ATB: Lazy, Hazy, Crazy, Days of Summer

Pippin & Chevy's "Magnificent Obsession" Litter - 7 weeks old
(Don't forget to turn the playlist volume down to the right!)

Well, I don't know about lazy days of summer but surely I can relate to hazy and crazy days! Actually, when I came up with the title for this blog (the first one in over a week) my thoughts immediately flashed back to when I was a child and that song came out.  Very popular through the summer of 1963, my dad and I use to sing it together.  I use to giggle about the lyrics in some of the verses thinking that I was really saying something 'naughty'.  Believe it or not, John and I still have the original 45 record itself with the yellow and orange Capital Records label.  When we were babysitting a couple of months ago at our other house the grandkids thought it was cool when 'grampa' took out an old fashioned record player and went through our collection of vinyl!  Okay - so now that I've totally dated myself...

Update on Pippin & Chevy Pups - Availability
WOW.  Can you really even believe that tomorrow is the last day of June 2011?  As John says, we are heading back in the other direction now as daylight hours begin to shorten.  Even so, I sure can't say I don't know where the time has gone because I know exactly where it's gone in this situation.  The day that I prophesied about 6 months ago has arrived as I head down our walkway and stop long enough to enjoy the Sweet Williams, Peonies, and other perennials.  I distinctly remember visualizing 'this' day as I carefully made my way across the slippery, snow covered driveway leading to the warmth and comfort of what was first known as Treasure's house.  It's been a very busy, happy, and joyful place for over 6 months where friends and family have come and gone, visiting with puppies that soon were to begin the first day of the rest of their lives.  This special corner of the ATB world holds many wonderful memories for a lot of us.  It was where some who read this blog first saw what was to become their brand new Brittany puppy.  It's a place that has seen tears and heard laughter.  And soon, very soon the beautiful puppies of Pippin and Chevy, the "Magnificent Obsession" litter will also leave and begin the first day of the rest of their lives.

We have met with several soon to be new puppy owners and enjoyed getting to know folks who have been waiting with us through several litters of pups over the past year or so.  I am always certain of the level of interest someone demonstrates by the number of times they come to visit, how long they remain on our waiting list, and sometimes - how far they are willing to travel to come and meet us.  Time and time again John reminds me that he thinks I sometimes make it very difficult for someone to add one of our Brittany pups to their family. Well, I don't do that intentionally but I figure that just as surely as someone is hopefully doing their homework about us - that it's even more important for us to do ours in regards to those who are seriously interested in one of our Brittanys.  I have really done things very differently this time with Pippin and Chevy's pups in announcing availability, puppy reservations, and breeder's choice selections. I shared with those on our waiting list that we would wait until pups were 7 weeks old to make decisions and this is what we've done.  I do believe that Mopar and Tank will be available but we have not met with anyone in regards to these two particular pups although there are several very interested parties. It is extremely important that these two boys will be with families who enjoy bird hunting and if possible, I would prefer them to remain in New England, preferably Maine or New Hampshire. We do not have any further plans for our 2011 breeding program and we have a waiting list for next year. 

Central Maine Brittany Club Dog Show
Last weekend CMBC's annual dog show was held in Cumberland Maine. We had 36 Brittany entries on Saturday and 27 on Sunday.  John and I headed to the grounds Friday evening where, in the rain, we set up the clubs big tent and our own smaller tent in preparation for a grooming/hospitality area for Brittany exhibitors.  It was adjacent to the ring so it was conveinent - too bad the weather didn't cooperate!  I took a lot of pictures which are uploaded onto ATB's Facebook page.  Overall it was a really great weekend and certainly there was enough food to last the entire 2 days.  Entries were from many places including Colorado, New Jersey, New York and of course New England.  I showed Treasure in Bred By Exhibitor classes on Sunday. She looked beautiful and I feel I handled her well. I will say I did not care for the judge one iota. She did not give anyone time to set their dog up when entering the ring - she just looked at the dog and then waved you on to gait, then a quick down and back. Standing ringside it was easy to see she was too busy to even follow the gait of a dog around the entire ring.  This wasn't about Treasure not winning - it was about a judge who is rude to all those in the ring. Not only was she 10 minutes late (we were first on after a one hour break for all judges to take lunch) but she judged all 27 Brittanys within 30 minutes.  Just think about those figures.  I figure people who pay the entry fees, then the expense of traveling and lodging etc. are most certainly worth the time and attention of the judge!  I know I'll never enter under her again, and there are others who felt the same.  Unless you can walk into a ring and your dog sets itself up within a fraction of a second - forget about it! Okay... done venting.  The specialty was great - loved the judges for both sweeps and regular classes.  I'm working on the finishing touches for the official show report for the American Brittany Club. An added highlight for me was seeing Moxie and her young owner/handler there. She's not old enough to show yet but is attending handling classes taught by Penny (who handles Moxie's big brother True!). Moxie is coming into her own very nicely.

We've enjoyed the grandkids more this month than we have in quite awhile.  Their visits have been more frequent and in fact our oldest grandson had a sleepover here the other night. He woke up the next morning all ready to go fishing with grampa!  All 7 of them have interacted with the pups and I think that's so important.

As I watch the digital clock on the bottom of the monitor I see it is 11:59 P.M.  Yikes! There's a lot more to share but tomorrow is a busy day with vet checks for Pippin's babies and getting ready for the holiday weekend. Speaking of which - be sensitive to the needs of your dog(s) if there are fireworks nearby.  Regardless of the age and if the dog is trained to the gun - fireworks exploding have the potential to frighten any dog. 

Falling asleep...Take care and God bless - John, Ann and ATB

ATB: Magnificent Obsession - Brittany Puppies 5 & 6 weeks old

The beautiful Brittany puppies of Multi Best In Show Grand Champion Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me & our J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton. We are very pleased with the development of these puppies. They are well balanced, structurally sound, animated, fun, outgoing, confident, of good temperament and a delight to behold! I took the video footage 1 week ago but was not pleased with it at that time. Since then, our dear friend Dawn Hill came up for the day with Miss Bailey and spent time with the new Brittany pups as we were saying goodbye to Ruby Rose. She brought her camera and I took still photos while she posed each puppy. I decided to bridge the video with those pictures taken of the pups who turn 6 weeks old today!! Song in the background is from Jim Brickman's CD "Simple Things".

This litter is aptly named 'the Magnificent Obsession' litter. It is only recently that we have formally been using litter names but John has always nicknamed pups as soon as they were born to better identify them. These new Brittany puppies were no exception and John came up with names related to the auto industry sort of, because the pups father is "Chevy"! I did not come up with an actual litter name until recently. It is likely one of the pups will have a permanent residence here and will probably be named J & A's Magnificent Obsession, and actually ALL of these pups are magnificent - thus the litter name.

The entire litter IS magnificent. Our feedback has been extremely positive. I am pleased that the 3 pups I reserved and identified as breeders choice have also been the 'pick' of Chevy's co-owner as well as breeders of Brittanys and other breeds, Dawn, and a potential co-own to be of one of the girls. We are waiting to confirm placement of the 3rd pick pup, have a deposit on pup #4 from a lovely Maine family (hunting), and working with interested parties (also hunting) regarding pups #5 & #6. Those of you familiar with ATB know this is a different process we are following. We'll be sending out our email updates shortly.

Once again, we're very appreciative of the opportunity to bring such exceptional lines into our program. It's been very exciting to meet and exceed the goals we set for ourself in past years as evidenced in NAVHDA titled Brittanys, significant field trial amateur and open derby placements, 5 AKC hunting test titles, and by the feedback of wonderful families who daily share their lives with a Brittany we bred. We are now especially excited to take yet another step towards the betterment of our program as well as the breed as a whole while keeping our own life simple and enjoying ALL of ATB ourselves on a daily basis. I'm thankful that John and I both can share this all together with our crew of Brittanys and looking forward to enjoying them all now more than ever. I'm also especially grateful to so many of you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and for loving our Brittanys! Take care and God Bless you always, John, Ann and ATB

ATB: Magnificent Obsession.

Welcome to the First Day of the Rest of your Lives Mega Litter!!! xxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Tonight I'm not sure whether this is a beginning, an ending, an in-betweening or what tonight! It is the beginning of summer - that much I can say for sure. And what a glorious evening it is.  I hear the crickets outside my window, something I love to hear.  The sky is not fully darkened and there is still the faintness of the sunrise setting now somewhere in the west. The pups are settled and tucked in for the night. There is the hint of a calm assurance, a sense of contentment among ALL things Brittany.  The last few nights we have been lulled to sleep by the sound of Miss Ruby Rose as she was introduced to sleeping in a crate.  She actually did quite well over the past 72 hours.  We clocked her 'vocalizing' (don't you love that word?!!) at 30 minutes into it.  Then she began to taper off, slowly but surely.  She slept from 11 pm through to 5:30 a.m. and no - I wasn't working the morning shift, not at all. But once John brought her back into the house he tossed her onto our bed and she very happily cuddled with me as I was surrounded by Molly, Treasure and Pippin. Tonight Miss Ruby Rose is sleeping in her new home with her new owners, just like the rest of the Mega litter are all doing.  And yes. I do miss each and every precious little one. 

It was an awesome day here beginning to end, in fact it was an absolutely wonderful weekend.  From 9 a.m. throught 4:30 p.m Saturday our home was full of friends and family and of course - Brittanys !  Our daughter and her three children were up for the day as her oldest son wanted to fish with grampa down in the pond and fish they did - 2 Brook trout! It was Callums 'summer dream' as depicted in a picture he drew.  And it came true!  Maryann was busy in the kitchen most of the afternoon cooking up a storm for us!  I love it when I have a chance to introduce them all - I think we have the best kids and grandchildren in the world!  After all the pups went home - our son and his family all stopped by briefly.  The last weekend of Spring 2011 was simply enjoyable for everyone for so many reasons, but especially so for those waiting arms that we gently placed a beautiful Brittany puppy in.  Today, Monday - was an extension of this weekend of friends and family as not only Ruby's new owners were here but so was Dawn. And Dawn brought Miss Bailey 'home' to visit us here as well as have a chance to meet Pippin's pups and help me get some photos taken of them.  She also brought puppy toys for all the babies!  Speaking of bringing things, Marilyn brought lunch for all of us - home made pizza, a beautiful tossed salad, cupcakes for dessert and she even brought a gallon of a secret family recipe for mint ice tea!  Marilyn and Roger also came bearing gifts - and we thank you for everything.  In fact, we thank all of you who have opened your heart and homes to our Brittanys - whether now, in the past, or in the future.

And speaking of the future.  I have tried very hard not to take away from either litter and over emphasize one over the other.  It was appropriate that Dawn come and look at Pippin's pups today just at the same time as Molly and Scooby's last puppy left for her new home.  Would I have timed things differently, and opted just for one litter?  I don't know the answer.  I suppose if I had not the experience behind me, behind us - and if we did not know what to expect from at least one of our 'girls'... we probably would not have had more than one.  But there are people waiting even now for pups well into the future, which is indeed very humbling.  So tonight I think of this journey with Pippin and Chevy's pups, a very new journey for us which is described in far greater detail on Pippins page.  I think of how I am now in a position to decide about puppies myself.  Is the timing right?  If so, which pup? Male or female? Should I wait and see what happens with these pups? But if I wait - what if what if what if?  I toss my pillows on the floor on top of a blanket and sit right down in the middle of the puppies just like usual.  I swear these pups know I'm looking at them with very objective eyes - with eyes that must see clearly and not suffer from kennel blindness.  Thanks to Dawns help and her opinion based on knowledge and experience as well as that of the co-owners/breeders of Chevy I will be able to see clearly.  In a few more days, other friends will weigh in after visiting the pups here in person.  And so I will begin to move from the transition of this past weekend into what truly can only be described as a paradigm shift - a shift into a truly magnificent new 'place' to be.  I've got my marching orders... I'm listening... I'm watching... I'm trusting... and I'll be praying.  John's leaving this one entirely up to me and I love that he is so okay with whatever decision I make.  In the end it will be his opinion that is valued more highly than any other for this is a road we enjoy traveling together.

I had wanted to share a lot more about the title of this post.  But suffice to say this is enough for one night.  It will continue to all come together and of this I have no doubt.  And there still is little time for catching my breath as now the club dog show sits there on the horizon - just a few days away! The need is strong to block out the months of July and August... it is stronger still to remember NONE of this is all about me but it is about ALL things Brittany.  The simple pleasure of a muddy wet dog jumping up to greet me after he/she has been frog hunting is one I long for, the driveby looks of another who has no time to say hello/goodbye as they're on a mission only God knows what for, tossing a blanket on the ground to lay down and look up to the sky as the whirrrring of running dogs passes my head, the checking in of a pupster who's gone out of sight only briefly - and on and on and on.  This is where I want to be and what I want to be doing in the weeks to come.  Does a puppy fit into the scenery? I'm thinking it does.  For all the right reasons. I know I'm not the only one with a uncertainty - there are a few others pondering similar questions, and those who are waiting to hear from me about it.

I"m not making sense and I just tipped my head down and snapped my neck as I'm writing... I think I better call it a day before it is tomorrow's yesterday!  Here is the best way I have to explain how I'm feeling about this year and so many of 'you' which is found in Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you..."  And that's the truth and I'm stickin' to it!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany (No spell check too tired!)

ATB: You'll Be In My Heart, Always

June 18th, 2011

The First Day of the Rest of Their Lives

Sire: J & A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton

Dam: KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose

Scooby & Molly Pups: Almost Time to Leave

Never can say goodbye... no, indeed - we won't and we don't!  Actually it's really all about saying HELLO!  Hello, to (all together now) "THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!"  From Saturday morning through Monday afternoon each of Scooby and Molly's beautiful Brittany pupsters will begin the wonderful adventure of their new life with some very special people who we have been handpicked just for them!  Volhardts Puppy Aptitude Tests (P.A.T.) confirmed for us the level of social dominance, sound and touch sensitivity, sight sensitivy, retrieving ability, observation of initial birdiness, all inherent within each pup.  In a similar way, each and every interaction we've had with our new puppy owners confirmed for us compatability not only with this amazing breed, but the pup(s) most suited for them. When a breeder "KNOWS" not only the parents, but the grandparents and great grandparents of their puppies personally AND when the breeder has spent hours observing and interacting with each pup the P.A.T. serves as a confirmation of what they already know to be true! I would like to see more breeders learn about Volhardt's P.A.T. testing. 

The very first time I ever heard of it or saw it was when the breeders of Wish had pick pup of the same litter that Treasure was from 5 years ago (TREASURE!!! OH NO HUGE BRAIN CRAMP... Rabbit trail.... running in the direction of the fact that IT IS TREASURE's 5th  BIRTHDAY TODAY.. well, by the time I've finished writing - it will hav been yesterday 'cuz it is 11:58 pm!!!!  What a great dog owner I am, to forget one of my best girls birthday...ssshhhh don't tell...)  Err...um yes indeed as I was saying, Phil and Sherry had pick pup male from Treasure's litter. Their whole family came over one Sunday afternoon and did all kinds of really cool things.  As strangers to the litter, they waited for the pups to wake up and see their reactions to strangers. I can remember how calm and mellow they all were and Phil joking and saying "are you sure these are Brittanys?"  Because it was a warm summer day we did the test outdoors.  As they are NAVHDA breeders/trainers it was important to know the reaction of the pups to water including in the pool and also with a squirt gun! 

Okay so I'm rambling and now it's after midnight, I haven't even checked out the new photos of Morgens beautiful litter that Dawn wrote and told me she'd posted! I have all our AKC paperwork filled out, contracts copied, have distributed the information helpful for the first few weeks home, everyone has given me their vet appointment dates and schedules for puppy training.  Very exciting!!  Looking forward to seeing everyone again.  Friday will be one busy day as it's almost time for the pupsters to leave us.  And tomorrow will be one very fun-filled day for the pups as they have their 4th and final interaction with birds.

I need to get to bed... take care and God bless - John, Ann & ATB ( no spellcheck tonight, doin' it tomorrow!)

A Day In the Life & Other Musings

Beautiful Gift Basket of Ohio Specialties Included Treats for the Crew!

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Just coming away from spending several delightful hours with puppies.  As you may imagine right now is extremely busy and the 'must do' list seems never ending as new things are added frequently. Even so, you will rarely if ever find me complaining although it's absolutely true John and I both find ourselves exhausted at the end of some very long day. The need for human interaction is the greatest it has ever been for Molly and Scooby's pups right now.  Pippin's pups are transitioning and coming into their own.  This all translates to spending hours with the pups, coming up with new and innovative ways to stimulate their curiosity and lay foundations for learning and for training.  Equally as important of course is making sure where ever they happen to be hanging out at the moment is clean and sanitary.  This is not as easy a task as one may think.  Although some pups do get the hang 'somewhat' of going to the bathroom in one certain area - not all of them do.  Just when we thought the Mega litter understood the whole concept, we found all of the pups sound asleep, cuddled up sweetly close to each other - in the middle of the frame with the shavings! Sweet indeed! I discovered yesterday they also had also pooped on top of a pile of their toys. Nice. The scene is repeated several times a day and puppy laundry supersedes people laundry - this fact was proven much to my embarrassment yesterday when Maggie wandered into our laundry room while Deb and John were here and climbed on top of my ever growing Mt. Everest of laundry and dragged my Woolwich shirt and Jacks blanket across the den floor.  Thanks Maggie.  Frequent baths in the sink or frequent touch ups with "Bath in A Bottle" are the order of the day for the older pups whose 3 square meals a day means in one end and out the other.  I don't know why I apologize for dog poop... maybe because I hate seeing pups with dried feces on them and/or yellow stains on them.  Not to say our puppies do not roll in their own - but I just prefer to keep their living areas as clean as possible. On the rare occasions when BOTH John and I need to be away payback is truly - a bitch (word for female dogs).

So, it's been rainy and the lawn hadn't been mowed, and the land mines courtesy of ATB enjoying our fully fenced in property had not been removed - or in other words 'no scoop poop for you.'  I have been to places where dogs are raised and had to dodge multiple piles of land mines - unacceptable and no excuse.  Please scoop poop on a regular basis.  We may miss a few but it's not intentional.  The most difficult part is in the spring after the snow has melted. Sure we try to get out and pick them up but when there is about 3 feet of snow it's a little difficult.  And don't ask me about yellow grass.  I use to think if what covered the yard was at least all green we were good. Not so much anymore.

Being retired means kicking back. Well to me that means I get to wear t-shirts and sweatpants (do they still call them that) or other, ahem..'comfortable' clothing. I get to wear them morning to night. Better yet, I get to wear my comfortable pajamas all day if I want.  Thank goodness for trips to the vets, dog events, group meetings and a steady flow of people interested in meeting the ATB crew - I actually will wear earrings, makeup, and dress 'up' a little. Yes, when you come to visit - I'm dressed up  - believe it or not LOL!  Gotta love it.  Seriously though, what good does it do to put something nice on if all I am going to do all day is hang with the dogs (and John too of course).  I'm going to get paw prints on me when at least two of the crew visit me up close and personal and it will be much worse than that if we're all down to the pond together.  Tromping in the woods, sitting at the pond, playing in the yard - it's all about dogs. Don't get me wrong - I do have a wardrobe of very nice suits, slack sets, and dressy clothes.  Not left over from my administrative assistant days at USNH. (Are you kidding me? They all shrunk years ago.)  Nope. My dressy and formal wardrobe is reserved exclusively for showing our dogs.

Speaking of a formal wardrobe. When I was working (a gazillion centuries ago) I enjoyed color coordinating my clothing based on my hair color and skin tone. My 'season' was cool winter so the jewel colors were what I was supposed to wear.  And I LOVE purple, royal blue, deep teal.  But those colors do not work when showing our dogs, not at all.  Now I have to select colors based on what good looks in the background of whatever dog I am showing.  When I first began showing I scoured the free magazines distributed at the dog shows to see what colors the professional handlers wore while posing with dogs in similar colors to ours.  And just imagine - I really should not wear the same color with Treasure as I would wear with Pippin or True.  Yup.  And most of the time that means I have to wear formal outfits that are of the warm summer color palette.  Sigh. 

TRUE BECOMING A TEEN AGER??
Puberty for male dogs?  Maybe.  7 years is equal to a humans 1 year so they say and True will be 2 year old this fall.  I think that True is coming into his own as he's tried to challenge his uncle Scooby lately, something that is not tolerated here.  The boys all get along together very well. They train and hunt together and often are at events with each other and with other boys. Each of them sufficiently understands the correct way to communicate with another dog and recognizes the signs of proper greeting and reaction. And John and I have very definite guidelines about what is acceptable - something our boys especially understand. 

So this reminds me that we place a lot of importance on our new puppy owners to attend basic puppy classes.  It's an important part of socialization.  As dog owners and leaders in the family we do need to be able to recognize and/or learn what is typical when one dog meets another dog.  If you are respected in your family (pack) by your dog, a sharp and quick, suitable correction for behavior you will absolutely not tolerate is needed.  Never let a puppy learn that it is acceptable to do something you do not want them to do when they are an adult. It's a lot easy to teach them right from wrong when they are kids. Just like teenagers. If parents do not correct and discipline their children when they are toddlers, that child will be 10X likely to really have problems when older.  Number one rule in every house with a dog - humans will be respected and obeyed. Dogs are not the leader/boss of the humans. If you let that happen it will be an unfortunate situation for the entire family. Don't set your puppy up to fail - set them up to succeed.  Take a lesson from how momma dog corrects an older pup. It doesn't mean to walk around and be a bully or be mean to pup - but it does mean to give them the guidelines they are looking to you for.  When your pup slows down long enough and sits down to look into your face - they are hungry to be taught something.  There is a window of opportunity awaiting every new puppy owner while their little brains are like sponges, ready to soak up as much as you can possible teach them.  The affection is a given and each pup will show it in their own way.  They are not little cuddly toys to baby and fondle. Brittany pups are highly intelligent and need jobs.  Fun jobs that don't seem like work!  You've seen our recommended reading in the right column including those we request new puppy owners read and keep on hand. Here is a link with another great list of books on dog training, some of which we have listed as well RECOMMENDED READING LIST. Be sure to check it out. There is one book I have that Tenzing's owner, Helen gave as a gift to me. I have loaned it out and cannot for the life of me remember the title but when I do I'll be sure to add it to our list here.  By the way young Tenzing has been in training since a pup for Agility trials - I'm looking forward to when he one day participates in one!

UNSUCCESSFUL PHOTO SHOOT
I tried to take some decent photos and some video of posing Pippin and Chevy's pups.  It came out more like how NOT to take picture and video posing 5 week old pups.  Maybe I'll put it together anyway. I will say I'm getting much closer to determining which pup will remain here as J & A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton "Magnum".  We are also getting closer to determining where the rest of litter will go and appreciate the interest that there is in them. Thank you for your patience in waiting with us and those who have contacted us will hear from us again soon.  It's all very exciting of course.  The big pups interact with close supervision with the little ones.  They play very nicely at first but then the older babies try to strut their stuff.  This encourages their "playmates" to also strut their stuff with pint size challenges, which doesn't quite work out to their benefit and up and out the big pups go.

BLESSING FROM OHIO
I don't want to leave out the wonderful visit we had yesterday with Maggie's new owners who came to us all the way from Ohio. They came bearing a beautiful gift basket filled to overflowing with very special items that came from Ohio itself.  There were cheeses and wine made from the Amish there.  Very special chocolates, snacks, information about Ohio, and so many other things.  They even brought dog treats that are named Scooby Doo treats!!!!   And Maggie was her absolutely delightful, outgoing, personable self.  I was so proud of her as I showed how well she has grasped the concept of clicker training. Maggie put on a show and even offered laying down as a behavior for a click and a treat.  Training a young pup to lay down on it's own is no easy feat - especially a 7 week old pup. I'm happy that her new family is getting a chance to unwind and enjoy some R&R in nearby New Hampshire.  We will see them again this weekend when they return to take their sweet little girl home.  We don't ever expect such generosity to be extended to us when people visit and are very humbled and appreciative when it is. I am reminded of so many who have and continue to bless us with their thoughtfulness... and to say thank you just simply doesn't seem adequate.

PUPS TO THE VET
Tomorrow is a big day for Maggie, Ruby (May), Benny, Flower, Blossom, and Veronica as they go for their well puppy exam, health certificate, and first set of puppy shots. Have I mentioned I love our vets at Broadview?  As I've said before, I suppose we could do all of that here ourselves and save some money. But my experience is that our vets are well prepared to send our pups on their way with a clean bill of health without issue.  I feel like it's more ethical and responsible to do this and wouldn't have it any other way. I understand the mindset that fears young pups picking up 'something' at the vets. But the fact of the matter is they can pick something up ANYWHERE even when least expected. 

Need to stop rambling - there is a lively crew of Brittanys in and outside of the house at the moment who would like to spend some time romping pond side.  My pleasure.

Take care and God bless and as always we so appreciate your interest in ATB!  John, Ann and the crew

Final Selection - Molly & Scooby Pups!

Please CLICK on the thumbnail to enlarge the photo above.

 

I'm really pleased to share the results of our recommendations for final selection of Molly & Scooby's pups.  As shared previously on a recent blog about the P.A.T.'s  we have taken the time to get to know each and every pup very well.  Usually the hardest part of week 7 into week 8 is the look on the faces of each pup when I play with them.  The expression in their eyes seems to be saying "Isn't there something more?"  And indeed my sweet little puppies there is SO very much more.  I wish they could understand how much they are already desired and loved by those of you listed above who have been waiting for the first day of the rest of their lives to begin.

John and I love getting to know the families who will welcome our pups into their lives and thus become an extended part of our ATB family here.  Already the threads of wonderful friendships have been woven into our lives.  And I appreciate that each of 'you' have been accepting of our recommendations concerning puppy selections.  I think now you know why we say fall in love with all of them when you come to visit us, and let us know if you have a couple of favorites.  Puppy selection is not always easy depending on the reason for wanting a puppy.  All responsible breeders and responsible new puppy owners understand that there is a lot more to picking out a puppy than the way it looks or appeals. Lifestyles, activities, expectations are what come into play as we consider the personalities and behaviors.  I've shared about all of this often here and will continue to do so as long as we continue with our breeding program. 

This journey is not ending with Molly and Scooby's pups - not at all!  In fact it is just about to begin as each puppy leaves here.  One week from today they will all be with their new owners.  We couldn't be happier and I think the feeling will be mutual for pups and new families alike. We have done our very best from planning this litter of pups, to taking time to find the perfect home for each of them, and to be sure that the most excellent foundation we can provide has been laid for them these past nearly 8 weeks.  And yes, now the responsibility to continue rests in your very capable hands.  Everything we've talked about, shared, all the information, homework and more - all that STUFF that's transpired since our first contact have been to prepare you all for this special day.  You're not going to fail.  Pup won't let you down in your expectations.  You've been waiting for this new addition to your family and you are ready. Otherwise - do you really think we'd let pup go with you?!!???  Just kidding - well, sort of kidding but I like to think we too have done our homework behind the scenes!  And I will confess - the prepared meals, homemade desserts, thoughtful gifts, and extra dog treats for the rest of the crew help too - Just kidding again sort of!!  But seriously it all shows your thoughtfulness and we appreciate that. You're not just getting a dog.  You're entering into a partnership of sorts with us - because we're always ALWAYS going to want to hear from you.  What has been neat too is how Wayne and Barb came to the field trial and hung out with several of our friends.  I like too that Roger and Marilyn not only came to a few dog shows over the past 7 months, but also hooked up with John at the hunt tests and field trials. I'm happy to know that Bruce and Susan have connected with NAVHDA friends Blaine and Patti Carter, and that I learned 2 pups of ours are already enjoying this summers clinic.  I think it's so cool to know that our Jack Dog is a half brother to Candis' precious Maisey who passed away last fall. Not only that that but Doug and Nancy's well loved and missed Brittany was also related to our dogs here through his sire.  There is a connection of like minded faith among several of us which really is awesome, especially with John and Deb coming to us all the way from Ohio. And I could go on.

My only regret is that I cannot stay in touch as frequently and as personally as I would love to do with absolutely EVERYONE! But most of you seem to understand that and it's okay. This is where the ATB Blog and Facebook page really play a big role for me as we can stay in touch that way.

Several of you ask frequently about Pippin and Chevy's pups.  I assure you we're working with potential new owners of their pups and there will be so much more news shared about them in the weeks to come, weeks that are also flying by.  There are at least 2 destined for competitive homes, and this evening we will meet a new family from nearby Windham Maine.  I already feel very good about this visit.  These pups will go home just in time for the 4th of July and then things may slow down a little here in respect to our program.  John and I are literally going to take the month of July and August off and have very little activity (Ha - we'll see!) here.  We need to slow down, catch our breath, and have the time to work together with the dogs - something we really both enjoy so much. I do so enjoy blogging and photography so it's likely this will remain active. 

I will divulge a bit of information about Pippin and Chevy's pups - it is highly likely we will be adding a pup to our program here and if a boy - he will called J & A's Magnificent Obsession - with the call name  "Magnum".   There's quite a story behind my choice of this name!

I hear puppies waking up from a morning nap - time to play!
Take care and God bless and THANK  you a million times over!!!  John, Ann and ATB

June 13 ATB BIRTHDAYS

Happy 3rd Birthday to J & A's Wish Upon A Shooting Starr, J & A's Buddy Boy of Scotland Yard, J & A's Wylee, & J & A's Nellie, Midnight, & BB who share a birthdate with their uncle J & A's Apple Jack of Acton, Lady Annie Shayapplin, Molly Dew Girl, Jake, and Shogun who turn 6 today!!!

6/13/05
Sire: Pride & Joy's Bunch of Butch
Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

6/13/08
Sire: FC/AFC Coos Rylee
Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

NEW VIDEO: Chevy & Pippin's 4.5 Week Old Pups / OVER THE TOP!

First Day of the Rest of Their Life - 1 Week Away

Thank you Pam for the use of your Android to take these photos today.

Click on this thumbnail for a full size photo. Are they not beautiful!!!????
(UPDATE: CAMERA FOUND!) 

Beautiful Mega Litter of Scooby Doo and Molly Rose

We're all thinking the same thing as we exclaim we cannot believe how quickly the time has passed with Molly and Scooby's "Mega Litter".  Well it's true! Time absolutely has passed faster than we could have imagined.  Oh, it didn't feel that way at first because we of the months waiting for the anticipated heat cycle for this planned and purposeful breeding.  Then we waited again to confirm whether there was a viable pregnancy or not. When we finally were able to confirm that Molly was indeed expecting with Scooby's pups, then another waiting period began as we looked towards Day 63 and watched Molly's temperature and behavior.  We waited to see how many pups were born, and then waited while Molly naturally whelped 6 gorgeous and healthy beautiful new Brittany pups the day before Easter.  You all waited to hear from us as we spent Easter at the Maine Emergency Clinic due a mispositioned, oversize pup which resulted in dystocia - and an emergency c-section and spay for Molly. (See "When Things Go Wrong.") We all waited together for Molly's recovery and through the first critical 72 hours of the pups existence.  And by the Grace of God everything from that point on has proceeded perfectly and without issue.  Bringing us to this place of the dawn of a brand new horizon, a new day, a new beginning with (for you who are waiting) a brand new beautiful puppy soon to begin the first day of the rest of their life, a day in most instances to begin 1 week from today. 

Do you have any idea how much I have enjoyed getting ready for that day?  How wonderful it has been to get to know 6 new families, spend time communicating, visiting, sharing, and so much more?  Oh and have we ever been spoiled!  Gifts, cards, treats, meals, thoughtful deeds and wonderful caring ways showered upon us.  Sharing the love of this breed and very often sharing the love of God, but always sharing a part of you, a part of me, a part of John, a part of ATB.   Your family and friends are becoming a part of our life too simply because of your joy about your new puppy!  I'm blessed I really am and I don't use that word lightly, not like when someone sneezes and you say "God bless you!"  Although that's important too.. .I'm talking about the kind of wonderful and unbelievable way things kind of just come together.  And they sure have done that.  I'm not bashful about letting anyone know about my faith but I also don't think I'm what you'd call 'religious' or shoving those beliefs of mine down any one's throat.  You may not always see evidence of my beliefs or depth of faith, but it's strong.  Suffice to say, getting to know so many of you - not just through this litter of pups - but for quite awhile now - has changed our life, our outlook as believe it or not - WE have been on the receiving end of your encouragement, support, friendship and more.  Okay - I just had to say all of that stuff... thank you for letting John into your lives and making more about ' the love of the dog both given and received' than we could have ever imagined.

Today's Puppy Aptitude Tests (P.A.T) went very well. I was very happy to be able to do it exactly on Day 49.  Pam came down for the afternoon and conducted the tests with each individual puppy while John and I observed and took notes. Conducted by someone who the pups do not know in an area they are not overly familiar with the goal is to (once again) learn about each pup by observing the most natural raw and basic reaction to various stimulus.  There is no sense of pass/fail with the P.A.T. more a sense of confirming what we have already identified in the pups over the past 7 weeks.  It's not a formal evaluation for structure but structure is an important part of it. So herein lies a mystery.  The one pup who I thought would be the most resistant to the social dominance exercise, when the pup is placed on their back and gently held there for 30 seconds, showed the least resistance!  (New puppy owners will get the particulars as selections are confirmed in the next few days.)  6 out of 6 pups retrieved the object that Pam tossed.  Most readily chased and brought it back to her. A couple thought they may like to take the object over to the corner first but they all brought it back and released it.  I am not surprised - look at their father's strong retrieving skills!  6 out of 6 pups showed definite birdiness but some were more extremely interested than others.  We enjoyed sight pointing a pheasant wing; this was not for scent but for sight sensitivity - we just like to use a wing because, well - we ARE for the most part breeding gun dogs here.  All of the pups loved interacting with Pam, there were a couple that were polite with her but made it clear life offers much a whole lot more to explore - so no time to say hello or goodbye - they explored every inch, nook, and cranny of the enclosed area.  And that's what you hope hunting dogs will do.  Sound sensitivity. Clanging two cooking pot covers together without the pups looking at you. Of course you want some kind of reaction but it's the kind of reaction that matters.  6 out of 6 stood still and listened and 6 out of 6 looked to see where the sound was coming from and 4 of 6 walked towards the sound to investigate - the 2 others were like "ho-hum".  Just what you want pups who will eventually be shot over to do. 

This last week is the most important week of all.  The pups will come to live in the house full time, in the middle of the kitchen in the x-pen, together.  They've been sleeping in a crate with the door open, they have explored their world indoors and outdoors and explored the house one on one.  They will have opportunities to play with all the big dogs. They have already been introduced to the puppies and most of the adults. And life will be very busy and very crazy but very fun and very happy.  I have not exagerrated when I've said these are perhaps the most comical litter of pups ever.  Our family and friends will interact with the pups. We will not set them up to fail by having free range of the house.  Let's be reasonable. But they will bond with humans completely and irrevocably!

As to puppy selection - most of you have left this up to John and I while letting us know of a pup or two that caught your eye.  There were few surprises in that I have described traits of Molly's pups all along as well as sharing all about Scooby.  Independent, intelligent, highly active and inquisitive - this is the composition of this litter.  These pups will not be couch potatoes by a long shot. Each of them requires a structured schedule full of opportunity to learn, grow, develop, explore and above all they must be trained to know what is expected of them.  Those who are getting a pup from this litter know this and have assured us that is the case.  Some of these puppies will always be willing to be cuddled, held and openly show their affection - and there will be others who will want very little to do with that until they are exhausted and there is nothing else to but curl up with you.  They are all loving, they are all of wonderful dispositions, they are all beautiful and they are all going to look to their new owners for guidance, leadership and the feeling that they are loved, wanted and desired as part of their new family. I need to be honest though.  I've shared the video of the early morning howling, talked about the Scotland Yard howling 101 Dalmations style, told you how Timber used to woof "Rye Ruff Rue", and mentioned that both Molly and Scooby are talkative. Did I tell you  that according to Martha Gorman of Coos Kennels - their AFC/FC Coos Rylee who sired Timber ALSO is very talkative, still?  Well, um... err... let's just say the potential is great for vocalizing actual syllables from several of these pups too.  NOT that I have heard them "talk" or anything like that....yet.

I think there is only 1, maybe 2 which are not going to be hunted but I'm thrilled to know there is an interest in field trials and hunt tests even with the non-hunters!  One is destined for agility - oh boy - take 4 large puppy saucers, lay them upside down in a small corridor, toss a ball from one end and you will learn quickly who is agile and confident!  There will be a pup who will help with therapy - probably when she's older. And last but not least, although no one is specifically requesting a prospective show dog - there definitely are those in the litter who could be. But we're not primarily about breeding Brittanys to see how many we can get into the ring. We are primarily about breeding quality, proven Brittanys to meet the needs of the upland game hunter, who also want a loving family companion. You probably know all of this by now if you regularly read this blog but if not, there's more detail on the Maine Brittany site link.

And so ends Day 49, a critical day in the life of any puppy.  I believe we have served ours well, they surely have brought untold joy and happiness into this day.  Yesterday ended with each puppy (Pippins included) falling asleep one by one in my arms.  I make this happen with the older pups at this point in time.  The last puppy to do so last night was Benny.  I gazed into his eyes and suddenly it occurred to me - I am looking into the face of my dear sweet Timberdoodles grandson - his ONLY grandson.  Benny's eyes, the shape of his head, and his sweet expression spoke to me of the little puppy named Timber I once held close at a similar age. The light was low, classical music playing, and Benny and I just looked at each other.  I cradled him close to me, he kissed my face.  Sweet little boy.  Then I learned something very special today.  His new owners, Barb and Wayne, wrote to say that his proper name will be Benedict - because that word means "Blessing".  Indeed.  The love affair between Benny, Veronica, May, Meg, Flower, and Blossom has gone full circle in my eyes and touched my heart.  I have poured all my love (as has John) into them, and know they will leave here to bring so much happiness to their new owners. The majority of new owners of this litter are welcoming their puppy into a heart that has been lonely and aching for a senior Brittany lost within the last year.  How appropriate that they be Timbers grand puppies - from Molly's last litter and Scooby's very first. 

Thanks for listening to my rambling... and for your interest in ATB.  Looks like most pick up times are confirmed but I'll send out one final update. WOW... Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

A Winners Creed

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don';

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If  you think you'll lose, you're lost.

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a person's faith;

It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster hand;

The go to the one who trusts in God

And ALWAYS thinks "I CAN."

Author Unknown

I discovered 'A Winners Creed' on the back of our church's worship service bulletin  years ago.  It spoke to my heart of encouragement so I cut it out and pasted it on the 'fridge where it remained for quite some time until it eventually was taken down and 'filed' away.  Just the other day it surfaced again, and as is often the case with God's mysterious ways,  it surfaced 'just in time'.  I've given it a place of prominence where I can glance quickly at the words and be reminded once again of the benefit of trusting and having faith in God. Maybe it's a "good Word" for many others today too!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany.

There Is Strength And A Stronghold In Walking With God.

Proverbs 10:29

Happiness is... Beautiful Brittanys!

The Mega Litter - 6.5 weeks old

Scooby & Molly's pups

They deserve all the time and attention that I can give them right now. In this heat it is difficult to keep them calm and comfortable but we have worked out a really nice schedule for all concerned.  It may mean later nights and earlier mornings but I'm trying to plan specific necessary socialization activities for them.  Some breeders look to the end of the 8 weeks of puppies with a sigh of relief, thinking it is time for them to leave.  I look at each puppy and wonder if I have done all I could possible do to prepare them for the first day of the rest of their lives spent with humans.  It is a sacrifice in some ways but why have puppies in the first place if you can't give them the time they need in the way that they need it most?  The last two weeks are truly the most taxing and demanding but they can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling all the way around.  When I approach the pups now the majority of them will sit down and make eye contact.  I have been clicker training them based on their level of readiness.  I learned that you cannot prescribe one method of clicker training a litter and expect it to work the same way each time.  I did start out in hopes of being able to chronicle the clicker training but the demand for perfect timing in the process made it too challenging for me to keep up with the video and processing of it. But it's all in the eyes now... and these eyes are familiar eyes of Molly, of Scooby, and of  Timber that look back at me.  I love these puppies very, very much.  This weekend they will undergo the PAT evaluations with the help of our dear friend Pam who has assisted us several times now along with Julie.  Julie will be at a Flyball tournament with Sassy and we'll miss her but will wish her luck and a wonderful fun time!

Pippin & Chevy Pups: 4 weeks old already!

Click to see full size picture!

Well, in anticipation of several pups from this litter potentially bound for the show ring as well as the field I have started to work with posing them.  What I have discovered is that very little effort is required to have them stand square in most instances. If by the way they stand they let me know it's too early to expect them to stand still for more than a few seconds that is just fine with me and they can sit or move or whatever.  I have also observed them running around the puppy pen and I'm so surprised to see the coordination they demonstrate at such an early age.  These babies are simply loves and I am enjoying seeing so many 'new' things in them.  I have pulled out pictures of Pippin at this age and the one thing I remember was how I could not get over how perfectly square she was, she was shaped like a little box! I am seeing this in her puppies here with Chevy too. 

I do not think I'm going to be able to stay on top of my frequent updates here though. I shall try but if I can't write at least I'll keep the photos and videos coming! Take care and God bless, and as always thank you so much for your ongoing interest and support of ATB!!! We do appreciate it!  John, Ann and our canine crew

Monday Morning Reflections / Ode to Breeders

" ...Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others... C.D. Larson"   
 ‎"...I've learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel...Maya Angelou”

I don't do mornings.  But I will make exceptions. This Monday morning is one of them.  The sky is blue with only a few scattered clouds. Although I think it's too early for them the crickets are chirping right outside of my window. An occasional rooster crows from somewhere beyond, he is certainly not a resident here.  A car or a truck passes by occasionally as traffic has begun to pick up since Memorial Day.  I am not sure but I think it is True who has determined that this is a morning to sing praises.  Every once in awhile I'll hear his attempt at a solo resound through the backyard.  Yes, he hunkered down and spent the evening in the comfort of the dog house along with Piper, Rose, and Scooby while Treasure and Jack enjoyed the comfort of the people house.  Pippin and Molly settled down nearby their pups in their subsequent areas.  John left early this morning to enjoy coffee with his brother and to help him and vice versa.  I have had my own coffee, checked email (only 2906 unread - yikes!), gleaned over Facebook and offered a comment or two, liking several friend's pictures and posts, while listening to music by Jim Brickman, Phillip Yon, and other instrumentalists in the background.  It is the calm before a busy day - actually before a busy week!  And I am doing this Monday morning just fine.

Looking ahead on the calendar I note that we have a puppy visit planned for tomorrow with a Maine couple I'm looking forward to meeting.  Our remaining pup from Molly and Scooby's litter will most likely join their family in just a couple of weeks.  It is a long story but a friend of a friend recommended them to us.  Actually, it was a friend of ours who passed of throat cancer a few years ago - something which still saddens me deeply to think of.  The All Things Brittany family circle experiences it's share of grief as well as times of great joy.  I should like to see less of the former and more of the latter (gee I hope I have aligned those terms correctly.)

The Central Maine Brittany Club Designated Specialty show is coming up later this month too, during a 4 day cluster.  I enjoy serving as Show VP for this event and feel confident everything is coming together well.  The entries look to be plentiful and I always look forward to seeing the Brittany exhibitors bring their beautiful animals to Maine.  A couple of years ago here it was Chevy (sire of Pippin's pups) who actually won Best in Show!  I admired him from afar when Pippin was a little over a year old and it was Shania's great grandmother Charlotte who called me aside and told me' now THAT dog is who you should breed Pippin too when the time comes!'  Actually that moment in time for Chevy and his handler Jenny Kreiger was captured and uploaded it to YouTube. Speaking of Chevy, one of his co-owners Nancy Morabito indicated I had left off some of the important titles of the Brittanys behind Chevy on the hypothetical pedigree posted on Pippins page of the Maine Brittany Site. I am going to give her a call so we can review it together and I can fill in any missing pieces. 

Our 2011 breeding program is winding down.  It has been a remarkable year and a very busy one. Our first litter arrived a full year after our most recent litter and it was a much anticipated repeat breeding between Treasure and Gibson.  9 of 11 pups in the first litter were hunted and/or participated in field events through AKC and NAVHDA.  And my True puppy, has earned his Junior Hunter title, has 1 leg of Senior Hunter, just earned his first 4 show points towards his bench title, and also placed 3rd in our clubs Open Derby field trial stake.  Not too shabby.  His full sister Brandi won a NAVHDA Prize 1 with 108 for a score (out of 112).  All of those pups have more than met our expectations, including that of being a great pet!  So a repeat breeding was obvious and the potential for all of the new litter is equal to that of the first, including another pup who will be entering the show ring.  As we thought of the rest of the year we received the OFA results back of Scooby, who is OFA good.  With a desire to prove him as a stud dog, to continue with the consistency from his mother Wish, and to meet our ever growing list of gun dog puppy requests we decided to breed Scooby to Molly.   Knowing exactly what to expect with Molly we knew it would be easy to identify Scooby's strengths as a producer of family hunting companions.  These efforts were rewarded when their 6 beautiful puppies were born the day before Easter although not without risk to Molly as an emergency c-section was performed due to dystocia. (See When Things Go Wrong) .  We thank God that she is well recovered and healthy, and spayed.  All of these pups have been spoken for and as usual quite a lot of screening has gone one.  It is hard sometimes to know when timing is right for a certain pup to be offered to someone who has been waiting.  But again our ATB family continues to grow and reach out, often even to each other.  (Someone likened it to a cult in the most positive light hearted sense of the word. I like to think of it as a ministry, after all - before ATB I was studying for ministry credentials!!!) To continue on with the reflection and look back we had planned to breed Pippin to Chevy @ her 3rd birthday.  She timed things perfectly so that trips to visit Chevy in New Jersey could be coordinated with visits here from a family living close to another breeder who also was using Chevy and a mutual transportation plan was arrived at!  We picked Pippin up at the March Sporting Group shows and  the rest is history.  Things are being handled quite different in regards to puppy selection and placement of Pippin and Chevy pups.  Not all will be sold, and several will be placed.  As they continue to grow and develop I do have a very serious decision to make and this is one John will leave up to me (ha - so he says!).  Although the 2011 breeding program here is coming to an end, it never really concludes especially in the case of making a decision to keep a pup for our program.  For our goals.  For our purposes. For our hopes. For our dreams. For the betterment first of our own program here, and then for the betterment of the breed itself.  And for the love of the dog, both given and received, naturally.  We have already enjoyed getting to know several new inquiries who are looking for a new Brittany puppy in 2012, and even a couple of our current puppy owners are ready to add a 2nd Brittany to their family.  We will breed Treasure one last time for puppies to be born in 2012.  And pending evaluations and health clearances will probably breed True and Piper together, son of Treasure and daughter of Jack. There are other litters planned using Brittanys from our program, just not owned by John and I.

In a little less than a month, there will no longer be 2 litters of beautiful Brittany pups to consume my waking moments and take up some of my sleeping ones.  There will be no yipping yapping woofing happy little greetings just to see me come near.  No little pups to tag along as I clean up and do chores here at ATB.  No more "oh my gosh, I JUST cleaned your pen!!" or "look at you, you are covered in poop", or running after a pup headed for the woods.  No more sitting on the floor in the middle of a pile of happy and joyful little Brittany pups clamoring over me, kissing and biting, and eventually settling down to a nap on my lap.  These actions and behaviors plus several others have been the pure expectations of every day of my life since January in one way or another.  It will be awhile before they come again.  I shall enjoy times of solitude and rest, but I usually find a way to do just that anyway - even if briefly.  When I have complained about being exhausted, Dr. Chapin who is one of our vets at Broadview Animal Hospital chides and humors me by saying "Ann, you brought this all on yourself!"  Yes. Dr. Chapin is right. Because it's what's breeders do. Which leads me to share what seems to be the perfect way to draw this blog post to a close.  From the Maine Brittany Site posted with permission from the author called Ode To Breeders.

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

Molly & Scooby's Pups - 6 weeks old!

And as promised earlier - here is the video of Molly and Scooby's pups outdoors this morning! Remember to pause the Playlist to the right - there is background music to this video - hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoy all the pups! (Once again, I've selected something from my favorite piano soloist, Jim Brickman, for background music - it's Zippity DooDah from his Disney Collection!)

Pippin & Chevy Pups: A 3 week old Glimpse

These were taken almost a week ago on 5/31/11. Just a few candids of Pippin and Chevy's pups at 3 weeks old. They have changed an awful lot in the past few days. We are going to introduce them to cereal this week and begin the weaning process. Pippin continues to be an outstanding mother. I'm trying to catch up with blog posts and photos this beautiful Sunday afternoon. The older pups were outdoors this morning for a couple of hours in the x-pen which was set up in the screen house I use at dog shows. Currently I'm creating a clip with pictures from that. John and I had a picnic lunch pondside this afternoon while all of ATB enjoyed a good time in the water. Sorry so brief... to be continued!!!!

June, already?

John's grandmother always had a unique way of looking at life. "Gramie John" was only a part of mine for a few years but I still remember things she said.  At the age of 80 something, she watched time pass by based upon what was planned for the future.  If it was January, perhaps it was a March birthday that she looked forward to.  If it was March, it could have been a planned trip down to John's parents home for the summer. If it was summer, maybe we would be looking forward to digging potatoes later in the growing season.  If it was fall, perhaps a visit from relatives to look forward to. And so on and so forth. 

Although I am a firm believer in living in the moment, enjoying it for all it's worth I also like to look ahead and see what is planned.  Sometimes watching the calendar makes time pass very quickly. Other times it causes things to drag on.  In my eyes, 2011 is passing very quickly!  Occupied (Pre-occupied?) with our 2011 purpose driven breeding program  since fall of 2010 my recent past has been defined by Brittany estrus cycles. (I wrote more about this definition in our April 12 blog.) Yesterday I turned the page over in our wall calendar to gaze upon the month of June and took a peek at July as well.  By the way and speaking of dates on calendars - usually the VERY FIRST dates to be written on a brand new calendar are the birthdates of our entire family. 

What I am seeing is the last of planned/scheduled visits with those new families who will become friends through the mutual love of our Brittanys and also very often through the love of God.  Some folks we have met several times, and some for the first time. There are those who may already have a Brittany pup from us, or from breeder friends.  Usually by the time we open our gated driveway to a potential new puppy owner, our heart has already opened to them as an individual.  John jokes frequently about 'my' methods for determining for sure whether a family is a perfect fit for our pups.  He likes to say he probably couldn't meet my criteria - but we all know that's simply not true for he more than meets my criteria as best friend, soulmate, love of a lifetime and husband going on 37 years together. I do respect what John is getting at and I respect that other people understand too.

While it is true that we did lose touch with the folks who bought pups from our first litter of Brittany pups back in 1990, we can still go to Greenville, Maine and the Moosehead Lake area and hear stories about Hunter's brother "Brit" - the pup that our son really did want to keep.  He was an amazing hunting partner for his owner, just like Hunter and his parents Cricket and Freckles were for us.  Flashing back in time, 1990 - John jr. a freshman in high school, Maryann in junior high, me working nights as a manager in a fabric store, and John at the power plant.  We did not have the time, opportunity, or resources to further pursue our desire concerning Brittanys but we always knew one day we would re-establish the program we started back then.  Flash forward to today - we are doing just that!

This month and into July our 2011 breeding program winds down.  One by one, a happy little Brittany puppy will run to greet their new owners as they come up the walkway.  The new owners will take their pups leash and the first day of the rest of their life will officially begin.  Our goodbyes are usually said long before the actual departure. It's better that way and it's why we like to have the new collar and leash on the pup.  There is something very significant about a new leash in the hands of a new owner.  Pup immediately seems to recognize the change in 'leadership'.  It is a good thing.  In most instances we prefer that every puppy enjoys it's own special time of hello and goodbye.  John and I have tried group puppy take homes and while it's kind of fun it can be hectic.  The take home visits are perhaps the briefest of all visits, but everyone will have been anticipating this for some time, we are all prepared and besides, it simply opens the door for a new friendship to continue and span the lifetime of the dog, if not longer.  As a breeder, we are there for all the stages of life of the dog and their owner.  Even for those dogs who did not originate here. It is always 'all for the love of the dog both given and received.'

So those of you who know me, realize this blog is maybe a little bit more about or for 'me'... yup.  I'm geting ready - again.  For that first day of the rest of their little lives to begin with several of 'you'.  You know the brave answers I give when asked 'is it hard to let go, to say goodbye'.   You also know what is going on when I turn my back and head back into the house as John watches to be sure the gate opens and closes safely.  And you also know just how much love, time, attention, devotion is being poured into these little ones each and every day. 

June, already?  Really?  And then... comes July shortly on it's heels.  In between now and then Molly's pups and Pippin's pups will be experiencing the first day of the rest of their lives.  A new day, with a new horizon for our Brittany pups will open up. One full of love and joy, some challenges and a few trials, but above all a lively happy and fun-filled life for these Brittany puppies.  Happy happy joy joy. Indeed!  It won't be quiet here and it won't be lonely.  But it will be - July.  WOW!  July is full of wonderful family, friends, and Brittany activity though.  Dare I peek at August yet?  Well Gramie John would probably advise me to do just that, to have something to look forward to.  But as I look around, count the many blessings in our life I think we're good.  In the meantime, pups are calling, another planet is heard from so until next time....Take care and God bless, John, Ann and ATB