ATB: John's 1st Moose Story

I'm not writing from a hunter's perspective as I tell the tale about the first moose John has ever shot and killed.  I weave a story from the perspective of a wife and mother, who did not grow up in a hunting family but, as a grown up, became part of a hunting family.  It was at my father in laws side that I first learned how to shoot a gun, it was with my husband that I went on my first deer hunting trip (in our back yard in Eliot, Maine), and it is now as a grandmother I see the Short family tradition of hunting continue.

A native of Maine, John has put in for the moose lottery since it first began on July 15, 1980 (see article).  Quick calculations determine this means he entered 31 times. So for 31 years our family waited for the drawing to take place, only to learn time and again his name was not drawn.  Shooting his first deer at the age of 16, he has hunted every year with family and/or friends.  Very often he didn't even have to leave his back yard of 11 acres, or surrounding properties.  He hunted in a time when posting property was not a common occurrence but knocking on the door to your neighbors house to ask for permission to cross their land was.  Speaking of family, friends, and neighbors I just heard from one of John's best childhood friends who lived across the street from him.  'Jerre' told me his mother, who still lives there, really appreciates how our son John Jr. follows the same etiquette taught to him by his dad and grampa.

John and our son have traveled twice to St. Johns Bay, Canada on a group Caribou hunting trip together organized by John. Each of them were successful. They've also hunted big deer together in Illinois. Our son has traveled to Illinois, Michigan, and Anacosti Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence all for deer.  He and his wife went on a moose hunting trip together to Newfoundland where he shot his first moose. (We babysat the two girls pictured above in their hunting gear who were just toddlers at the time.) As any parent knows you have to be fair in recognizing the talents of each child so suffice to say our daughter Maryann has also carried on the Short hunting tradition in the past. She shot her first deer when she was just 16 as well.  John has also enjoyed introducing our son in law David to hunting and they have gone together a couple of times locally.

I'm well aware of the anti-hunting campaign and also respective of people who just would prefer to enjoy their wildlife through photographs. But I'm also personally aware of how much shooting a deer or other game helps any family during the winter months.  It's also much healthier for you - how much more organic can you get?!


In Maine, you can apply for the moose hunting permit as early as January with the deadline sometime in May.  This year 3,205 permits were to be allocated in the states 28 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs).  This was an increase of 65 permits from 2010.  Each WMD has a 'season date' to hunt.  There are areas which are more desirable to hunters.  And there are areas which are not.  But the chances for getting drawn for a more desirable area are much slimmer than that for others.  John knew this so he selected as one of his choices WMD zone 15.  A zone where only 25 permits would be drawn.  A zone whose furthest boundary was less than a 2 hours drive from home.  And it was the luck of the draw that gave John his very first opportunity to hunt for a moose in this zone.

The drawing was held in the middle of June at Cabala's.  Staci & Jessie, friends of our son and present at the time of the drawing, were the first to hear John's name had been drawn and let us all know.  AWESOME news and one very happy husband and family.

It's really neat to think of how everything came together. We know a lot of folks in the area and there are often reasons for spending time in zone 15.  But to the best of my knowledge it certainly wasn't known for a large moose population.  The day quickly approached, gear accumulated on the kitchen table, guns were sighted in, new ammo purchased, and more.  As John had not named an alternate it was to be a solo moose hunting excursion. Lots of tips and advice were discussed with friends and family including a road trip or two through the area prior to the date.  Just days before John was to hunt, a chance meeting with a friend of his brother (Fred) afforded what would prove to be extremely timely tips and advice.

Not a morning person. But you all know that. John however is and always has been - and especially so when it comes to opening day, an opening day that was for Maine residents only.  (BTW - we are not in favor of keeping the Maine resident's only opening day but that is another story.)  Through my sleepy haze I was aware that John was leaning over to kiss me goodbye before he left.  I told him to be safe, asked him if he remembered this that and the other things, and told him I loved him. It was about 4:45 a.m. (Never leave your loved ones without telling them you love them - never, ever...) 

John is a man who wakes up ready and raring to greet the day, to tackle it head on.  He is also always ready with a joke or to tease an unsuspecting victim. Sometimes I appreciate it, other times I don't.  And often I can't tell the difference. He is THAT good.  The phone rang shortly after 7 a.m. and when I heard John's voice on the answering machine I scrambled out of bed, displacing the Brittanys there with me.  He was saying something about his moose hunt being all over and I couldn't figure out what he meant.  I did not know if he was simply teasing. I kept saying 'what?! - what?! - really!? - no kidding?!'

John had arrived at the hunting spot he'd decided upon and remained in his truck catching a brief nap before the allotted time for hunting. When it was time he quietly got out of his truck and headed to the back where his gear was stored. Suited up with orange, armed with his gun, he slowly turned and was surprised to see several large figures moving in the distance. Adjusting his eyes to the light he drew up his gun to get a better look through the scope. And sure enough, there was 1 large bull, 1 large cow, and 2 smaller yearlings. John moved closer to get a better look and walked very slowly. I can only imagine his heart must have been pounding out of his chest !  I wasn't there in that moment but I can feel what it must have been like for him - after all these years of waiting, and because of all the times he'd hunted with his father, with our children, with his friends, and yes even with me.  How awesome a moment in time for John, one that he will remember for the rest of his life as will I.

John's a safe hunter and would only take a clear and clean shot without risk or chance.  And that's exactly what he did.  One shot, behind the shoulder and he thought he saw the big one disappear from sight.  John continued to watch the others. There was little reaction in the animals, the two younger ones seemed to be playing and the cow just kept on walking, watching John.  As he continued to approach the area where the bull was last seen something BIG caught his eye and sure enough, it was the rack of the bull moose that John had just shot, lying on it's side. 

After John's wake up call that his moose hunt was over I reached my son on his cell phone. He was already out in the woods in Eliot with his two oldest daughters.  He answered his cell in a whisper 'ma... did he get one?'   For some reason I also whispered and responded softly 'yes, he did, he just called.'  So that connection was made.  My next conversation was with John's brother - we were both ecstatic.  Then John and I touched base a few more times and he let me know what was going on. He had reached his brother's friend and it is here a shout out to the Dunnel family is warranted.  This Maine hunting family was all geared up for a day of deer hunting together and ready to head out.  When John contacted them to let them know he had shot his moose they immediately offered to come help. This was unexpected.  But they quickly showed up with their 4-wheeler and trailer. They all worked together to drag and load the moose so John could transport it to the tagging station and then bring it home. That is kindness and generosity one does not expect - thank you!!

During this time our family was talking back and forth, making plans and happily sharing the news about dads first moose - woo hoo!   John jr. and his family came over to our house to wait for the arrival of John and his moose.  When I saw his truck pull into the driveway I couldn't believe my eyes.  The first thing I did was race up to my husband and give him a great big congratulatory hug and kiss - and I had tears in my eyes... really.  I was just thrilled for him.  (The animal was beautiful, and I would be lying to say I do not experience a sadness to see such a majestic animal like that however thinning out the moose herd is necessary and putting food on the table is too.)  I was happy to see John's brother Fred pull into the driveway. (Maryann was very excited for her dad too but she was where she needed to be for her family and fulfilling Saturday commitments with her kids and her husband David.)

It was a full day for all of us but especially for John and his moose.  Plans to have the meat cut and prepared by family and friends fell through due to the Nor'easter which left nearly 2 feet of snow on the ground and power outages everywhere.  John's moose hung for a day and was then transported to a local cutter.  He weighed in at 706 lbs., his rack was 47" wide with 17 points.

One of the things that Maryann and I have commented on together was how much this would have meant to her grampa, which was John's dad.  The Shorts have always been a close family, long before I married John.  They have been a family of pride and tradition, of hard working men and women, people with strong values and with strong opinions. Folks with good hearts and giving ways.  I see it carried on in our son and our daughter. And hunting is as relevant to them as breathing.  It's just the way it is. Maryann and I reflected on how her grampa must have been looking down with so much love at John, and especially at seeing both of his sons together. I know how much it means to me when I see our whole family together, and maybe that's something to pass along as well.

REFLECTION
Things are changing in our world.  And sometimes you just have to get back to basics, whatever that happens to mean to you as an individual.  I know for our son that means returning to the same woods where he once walked not only with his dad, but also with his grampa.  He was like a little Daniel Boone when a little kid - and more than once I opened a skillet to see 'some' kind of local small game simmering, usually thanks to grampa.  He and Maryann use to play make believe hunting, and they would craft bows out of flexible willow branches and baling twine.  The stories go on and on. Sometimes you have to go back 'there'.  Speaking of which, most every fall our son returns to his first hunting grounds, sets up a tree stand and is there early in the morning on to wait and watch.  Most often he is successful. And now he brings our grandchildren there.  I have to say I really was blessed to learn he still asks the neighbors permission.  As Maryann suggested grampa was looking down and smiling about John's first moose yesterday, I wonder if our son John somehow senses a similar thing about grampa when he returns to hunt in Eliot.  Anyway, these are the things a mother tucks away in her heart.  Things I value and treasure.  I'm glad my daughter and I share a sensitivity to all of these family memories and reflections with each other.  And by the way, it was on our sons birthday when his dad shot the moose. 

We'll be looking forward to enjoying the "back strap" and the tenderloin from the moose.  Afterwards, my recipe books of game will be taken out of the cupboard again!  I can't wait.

Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany, and as always take care and God Bless.  John,  Ann and ATB

ATB: First Snowfall / It's Rosie's Day (Video)

This morning's view from our deck.

By the time we let the dogs out before going to bed last night the snow had started to fall.   The weather report had called for a light snowfall but when I discovered it was snowing it was coming down rather heavy. Although the weatherman said it would not linger on the ground full evidence remained when we let the dogs out this morning.  And here it is now 11:30 a.m. with the sun brightly shining and both the front and back yards still have snow.  I'd go so far as to say there was about 2 inches total last night. From what I've heard today, apparently there is a storm forecast for the weekend. 

One of the joys of snow falling is the fun that the dogs all have playing in it.  Especially for those who have never encountered it before.  9 month old Nova is visiting us from Connecticut so she and 5 month old Hemi had a blast this morning.  (Nova you may remember was from the litter of pups born in a blizzard back in January, on the birthday of our grandaughter also named Nova.)  It's no secret I am not a morning person so it was actually John who took the photo above as well as several others when he got up.  He wanted to capture some first snow pix especially of Nova to show her owners.  I created a brief slideshow and uploaded it to Facebook. 

I awoke to the sound of happy barking dogs and peeked out the window to discover the entire ATB crew running like a group of playground kids at recess in the snow.  They were racing around, circling the house in much the same way a group of wagon trains would do in days gone by. I thought it was so funny and imagined they were trying to wake me up in an effort to come out and join them but in reality they were focused on other things.  So much for my pride. 

Last night I had a little snowball fight outdoors with Hemi and Nova.  Hemi actually seemed quite puzzled by the white stuff and kept asking to go back outside.  Nova is like her mother Treasure and they both took off together leaping with glee through the air like a graceful gazelle.  Jack is like 'oh yeah, ho hum.'  The older dogs this morning however love love love the snow and winter is a really fun time for all of them.  You see John, in as much it is a LOT of work, always plows and snowblows around the entire yard. He actually MAKES trails for the dogs so they can run and not get stuck in the deeper snow.  It helps them to stay warm because as they exercise in the winter they also get the snow stuck in their toes and coat.  With having the packed snow to run out it makes life much more enjoyable for all concerned.  But hopefully we are not even close to times like that although it has been a very happy morning as far as the dogs are concerned.

Especially so for Miss Rosie.  Her calendar indicated that it was time for her to go bird hunting with John.  She's a very serious hunter, stylish and impressive.  I identified her as a hunter when she was about 4 weeks old.  Remembering advice from Frank Pride about observing very young pups I knew she had the right stuff.  While the rest of the pups were busy with each other or with their mother, Miss Rosie was all about exploring every nook and cranny that she could possible reach.  In the beginning we were going to call her J&A's April Rose (being born in April).  But when her personality began to emerge we saw what reminded us of the Ever Ready Energizer Bunny... and her name became J&A's Ever Ready Rose.  And she is always just that. 

Fate was not kind to Rose and I have written more about this in depth on the post entitled 'Reflections of Spaying Rosie'.   Rosie is truly a special needs Brittany and her passion for life probably exudes that of all of our other Brittanys combined.  I feel so connected to Rosie, in a way I cannot describe.  And so do most people who meet her. 

So today it is Rosie's day here!!  A day from beginning to end where she will be in the fields with John.  She will return totally exhausted and spent, but she will be riding high on the thrill of this very special day.  Will there be birds?  Who knows!  I know she'll hunt hard and fast and she will give it 100%.  And she will be smiling. Yes, she smiles.  Her heart will beat out of her chest with joy.  Her fatigue will be an enjoyment in itself for it comes from hard work.  And she's in good shape. She has been part of the field training all summer and into the fall.  Every day here with Rosie is special, she's a part of everything we do.  But as any multiple dog owner knows, one of the greatest gifts we can offer to the dogs we love and share our life with - is that one on one time exclusively reseved for them.  Each of our dogs know how it feels when it is their turn to be John's personal gun dog for the day but I believe Rosie appreciates it more than any of them.

Days like this make me so happy I could cry. I love each and every Brittany in my life, they all bring something so special and wonderful to us.  They all stand out in their own right.  And then there is Rosie.  My big beautiful fun loving Rosie whose purpose in life is simply to make me smile.  Something she does quite easily.  She's patient to a point, willing to yield right away to daily needs and necessities but she is never willing to be taken for granted. 

Forever an important part of our Brittany Canine Crew, my sweet little rosebud is having the time of her life today and I couldn't be happier!  Thanks for your interest, take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany!

J & A's Brittanys 2012 Breeding Program Update

Because we are "All things Brittanys" and NOT all things puppies I thought it would be nice to share this updated information. While it is not earth shattering news I hope it's helpful to those of you who support our efforts here at J & A's Brittanys.

This is typically the time of year we receive the most inquiries for upcoming litters of our Brittanys.  Most often those of you who contact us already know exactly what you're looking for and are ready to wait with us for an indefinite amount of time for the perfect 'fit'.  And you soon learn that as important as it is for you to find a reputable, ethical, and experienced breeder - it is even more important for us to find the perfect families for pups we are responsible for bringing into the world.  During the waiting period John and I so enjoy a chance to get to know those who will probably share their life with a future J&A's Brittany puppy.  You get to learn more about what we're all about and we get to know more about you.  (There are no puppy parties here where a group of people come on a given day to select the pup of their choice. Sorry about that, look somewhere else if that's what you want.)

Most often our purpose driven breeding program (close working gun dogs for active families) includes plans for winter pups.  We know that bird hunters enjoy bringing a pup into their lives early in the year so that their summer can be spent getting that pupster on as many birds as possible.  Those who are involved with field trials also very frequently prefer a pup during that time frame so they are old enough to get their hopeful prospect into both spring and fall puppy braces and it works out well for derby age dogs too born in this time frame. But the fact of the matter is - the perfect time to bring a pup into your lives is when much planning and foresight has gone into your decision.  And for all of us, this can be very different.  (We only have pups available occassionally, we do not breed our girls at every heat, and the most important thing - our dogs are part of our family - they are not commodities.  If you are looking for a breeding kennel, you should not be looking here!) I think it's important to stress the fact that we're not in BUSINESS here, we are hobby breeders and even though the DEMAND for our pups may be strong at certain times of the year we will not compromise our ethics or values to meet that desire for our pups. We're not 'profit minded'.  If you're not familiar with our program you can download information about it here.

We anticipate our next litter of pups will be planned for the spring of  2012.  We do have additional plans for moving forward into the future that are exciting and positive while we currently remain busy with All Things Brittany right here and right now.

Soon we will be emailing our updated "Serious Inquiry" waiting list out to those who are on it.  We'll be asking you to let us know of your ongoing level of interest.  Additionally, you'll receive all of our updated information.  If you do not have a questionnaire on file with us, we'll ask you to complete that.  And so on and so forth.  Everything is fully explained and in writing.  We don't want anyone to have a bad experience with 'verbal' agreements.

In the meantime, we are awaiting the arrival of a litter over in New Hampshire sired by Jack.  This is the repeat breeding that produced Bella and Louie among others, young pups who are not only being hunted over this season but who have already received several qualifying scores towards their AKC Junior Hunter title at the age of 9 months (including a perfect score of 4, 10s!)  Jasmine and Jack's pups are due the first week of November.  Tom and Kim Zuk of Barnstead, NH are the breeders, they are friends of ours and we are very proud to recommend their soon to be born pups if they are not already spoken for. The pups from the other 2 litters of Brittanys which we have suggested with pups sired this fall by CH Hills Blazen' Jac (our Pippin's sire) are either all spoken for or already in their new homes.

Brrr! It's chilly tonight. John cleaned the chimney and the Yodel woodstove we have. We have several cords of wood stacked outside, the porch has been enclosed and there is wood stacked there for easy access in the days ahead.  We heated our home exclusively with wood last year and the furnace was used rarely.  And then there is the pellet stove that keeps the dogs' house warm.  I'm hoping to take out the infamous love seat down there.  You may remember that the cushions met their fate when I stepped out briefly leaving the then two youngest clowns to their own devices, returning to several inches of shredded foam?  Never mind, that's another story.  Anyway, I'd like to be able to open that area up again yet still have a sitting area like before.  The dogs like having a piece of furniture to call their own of course, one that will accommodate their needs for comfort and mine at the same time. And so on and so forth - you see the all have their own preference whether here or there.  What matters most to me is their happiness.  When they are happy I am happy. And come to think of it, that works both ways.  So we're all really very happy most of the time.  One thing I love about the coming cold... I love hibernating through the winter months with our motley crew of Brittanys and wouldn't have it any other way.  Take care and God bless and thanks for listening to my ramblings.  We are - John, Ann & All things Brittany!

ATB: Hemi's Page / Saturday Night Pheasant Fry Menu

Hemi's Page
One of my many writing projects for this fall is the annual revision of our J & A’s Brittanys website. A lot of updates have been made already including new 2011 photos for the actual hunting dog gallery, with plenty of room left to add more. As the update continues I’ll revise individual profile pages to be sure they are current. There will also be a brand new page for our puppy, Hemi.

He’s almost 6 months old and when I asked John what came to mind when it came to describing Hemi he replied Hemi is a little “pain in the… !” That wasn’t quite the response I was looking for so I pressed my husband to be just a little bit more specific - although I will agree with his initial reaction!

Here’s what else John said about Hemi: “He is very determined when it comes to finding his birds, especially for being less than 6 months old. We have watched him several times come across the scent and then work it right up until several feet away from the bird which he will then hold point. Flushing the bird for him and shooting a blank gun he still would like to chase the bird but of course he is just so young. We see a lot of good qualities in Hemi and he seems to be very smart, a fast learner and willing to please. I think that’s pretty good for a puppy his age!” So do I.

Because of Hemi’s age it is a little challenging to profile specific and measurable goals but John has done a great job laying a good foundation with little britches in the field. I’m doing my part in preparing Hemi for his very first dog show as past blog posts about him will indicate. As I build Hemi’s ‘bio’ page each piece of information and all the tidbits will help showcase what this little guy is about - or what we ‘think’ he is about!

In a nutshell his socialization is ongoing as it is with all of our dogs, especially the pups. Every opportunity to try something new, meet new people, or have a fresh and unique experience is given to him. And most of his practical training actually takes place in our home as normal every day life happens. Multiple dog families have unique challenges and we are no exception. I do not want Hemi to rely on the other dogs for his entertainment and certainly not for his training. He needs to look to me or to John for direction and approval. This isn’t always easy. And it’s very important for Hemi to have time alone without other dogs whether indoors or outside. He’s doing well in all of these areas.

In August I ran Hemi in a fun trial for Northern New England Brittany Club members only. He was just 3 months old so the only expectation I had was to walk the entire brace and that he would not run away from me. He didn’t let me down and has a 4th place win in a fun field trial! That will be part of his bio. We participated in handling classes under the expertise of Penny Cary at Finish Forward Dogs in Scarborough, Maine where he did really well. He was exposed to a variety of dog breeds of different shapes, ages, and sizes. Lessons included how to be prepared for handlers who will intentionally run up on another dog in the ring or other un-sportsmanship gestures. We’ve been in two official AKC sanctioned fun matches and he has ribbons for Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex, Puppy Group 2, Adult Group 4, all with competition, including a brother Magnum and sister Thistle.

I am so not in a hurry to rush the process. Hemi is fast approaching the magic age of being old enough to enter a real dog show to compete for championship points I’ll be watching him closely. Not every puppy is ready for the demands of showing at an early age, and I quite frankly just have no business plan or personal agenda in place to put showing dogs first in my life. I do enjoy the social aspects of showing, the time spent with good friends, getting away and having fun. Having said that, I will look forward to building Hemi’s page around the few events we plan to participate in with him and with his sister Thistle. There are several other in his litter who may join us in time. There’s no rush to fill in the pages of their lives in such a way. But I do anticipate what will eventually be written will be quite magnificent to say the least. And that is a fact.

One more thing from John for Hemi‘s page: At 5 months Hemi ran out into the field, came back and barked at John 3 times, then ran back out and held his point while John flushed/shot 3 birds over him which he then retrieved. Pffffffttttt! (To know John is absolutely to love John - and I do!)

What's Cooking at ATB?

Saturday Night Pheasant Fry

8 pheasants dressed out and deboned - soaking in ice cold water to which salt has been added
3 tbs crushed, dried garlic
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tbs flour
Salt, pepper
Dip boneless pheasant in a bath of eggs and milk. Coat in mixture of above. Pan fry in cast iron skillet with olive oil.
Cook thoroughly until done. Drain and serve.

Oven Baked Potatoes
Thinly slice 8 washed, unpeeled potatoes
Arrange on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt & pepper, drizzle with olive oil
Cook in 350 oven until golden brown
Serve with molasses or ketchup

Green Beans in Milk
Cook 3-4 cups of fresh, canned, or frozen green beans until done
Drain water
Add 2 cups of milk, pat of butter, salt & pepper
Heat until milk curdles
Serve

Green Tomato Pickles, Sweet Bread, Gingersnaps
Hot Tea

Hope you enjoyed this post, and as always thanks for your interest! Take care and God bless you and yours - John, Ann, and our wonderful canine crew

ATB Video: Training Our Crew

Pause music on PlayList to the Right.



ATB at York County Kennel Club 2011 Fall Match

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 

Annual York County Kennel Club Fall Match

Finish Forward Dog Training Studio in Saco, Maine.  

Congralations to Julie Harris and Thistle for winning:

Best of Breed

Puppy Sporting Group 1

Adult Sporting Group 4

Hemi was handled by Shania Hersey and together they were Best Opposite Sex to Thistle.  Although Thistle and Hemi were the only Brittanys there to represent the breed Miss Thistle (the pistol) after winning BOB then went on and competed in the Puppy Sporting Group with an Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, and a Black Lab - winning this class with style and attitude!  Thistle went on further to compete in the Adult Sporting Group, placing 4th out of 5!!

This makes two very successful showings for this now 5 month old brother and sister team out of Chevy and Pippin at Maine dog show matches and we're looking forward to the pups being old enough for actual dog shows!  Their field training is of course ongoing as well.

Congratulations also to Hemi's friend from handling classes,  a beautiful young Newfoundland pup who went home winning best of most everything at the show!  And a congratulations as well to Annie (Aussie) - who won a Group 1 handled by Shania's grandmother!

Treasure & Gibsons Pups - 2 Years Old

"Pause" playlist before viewing.

OCTOBER 11, 2009

In recognition of the 2nd birthday of True, Brandi, Boog, Kasper, Remington, Jersie, Millie, Casper, Riley,  Patches, and Rugby I thought it would be nice to share this amazing video one more time.  Personally, I never tire of watching it and it's really neat to know that it has now been viewed on YouTube over 3000 times. Enjoy this video - I never could have dreamed it would be enjoyed by so many outside of our ATB family.

Perhaps you are seeing this for the first time and are not familiar with the story behind it. It is really self explanatory and some narration text is offered on the clip itself. This is as amateur as it gets when it comes to making a video and it was made with a very basic point & shoot digital camera, a camera I just happened to have in my pocket.

The pups were about 5 weeks old, simply outside discovering the great outdoors. Weather permitting all pups from our breding program here are absolutely introduced to birds regardless of whether they will go to a hunting family or not.  9 out of the 11 pups in this litter not only went to hunting families, but are currently enjoying their 2nd bird hunting season this fall. John had returned from a successful pheasant hunt and dressed the birds for me. We often save the feathers etc. Such was the case this day.

Treasure, mother of these pups, has an amazing nose and strong prey drive so it didn't take her any time at all to locate and then steal the tail feathers from John's bird. It was the first time we'd let the pups roam freely in the yard, away from the confines of their small exercise pen.

Treasure not only inherited strong natural hunting abilities from her mother Wish, but also her wonderful nurturing and maternal instincts as well. When Treasure and her litter mates were about the same age as the pups in this clip Wish caught a chicken roaming around the yard, killed it, and delivered it to her own puppies. There is a reason why we emphasize the raw and natural instincts of our Brittanys! Wish was always an easy whelper and being her 'midwife' has been a beautiful experience for us. As any breeder knows, it is not always that way. (She is retired from her mothering responsibilities.) John and I were very pleased to discover that Treasure too has her own mother's tendencies, in more ways than one.  Like her mother, Treasure possesses specific qualities we want to see passed on.

We are used to seeing one or two of the parents of young pups interact and play with their babies. It's a precious privilege in our eyes to be treated to such a sight. Even more precious though is when a 'gift' such as is contained within this video unfolds right before your very eyes. Such was the case that day.

Treasure disappeared from sight but quickly returned with the pheasant feathers in her mouth. Her litter of pups was in the middle of their first great exploration around our yard, busy discovering things like our grand children's swing set or simply deciding whether they wanted to leave the familiar comfort of the x-pen.

How does one accurately describe a vision such as the one which unfolded right before my eyes? It's not common place but I know it happens sometimes. Although I've had the pleasure to observe many interactions between mother dogs and their pups, I've never them engaged in the raw beauty of a deeper understanding, an innate behavior which no man could ever instill in an animal.

Treasure is the one who first introduced these puppies to birds. She is the one who awakened their instincts. Not John or me. We have only seen this natural phenomena once and I don't know if we'll ever see it again. We always get pups on birds early on. But this time - Treasure took it to a much deeper level. The results of which are embraced by those who own and love one of these pups who will turn 2 years old tomorrow, the pups of Treasure and Gibson's first litter. (Including of course our own sweet True puppy!)

Happy birthday to each one of 'you', we will forever love you with all our hearts.

John, Ann, and our canine crew here at All Things Brittany

ATB: Autumn Sunshine

( "Hunter" from our first litter born in 1990.  Waiting at the Bridge, we still miss him!)

Website Update Progress

Just a quick note, I'm pretty happy with the way the update is going so far. I discovered a nice photo gallery within the website builder that I use.  I played around with it a little bit and was happy with the results. Just a couple of glitches but basically there is a new page with the professional show photos I have and a brand new version of the gundog page.  If you get a chance take a look and let me know what you think. 

I need to get some sleep - take care and God bless... and oh yes we have some happy hunting Brittanys here and birds in the freezer!  Ann, John

Fall 2011 Website Update In Progress

Just a quick note to say that our annual website update is occuring over at the Maine Brittany Site.   That's where all our photos, videos, information, biographies etc. live.

Our site is by no means intended to be professional however we do endeavor to present as much information as is possible in a clean, easy to read format.  I am technically challenged when it comes to writing code etc. although I get the gist of a little bit of CSS, HTML, etc.  (little being the key word.)  I probably make it much more difficult for myself the way that I handle the design but in the past I've had a couple of very capable individuals help me out.  In the end that was just too frustrating to have to rely on others to make my changes. I found it a little invasive too although appreciated the help at the time.

This time around I am returning to a more basic format and using less images.  Relying on the vast library of collages that I have it is my hope to use more of them.  It will take awhile to get it where I want it to be.  The last time I changed things around was just about a year ago according to my files, on October 10, 2010.  I liked the clean look of a solid black background while using black and white photos on the homepage but have returned to a template where the content overlays the background.  There's a really nice code for photo gallery that I want to try and if it works out - the photo gallery will be updated.

Speaking of updates, our waiting list will soon be updated to reflect 2012 plans for our program here.  In the meantime we will be happy to refer you to breeders who we know are expecting or who have pups on the ground that are related to our crew here. 

Take care... and truly God Bless you all and good luck hunting!  John, Ann and the crew xoxoxox