? It's not common place but I know it happens sometimes. Although I've had the pleasure to observe many interactions between mother dogs and their pups, I've never them engaged in the raw beauty of a deeper understanding, an innate behavior which no man could ever instill in an animal.

Treasure is the one who first introduced these puppies to birds. She is the one who awakened their instincts. Not John or me. We have only seen this natural phenomena once and I don't know if we'll ever see it again. We always get pups on birds early on. But this time - Treasure took it to a much deeper level. The results of which are embraced by those who own and love one of these pups who will turn 2 years old tomorrow, the pups of Treasure and Gibson's first litter. (Including of course our own sweet True puppy!)

Happy birthday to each one of 'you', we will forever love you with all our hearts.

John, Ann, and our canine crew here at All Things Brittany

ATB: Autumn Sunshine

( "Hunter" from our first litter born in 1990.  Waiting at the Bridge, we still miss him!)

Website Update Progress

Just a quick note, I'm pretty happy with the way the update is going so far. I discovered a nice photo gallery within the website builder that I use.  I played around with it a little bit and was happy with the results. Just a couple of glitches but basically there is a new page with the professional show photos I have and a brand new version of the gundog page.  If you get a chance take a look and let me know what you think. 

I need to get some sleep - take care and God bless... and oh yes we have some happy hunting Brittanys here and birds in the freezer!  Ann, John

Fall 2011 Website Update In Progress

Just a quick note to say that our annual website update is occuring over at the Maine Brittany Site.   That's where all our photos, videos, information, biographies etc. live.

Our site is by no means intended to be professional however we do endeavor to present as much information as is possible in a clean, easy to read format.  I am technically challenged when it comes to writing code etc. although I get the gist of a little bit of CSS, HTML, etc.  (little being the key word.)  I probably make it much more difficult for myself the way that I handle the design but in the past I've had a couple of very capable individuals help me out.  In the end that was just too frustrating to have to rely on others to make my changes. I found it a little invasive too although appreciated the help at the time.

This time around I am returning to a more basic format and using less images.  Relying on the vast library of collages that I have it is my hope to use more of them.  It will take awhile to get it where I want it to be.  The last time I changed things around was just about a year ago according to my files, on October 10, 2010.  I liked the clean look of a solid black background while using black and white photos on the homepage but have returned to a template where the content overlays the background.  There's a really nice code for photo gallery that I want to try and if it works out - the photo gallery will be updated.

Speaking of updates, our waiting list will soon be updated to reflect 2012 plans for our program here.  In the meantime we will be happy to refer you to breeders who we know are expecting or who have pups on the ground that are related to our crew here. 

Take care... and truly God Bless you all and good luck hunting!  John, Ann and the crew xoxoxox

It's NOT A Crime to purchase a puppy...and its NOT a Crime to Sell One

NOTE:  This appeared today on Facebook as a post that was shared by a friend of mine.  The author has given permission for this to be distributed. 

IT'S NOT A CRIME

Author: Leslie Renaud Kuther

http://www.raelanshelties.com/

In light of recent posts in support of animal adoption vs. purchasing
from a responsible breeder, let me offer this:

"Won't you buy me? Not because I will be euthanized, abandoned, abused or given up because I wasn't important enough. Buy me because the wonderful person taking this photo brought me into this world after much thought and careful planning, sat up with me, night after night, to make sure I was warm, fed, and strong.

She played with me, introduced me to countless experiences, people and places. She sang to me, held me, kissed my face and my baby paws. She cried when my baby sister didn't make it in the first days of our lives.

She sat, scowl on her face, interviewing potential buyers, some of which didn't measure up. She will be there for me, for the rest of my life. She has guaranteed my health, and knows the dogs behind me, very well. She knows what those dogs have the potential to produce, both good and bad, and she willingly shares that with anyone who asks. She will cry when I go home with that carefully screened family, and she will think of me often.

Isn't that worth a minimal investment, something to cover her time and the money she spent to bring me into the world, and care for me like none other? A little something to enable her to continue her exceptional care of my parents, and the other adults she keeps as her own? A little token to keep her going, so she can continue to support the breed she loves, with all the care and planning with which she used to bring me into the world? There is no profit for her, though she works for the love of her breed. She is worth your investment...believe me, I know this for sure. Look at how clean I am, how I smile. Look at my bright and healthy eyes, my clean and tidy surroundings. Look at how happy I am, how much I love people, and love to play with my toys...all because of her.

When I leave her, I will hope and pray that my new family has the potential to care for me with the same kind of love and devotion with which she has cared for me over the last 8 weeks. I'm scared, but I trust her. She is a responsible, careful and loving breeder. There are many others like her. She carries a heavy burden, but she carries it because she loves me, and she's devoted to others like me."

"The next time you feel like it's a crime to purchase a purebred puppy, think of everything that lead to that life. The care, the planning, the worry, the heart-ache. There are puppies that join this world, and they are worth every penny of the small pittance their breeders ask. It's *NOT* a crime to purchase a puppy...and it's not a crime to sell one. If I charged what I felt my puppies were really worth, no one could afford them. Letting them leave is the hardest thing I do. When we meet, don't bother to ask me to justify what I charge for my puppies. It's the fastest way to find the door, and never again get your hands on my precious, precious babies."

(Permission to share this letter is assumed, provided there are no changes, alterations, exclusions, etc., incl. author credit)

ATB: My new nephew / Scooby Photo / AKC Hunt Test Results & Scoring / Pondside

John with Scooby as he earned his second set of qualifying scores towards a finished AKC Junior Hunter on September 25, 2011 - Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Tests, Sharpes Farm, Hopkinton, NH (Photo Credit: Michelle Russell)

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
I am very proud, and pleased to announce the arrival of my great and grand nephew: Eli William Miles, born to Billy and Sarah early Saturday morning, weighing in at 8 lbs. 5 oz, and 23" long.  I have the worlds best nephew in Billy and he's always meant so much to me.  We have always been close and I was happy when he moved back 'home' from being in Florida for over 20 years. I'm so happy for him and for Sarah and for the whole family !

HUNT TEST UPDATES
The question: "Are your dogs staunch and steady?
The answer: "They were yesterday!"

John participated in hunt tests this past weekend hosted by the NNEBC.  He brought along Scooby, True, Bullet, and Jack. Although out of both days just two of the 4 boys receiving a set of qualifying scores from the judges, John had no complaints about their performance and I'm happy to announce that my True puppy, like his Uncle JackDog, is now halfway to his AKC Senior Hunter title with good scores on Saturday!  Bullet has one set of qualifying scores towards his SH.  Sunday, it was my Scooby who earned a set of qualifying scores to bring him halfway through his Junior Hunter.  The photograph above was taken during his brace and shows John walking out with Scooby's brace mate and handler, the judges, the marshall, and some of the gallery.  (A gallery is any number of people who walk out onto the course while the marshall is basically the person who oversees the gallery to assure dogs/judges/handlers can work without interruptions.  It was really nice that some people who are new to the sport had the opportunity to get out there into the field and see the dogs close up.)  I really really REALLY appreciate it when someone takes the time to capture our dogs on film and these pictures of Scooby and John mean a lot to me.  I'm very proud of them both and I'm also very happy that Starr earned her second set of qualifying scores (legs) towards her JH title too - congratulations to Steve and Steph.  I heard that Bella earned her third leg - congrats to Jim and Lisa R.  Actually, congratulations to all the qualifiers from this weekends hunt test.  And to those who didn't - keep on trying.  Persistence pays off, get training when necessary and above all - love and enjoy your dog regardless of it's performance or lack of.  Of course I'm focusing on ATB dogs here but I do enjoy hearing about the accomplishments of others too! From all the photographs I have seen it looks as though it was a real nice day all the way around.  John and crew came home totally exhausted but it was all good.  And the pumpkin cream cheese whoopie pies and oatmeal raisin cookies I sent with him were also good from what I heard.

AKC HUNT TEST SCORING - DID YOU KNOW?
At an AKC hunt test for pointing breeds the dogs are scored on the basis of 0 - 10 in the following categories:
Hunting, Bird Finding Ability, Pointing, Trainability, Retrieving (n/a Juniors), Honoring (n/a Juniors).  In order to receive a qualifying score a dog must acquire a minimum of not less than 5 on each categories of ability. (4 categories in Junior, 6 categories in Senior and Master) with an overall average of not less than 7. Judges must agree on which dogs will qualify and which dogs will not qualify before scores are turned in. For the overall average the total of scores is divided by 4 in Junior, and divided by 6 in Senior and Master.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE POND
Yesterday while they were away I ran the girls and Hemi who were here then enjoyed several hours kicking back with them down at the pond.  Hemi learned a little more about jumping on and off of the float which translates to unplanned swimming lessons.  I have decided that Molly and Treasure's interests at the pond are more of an amphibious nature. The hunt for frogs endlessly.  Treasure will either bite the frog and kill it, then leave it for another dog to roll in at a later date or, if True is around, she will deliver it to her son and drop it at his feet.  A little twisted don't you think? Molly, I'm not sure what she does with the frogs she catches but I suspect Treasure is at the ready, standing by to steal it away.  Pippin is insect minded.  If it flies or hops - she's all over it.  The acrobatic moves she makes to jump into the sky, twist and land only to miss a butterfly, moth, or dragonfly are really quite interesting to observe.  Wish has techniques all her own - the grand dam of most of ATB simply runs happily, barking and heads into the pond simply to lay down in the water and roll around - very funny because this is exactly what Jack does.  Piper? Well Piper is more of a drive by - catch her if you can but she'll always come when called yet she has marched to the drum of a different drummer since first arriving her a couple of years ago. And Rose. No end to the antics of Rose, no matter where she is or what she is doing she is in control of her situation.  You may remember we had some damage to the fencing around the bird pens... this means easy access to that area although the birds are safe and protected.  And that's where Rose spent most of her time yesterday - well, that is in between her swimming breaks and coming to give me a kiss before she is off again.  And so there you go - the women and children stayed behind yesterday.

When John returned later in the afternoon with the boys it was as if someone called "SURF'S UP"!!  Seriously.  As soon as John opened the door for each dog to get out of the truck they immediately headed for where I was sitting pond side.  All of the girls and Hemi kind of scattered in different direction as each of the boys ran and jumped into the pond - what a riot!!!  I was laughing til my sides ached and so was John - it was just such a funny sight.  So there we were, with the ENTIRE crew being entertained by the happiest Brittany dogs in the world - who were simply 'being dogs.'  I'm sure that the pond felt wonderful for the hunt tested dogs who put in quite a grueling weekend! 

Speaking of the pond, the water level is as high as it is in the spring and the water still remains clean, fresh, and clear.  It does not look that way after dogs have been in and kicked up the bottom of course. It's a great place to spend a warm early autumn afternoon that is for sure. 

October 1st - Maine Bird Hunting Season Opens!!!

Take care and God bless, and thanks so much for your interest!  John, Ann, and All things Brittany