Honoring - Naturally !

Jack Honors True's Find - A real "AHA" moment for me!
(Click to see larger image of this quail in between the two boys)

We knew there was one bird to find but we (the people) had no idea where it was. True approached me for a brief meet and greet when suddenly he stopped on a dime in the dirt, so much so that he actually kicked dirt up - it reminded me of a kid sliding into home base at a little league game, no exageration here. I yelled to John that True was on point and at about that moment Jack came up through the other side of brush and he too slammed solid. And I had chills, honest to God, I did. I couldn't see any darn bird, but I knew that there had to be one that these two boys do not mess around. John yelled at me "can you see it?" Well no I couldn't, I didn't have my glasses on so how could I see 'it' -it being the bird. Then I guess he could see it because he said "I see it" it's between them. Between them? Between them where!? Oh! MY!!! YES !! I SEE IT! And then I said "WAIT! Let me get my camera" all the time hoping the dogs wouldn't move so I could capture this Kodak moment in the lives of these two Brittany dogs! So Jack honored True nicely and neither one of them could see this bird but every fiber in their being told them it was there. And I have the picture to prove it.

Having a pair of well-trained dogs hunting together is of great importance for many reasons. The way your dog reacts to another dog on point can be a delicate matter when there are other hunters involved. In a field trial if your dog steals the point of another dog, it's an immedieate pick up, or in other words - you are done for the day! When out with a friend hunting, stealing point may also mean the birds get busted with no one getting into position for a shot at the bird or the birds. Stuff happens. This is a good argument though for not hunting an untrained dog with one that is trained. Anyway - there's moments I'll remember all my life in regards to training and hunting with our Brittanys. This most definitely is going to remain in my top 3 !!

Rose, Scooby, and Treasure were also with us. I'm not much of an assistant trainer these days but I enjoyed watching the dogs and John. I posted a bunch of photos on Facebook of the outing which really was amazing.  John begins by taking out a pair of dogs for a short run around the field to let them stretch their legs.  Then he takes them one by one for birdwork, just keeping it simple and easy with little pressure.  He does like to fire over each dog that points a bird that gets flushed. But it's not worth it to put pressure on them so early in the season, it can have some negative effects on them in the long run.  I appreciate his manner with the dogs, recognizing the unique personality of each one. For instance, Scooby definitely is being goofy.  One day he's on, the next day he's off on another planet but what good does it do to push him? We know what he has and what he is capable of based on our experiences with him in the past. Treasure has really come fully back into her own and John's considering her participation in upcoming AKC Hunt Tests.  On the other hand, Jack isn't likely to get away with ANYTHING that does not measure up to ones expectation of a finished gundog.  True, is at the same level of performance as Uncle Jack, yet due toTrues young age John's expecations of him are not as strong as they are for Jack.  Even so, it is a thing of beauty to watch True and Jack work together, and it simply amazes me.  And here I am counting the days until Jacks daughter Piper returns, looking forward to seeing how much she's grown and holding her in my arms again - for about 2 seconds before she's OFF! 

Despite the fact that the local weather forecast calls for a major noreaster with 12" of snow predicted, I will remain firmly planted and solidly rooted in my belief SPRING HAS SPRUNG! This belief is supported in part due to the arrival of woodcock here at ATB. And speaking of which, I do have a story to tell about the woodcock population 'here'. Now I really have no empiracle evidence to prove that what I am about to say is true other than I'm telling you the truth. And as I weave this little tale it will be clear to those familiar with the nature of this gamebird I do not know much about them, other than my own personal and limited experience.
Every year since we moved here there has been 1 sole woodcock make ATB it's home. It was discovered quite accidently when Molly Rose was a year old. As she has very particular (peculiar?) bathroom habits in the woods one must exercise patience while she finds the most perfect spot for her needs. Usually this involves fallen leaves at the edge of wherever she happens to be. I had seen few woodcock in my life. Okay, I'll be even more transparent - I had NEVER seen woodcock up close and personal, only pheasant and grouse (partridge). I grew up with the ocean just down the street from my house and was more familiar with seabirds. This means I was very familiar with the Sandpiper. So I'm out in the yard waiting for Molly to "go" and suddenly her countenance changed completely as she leaned forward, brought a foot up, and demonstrated a very pretty Molly-esque type point. But on what?! She didn't move as I play-whoaed her and approached from the side and then the front. Suddenly I saw what I thought was a Sandpiper, but only briefly. It took flight and made what I thought was a really cool sound. It was all pretty exciting to both Molly and me and I went up to the house to tell John. Tired from a long day at work, plus the long commute home it was clear he wasn't as excited about it as I was and certainly didn't believe me that a sandpiper would be around here. And that was that. As our canine crew increased slowly but surely in numbers over the following years and my understanding of training bird dogs increased this phenomena would repeat itself every spring, in about the same location but with different dogs. When Timber was here I used to work him in a stand of pine trees in back of our house which have since been thinned out. It was wet and kind of boggy but offered a chance for me to develop some easy paths to walk while letting the dogs 'hunt'. He made the discovery too of this mysterious sandpiper (yes I know my ignorance is now gleaming brightly!). A couple of summers ago, when we cleared even more of our land and put the pond in, the dogs discovered a nesting Sandpiper. I learned to keep the dogs away from these areas because I really did eventually come to believe it was a resident woodcock. So very often the dogs would lock up, facing the neighbors property and I figured out the bird was staying around enough to play with the dogs. Do they do that? I dunno! Our homing pigeons will plague the dogs relentlessly sometimes, landing on the top of the outdoor kennel runs and walking on the tin roof. Well, now that a lot of the snow has melted down back the dogs are loving all the fresh, new scents of springtime. I've been watching them enjoy their longer running periods around our property which are complimented with their recent excursions to do some birdwork in local fields. I have noticed they have been drawn to that particular area where the "Sandpiper" has been discovered in past years. I said as much to John but he politely dismissed my theory. Yesterday, Pippin caught my eye with her very dramatic stance - talk about square. She stood solidly, frozen as a statue but was in an area I could not easily get to. I had my camera though and zoomed in to catch a shot of her. The moment came and went and it was soon time to bring the dogs back up and get them fed and settled. Later on, John came in and said "Guess what Jack just did and what I just saw when I was cleaning out in back of the garage?" So Jack gets the glory for something that I have known all along. That there is 1 woodcock, that comes back here year after year to find a place to nest and hatch a bird or two. This means of course there must be more than 1 of them around. And someday - I will get a picture of my Sandpiper-Woodcock. Actually, the Woodcock is related to the Sandpiper and to the Snipe and they all have similar characteristics. In the end - this is my story and I'm sticking to it.

And that's all she wrote!  Take care and God Bless and oh yes Molly is bigger.  John, Ann and ATB

Roses, Eagles, and Trees - oh my!

J & A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton & KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose

It will be his first and her last - a beginning and an end.  But one which has been anticipated for quite awhile, just waiting for the timing and circumstances to bring these two lines together for purposes known to John and I, and to many of you who are part of our ATB 'family'.   We also knew we would be looking for certain qualities in those who we would hope to get to know better, who would eventually welcome a Molly/Scooby pup into their lives, all for the love of the dog both given and received.  And God is faithful because once again it truly does feel as if it's all been in His hands as this new  journey now begins. as our sweet Molly Rose has shown us by her behavior and her appearance that she is most likely pregnant having been bred to Scooby in the middle of February.

This afternoon I called over to John who was holding Molly in his lap and said 'so what do you think, hon? Are you ready to confirm or not?"  And without hesitation John said "yes."  I'm never totally convinced until I actually feel the movement of pups about a week before the due date which coincides with the birthday of our next to the oldest grandaughter, April 21st.  But I am guessing that this post is making those smiles shine bright in places like Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Northern Maine!  Nothing is certain and there are no guarantees.  Molly is older and Scooby is not proven.  But we have every reason to remain positive and hopeful and so we shall do just that.  This is the sleepy, uneventful time while I watch one day and am certain that there are pups and the next day I doubt there are any at all.  But God does work in mysterious ways and He has worked hard to bring about perfect timing for this litter, indeed making it appear to be 'heaven sent'.  Stick around here long enough, you'll soon become a Believer if you're not already one. And THAT my friends, is a very good thing.

Take care and God bless you always,  John, Ann and All things Brittany!

An 8 Week Old Puppy

Article: An 8 Week Old Puppy

Dave Jones - Author

Caly (pronounced as cal - ee )

"She's only 8 weeks old, pointing and running bigger than you'd expect for the age! How can that be? Just the thought of her developing into a great gun dog is thrilling to me.  She conjures up old memories of what has been and what will be. What can I expect from this wonderful Brittany pup? Love, attention, quiet days afield and fireside memories. Memories of our 'oneness', of old friends, of days that pass too quickly.

A whole world is ahead for the tiny puppy. Imagine how this unguided creature would fair without my careful guidance? I have a huge responsibility that makes normal duties such as her safety and welfare pale in comparison. I shall take her afield and have pleasant memories with her. She will challenge me but I will know that in the end, we will merge...we will become a team. I shall endeavor to properly introduce my young charge with all that is good. I will hold her and comfort her when she becomes sick, injured and old - I know this will happen and I will be there. I will always be there for her. It is my job as her master to be there. I do not take this responsibility lightly.

Many breeders before me have taken this charge and carried it out dutifully. How many countless hours afield have her ancestors spent afield? Not to mention those 2 legged hunters who have logged lifetimes finding the perfect pup, breeding the best to the best.

I try to imagine way back in time, the time of wolves and prey. Wolves, true hunters who pursued game through wit and physical prowess. I marvel at how man harnessed this primal instinct and formed it into such a magnificent animal. We will offer one another mutual kinship. On days when she must remain behind, she will send me off with a wistful look in her eye. When I return home, she will greet me as if I truly am the king of the world. I must be royalty....watch how she worships me and loves me unconditionally. I have many faults but she will not know or care.

My new puppy thinks I am the bird god. I give her an exciting wing to attempt to catch in her early days. Watch the intensity on her face! She races to catch it but misses. Within a few flights of the wing, she instinctively begins to creep ever so slowly towards the twitching wing...then POUNCE, "Darn, missed again!" she must think. Now she slows even more and OH, how beautiful!...She has raised her tiny right front paw and paused in mid-step. Her ears are forward, head up and tail high! Why can't I make it last forever? I don't have my camera and even if I did, the picture wouldn't do justice to the moment.

I take my young prospect afield and make sure there are birds to be found. When no birds are found, she does not blame me. I think she regrets that she has somehow let me down. How can I communicate to her my shortcomings and inability to always take her to where there are birds? This is not 1000 years ago with abundant game, where all one needs is wit and power to catch dinner. We fool our young charge into thinking that we are the ones with wit.

Then, as suddenly as I daydreamed of her skills afield, I think ahead, just briefly, to the day when she will breathe her final breath. God, can we go together? Is there a way that we can at least continue this hunt, this friendship, in the everlasting? Why God, did you create such a magnificent creature that cannot live as long as humans? Am I selfish? I rue the day of her passing. I know I will weep for days, caring only for my own selfish feelings, feelings of having been left behind once again by yet another wonderful dog.

What does a Brittany feel that has lived a full and rewarding life with a devoted master? Are they like some humans who have lived full lives and are ready for the hereafter? I have contemplated what might be their last thoughts and always pray they slip peacefully away with no suffering. I wonder if they think "I have served my master well as he has served me. I would like to hunt just once more in my mind but my body says it's time to go. Thank you master."

"Live today like there's no tomorrow" some say. This is so true when speaking of a companion gun dog. I have books by my fireside that remind me of others great dogs but somehow, no stories compare with my own thoughts of what was and will be....I pale in comparison to real writers for if I were a real writer, I might be able to impart just one ounce of what I feel for my baby, an 8 week old Brittany that is already showing the fires of what will be...

Y'all take care and give your dog a fancy treat for me."

NOTE: Appreciation is extended once again to Dave Jones of Chief's Brittanys for permission to use this original piece written by him years ago with all his rights reserved. 

Spring Fever at ATB

TOP COLLAGE:  Treasure & John     BOTTOM COLLAGE: True & John

Click on photo to see larger image

A GREAT weekend all the way around.  It included a wonderful birthday celebration for our grandson where our entire family was gathered and our neighbors as well.  I love seeing all 7 grandchildren playing together, it just blesses my heart.  I was also happy that my nieces could all be there with Hannah being home from college. Maryann cooked a lovely dinner and we all gathered around the table to sing Happy Birthday to Callum. Boomer, their Brittany, was a part of the early festivities as well. I had the added enjoyment of our son pointing out a beautiful pair of cardinals sitting in the appletree.  Couldn't believe the difference in the weather an hour away, there was no snow at all while back at home the snowpiles still tower about 9 feet high around our yard in places, and don't mention the mud.

Sunday began with a confirmation call from our friends Pam and Sam to see if we still wanted to do some more training with the dogs. The answer was yes indeed!  It was great because Gibson, True, and Treasure were all together - it was a family affair for sure.  And pretty Miss Paris of course was part of it all as well.  The dogs all had a good run before birds were involved, just enough to stretch their legs together. It was pretty cold and windy so Pam and I supervised from the truck while Sam and John worked the dogs one at a time on the birds.  This was the very first time Treasure has been out on birds since late summer 2010 and certainly the first real adventure to the fields since being bred and having her beautiful litter of 8 pups earlier this year.  Treasure deserved this outing - she was so excited and I enjoyed observing her as she realized birds were definitely part of this great adventure.  It was terribly windy and I know it was hard for all of the dogs but they really all had some nice bird work.  Each dog has their own style and they are at different levels but all of them know what they were born to do and do it well.  Pam was able to get out and take some nice shots of Gibson on point. All of the dogs established solid and stylish points and handled well for Sam and John.  Shots from the blank pistols were fired over them when birds flushed and with the way the wind was today they blew across the sky to land elsewhere.  We can always expect more of an older more experienced dog and Gibson is no exception to this - he was a pleasure to observe as was Treasure who was just so happy to be OUT OUT OUT!   Paris has just as much style in the field as she has in the ring and also had some nice finds.  It was very meaningful to me personally to see True working in the footsteps of his parents and the Brittanys behind him. He held my attention the entire time.  I love seeing the teamwork between John and True and it makes me know my decision last year to give him a summer in the field was the best one for True.  It was an amazing morning and afternoon of refresher gundog training.  True needs to earn 2 more sets of qualifying scores to finish and receive his AKC Junior Hunter title.  Paris needs just 1 more set to finish hers. Our day together wound down over a late lunch together in town with good food and good conversation.  I look forward to doing this again very soon!  I know the dogs do too and hopefully so do Pam and Sam!  Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

ATB: Past & Present

A bit of history for ATB:  Our own journal of 200 handwritten pages
brought up to date, and a 1962 journal of one year in the life of my
parents Boston Terrier breeding program.

Throughout my life I have been surrounded by animals, animals that I have loved deeply and profoundly.  Not much has changed in my adult years.  When John and I were first married we tried homesteading for a few years at our home in Eliot. We raised pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, cows, geese, ducks and also owned a couple of small ponies.  When an animal was due to give birth a call was made to the elementary school requesting early dismisal for our son and daughter so they could come home and witness the miracle of life.  As surely as there may be days of anxiously waiting the arrival of a litter of Brittany pups, so too did I spend early springtime nights in between our house and our small barn as lambing drew closer.  All of our animals had names and most of those animals were raised knowing full well they were NOT to be considered pets.  One year I received a pair of beautiful purebred milking goats as my Mother's Day gift from John.  Let me just say I was thrilled! In time (after kidding occurred of course) I learned to make goat cheese and butter and daily milked my goats.  Fresh eggs, whether from geese, ducks, or chickens were always available. We had the broodiest turkey hen who accomodated the needs of all her feathered friends, you never knew where you would find her sitting. John and I frequently UNH with another couple to further our education regarding turkey reproduction.  Sorry, no detail there is suitable for public consumption LOL!  But we were successful.  And so on and so forth.  Another memorable gift from my husband was a beautiful wooden pony carriage.  I have great memories of driving through our small town of Eliot with my father in law and my mother in the carriage with "Danny Boy" hitched up.  I also have embarassing moments to remember when he once ran away with the wagon, directly into the bank parking lot, and jammed the front wheel of the wagon under a parked vehicle there.  Small town humor, they still talk about it. Just like they talk about Maryann being hooked up to our Brittany "Hunter"who pulled her down the main street on rollerblades. This after succesfully teaching him to heel nicely. To further enhance your understanding of our mindset, it's also important to include the story of how, when I was 7 months pregnant with our son John, we transported a baby calf in the cab of our pickup truck.  And yes, I do have the pictures to support most if not all of these tales - they are not the subject of my imagination.  Oh yeah, one more which I've written about before.  A group of friends bought several pigs together, and John and I were to raise them with everyone splitting food/grain costs and helping out.  It made sense, there were 11 acres where we lived.  I loved summer mornings (yes I did once love mornings) getting up before the kids and doing our homesteading chores.  One morning however I was surprised to find the pigs were not in their 'pasture'... and before too long I heard the sound of car horns blowing.  I ran up the hill just in time to see our herd of pigs walking down the middle of the road.  I ran back down the hill to get a bucket of grain to entice the little piggies to come follow me.   And the police were there only to happy to help me do just that.  Color me RED, dying of embarassment. The pig project eventually came to an end... and so on and so forth. 

This Saturday morning I was enjoying a cup of coffee on the couch and chatting with John.  As usual, several of our canine crew were resting nearby, catching some of the suns rays.  Molly was draped across my lap, very content and happy to be there.  Just about 4 and a half weeks ago she was bred to Scooby. Experience has taught me to remain cautious about announcing a pregnancy and that each one is different. As a side note, Molly is a finicky eater at times, and other times she is a chow hound.  She either nibbles at her food delicately, even picking petite morsels out and dropping them on the floor to eat that way, or - nearly inhaling as if she were starving.  Lately she has been more finicky than usual.  The last thing I want to do is cater to her finickiness though because of the importance of a dog in whelp eating a well balanced nutritious meal.  We always introduce a dog food specifically formulated for puppies as the 5th week approaches. Anyway, other than initial morning sickness I don't like to base a confirmation of pregnancy upon eating habits alone.  I also don't like to excessively palpate for puppies.  I am reminded of a vet palpating one of our girls a few years ago, and confirming her pregnancy, saying he felt at least 6 when in reality it was not a viable pregnancy.  We will only go the route of x-rays or ultra sound in certain situations, certainly not routinely. So... for the time being - it still is not possible to confirm whether or not Molly is pregnant.  But if she is - we can look for puppies @April 22.  I would be confident enough to share that her rib cage is definitely widening, at that is what I look for at the 5 weeks point.  So remember - we look for vomit (morning sickness) at @ 3 weeks - and John said she did that last weekend when I was away.  At @ 5 weeks, it is the widening in the rib cage, not significant but enough to notice the different.  At @6 weeks we can tell a little more by what is going on with nipples i.e. deepening of color and hair loss.  Any Brittany girls will undergo changes to her nipples during estrus and/or proestrus so I don't read anything into that until later on.  Sometimes it is just very difficult to pinpoint!

It is still very early to even look for signs of pregnancy in Pippin who was recently bred for the first time, to Chevy.  I will remain even more cautious with monitoring her and sharing those results.  But I am so happy to have her home again. 

Speaking of home again - Piper returns next weekend!  We had another great report about how well she's doing in South Carolina, I'm thrilled. We also keep getting wonderful updates about 'the Nova litter' and it does look as if 4 of those pups will be attending NAVHDA training clinics and working towards their tests for Natural Ability.  Jersie, of Molly/Jack '10 will test for her NA this spring as well, and Brandi, of Treasure/Gibson '09 will be going on to her next test for UT!  John and I have a keen interest in NAVHDA due to their philosophy regarding the versatile hunting dog.  Even so, we're hopeful that a few more Brittanys we have bred will finish their remaining legs for a Junior Hunter title - and last but not least, John is thinking about testing Jack at the Senior level.  Sam and John have gotten together this week and have plans to continue to do so for the purpose of readying them all including Miss Paris for the upcoming tests in the New England area.  And me?  I am chomping at the bits to get True back into the ring - that handsome boy has matured into more than we could have ever hoped for. 

As always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany. Stay tuned, take care and God Bless you always, John, Ann & our entire canine crew, those both near and far.

ATB Checkin' In

KJ Ramblin' Molly Rose "Molly" (L)

J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "Pippin" (R)

I was pleased to capture this photo of Molly & Pippin yesterday as they were waiting patiently for me to let them outdoors.  Although these two girls are not related they do look a lot alike. Both of them have similar coats and temperaments although Molly is not quite as pushy as the Pippinator. 

Molly has been bred to our Scooby and we have yet to confirm the pregnancy however John did call me in Fitchburg to say she vomited - woohoo!! This most likely was her first tell tale sign! (I can see smiles lighting up several faces from Maine to Ohio.)  Molly and Scooby should produce liver and white pups and orange and white pups. By way of review, Scooby is the 3rd Brittany we kept out of our "Wish."  Like Jack and Treasure before him, Scooby was our pick of the litter based on our breeding goals concerning close working gundogs, natural ability, and easily trained Brittanys with nice temperaments. Molly has been consistent in producing highly intelligent, agile, and stylish hunting Brittanys with beautiful coats of deep orange and white. Thanks to the feedback of  families that own Molly pups, we'll be able to easily identify specific traits and abilities of Scooby. Interestingly enough, we should also be able to determine which ones are primarily from his father's outstanding field background.  Our expectations are high for this hypothetical litter which supports the purposes of our breeding goals. (See Breeding Breeding 101 available as a pdf) At this date we have 6 confirmed and approved puppy reservations for this litter . Molly will be spayed once her pups are weaned and in their new homes.

Pippin has been bred to Chevy. It is much too early to even predict anything or to even expect to see signs. Although Pippin is the result of our choice of deliberate line breedings on the DC/AFC Masked Shoshoni War Chief (grandaughter to great grandson) breeding her to Chevy is a deliberate outcross, and one we are very pleased to have. Time will tell but there are many who believe this breeding is going to produce some amazing Brittanys with outstanding movement and conformation, something we're really excited to enhance.  This hypothetical litter is fully reserved with unknown availability at this time. And like the architecture always looking to improve upon what already exists, I look ahead, into the future and even beyond.  All for the love of the dog and those who love them. 

We have enough experience to know that nothing is ever certain.  Our disappointments may have been few but they have been significant. Several years ago we recognized the need to bring in just a few new lines to compliment our own.  This was for the most part successful. In doing so we had the majority of pups sold with spay/neuter or limited registrations to discourage indiscriminate breeding. Just a  few select Brittanys from our program remain intact with full registrations.  We recognize the importance of knowing what 'is on the ground' two, three years down the road.  Conformation faults corrected through selective and careful breeding can be proven or tested via the opinion of an AKC judge. Even so, we will NOT breed any Brittany from our line who has no hunting experience or that has failed to meet our expectations as a family hunting companion. To do this is to do our breed a great and serious diservice.   Natural ability is either present in a line or it is not.

We are getting dogs ready for upcoming hunt tests here and also looking forward to Miss Piper's return from South Carolina.  An order of quail has arrived for Sam and John to work with.  I've made plans concerning True's showing schedule this summer.  Bullet will be in the field all summer.  Wish has been leased back to her breeders.  We're hearing great things about Treasure and Gibson's pups as well as others in the ATB family.  We have many inquiries into our plans for our dogs for the fall and into 2012.  There have been a couple of reports though of tick issues and in one instance a diagnosis of Lyme Disease. As a human who suffers with this myself, it's something to take seriously.  We are urging that everyone speak with their vet about Lyme vaccinations if you have not already done so. 

Looking forward to celebrating a certain birthday for a grandson who will turn 8 years old this weekend! WOW where has that time gone???  It's always fun when there are birthdays in our family, our entire family gets together, cousins and nieces, nephews, and of course our own children and their families, friends from our other neighborhood and of course - John and I are now the matriachs, the old poops in the family!  And some days I really really feel it!  Having said that, it's nap time LOL!  Take care and God Bless, and as always thank you for your love, encouragement, and support of ATB - John, Ann, and our canine crew

Musings: New England Sporting Group Association Dog Show

Julie and I headed down to Fitchburg early Friday afternoon with Bullet and a van full of dog show necessities! John and I had celebrated our 36th anniversary the evening before on St. Patricks Day by going out for Corn Beef & Cabbage at a little family restaurant nearby. Prior to that, he and our son had been working together installing our new wood floor in the den and office. This meant all the furniture and furnishings in each room had to be moved and the wall to wall carpet pulled up. I was amazed as I usually am at how quickly the project began and finished. By the time Julie and I returned on Sunday night with Bullet and Pippin, things were pulled back together very nicely with some really nice changes in addition to the gorgeous new floor! John had dinner waiting for us when we walked through the door, a little after 8:00. Usually we head out a lot earlier after the regular classes at a show are finished but we had good reasons to stay as Bullet proudly represented the Brittany in the Best Gun Dog in Show group - on both days!

(Click for larger view!)

Friday evening we met up with Pam and her wonderful mother Alta at the motel we all typically stay.  (I love Pam's mom.) On the agenda was final pre-show grooming for the Bullet Man.  Pam brought her grooming table into our room and she and Julie worked expertly on his abundant and beautiful furnishings.  The AKC Breed Standard specifies that less is preferable to more. As standing on my feet is difficult at best lately, I sat on the bed and supervised offering a hand now and then. When they were finished with him the look was WOW! Paris came through and visited and played for awhile before everyone called it a day.  Saturday morning came bright and early and I was especially excited to see Miss Pippin who had been away for a few weeks.  When we arrived at the show site I found where she was and approached carefully. Pippin was up on the table being groomed by our friend Dawn.  She caught sight of me and her eyes instantly bugged out of her head! My eyes were filling with tears because I'd really missed her.  The full effect of our reunion seemed to last throughout the day as she was one happy puppy in the ring with Dawn.  She handled beautifully.  I was thrilled because each day she was in the ribbons!  In my heart of hearts of course I had hoped this may be the weekend she finished her championship but I was not disappointed with how well she did do.  There is always tough competition at a Specialty show so to defeat any number of dogs is something to be proud of. On Saturday Dawn expertly handled her to 3rd place out of 10 and on Sunday Pippin was 4th out of 10.  Paris, who is already finished in the ring, was shown in Best of Breed in a group of this areas most beautiful and amazing Brittanys. In a large group of Brittanys the judge will usually make a 'cut' where they dismiss half of the exhibitors and their dogs from the ring to finish judging those they consider to be the best.  Pam and Paris made the final cut as the judge made her final decisions. Congratulations were in order there too. As mentioned earlier, Bullet and Julie had an especially enjoyable time at the weekend show!  I was also so happy to be able to spend so much time ringside visiting with some very special people who have come into our lives recently. Marilyn and Roger were there returning some of Pippin's 'luggage' with their daughter Megan joining them. Megan spent a lot of time ringside taking pictures and I already have enjoyed a brief glimpse of a couple of them - (thank you so much!!!!) Another highlight of my weekend was sitting ringside as Chevy took Best of Breed on Saturday. We have a vested interest in this handsome Brittany otherwise known as CH Tonan-Hopes R U Kiddin Me. What I really really appreciated this weekend too were those exhibitors who took the time to show their support for the Brittany when Bullet was representing the breed in the Best Gun Dog group ring.  Any group ring is intimidating to those of us who have little to none experience in it.  Ringside applause is always music to the ears of both handler and dog. I noticed how Bullet really turned it on with the applause given to him. Mostly I guess I want to say thank you to Nancy Morabito. Nancy had a big job of her own ahead in preparing Chevy for the Best in Show competition immediately following the Gun Dog group but made time to sit ringside with Pam and her mom, Julies sister and niece, me and a few others to applaud them.

Dawn handled not only Pippin this weekend but also Miss Morgen and Flash.  Miss Morgen really turned it on like she usually does with her happy demeanor and constantly wagging tail as she went on to win Best Veteran on both days! In all honesty I have yet to see a happier Brittany in the ring than the beautiful liver and white Brittany who finished her own championship last year at this same show with Dawn at the other end of the lead.  I'm so thankful for the friendship that has evolved over time between Dawn and I and it was so nice to be able to hang out together this weekend.  Speaking of hanging out, I was also so happy to get a chance to be loved on by a certain little Brittany puppy named "Moxie", previously known as Jan out of Treasure and Gibson's litter. Moxie is not quite 10 weeks old and although one of her young owners was there showing their beautiful older Brittany, Miss Moxie remained in the family's van.  It's not worth it to take chances with young puppies under 6 months old into the actual show itself. Some do. We don't. Moxie has grown so much and is so outgoing, loveable, confident, and beautiful! She has an older surrogate 'sister' who is a beautiful Brittany often handled in the ring by her young owner Katie... speaking of whom, I'd like to wish an early Happy Birthday too. 

Saturday night Pam, her mom, Julie, and I enjoyed a relaxing and delicious dinner at nearby Applebees. (Thank you Sam!!!)  It was so nice to have the opportunity to do so - and our dinner also was a casual celebration of Paris receiving an OFA Excellent regarding her hip clearance - it does not get ANY better than that.

The weekend came and went so quickly, it was so nice to spend moments in time with other Brittany friends and acquaintances.  There is often something new and wonderful to celebrate with the wins and achievements of those we compete with in the ring. And sadly there are those times of sharing sorrows with them too.  Learning of the death of loved ones, both canine and human alike, are reasons to hold another person close for a brief moment, offer a hug and share their tears of sorrow. In some ways I have to agree with another friend who equates being at a dog show with being in Junior High.  And I can also agree with others who say it is like being part of a big extended family.  Well, I never did like Junior High and all the cliques but I have always loved my family!  

It has been snowing heavily all day today. John was going to travel to Augusta for a public hearing regarding some legislation with potential to really limit hunting dogs owners and where they can hunt. We listened to it over the Internet, it's not good but I'll save that for the Maine Hunting and Sporting Dog Owners blog. Last week we took care of all our dog training, hunting, transport of birds, licenses and permits.  As a side note, last year Maine law was passed requiring ANYONE in ANY PLACE in Maine training a hunting dog to buy a hunting license - regardless of whether or not they even hunt. We've not yet been successful with overturning that and it doesn't look like that will happen for another year. Even though John does the training - if I am with him I have to have the same training with birds permit and hunting license. (I would have one any way but maybe not everyone else would.)

Well, you do know I get excited about dog vomit for very particular reasons.  But you also know if you've been following long enough I am also very hesitant and cautious about announcing certain and particular things regarding our breeding program. Let's connect the dots though, just for fun.  You know we breed occassionally and typically plan well in advance for 2 litters of pups a year, sometimes 3.  You also know we only like to breed when we have a full waiting list.  So lets say there are people who are willing to wait well into the fall of 2012 for a puppy. From this blog you've learned Pippin was 'away' for a few weeks.    John called me while I was in Fitchburg to happily announce Molly had been sick to her stomach. And that is all she wrote!  Take care and God Bless You Always... John, Ann and a very snowy All things Brittany!

PS Oh! At the show there was a raffle gift offered featuring a special 2 volume hard cover edition of James Herriots wonderful series that include All Things Bright and Beautiful.  As our 'logo' for All Things Brittany is based upon the hymn from which the Herriot books written about life as a country veterinarian were named after I decided to try my chance at winning the gift basket.  Guess what?  There now is a new book added to my library.

Happiness Is...

Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands,but let it go,and you learn at once how big and precious it is !
(Author Unknown)

I'm a little behind...this was written 3/16/11 ! Still wanted to post it though, I think you'll understand.
9 weeks ago on January 12, 2011 our beautiful liver and white Brittany "Treasure" whelped 8 healthy and equally beautiful 8 new Brittany puppies.  4 boys and 4 girls arrived in the middle of a Nor'easter, a real blizzard here in Southern Maine.  We've been so happy to share with our blog readers all about their growth and development, post many photographs and videos so that everyone can enjoy this journey.  Along the way it's been fun to be in touch with so many of our ATB family and to meet new people as well. 

It's pretty humbling to realize that what is shared here on this blog has been enjoyed all across the country by people with a wide range and variety of interests.  There are two common denominators here though which we've identified; always the love of the dog and quite frequently, the love of God.  Throughout our entire blog archives the thread of love and friendship is woven and it is my intention to somehow cross the miles and reach out and share, teach, uplift, encourage and yes sometimes get stuff of my chest.  I have loved the increasing amount of comments here and on Facebook.  I love to write and herein lies the perfect vehicle to do so, short of writing a book. Something I hope to do someday.

Even so, it is not my intention for the ATB Blog, Facebook page, or the Maine Brittany Site to serve as a way to sell Brittany pups or commercially promote our breeding program.  We are who we are and what you see is what you get.  We love God.  We love our family.  We love our friends. We love our dogs.  I love weaving the thread of these expressions of our life into a written garment that many can enjoy.  And I am blessed with the reality of knowing just how many of you do enjoy it. We're laid back, do not take ourselves too seriously, but the things we do take seriously - we work hard at. 

This journey may seem to have come to an end as Treasure's pups are now with their new owners.  But the  journey for Nova, Avon, Wilson (North), Clay (WhiteOut), Brittany (Ruby), Gibson (Storm), Moxie (Jan), and Colt (Bud) has only just begun.  It started on the first day of the rest of their lives, sometime in the past week.  Already the postive updates and cute photographs are arriving with glowing reports of their first few days.  And it is good. I will share them as I have time to do so.  But their life with their new families is like a blank page, and it will be their story to tell - not mine although we will write about them all from time to time of course!  Several new puppy families have already connected with each other on FB which is always fun for me.

Winter comes to an end this weekend and we welcome springtime with joy and anticipation.  Our calendars are already full for the rest of this year. Do you remember the show "Bewitched"?  Samantha could blink her eyes and life around her was transformed in some way.  Well, I feel like I've been blinked from the beginning of winter directly to the end!  I will forever literally treasure the past few months and the joy of sharing it all with our readers and ATB family.

As the morning sun rises we can see a clear, new, horizon - not only for the new season but especially here for All Things Brittany.  Piper will be back in Maine the first weekend in April.  We will finish several of our dogs as Junior Hunters and begin training for Seniors.  We are working closely with Birch Spring Brittanys on an exciting adventure.  I am preparing for the New England Sporting Group Association shows this weekend.  There's some great projects going on for pointing dog owners via several of the dog clubs we're a part of. Johns looking forward to getting our dogs all out in the field this summer.  We have specific breeding plans for the rest of 2011 and are proud of our well filled waiting list for 2012.  It's likely that a couple of exciting announcements will be made in the next month. (I see your big smile there!) We've been told there is a new NAVHDA chapter in our area which will make training clinics a reality.  And if all goes well, 4 out of 8 pups from Treasures litter will be NAVHDA tested in 2011 as we transistion into members of that organization. It's not all about the dogs that are here at ATB - it's about those of you who have come into our lives, believed in what what we're doing, stayed in touch through good times and bad, and the many ways you show your support. You know who you are, and we thank God for each of you. Take care and God Bless you always, John, Ann and ATB.

Happiness Is...

Happiness is the feeling you're feeling

when you want to keep feeling it. ~Author Unknown

Storm (who will in all liklihood be named Gibson) left today as a very happy puppy to go live with his "Uncle Bodhi" and his new family. This journey began several summers ago when we first met this lovely family looking to add a Brittany to their lives and their seeking led them here. Last year they decided the time was right to bring a second Brittany into their hearts and home.  Today that became a reality! Hannah and Andrew have grown up so much over the past years, it's been delightful to spend time with them and with their mom in recent weeks. It was fun today when John brought out the quail wing for Bodhi and Storm. I enjoyed showing you how clicker training works. We sure hope that your new puppy brings as much happiness and joy into your lives as Bodhi has done and will look forward to hearing all about him in the days to come.  Take care and God bless you always, thank you again - John, Ann, Treasure and ATB

Happiness Is...

Happiness Is A Journey...

-- Father Alfred D'Souza

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Dance as though no one is watching you.

Love as though you have never been hurt before.

Sing as though no one can hear you.

Live as though heaven is on earth.

A very special day here at All Things Brittany.  Thank you Ralph and Donna from the bottom of our hearts.  This journey together began last summer and we look forward to the weeks, days, months and of course years ahead knowing how much love you have to give to "Clay" and what a wonderful home you are giving him. By the way you have spoiled all of here, dogs and humans alike!  Take care and God Bless and may your first night at home be uneventful - but glad to know you have ear plugs!!! John & Ann, Treasure and ATB

PS.  I may have to move closer to that Italian bakery - you have hooked me on their delicacies!

Brittany Pups at the Vets - FUN!

A Poem for New Puppy Owners

Author unknown.

Don't smell crotches, don't eat plants.

Don't steal food or underpants.

Don't eat my socks, don't grab my hair...

DON'T RIP THE STUFFING FROM THAT CHAIR!

Don't eat those peas, don't touch that bush,

Don't chew my shoes, what IS this mush?!?

Eat your cookies, drink your drink,

Outta the toilet! Outta the sink!

AWAY FROM THE LITTER BOX, IT'S FOR THE CAT!

(and must you kiss me after that?!?)

Raising a puppy is not for the lazy,

Those rugrats are funny but also quite crazy.

Don't despair through the toil and the strife,

'Cause after three years you'll get back your life!

So let's go for walkies, so you can do your "thing",

And maybe I'll get back my good diamond ring!

 

(Thanks Marilyn for referring such a great link!)

You'll Be In My Heart, ALWAYS...

Dear Prescious Puppies of our Nova Litter:

We are drawing near to the first day of the rest of your lives.  Daily now the time spent with you here becomes even more meaningful.  John and I have done the very best we can do for you and this will continue right up until the moment we place the lead into the hand of your new owner. We have given of our time, resources, experience, knowledge and poured our lives into your own.  The love affair only once alluded to has become a strong commitment of trust, affection, and a deep love and concern between our hearts.  You each look into my eyes and as you do I hold your attention with my own gaze.  I look as deeply into your eyes as you are looking into mine. I see YOU and you see ME.  You are so smart! You have learned the very basics of clicker training, and this is the first time I applied this to puppy socialization, it was an experiment, and I am amazed at what I see. When I approach you somehow to manage to contain all that excitement and energy and focus on sitting quietly.  For a few brief seconds, you remain steadfast without jumping up, mouthing, or demanding attention.  You watch me.  I watch you.  Eyes meet: Click. Treat.  You stay put. Eyes meet: Click.Treat.  This is repeated several times with 8 of you.  The click is replaced by the words 'go-o-o-o-o-d puppy'.  The words are then replaced by a gentle scratch underneath your chin; underneath your chin so that you will not feel intimidated by the approach of my hand coming down on top of your head.  I think you're brilliant!  I think you're amazing!  I think... no.. I KNOW... I LOVE YOU.  I love to toss your mother's quilt out on the floor among you and quickly make my way to sit down in your midst.  Private, quiet times are shared with all of us.  John has his special times with you just like I do.  We enjoy you together, and alone.  And so many people have met you, interacted with, loved on and held you. Sometimes you are like piranhas, other times a little sleepy, and sometimes actually most of the time - absolutely sweet, cuddly, loveable and everything anyone could ever hope for. I am running around checking my lists twice, getting puppy take home bags ready, preparing for the vet visit tomorrow, packing a few days worth of puppy food, making sure everything is ready for your big day. You look at me with questioning eyes, eyes that ask the question, "is this ALL there is to life?"  And my heart answers that question with joy saying 'you are going to have a wonderful, full, happy, life'.  I know this is true because John and I have worked very hard to assure this, planning long before you were born or even conceived.  You are wanted, and you have been wanted in some cases for a very long time.  Puppy babies, you pull and tug at my pant legs and my shoestrings but the tugging is strongest on my heartstrings this day.  Yes, we've had Brittany pups before and we will definitely have Brittany pups again in the future - near future hopefully. But that does not lessen or weaken any of the love I feel for you, for each of you as individuals.  This will not change in the weeks, months, or even the years to come.  In most cases we'll see each other again over time, often sharing pictures and updates and staying in touch through your wonderful owners, hand picked just for you. I'll remember things about each of you, private and public things, but all noteworthy and important.  Knowing you were born on our grandaughters birthday will always make you special.  And that you are the first litter we successfully clicker trained by 7 weeks old will remain significant, and encourage me to try that again for sure.  Being a winter litter is wonderful for hunting families - it means you'll hit the woods this fall after a summer of training!  But it also means a need to be more creative here with your socialization and development stages. And guaging by your behavior, the creativity has been ample!  Over the next few days you will be separated more and more, learning about the leash, collar, and crate.  Your instincts to keep your living area clean are strong and I'm sure you'll continue to housebreak yourselves under observant eyes of anxious owners hoping to keep accidents at a minimum.  Pups, you and I will be busy together the next few days as we savor each remaining moment together.  When asked if it is hard to say goodbye to you, I will be ready with my big brave answer and reasons why.  The words roll off my tongue but, as John knows...when I turn and walk away as you drive happily away on the first day of your rest of your life, it will be tears that roll down my cheeks, tears of joy and tears of letting go.

You'll Be In My Heart"

Come stop your crying, It will be all right

Just take my hand Hold it tight,

I will protect you, from all around you

I will be here, Don't you cry

For one so small, you seem so strong

My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm

This bond between us,  Can't be broken

I will be here, Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart, Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart, No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart, always

Why can't they understand, the way we feel

They just don't trust, what they can't explain

I know we're different but, deep inside us

We're not that different at all,

And you'll be in my heart, Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, Now and forever more

Don't listen to them, 'Cause what do they know

We need each other, to have, to hold

They'll see in time, I know

When destiny calls you, You must be strong

I may not be with you, But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time, I know

We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart, Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart No matter what they say

You'll be in my heart, always, Always

Take care and God bless you ALWAYS... John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

NEW VIDEO: Brittany Pups Reactions to Sound Effects

Using the Library of Sounds collection CD (Columbia Rivers 2001) our Brittany pups listen to 101 various, brief sound effects. The original intent for this is to lay a positive foundation for gundog training and to prevent any chance of being gunshy. It also builds confidence in normal day to day experiences. In the beginning a young puppy will react to a loud noise with a startle response and most often return to whatever activity they were enjoying after they initial reaction. As a puppy begins to mature the timing of these noises and new experiences can be very critical based upon the various periods of normal fearfulness. It's really important not to coddle a puppy who does have a negative reaction though, to do so will reinforce the fearful behavior and may cause problems earlier. You want a puppy to be used to all kinds of sounds so that's why we have used this particular sound effect tape. We begin playing it quietly at 3 weeks of age, as pups drift off to sleep. Then we play it during meal time coinciding with banging pans etc. Eventually we play it randomly throughout the day. When it comes time for the Puppy Aptitude Tests they are almost oblivious to the deliberate noises made. Interstingly enough though we have noticed they are much more receptive to our voices. Anyhow! All of this is fun for us and for the pups, just giving us one more reason to love and enjoy them madly! They turn 7 weeks old tomorrow - UNBELIEVABLE to think that they will go to their new homes for the first day of the rest of their lives next week.

If you haven't heard from us it's because we have been crazy busy in a wonderful and enjoyable way and it looks like more of the same. Email and Facebook usually get a response sooner than the telphone (as many of you know!). Don't give up on us, and we hope to have a few more visits for those of you waiting for future puppies while Treasure and Gibson's pups are still here. In the meantime we are just so blessed by the interest in All Things Brittany and appreciate everyone who follows this blog because I do enjoy writing it. Please take care and God Bless you always, John, Ann and our Brittany crew.