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!