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