5 week old Brittany Pups - Natural Instincts

Today was a perfect ending to the Memorial Day Weekend for John and I.  The reason?  We simply kicked back and relaxed.  This is no easy feat for John who in fact had started the tractor early in the morning with plans to do some yard work.  Knowing his back was bothering him, plus the fact that he has not slowed down for a couple of weeks (maybe longer) I very kindly but very seriously put my foot down and simply said - nope - you WILL take it easy today!  We worked around together to do the bare minimum of things that needed to get done and then turned our attention fully to the enjoyment of our entire canine crew. And they loved it!  It's been forever since all the crew has run together.  They have not all been here at the same time or there were hormonal issues, pups, etc.  I'm not leaving out Wish though - she'll be back here in the fall. Anyway - that was one of the first orders of the day, to just let mayhem erupt and as it did indeed - Bethovens 5th Symphony (Joyful Joyful) would have been the perfect soundtrack! Joyful joyful is the most perfect way to describe the dogs as they enjoyed several free hours of playing pondside, swimming, 'hunting', lounging, and just hanging out.  John was sharing treats at random times with them and the would all congregate around him waiting for theirs. I was sitting down by the pond when Rosie came running by and jumped in with hers. She dropped it in the water and while it floated for a moment, soon it sank out of sight. She was very perplexed about this and spent quite a few minutes trying to dive under water for it. When that didn't work, she splashed at the surface with her paw as if to draw the waves up under her. I am not sure what Rose thought this would do but it sure was fun to watch!  Today Molly and Pippin rejoined the crew and all went well. Scooby is not quite sure what has changed between Molly and him though, poor fellow.  He approaches her and she turns and growls!

Speaking of Molly and Scooby pups for the past week I have bringing them out onto the grass, one pup at a time.  I like to introduce them to new things in a certain way and have discovered that I gain a clearer perspective of a young pup when taking them outdoors by themselves.  Once I am confident of their reaction the next step is to introduce them to the x-pen - all together.  Then I step back and observe their reaction.  I don't want to take any chances that the behavior, instincts, reactions, etc. of pups this young are shaped because of something I may do, intentionally or not.  It's kind of like taking the startle response just a step further. There are stages in their development where you don't want to startle young pups but then there are perfect times to intentionally do so.  The key is knowing what they have been exposed to, and again - this is like laying the foundation for their training and learning ability in the future - line upon line, precept upon precept.  Breeders do not have to go through all of this and I admit it is very very time consuming but I say if you have the time, and you're aware of these things why not give the pups every opportunity to succeed ? 

We have to be extremely cautious when any young puppy is outdoors.  A hawk flying overhead could easily sweep down upon an unsuspecting puppy so the x-pen is always draped with a sheet over the top, clipped in place. I brought each pup out and placed them in the pen along with a pan of water.  Then John and I sat back and simply observed from a few feet away.  As tempted as I always am to interact and initiate play with pups for the first time when they are outdoors I do not do that.  I believe there is a strong possibility I can actually hinder them in some way during those first few moments of a new and very important experience. Because I am intent on doing everything I can to stir up what is inherent in our pups the reactions I am most interested in are those that are raw in nature, instinctive, and even primal.  By the time we put a litter of pups together outside we have already been doing deliberate socializing and developmental training with them. I know that there is not going to be any freaking out and I know that their comfort zone is going to extend well beyond where I happen to be. 

And today these pups were ready to be introduced to a scent that, for the majority of pups, is going to play a major role in the rest of their life - WILD BIRD SCENT!  John and I sat and looked for the cues in our pups... where they smelling the ground?  Where they lifting their head up in the air, picking up scent?  It came as absolutely no surprise when that is exactly what they did.  The little faces on these 5 week old pups were as serious and as intent as any adult Brittany would be.  Even their body language spoke of their excitement. I really don't like to do a lot of stacking and posing of very young pups, not at least until I've had a chance to see their natural reaction to what they were bred for.  That can tell me a lot about a pups conformation as it pertains to it's purpose plus it's all natural.  I like to see how their natural stance,  how they raise their head in reaction to a scent, see how their tail looks, where they place their little legs in order to stand more erect and straight.  I like to see every muscle and bone react instinctively.  And today, I really really liked what I saw in Molly and Scooby's 5 week old Brittany puppies!

Satisfied that they were ready to put two + two together, I brought out 2 frozen quail wings and simply put them in with the pups to see what happened next.  It was kind of funny because their aunt Treasure was very much aware of what I brought outside.  She seemed to get the pups to one side as if to bribe them to pass one wing through the pen to her!  Anyway, the wings were a big hit and those little faces became even more serious than before!  The strong prey drive that comes down from their grandmother Wish was evident right off in Meg and in Veronica as they were the victors with the quail wings, getting them away from the other 4.  Not to say the rest of the pups were not interested either... I don't know if this is possible but I would go so far as to say they may have even been intoxicated by the scent.  (I saw this happen in the woods with Jack his first hunting season when there was a lot of woodcock around.)  I didn't want the pups to actually eat the wings, or take a chance at choking on feathers so I only let them have it for a few minutes.  But that was enough time for me to know we are definitely in line and on track with our breeding goals for this particular litter of pups. I want to see that consistency from Wish that she has passed on to Treasure and her pups, and Jack and his pups reflected in the pups of Scooby and Molly.  And I am quite certain that is going to be the case here. 

In closing, I also want to share that two of Pippins pups (Tank and Hemi) crawled up and over their whelping box today - and they will be 3 weeks old tomorrow.  Pippin enjoyed a good long afternoon away from her pups for the first time but she is always happy to return to them. I have to wonder if I am just as intoxicated with the love, puppy breath, and mere presence of both Pippins and of Mollys pups, as they (Mollys) were with their introduction to gamebird scent. Maybe so.  Or maybe it's just that John and I had this glorious fun relaxing day together.  Oh - and back to John. He did take this day off entirely and is now heard snoring soundly from the couch in the other room.  And I think it's time to call it a day.  Take care and God Bless you always, John and Ann and ATB

It IS a Wonderful World....

Indeed!
(Special thanks to Doug & Nancy for sending us the shadow play on this beautiful song, and to John and Deb for sharing the Louis Armstrong link..)

I Think to Myself It's A Wonderful World !

(Don't forget to pause the Playlist to the right before viewing!)


The way I feel this afternoon reminds me of the Louis Armstrongs version of "It's a Wonderful World."  Really.  I could just break out in song... I see leaves of green, skies of blue.... you get the picture I am sure.  I was going to write and say 'it's been a very busy few days' but the fact of the matter is 'it's been a very busy few months' and then some!  I remember walking down our ice-covered walkway mid-winter and thinking that by the time we met our goals for our 2011 breeding program that summer would be well underway.  That thought still remains. 

I don't like to leave puppies alone for any length of time and I especially do not like to be a long drive away so this weekend John and I commuted back and forth from the Central Maine Brittany club spring field trial.  It was a great time and not because our dogs did anything significant as far as placements go. It was good because Nova and Brook were there all 3 days and were very involved with all the activities, helping out, and mostly because they participated in a little field trial just for youth.  As junior handlers they ran True and Jack in a brace together.  Both dogs had good finds on birds and honoring each other - giving the girls each a chance to walk in, flush, and shoot.  The family that owns "Moxie" (Janny) and "Daizee" were there too and their son and daughter handled dogs in a brace as well. How awesome to see the next generations get involved like this - I am over the top with joy at this.  And it was just great because the club recognized and applauded them for their handling, and they were awarded prizes including a really big, beautiful blue rosette !!!  Another highlight for me was that the soon to be new owners of  "Benny" were there for the Saturday night supper and awards. We enjoyed a great visit and they also took many photos.  Speaking of which, as I type I'm uploading a brief video to YouTube of pictures they took while visiting Benny.  I also found it extremely enjoyable to enjoy bites of time with several of our friends who were there. John came home at night and I went up to sleepover with Brook, Nova, and Julie then returned home in the morning.  It was so nice to be with Steve and Steph too who have joined the Brit club. Both of them worked very hard - and I had time with 'da babies' Nash and Starr.  Pam and Sam were there also and it was one of those times that all of us could be together.  I should probably be writing about the results of the trial, placements etc. but I'm just so blessed by the events of the past few days of time spent with family and friends and dogs that I love.  Our son and his youngest daughter also stopped by to visit but I did miss them, I was back home. He did get to walk the junior handler brace though.  Also Tiffany and Denis came by with Riley (Trues brother) who enjoyed a mobile groom by Pam. 

Pippins pups will soon be climbing up and out over the whelping box.  They are so cute looking at me and just beginning to respond to my movement and voice. Pippin is such a good mother, I'm very pleased.  There is a difficult choice for me in the weeks ahead as I look critically at this litter to determine if I am going to select pick of the litter (male or female) or if my pick will be placed with someone.  It is likely several pups from this litter will be placed and I am certain there will be no puppy selection until they are at least 7 weeks old.  Likewise, Molly and Scooby's pups are coming into their own and highly active, thoroughly enjoying their life to the fullest. The love affair between the "Mega Litter" and me is in full swing at this point.  We have introduced them to several of the new owners to be and the visits have been so enjoyable.  I really like the new families for so many reasons and I'm looking forward to visits from Ohio and also Massachusetts. I met Marilyn and Roger last fall at a dog show at the time we were all waiting for Bailey's pups. The availability/timing was not there so we all stayed in touch, and they came to a couple of more dog shows - eventually driving up here to Maine to meet our crew.  A very very special time indeed. I'm always happy to know how happy one of our pups will make a family, and this too is no exception.  In fact I think several pups from the Mega litter are truly going to be therapeutic and provide healing and offer joy for those who have lost their dog.  Destined to be outstanding bird dogs too - most will have that opportunity. It was awesome too that we discovered one of those Brits at the Rainbow Bridge shared the same sire as our Jack !  We had another nice visit with Doug and Nancy as well.  I just have such a sense of peace and contentment which defies explanation right now.  I am waiting for that Brittanymobile to pull in the driveway any moment. I know there will be three extremely tired 'Shorts' but oh! The joy that will accompany the memory of this weekend. 

Little can compare to the gift of falling asleep two nights in a row with a precious grandchild in your arms.  That was my gift each night; first Brook May and I, and then Nova Marie and I.  Very special times, very sweet conversations, much laughter (ask Julie!), and more love than one could even imagine.

I have to give thanks...for this day, this life, this memory.  For my husband and best friend, for our family, for our friends, for ATB.  Memorial Day.  This weekend we just created some wonderful new memories.  And I think to myself, it's a wonderful world:

I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom, for me and you

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white,  The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky. Are also on the faces, of people going by

I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do

They're really saying, I love you.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more, than I'll never know

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Take care and God bless... much love, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

Memorial Day, Taps & Forget-Me-Nots

Note: This post was written a year ago and first appeared May 31, 2010.  

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer.  Labor Day through today, our neck of the woods is relatively quiet.  All of that will change now.  We are surrounded by a minimum of 13 large lakes and countless ponds.  In the summertime the local population of this rural community triples as summer 'residents' head up to enjoy their beautiful waterfront properties.  Traffic also increases greatly.  Off season, fewer cars pass by our home. John and I have at times counted no more than 4 cars a half an hour.  This is the 3 day holiday weekend families look forward to when they can bring the boat up, open their camps, and enjoy getting out on the lake. This year the weather is absolutely perfect for boating, swimming, barbecues etc.  With the exception of the hazy and smoke filled air that is.  A couple of nights ago I thought I smelled someone's campfire as the breeze coming through the window carried the scent.  This morning I thought surely our neighbors were burning some brush nearby.  When I checked my FaceBook page I learned from my son in law that other people were wondering what was going on as well.  After a quick search I discovered the reason we are experiencing this poor air quality is due to the fires in Northern Quebec.  My eyes and nose are not happy about this at all. Add to that thick layer of pollen dust on my front porch rocking chairs which is evidence of even poorer air quality. This too shall pass.

I celebrated Memorial Day very differently as a child.  It wasn't about cook outs and it wasn't about 3 day weekends.  It did not always fall on a Monday. Memorial Day meant taking a trip to the cemetary with my mother, cleaning debris from the place where my father rests, bringing the plants and geraniums that she had cared for over the winter, and planting them around his headstone. It was about me planting 'Forget Me Not' flowers there.  It was a very serious, somber time.  We checked to be sure that the American Legion had faithfully put an American Flag in the wrought iron holder to honor all the veterans buried there.  My father was one of them.  Memorial Day also always meant driving over to Portsmouth, NH to stand on Richards Avenue and watch the parade go by.  Usually there was some member of our family marching in it.  A few times I proudly marched by while the camera snapped away, taking pictures of me first as a Brownie, then a Girl Scout, and eventually as a member of the Portsmouth Clipper Band.  There was on instant gratification of seeing the photos right away.  The film itself had to be delievered to the camera store, and we had to wait for several days for it to develop.  And waiting for those photos was always exciting to me! I have black and white photos of my brother now deceased, marching in the Drum and Bugle Corp.  And photos of my sisters kids marching thru the years too. In later years, after John and I got married - the tradition continued in his hometown too, when our own children marched in the Memorial Day parades; Brownies, Cub Scouts, Baseball Teams etc. 

Once the Memorial Day parade passed by our family would follow it into the historic, expansive South End cemetary, and find a shady spot under a huge maple tree to stand or sit.  Each group participating in the parade would stand at attention around the small pond in the middle. Flags blowing in the wind, Veterans of Foreign Wars standing proudly, hats removed, and the local clergy delivering a message. The Daughters of the American Revolution stood soberly among the participants. Each person placed their right hand over their heart and the crowd recited in one accord the Pledge of Allegiance. ( Each person.)  Everyone bowed their heads respectfully and prayed the Lord's Prayer in unison without issue. (Everyone.)  One of my most treasured memories of 'celebrating' Memorial Day is in the way this service closed. 

Throughout the expansive cemetary uniformed Buglers stood waiting.  A 21 gun-salute was fired off over the pond.  Placed strategically and discreetly, unless you knew what was about  to happen you would not have noticed them.  At a specific point in the program, the first Bugler standing closest to the officials raised his instrument and began to play the first part of "Taps".   The next Bugler, positioned farther away, picked up where the first one had left off.  And on it went until the closing notes were played way in the distance, echoing on the wind, for all to hear. To write about that here and now, evokes for me the impact and the true meaning of what Memorial Day 'is'. 

For me, the barbecues and the three day weekends to kick off summer never quite had the same effect. Even with growing up on a beach.  I wonder now as I look back if our children understood why it was such a solemn celebration to me.  But in later years our family did use the weekend as an excuse to open the pool up, and invite our friends over for a cookout in the afternoon following the parade. 

Now the task remains each year for John and I to go the gravesites of our parents - none of whom are living. We usually do this together but in reverence and quietness.  Sometimes when I plant the "Forget Me Nots' on my dad's grave I have a real difficult time. It helps to remind me though how short life really is and how important it is not to say meanspirited things to the people you love.  Sometimes you don't get a chance to tell them you didn't mean it.  I think my dad understood the importance of respect and honor between parent and child and intended to get a point across to me about it once.  I was really young and was acting up, being fresh and rude.  I don't know what I said but it must have really been awful.  I do remember what he said back though:  "Ann, I'm your father and it is wrong to speak to me that way. Someday you'll be going to the cemetary to put flowers on my grave."   He made his point because I ran into his arms crying and asking him to forgive me.  Planting "Forget Me Nots" reminds me of many things, including the power of forgiveness.  Take care and God Bless you and yours this Memorial Day 2010.  John, Ann and All Things Brittany

(Remember to 'pause' the PlayList to the right...)

Clicker Training Brittany Pups #2

Here's another brief peek into clicker training the "Mega Litter", a beautiful new litter of Brittany puppies born on April 23, 2011 to our Molly and Scooby.  This is step 2 of training and similar glimpse of step 3 has also been recorded, to be posted soon. My goal in clicker training this litter of Brittany puppies is a simple one and is based on the positive results we saw with Treasure and Gibson's "The Nova Litter".  earlier this year.  I want to be able to approach the pups and have them all remain sitting. This early clicker training is laying the foundation for all future training attempts and is exercising their 'brain'.  This particular method is based upon an article in Pat Hastings book "Another Piece of the Puzzle" called "Clicker Training a Litter" written by Karen Pryor and originally published in the AKC Gazette. 

NEW VIDEO: Chevy & Pippin's 2 Week Old Pups / Life is Good - hectic, but good!

(Pause PlayList to the Right before viewing!)

Chevy & Pippin's Brittany Pups Turn 2 weeks old

Right now timely, consistent and frequent posts has become a huge challenge to me.  Even so, I am always thinking about what I would like to share when I finally have a chance to sit down and blog about All Things Brittany. It's no exception tonight but I find myself torn; what do I write about when so many things are going on at once?  I just want you to know the effort is no less important for me to share about one Brittany over another but of course our priority above all else in regards to ATB is our two beautiful litters of pups!

Visits begin tomorrow and I'd love to get my physical house in order but right now that's not possible. John is getting ready for the Brittany club field trial this weekend and I am trying to catch up from a brief absence this past weekend for a local show.  John took Bullet to Connecticutt on Saturday and he is now finished as an AKC Junior Hunter! WOO HOO!  (Our 5th Brittany from our program to finish!) And True won his first 4 AKC championship points towards his conformation title - including significant placements.  Bullet was not only in the field, but he was in the ring 3 days too - let's talk about dual dogs!  He was in the show for 2 days, then went to finish his JH title, and returned to the ring again. Bullet was Reserve to his cousin True at the show and I was so proud of both of them! And no less signficant is the news that Jersie (Jack/Molly puppy) participated in the NAVHDA Natural Ability Test this weekend also in Connecticut and won a Prize III  - congralations to the Turner family and thank you.   Back at the show, Paris earned another point towards her AKC Grandchampionship title and Pam's mom was there to see too... this was a very special placement as "Select Bitch".  It was good to be able to get away to spend time with them and especially to be with Julie on her birthday. I also enjoyed visiting briefly with the other Brittany exhibitors, catching up with so many of my friends from other dog clubs, classes, the Federation, AWAC, etc. etc. 

Pippin and Chevy's pups are so beautiful (just like Scooby and Molly's pups!).  Eyes are opening, they are walking wobbly drunken sailor steps and becoming aware of life around them.  Molly and Scoob's pups are VERY much aware of life around them and in fact, are making sure they are a lively part of it!  Such a contrast between the quietness of Pips pups - and the exuberance of the older babes.  Yes, John and I are both exhausted but as one of our vets said - we brought it on ourselves and you know what? He was right!

I am uploading a wonderful video of Pippin and Chevy's pups in recognition of their 2nd week of life.  I also hope you enjoy the second very brief glimpse into Moll and Scoob's pups clicker training.  Three days into it, and several of the pups are already sitting when I begin their short session.  I still will provide some specifics for those of you who have asked how to clicker train a litter - when I find time. I would like to have time to call someone who is on my heart, someone who I know is feeling sad about her aging 16 year old Brittany... my heart goes out to you Monica... I sense what's going on and I care very much.  I have another friend who learned that her dad had a stroke today, would you lift her up in prayer too?  There are always needs in people's life aren't there.  Maybe we can't always really be right there but we can let each other know we care, and ask others to pray too. 

Switching gears a little bit I'm very proud to say that I showed Treasure on Friday myself, in the Bred By Exhibitor class.  Only the breeders of the dog can handle in this special class.  It's the class Treasure has all of her points in. I like this class - because for me it's not even about competing.  It's for the joy of taking my beautiful Treasure into the ring, something she enjoys more as time goes on.  I love to have her on the other end of the lead, she shows herself and commands a presence. Imagine my joy - when Treasure not only won Best Bred By Exhibitor in Breed, and also won Winners Bitch (for the points) - then, her son True, won Winners Dog (for the points) and we were in the ring at the same time competing for Best of Winners - which, True won!  I think it is cool to be in the breed ring with well recognized show champions - but on Friday - little could compare to be in the breed ring with mother and son (Treasure and True) both there.  Then on Sunday, the wave of joy hit me again because I was the breeder of the two boys competing for Winners Dog - True and Bullet.  These are very significant moments for me, and I appreciated being able to experience them with some great people and their dogs.  A little added bonus, I enjoyed borrowing 4 month old Moxie puppy, (True's little sister) and visiting with her. She is developing beautifully. I reminded her owners that Moxie's mother (Treasure) won Best in Sweepstakes the very first time I showed her and the next day she won Best Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes.  NOTE: Please forgive me - I forget that this show lingo is a strange language.  Feel free to ask away if there are terms you don't understand.  I'll confess, it has taken time for the word "bitch" to casually roll off my tounge - I have never become completely comfortable referring to my beautiful Brittany girls as bitches - there is such negativity associated with that word - but there are times they do act like one LOL!  Guess I should suck it up!

All of what we are and all that we do is for all of 'you' who are a part of All things Brittany.  My heart is not a competetive heart but I am proud of our Brittanys and their accomplishments.  I am thankful for friends who encourage me though, and help me understand we are making a difference in places we need to be making one, places which are far removed from the ring or the field but most often - in the places of the heart.  Mine is heavy tonight despite all that is going on, for I know there are people close to me that are hurting.  I know I will find my own solace through the love of God, maybe in the quietness of our beautiful puppy room, sitting on the floor, holding them gently in the cradle of my arm.  But I can't take sadness, concern, and worry from another person's life as much as I'd like to.  Even so, I do know the One who can.  He hears the unspoken prayers that rise from my heart of hearts tonight, and you know what? He hears yours too.

Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All things Brittany

Molly & Scooby's 4 week old Pups - Threshold of Change

Left Insert: A short clip of the pups enjoying a solid meal as early steps in clicker training begin.

I am always amazed at the enormous changes which occur in a new litter of Brittany pups precisely between 3 and 4 weeks of age and Molly and Scooby's pups are no exception.  It is when the early transitional and socialization periods blend together. At the beginning of the transitional period, eyes just begin to open, followed by hearing, discovering each other, walking and even beginning to eliminate on their own.  It's when I make note of which puppy climbs out of the whelping box unassisted, the first one to bark, how old a pup is when it comes to me for the first time when I call them to me.  I don't call them by their nickname, but only as 'puppy, puppy, puppy.'  (This reminds me of a really sweet poem written by the owner of Treasure's brother, "Rusty" which I'd love to find again.  I was touched with his words because he wrote about the way I interacted with that litter of pups 5 years ago, how, when they heard my voice while playing outside, they all turned and ran directly to me without hesitation. I think the poem was simply called "Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!"  Anyway... it's a good memory.  Rusty by the way, is the puppy pictured in our ATB Photograph Gallery with the monarch butterfly sitting on his head.  The amazing unedited photo was taken by his owner and is Treasure's full brother.)

At this point in time Molly is beginning to let go of her pups. By that I mean she looks to us more for help in feeding, cleaning, and entertaining them.  This is NOT a problem! Her puppies, now out of the whelping box entirely, are seeking out their own 'potty place' and eliminating on their own. They are old enough to play with toys and we've set a basket full of tugs and chewie things that they can learn to play. It was so cute last night, three of the pups were actually wrangling over a braided fleece tug.  This is a woofie little litter of pups, they love to hear the sound of their own voice and yes - the little a.m. howling thing is still going on.

I often refer to the ever developing love affair between the pups and me and I feel there are various stages of that relationship as well.  They are much more confident now and run gladly to me.  (Because I was out at a dog show yesterday I had to take deliberate steps to be sure there was no possibility of bringing unknown germs etc. home with me.  When going out like that I will disinfect my clogs before leaving and keep them in a bag in the car.  I also bring a change of clothes.  Before arriving home I'll change my show clothes and shoes somewhere.  The shoes will get sprayed with disinfectant and the clothes put in the wash right away.  Call me overprotective but I won't take chances. I don't make a habit of going to public places like that when we do have pups but sometimes it does happen.)  Anyway, last night I really enjoyed a special experience here at home with the pups. I scooched down, bent over, and lovingly murmured to them as they entangled themselves in my arms, lavished puppy kisses and AHHHHHHHHHHH puppy breath upon my face, and tried to push each other out of the way to get closer.  I close my eyes and take it all in because these are the moments you live for when you're a breeder. You know soon these precious ones will be bringing smiles and years of joy and happiness to new families waiting for them.  Families who often wait anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Our very informal weaning process has started and by the time pups go home they will be eating 3 meals of dry puppy food a day. Their first experience went well. As weaning begins so does clicker training.  This will be our second clicker trained litter of Brittany pups! By the time Treasure and Gibson's pups went home they were sitting politely, waiting to be pet when visitors approached. They also offered various behaviors in anticipation for a click and/or treat. The clicker training was continued for some of the pups!  I know it takes awhile to get the 'gist' of clicker training.  I first saw the effects when Tracy Shaw of  the former Diamond Dream Dog Center was teaching me how to handle a very young Treasure. I saw it applied in NAVHDA gun dog training which amazed me.  But the most memorable clicker training experience I witnessed was at a Flyball Tournament with Julie, Sassy and their Flyball MAINiacs team . A trainer was simply clicking/treating for her dogs behavior. Once a behavior was rewarded, her dog continued to offer new ones involving a cooler with a retractable handle.  Within a half hour, this dog had learned to raise the handle up and down, and also nudge the top of the cooler open, and close it again.  Think of this. A half hour. Using a clicker and food treats. I was sold on clicker training.  I used it to train True for the show ring. And even after a full years absence due to field work - True remembered it all.  (In fact True is being shown this weekend and won his first 3 show points Thursday and Friday.  He also went Best of Winners.  The highlight of this all was having his mother Treasure also take Winners Bitch. So gaiting in the ring as breeder of both the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch was QUITE an experience!! I'm sure I will find a way to elaborate further.)  In response to requests for it, I hope to document the clicker training of this litter. 

There truly are not enough hours in these days that are turning into weeks to journal as thoroughly as my heart desires.  I so enjoy writing about All Things Brittany, especially when there are puppies involved.  I love making the videos, collages, slide shows and setting them to music by some of my favorite artists such as Jim Brickman, Amy Grant, Celtic Woman, Enya, and the others. I love creating playlists here to play in the background while you read the posts. Speaking of which, I've made it easier in the sidebar here to access our complete collection of ATB videos by linking directly to our YouTube channel where there about 50 of them!

The pups will get outside this week and visits from new owners, friends, family, neighbors will begin as we enter this stage of primary social relationships with humans.  They will be showered with an abundance of social stimulation from changes in their relationship with Molly, an introduction to Daddy Scooby and other adult dogs, etc.  They have already started to establish the pack hierarchy and little Skiddle is definitely up to playing the alpha of the litter with Miss May May close behind.  Meg and Flower are joined at the hip with their antics, and Blossom and Veronica are like their mother - little prima donas with an agenda of their own.  Very vocal, responsive to sounds and now their approach to new noises is changing.  Initially they exhibited a very normal reaction  - a startle response as a pan dropped to the floor, clapping of hands, other dogs barking etc.  I like to watch quietly and not say a word to see what they do. After that first reaction I watched as one or two  pups tried to locate and approach the sound readily, another pup howled, one of them gravitated towards it's litter mates, and a couple of them simply went and lay down on their blanket. This will all change which we will see in a couple of weeks during their PAT evals. The pups will suddenly emerge as fearless little pups one moment then seek the comfort and security of a stable environment.  It's a balancing act as far as knowing when to further stimulate that environment and when to retreat back to all that is comfortable. Timing is everything and key to it all is identifying the development stage of the pups.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and ATB

Pippin: Experience as a 1st Time Mother

Pippin & her beautiful puppies

Pippin's 9 day old puppies 'mew' contently in the background as we rest together on the cot in the whelping area. She turns an attentive ear to listen to their sounds and knows all is well with her new family of 6 Brittany pups.  She is happy to leave her 'nest' for some well deserved, all too brief moments of R&R.  Pippin has snuggled close and tight to me, casually offering her belly in hopes of a belly rub. I tell her she doesn't have to ask twice, "You've got it Pip", and she raises her head to rest it on my arm, closing her eyes.

Pippin's carefree, independent lifestyle has changed completely these past 9 days.  Without the benefit of maturity or experience and relying purely on instinct she is thrust into the cares and responsibilities of motherhood.  I have likened her approach to this as that of a young teenage mother. Really not quite ready to settle down and put the needs of another life first, they struggle between the reality of the situation and the deep love that in most cases is there within.  This analogy allowed me to react with patience and understanding as Pippin went through instinctive and reactive motions of motherhood such as nursing her pups and licking them. Any assistance in the early hours of her new role seemed to bring a reluctance on Pippin's part to further pursue the instincts that are leading, beckoning to her.  I recognized this and perceived it as being caught in a type of limbo, of not being really sure of what was going on at all while  uniquely in a place of transition from one season of life to the other. 

To know Pippin is to know a Brittany dog with spunk, attitude and strong will; all the very things we love about her!  She's extremely expressive and Pippin's eyes seem most often to communicate a general sense of annoyance that "All Things Brittany" does not mean "All Things Pippin."  A sweet, know it all Brittany who does not experientialy know diddly squat about motherhood.  Fortunately for the Pippinator - we do!

Pippins love and attentiveness towards her puppies was strong from the start despite how annoyed she seemed when "THEY" came out of "THERE"!!  From what Chevy's owner Doug said, Pippin was also quite 'annoyed' during the entire act of mating.  Due to her personality and perception that her life had been intruded upon Pippin and I shared a bit of a learning curve those first 36 hours.  If I was too closely involved with monitoring her pups it was as if she said "OK. YOU think you are so smart. YOU take care of them."  During labor Pippin insisted the pups would be born underneath the cot, something we never did see eye to eye on.  I could almost see her sticking her tongue out at me as she returned to this spot once the pups had been safely delivered in the whelping box.  Knowing Pippin, being under the cot meant she was invisible, tucked away in a place where she could command the whole world to go away. (SORRY PIP. AIN'T HAPPENIN'.)

It was clear we needed to establish a comfort level between the us, where we could totally trust her to properly care for her pups while also a place where she knew we'd intervene without a lot of fanfare when she lost her way, or just wasn't sure.  Exhaustion was setting in quickly for canine and humans alike.  Pippin reached a point of simply needing to shutdown and sleep.  (We felt the same way too!) John and I decided to keep the pups in the puppy basket over hot water bottles wrapped in a blanket and under the heat lamp, keeping close watch of the temperature while Pippin slept soundly. All the pups had found their way to nurse as they were born so each had the all important colostrum and they too were sleeping soundly.  We placed a couple of pups next to her for nursing and she happily sniffed them and nudged them but her heart still was not in it.  We weighed each pup frequently especially little Holly who was just 6.2 oz when born. Little ones like this are often rooted off of the nipple by larger litter mates.  Pippin did clean her pups but not as thoroughly as needed.  Still, at the same time we did not want to discourage her or cause her to simply dismiss it as being our job.  So when she was asleep we made sure the pups were cleaned and eliminating correctly.

Sometimes another hurdle to overcome with a first time mother who is use to being princess of her domain is they will prefer their owners company over their need to care for their pups - in the beginning.  John is very good about reminding me of the need not to over nurture a new mother for this very reason.  Sometimes even the very sound of my voice can be distracting and interrupt a successful nursing session.  I moved slowly, deliberately, and quietly. We have learned not to be so anxious in taking a pup away from mom too soon after it is born.  Helping remove the sac and offering the umbilical cord to the mother in hopes she will sever it herself is one thing.  Whisking a neonatal, newborn pup still covered with the residual of placenta, afterbirth, and blood away from her is quite another thing. Discovering weight and gender really is not as important as encouraging the initial bonding between dam/pup. We hover nearby and take digital photos of each pup and worry later about matching time of birth, weight, gender, and identifying marks.  Unless a puppy is clearly in distress or in danger we will not intervene within those early moments of life. My concern is that mom "gets it" through the continual cleaning, licking of each pup. John and I are always sitting at the edge of the box ready to reach in and assist.  We know the warning signs, what to look for, what to listen for and will immediately pick a pup up to do whatever needs to be done to assure it's health, safety, and well being. Sometimes pups will inhale a little fluid during delivery and you can hear it when they first breath. We will aspirate gently and then slowly but firmly hold a little puppy head down and swing it in an arc to expel any liquids.  We're there to roughly dry it with a washcloth to simulate it's circulation and get it moving.  And no matter what is going on, we let mom keep that baby in her plain sight. 

In addition to those anticipated situations we were also ready to hold Pippin's hand for however long it took following the birth of her beautiful puppies.  And hold it we did.  It didn't take long. By the end of the second day, after we had been to the vets for dewclaw removal and tail docking, we were confident our new 'teenage mom' was putting the needs of her pups first. For me the real breakthrough came when Pippin did not rise up from nursing her pups to greet me.  I approached her calmly but spoke not a word.  I looked into her eyes which by now were bright and smiling.  My joy was complete when I saw that she was giving me a "happy tail", wagging it for all she was worth without budging an inch away from her family. 

At 9 days old the pups have doubled their birth weight. The litter weight average is 1.5 lbs.  I see little slits beginning to form where eyes will soon open. Already.  Last night John remarked that they are beginning to change their movement from a crawling/swimming motion to lifting themselves up on their teeny tiny unsteady but strong legs.  And as happy as Pip is to see me, her choice is to stay with her pups if they are nursing.Way to go Pippin! Welcome to motherhood - you're doing a great job.

Take care and God bless, John, Ann and ATB

Out of the Box! - New Brittany Video of 3 Week old Puppies

Remember to pause the Playlist to the right!

Here's a few glimpses of the Mega Litter as their world begins to enlarge! They are 3 weeks old tomorrow and so-o-o-o-o much fun!



NOTE: Since Rebekah, Deb, and several other have commented about the puppies howl... so speaking of genetics, it's worth a look back at this post from 2010 called "Brittanys & the Twilight Bark" and we'll discover who is responsible for this howl - then add to the fact that I always believed that Scooby's father, Timberdoodle REALLY was vocalizing  the words "Rye Ruff Rue" (hence Scooby's nickname). 

ATB: Brief

Pippin and Chevy have produced a lovely litter of 6 beautiful new Brittany pups, 4 boys and 2 girls.  We are still in post delivery 'mode' here which means 24 hour supervision so this will be very brief. John and I are taking turns and this is one of the first times I have had a chance to write more that a few words.  Just wanted to share the news as we're very happy!  Pippin was her typical 'self' full of attitude throughout the process.  Every litter and every mother is different and I wish they all could be as easy to care for as Treasure or Wish but, alas, they are not!  We will go to the vets tomorrow for litter eval, dew/tail removal, and exam for Pippin.

Molly and Scooby's pups (The MEGA Litter) are the most amazing puppies.  I can look at them and see Scooby's virtues and it simply makes me laugh!  Watching this litter interact with each other is like watching a situation comedy show - no kidding.  They are all characters with spunk.  Molly is such a good mom and she's been very tolerant of the new housekeeping arrangements.  I am enjoying true Brittany therapy due to the chunks of time I just take a break from the newborns and Pippin and go sit in the middle of the floor with the older babies. All eyes are open, hearing continues to develop, they are identifying and following movement, and they are not only walking but it seems as though they have some kind of marathon wrestling match going on. Very very content, quiet and good puppies. I think God knew we needed that particular quality considering the timing of all that's going on.

I have so many photos and some video footage to share but it is all about finding the time to edit and upload.  Usually I carve out late evening hours for that kind of work - but those hours are simply non-existant.  Right now the most important photo work I have is to line up the photos of the newborn pups, with the timing I have written down, compare their markings, birthweight and consecutive weighings in the last 24 hours to record in our whelping journal. This information is vital and right now it's all in bits and pieces so I have to be sure that's done correctly.

Yes we're tired, we're beat, we're exhausted, we're sleep deprived and probably a little cranky with each other from time to time  (who, John and me?!)  But we've kind of fallen into a management plan which is working out well to be sure all of ATB has their needs met. This means that Bullet and Jack are now full time house dogs for the time being and that Treasure is in the dog house with the rest of our motley crew. But if she were here, she'd be racing, pacing, anxious, and running around like crazy as I make frequent trips back and forth. She would sit in the window gazing out for any glimpse of me.  She can still play "I SPY" but just without being so frantic. 

In closing we appreciate your prayers and inquiring into how we're doing. We're really doing great and so far so good with our new pups, and the Mega Litter is quite superb! 

I also want to mention we were notified that the AKC has welcomed John and I each into their new Breeder of Merit program, something we are very very proud of:
 "AKC’s Breeder of Merit Program “honors breeder/exhibitors’ dedication and hard work as they continue to produce dogs that are healthy, capable, and beautiful. The foundation of today’s AKC Breeders of Merit have the power to influence, guide, and teach future breeders, exhibitors, and all purebred dog owners.”

That would not be possible without the support of many of YOU! Thank you!
Take care and God bless and please be patient if you don't hear from us! Thanks, John, Ann and ATB 

Puppies Cometh

Pippin's temp has dropped, we are in early labor and no time to share much more.

Happy Mother's Day / Simple Things

Happy Mother's  Day!  The day began with the whine, bump, jump, run through the house and come back, whine, bump, jump again by Treasure. The room was filled with daylight so I knew it was going to be as early as 5:30 a.m. and I rolled over to verify my suspicions with the alarm clock. At the same time I was learning that it was actually 6:30 a.m. Pippin took advantage of my subtle movement and quickly filled the vacant space on the other side of me.  She's a total bed hog that one is.  In her very oh so pregnant big and uncomfortable state though I can't blame her for wanting to spread out.  The thing is - the girls had the entire bed to themselves last night with me. 

John is waking up this morning several states away, for the second day of AKC Hunt Tests. He had a great day yesterday there.  He handled Bullet on behalf of Julie to his 2nd set of qualifying scores towards his Junior Hunter title! Bullet is halfway there and will be tested again today in hopes of earning his 3rd leg.  John had decided to see if True and Jack might be ready for the Senior test level by entering them for one day. What a great decision!  True and Jack both earned their first qualifying score towards a Senior Hunter title. The scoring is a little different for Senior and Master. They are judges for additional skill such as retrieving to hand and honoring another dog.  John said they handled like champions yesterday, we are both so proud!  And for all of that, John literally slept in the dog house last night as the dog top camper affords ample room to convert the back of the pickup truck into a temporary sleeping space. (Oh, my aching back.) So John's away. Ann can't sleep in.

Treasure continues to do her best to demonstrate the gravity of this situation of needing to go out NOW...and Pippin's body begins to communicate that to her. Ok. Ok. I can do this, I will somehow get into a semi-prone position, balancing on the side of the bed, using my arms to steady me...oops.. it's not a pretty picture at all and kind of reminds me of the weeble wobbly thing.  One foot in front of the other. I'm on my way girls, honest I am... please don't pee before I get to the door!!!  And voila! Success! 

Mornings. I do not do mornings. I have never done mornings. And I probably never will. With the exception of having to go to school and/or  for working full time also all those years ago I have always slept until at least 7 and sometimes (often?) even later.  So I mumble to myself and say JUST GET OVER IT.  And I did as I quickly discovered it is an absolutely GORGEOUS morning!.

I  fixed the girls' breakfast and made a pot of coffee for me.  Why did I make such a large pot?  I'll never drink it all.  Opening the sliding door I greet those in the crew who remained home this weekend and do a quick headcount.  Good morning Piper! Good morning Rose! Good morning Scooby! I'm sure the neighbors think I'm a bit strange. Okay where is Rose. ROSE! ROSE! And she obliges me by simply poking her head out through the swinging dog door with a glare that reminds me Rose likes to sleep in too.  Sorry Rose. The aroma of fresh brewing coffee fills the house and the the bright rays of the sun coming through the windows brings warmth to a slightly chilly kitchen. 

The monitor indicates Molly is up and about nursing pups.  Time to round up the girls.  TREASURE! PIPPIN! Pip comes right away.  Treasure not so much and not in sight.  Knowing we are fully fenced in calms my soul but still, where is she?  After a few minutes she appears happy and is soaking ringing wet.  An early morning dip in the pond by the looks of things.  Time to crate the girls with their breakfast in hopes of paws wet with morning dew will quickly dry off.  And time to check on our precious babies.


I carefully unlocked and slowly opened the door which protects our Molly and her family.  Usually she hears me coming and will run to happily approach me.  But not today. Today is different. Today is Mother's Day.

The low lighting in the room complimented the beauty of the scene I was privledged to behold.  The luminous glow from the heat lamp hovering above cast a spotlight upon the subjects of this precious sight. Molly raised her head in proud acknowledgement while her puppies continued to calmly nurse. Molly did not stir, although I could see every fiber in her body challenging her to rise and greet me. Very softly I spoke, telling her good girl....stay there Moll, it's okay... good girl.  And Molly stayed right there, nurturing and caring for her puppies who were safe and secure, surrounded by their mother and her love.

Such a simple thing to bring such joy to me this morning. A sight to be imprinted on my mind forever. I have seen this sight many times before but  because this is Mother's Day I am led to believe God found a way to speak to my heart.  He gives us so many gifts throughout our life, gifts created for special moments in time.  They are as gold nuggets created for those with eyes to see and hearts to feel.  I think most of the time we're all too busy and caught up with life in general to easily recognize them. 

I am reminded of my own mother's love for me, demonstrated first through her loving arms around me as an innocent baby.  Her love, like God's love, poured out upon me each and every day of my life although there were days I know I was very unaware of it.  I miss my mum but she rests peacefully next to my father and is in God's care until that day. Missing her is not a sad thing although it may bring tears.  But tears of thankfulness for the richness of our relationship. 

My mom not only chose to pass along the gift of life to me, but she passed along the opportunity to receive the gift of God's love. I chose to give the gift of life to my two children, and offered them the same opportunity to choose the gift of God's love. (And they in turn have made John and I grandparents!)

Mother's Day.  It can be a joyous occassion or it can be a very difficult day.  Some of us end up with great moms. Others not so much, not even close.  Some of us have large families, others do not have any for one reason or another.   But I believe most women, at some point in their life 'mothers.'  Bringing up a child with care, love, and affection is to mother - whether you gave birth to that child or not. The art of mothering is to look after someone, kindly and protectively. Most of us have our own personal association with the word mother.

This morning, God simply showed me a perfect example.  A Brittany dog.  Lying in a whelping box. Nursing a litter of puppies. Somehow God has found a way through the beauty of this scene to remind me to put troubles and cares in perspective, stop overthinking and stressing out, and enjoy this life, this short time we all have on earth. It's the simple things that simply 'are'.  We need to simply 'be'. 

Because in the end, afterall - God can use the simple things to confound the wise. (1 Corinthians 1:27) He can use simple things to confrim in the hearts of those who believe in Him of His love for us. I do love the ways of God most of the time but I sure don't understand them all. I can't answer for myself let alone for others "why" things happen the way they do. But I do know that I love Him and trust Him completely with my entire life. It's really quite simple.  Only believe.

God Bless You and Happy Mother's Day from John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

PS The revealing of simple, special gifts which are not only seen by the eyes, but felt within the heart continued after I finished writing this post...  I have been watching with awe the flight of a beautiful eagle as it soars high above, circling above the garage. 

2 weeks old - New Brittany Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

If I say that there is a collection of new photos at the bottom of the post you won't read what I've written!  Even so, tonight I thought I'd simply upload the photographs I took a couple of hours ago. The puppies turn 2 weeks old tomorrow. Eyes are opening and legs are working well so we are leaving the 1st Stage of Puppy Devlopment and entering the 2nd one.  The 'neo-natal' stage is coming to an end.  Although the pups are still entirely dependent upon Molly Rose, they are very slowly becoming independent. As I observed them tonight I noticed a new interaction with each other.  The two orange and white girls were actually kissing each other.  And one of of those girls has also responded directly to me when I gently rubbed under her chin. Her little paw went up in exactly the same way her big sister Rosie would do when being pet that way. I also intentionally moved their 'puppy pile' around, added a new crochet blanket and put the small carpet pad in. It was interesting to see how different the reactions were to these as compared to the carpet pad the other day which they clearly did not like. Tonight they definitely preferred Aunt Julies handmade crochet puppy blanket to any surface in their whelping box, Molly being the exception of course!  I don't leave anything lose in with them until they are older but if I'm in the room or in the box with them that's different. I believe that their little ear canals are beginning to open now too. They cannot actually 'hear' the sounds yet but they can 'feel' the sound waves.  This is when it's really important to have the soft, quiet music playing and to shield the new Brittany pups from direct sunlight. It could appear to the casual obsever that not too much was going on in the whelping box other than sleeping, eating, and eliminating.  Most of the time all you see is a pile of pups sleeping or nursing and occassionally moving about. But there is a lot going on.  Adding to the noticable progression of development of today was the added stimulus from moving into the new area.  Technically I guess you could now say we have a whelping room and a nursery in consideration of Miss Pippins approaching due date.  (John had flexibility and mobility in mind when he first designed the puppy room last year, I just didn't know to what extent. But as is usually the case - he had a plan all along, a very good plan and I've learned not to stress about these things, completely trusting in his judgement.)

Speaking of Pippin, she continues to pop!  I learned from Dawn that Pips' grandmother was like that too when she was pregnant and I know it was always hard to tell from Chris, Pippin's mother.  We began to chart her temperature at Day 53 to be ready for the first due date from her first breeding.  May 12 is our first target date.

I have some video footage to edit from this evening too which clearly shows the advanced walking going on in the whelping box.  Those first wobbly steps usually result in flipping head over heels as the pups sense of balance stabilizes.  Then they become more surefooted which then results in what I call the drunken sailor walk!  Too funny!  I am looking forward to the breakthrough with the pups when the connection they have made with me is not only certain, but clearly demonstrated through their behavior.  And I get to fall in love over and over and over again.

This next stage of development we will see many rapid and significant changes in a very short time in our little puppies here.  Not quite a transitional period, but a period where they are maturing mentally.  It is as if they are literally coming out of the darkness and into the marvelous light of the world around them.  Their bodys are not yet able to regulate temperature so they still need not only the warmth from Molly but from the heat lamp which shines above.  There are small fans which I can use to circulate the air above for Molly and we will open the windows if she is uncomfortable. We have had pups born in mid-July before yet still need the warmth of the heatlamp!  This too shall pass though because their beautiful coats are going to become efficient as well.

We hope you enjoy these photographs taken on the eve of the pups 2 week birthday.  Take care and God Bless! John, Ann and ATB

New Brittany Pups - 10 Days Old

Molly & Scooby's beautiful 6 new Brittany puppies - all are doing well.

Spending time this evening with the puppies and Molly offered some of those wonderful, special and oh so intimate moments that are so rare and fleeting.  It wasn't planned but it was longed for in my heart.  Each litter is different and that's why I can take the time to find something unique about not only each litter we plan for, but with each Brittany itself - regardless of the age.  10 day old pups are no exception. 

Molly's day begins with John and ends with me.  Somewhere in the middle there are multiple visits, outings, snacks, belly rubs and special times in addition to making sure her incision stays dry, temperature remains normal, and appetite and thirst are also normal. Everything has gone perfect.  Her stitches will come out soon.  And Molly is a wonderful mother with an abundant supply of milk which only continues to increase. I have been asked by several people if having a c-section and a spay would effect her milk supply or her ability to nurse.  I'm sure it 'could' have, but it didn't.  I like to think good pre and post natal care added to an extremely healthy and well conditioned Brittany has a lot to do with it.  I think too that the constant supply of nursing mother's pudding that we feed her and the extra pedialyte has helped. All I know is I'm very happy to have my Miss Molly girl doing so well, being such a great mother, and enjoying her pups while spending time with us.  Talk about fair and balanced!

It's important to keep the tiny little toenails of Molly's pups short. They need to be trimmed at a minimum of once a week and often more frequently.  If allowed to grow they become razor sharp and will scratch the delicate skin surrounding a nursing mother's teats.  In Molly's case, where she had to be shaved prior to surgery, it is even more important.  We have discovered that kitten nail clippers work the best for the toenails of our young Brittany puppies.  I wait for them to nurse and then to fall asleep.  This is when they are least likely to be resistant.  Using one of our handmade crochet blankets I gently cradle the pupy in my arms and one foot at a time manipulate their toes so that I can gently make the clip.  Just like with adults it's important to watch how close you're cutting - there is not much (if any) 'quick' to see so cutting a little bit at a time works best.  The kitten clippers are so small and easy to use so that if the puppy decides to be a wiggly little doodle I can still keep a good, gentle hold on them.  This method of clipping a puppys toenails also falls right in line with introducing additional stimulation and a very small level of stress - although a sleeping puppy is not likely to be very stressed.

This took about an hour and a half, or exactly as long as American Idol was tonight. (I'd vote for Lauren.) The actual time to clip the nails of one puppy is not very long, and certainly not long enough to notice one pups's uniqueness.  If this were purely utilitarian I'd put one pup down and pick another one up just as quick as I could to get it over with. NOT quite. This is an important time to spend stroking each little baby, feeling their muscles, their joints, checking to see the healing results after dewclaw removal and tail docking, and above all to hold their teeny tiny sweet little faces right up next to mine.  Sometimes that will stimulate a puppy to open their mouth and begin to lick at my cheek - I will admit - here is when I get my first awesome 'hits' of PUPPY BREATH!!!! AHHH!! Nothing like it. They snuggle under my chin(s).  And the love affair, which so far is one sided, continues to blossom.  I can't explain it, but I really do feel something happening in those precious moments.  And it's really now or never that the all important human/animal bond will develop and grow.  It is between the mother dog and her babies but it most certainly includes their breeders. 

Tonight I noticed subtle changes.  Like how the pink skin on the muzzle area has changed to a beautiful soft, downy velvetlike feel as the first strands of hair begin to grow.  Like how the nose is beginning to take on a shape of it's own while the muzzle develops. The ears are losing their rubbery look, are flapping up and down.  Little tiny slits define where the eyes will open within a week or so.  Softness, gentleness, innosence, sweetness.  These pups are going to be very early walkers. And they are going to be all we could have ever hoped for and more.  One of the pups has one I call a 'liver kiss' on their muzzle. It is where the liver color on a liver/white Brittany dog looks like someone had put liver color lipstick (ugh) and kissed them on the lips!  Treasure sort of has that. But Timberdoodle, the grandsire - he had that.  And it's cute to see it on these pups.  They may be the first (and only) pups between Scooby and Molly but I recognize the family behind them.  I see many specific things including behavior that make me think of our Rosie who we named 'Ever Ready' for a reason, I notice the beauty of Sassy, and I see Molly's head and Scooby's head. Some of the pups will have a coat like Molly, and others will have a coat like Scooby. They are strong and active puppies, with a mission in life. I can remember when our first child, our son,  was placed into my arms shortly after birth and looking into that sweet beautiful face and feeling so much love. Not only did I feel the love but I recognized family in his little features. Not to equate the two births, for animals are not humans - but to try to explain this - as a breeder it's just so neat to me to be able to see the results of consistency, even in such early early days.  And I know without a doubt each of these pups will simply enhance what is present in their sire and dam, things that we have been blessed to know first hand.

Speaking of being blessed - we were very proud today to be asked to contribute our experiences as gundog breeders for a writer who is working on a piece about gundogs in Maine. I won't give it away until it's time for the publication though!

As I watch the moments ticking away it would seem that blogging at the stroke of midnight is becoming a habit for me.  But it's a good time to write. The house is somewhat quiet with exception of faithful snoring from afar.  And just because I'm up, there is usually a need to let the dogs out.  Speaking of other beautiful Brittanys (they ALL are you know) Pippin is huge.  It's like all of a sudden she has popped!  Pippin is also very uncomfortable and her mood has not improved a bit. Poor Pippin seems so indignant. 

Let's remember our friends and fellow Brittany breeders Paul and Dawn Hill tonight. Her lovely Morgen had 7 pups yesterday.  All are doing well but there are 2 puppies who Dawn is helping  out by supplementing them by bottle feeding.  Their weight is not where she would like it to be.  Thanks.

Take care and God bless - and by the way - it's now Thursday and this is the National Day of Prayer.  A good day to pray for this country, especially in light of all that is going on around the world tonight.  As always, John, Ann, and All things Brittany!!

Treat Me Like a Dog - Video

This is Casper, a daughter of Treasure and Gibson (2009). She takes versatile to a whole new level as she helps her owners with the laundry. Casper reminds me SO much of Treasure in behavior and in appearance - she is also a really great bird dog. ENJOY! (Don't forget to pause the ATB Playlist to the right.)

Tuesday Afternoon

It was a good day yesterday !  Thanks to John all of our property is now fenced in.  Not that our dogs couldn't jump over the fence but they don't seem especially interested in running away from us.  I think of it as more of a deterrant to running off and they're never outside without supervision anyway. When all of the crew here runs around there is always a need for a playground monitor. And after serving as playground monitor there is always a need for a change of clothes. It was no exception yesterday.  With the warmer days the dogs love to enjoy the pond and our kennel guest the Bullet Man loves it more than any of the others! He can entice them all to spend more time in the water as he swims from side to side, looking back and forth as if to say "come on in, the water's grand!"  We are trying to decide if it is to be a field trial weekend or a hunt test weekend for Bullet, True, and Jack.   I'm leaning toward the HT myself but it will depend on how many entries in the Maine Bird Dog Club's trial and right now it's not looking that great. Anyway a good part of yesterday included much needed special time between Scooby and me.  On the 4th anniversary of losing his sire, we just spent a lot of time reminding each other of how much we love each other. Sounds funny maybe. But it's true.  It is absolutely possible to give each Brittany here a special part of our day and sometimes it's just necessary to give one dog a whole lot more.  And so it was with Scooby - only it wasn't the dog who needed the company and attention, it was me.  He knew it too.  And happily obliged me by stretching out on the couch and snuggling under my chin.  Kind of cool, Treasure and Pippin acknowledged somehow what was going on - and accomodated me by getting soaking wet in the pond and in need of crate time drying off in their blankets. This left the afternoon to Scooby - in between time spent with Molly and babies.  Before I go any further, I want to be sure to confess that what we have going on here is in no means fancy or grand. I always worry that someone reading our blogs and then coming to meet us for the first time will be gravely disappointed to discover how simple things really are here.  And sometimes how muddy and wet too, not to mention the dog hair.  Yesterday, there was dog hair flying everywhere because it was Scooby who was 'furminated.'  We could have outfitted a whole new dog as a matter of fact.

I shared with the pups owners in a recent email about introducing them to their second (or is it their third) new surface.  "...I'm happy with the weight of these pups, very nice sizes - not too big and not too small. They are perfectly delightful and beginning to respond to my touch more each day. Today I took a small carpet pad made of a little rougher material and placed it in a far corner. Then when I returned each pup from weighing, placed them on the opposite side of this pad, in the corner. They could choose several directions to find their way back to the 'puppy' pile on the other side of their box. It was fun to watch them. Some used the parameter of the box itself to scoot around to the other side. Others crawled right over the mat without issue as if on a mission. Still others wanted nothing to do with the pad but did use the outside edge of it to navigate. This is just one of the many things I will do with them in the weeks to come. Mostly the are loving the cuddling the handling; it's funny to feel the difference in the strength of each pup; some want to simply snuggle up in your hand, then another will squirm and wiggle and want to be on the go. Others are in the middle but ALL are showing me how smart they are!"

Molly is getting into her own little routine here too, which is quite different than Treasure's was earlier this year.   Her schedule includes an early morning bathroom outing with a quick trip to find where I am.  Today she ran through the house and discovered me on the couch with Pippin and Treasure.  Those two suddenly jumped off in unison when they saw Molly as if to yield right of way and then, plop!  Molly landed right on my chest and lay there grinning (remember I said she smiles) down on me. John fixed Miss Molly Rose her special breakfast and enticed her to join him back where her pups where.

The Brittany mobile has come out of storage from the winter.  I keep going back and forth about whether or not I want to sell it or not.  It's been so much fun to have to travel to the dog shows and also have ABC meetings in. Great times with not only John but with our friends and their dogs too at field trials and at dog shows.  Anyway, today John repaired the vent over the bathroom.  Somehow it got broken the last time it was used.  Trying to think back to when that was... probably at a fall field trial in 2010, and maybe someone forgot to close it before heading out of the grounds, and maybe it could have hit on a pine tree branch that was hanging low along the road out of the grounds.. but I really don't know for sure. I'm just glad John discovered it before the snow fell.  I love the Brittany mobile, we can fit up to 6 crated dogs in it - that doesn't leave room for very many people though to visit and enjoy snacks and beverages. But then if you have friends who also bring their campers along, and invite you to their camper it all works out...  So I'm smiling because I really think we should keep the Brittany mobile - don't you?  But if we sold it... we could spend money on hotels and entry feels for the events we do want to participate in. Although now with the truck and the dog campertop, we can fit more people and more dogs.  I have forgotten what it was like to vacation without our 4 footed friends. I am not complaining.  Over the years John and I have enjoyed vacations with and without our children that included a Mexican Riviera Carnival Cruise (I won it!), several week long vacations in Florida on the beach and also at Disneyworld, Canada trips, England, Kentucky, and then I went to Israel while he's been out of the country on caribou trips and then I would travel with friends to various conferences across the country. This was was all in between our first and our second litter of Brittanys, which spans 15 years.  But as I've said - now we live in the middle of 13 lakes and each weekend we see folks going by with their boats (we've had those before too) motorcycles, campers, etc. headed to camp and we look at each other. Look at the dogs. Look at the vacationers. Look at the dogs. Look at the lakes. Look at the boaters.  I look at my canoe though, then we look at each other, smile and say - we're very okay with our lives. Very okay indeed! And that's all she wrote this fine day.

Take care and God Bless you always, John, Ann and ATB

PS Morgen has had her puppies - Dawn called and left a very tired message.

Stay For Awhile - Brittany Puppy Video

(Remember to 'PAUSE' the music playing
on the ATB Playlist to the right of your screen before viewing!)

Long time since I've seen your smile,
But when I close my eyes,
I remember
You were no more than a child,
But then so was I,
Young and tender.

Time carries on;
I guess it always will,
But deep inside my heart
Time stands still.

Stay for awhile.
Well, it's good to see your smile,
And I love your company.
Stay for awhile.
And remember the days gone by;
For a moment it can seem
Just the way it used to be.

Snowfalls, phone calls, broken hearts,
Clear summer days,
Warm and lazy;
Long walks, long talks, after dark;
We vowed we'd never forget.
Now it's hazy.

Time takes its toll,
And time alters our view.
It would be nice to
Spend some time with you.

Oh, stay for awhile.
Well, it's good to see your smile,
And I love your company.
(Oohhh) Stay for awhile.
And remember the days gone by;
For a moment it can seem
Just the way it used to be.

Stay....

Stay for awhile.
Well, it's good to see your smile,
And I love your company.
 Stay for awhile.
And remember the days gone by;
Just the way it used to be.

Stay for awhile.
Oh, it's good to see your smile,
And I love your company.
Won't you stay with me for awhile,
And remember the days gone by;
For a moment it can seem
Just the way it used to be.
Words & Music by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick
Performed by Amy Grant