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