Merry Christmas

We would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas !

 

ATB: Not A Creature Was Stirring

Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even.... Hemi or John !!!

 

 

ATB: Merry Christmas Greeting from Maggie Rose!

Look what we received from Maggie Rose!!! Isn't she beautiful? Maggie is daughter of Scooby and Molly, and is 19 months old. Lives in Ohio with her wonderful family. She wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!!

Free greeting made with Smilebox

ATB Puppies: Things Hoped For, Things Not Seen

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

I'm hoping very much for something that I do not see.  Something I do not see, YET.

We take a few steps forward in this new journey of awaiting our next litter of Brittany puppies.  As many times as this journey is taken, it is always fresh and new. Always exciting and full of hopes and dreams, not only for John and I, but for those who are waiting with us. 

Even as we approach the actual day of Christmas and look forward to everything that means to us, our family and our friends, there is still a glimmering spark on the new horizon of 2013.  And we know there are those of you reading this who are looking in the same direction as John and I.

We're getting "All Things Brittany" ready and preparing for what we hope will actually happen in January, and then again in February.  Plans that were made well over a year ago were put into place in the not so distant past.  Simply said - we hope to soon confirm that which we cannot currently see!

This blog will be where the journey is shared in as much as I may freely take the time to do so.  As in the past, I will share from my heart those things which a dog breeder experiences. From the mundane to that which is exciting and full of joy, I will bring our readers and especially our new puppy families, through these next months. 

For those of you waiting for a puppy, now is the time to have the book "Art of Raising A Puppy" by Monks of New Skete. This seriously is required reading but it's also fun to follow along in the first chapters of development of a neo-natal puppy.  You will have a better understanding of what (we hope and anticipate) will be going on here. We recently sent out our first breeding update out to those on our waiting list and I'm really very appreciative of the follow ups which came as a result.

The average gestation period for a dog is 63 days.  The first sign that we look for here that a planned breeding may have resulted in the desired pregnancy is when the mother to be experiences "morning sickness".  Although like in humans it can occur at any time of day. Typically, she vomits out of the clear blue sky without any warning at all.  It's easy to miss, because it doesn't usually last or repeats itself. You simply discover that she has vomited. 

Pippin vomited exactly 3 weeks to the day since she was bred to Chevy. She seems to spend more time sleeping than usual. Pip is always a very affectionate girl and cuddly. It seems lately she has been more so. Pippin has a very well sprung rib cage. This past week she has appeared to look a little wider and thicker than usual. 

I always hesitate to confirm a pregnancy, and prefer really to wait and see.  I do know how to palpitate (feel for pups) and know the best dates to do it. But once again, I prefer to let nature take it's course.   There's also two separate points where x-rays and/or ultra sound can detect and confirm the presence of pups, or lack of them.  We may do that on rare occasions or in the case of emergency.

As an anticipated pregnancy advances, we begin to feed food especially formulated for puppies. This is to meet increased energy needs for the eventual milk production, growth of puppies.  Their calorie needs are greater, and more protein is needed for the development of puppies. Some girls will go off their food for awhile while others are chow hounds. When Pippin was pregnant before, she was a chow hound!

Speaking of her previous pregnancy. We are closely following our whelping records of Pippin's litter born in May 2011. I am also writing down these significant notations above on the current pages. It is no surprise that it is nearly word for word. 

**************************************************************************

In a few more weeks I will also begin to make note here about Piper and True.  We're very excited about this pairing. We have brought Jacks daughter together with Treasure's son for very specific reasons, reasons similar to our prior breeding of Treasure to Bullet (Jacks son).  The line we have been re-establishing for the past 10 years now has proven to be all we had set out for it to be, and more. So now as breeders we continue to be in that place of breeding back into what is the best of our best. Confident of what's there without any surprises. Realizing that successive breeding is necessary. We have improved upon our own line, which was part of the early goal.  And now we have reached a consistency in what we are striving to bring forth with our beautiful Brittany bird dogs. Suffice to say - we have a high degree of anticipation for what True and Piper bring forth together too.  Above all, we're certain in both of these litters to see sound temperament, sweet disposition, correct conformation, and well preserved natural abilities and instincts in regards to hunting.  And quite honestly, next to the temperament - the hunting part of it is what J&A's Brittanys is all about!

Look at that time... I'm doing it again. Staying up late, and blogging into the morning hours. But that's okay. "HE" is the morning person, and I am the night owl.  And it works. Most of the time.  I will end now for I will be in danger of falling asleep on the keyboard, which I've done before.  I just wanted to get started talking about puppies. Because after Christmas, the season of puppies is the very best of all!  These pups will have the spring and the summer to get ready for a fun fall in the field.  Let's think puppies - and hope for that which is not yet seen.

Christmas is coming.....!!!!!!!!   Take care and God bless - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

Christmas Video / Christmas Prayer



 

 

Once again we would like to wish all of our friends and family a very joyous and happy Christmas.  It is hard to believe yet another year has come and gone so quickly.  My heart cannot feel heavy because of the recent murders of the very young children and teachers in Connecticutt.  There is no explanation for what happened other than there is evil in the world and that satan is on a rampage. We need to pray for the families and especially for those young children who lived through this hell. On Friday night, after the shootings all I could think of were those parents who knew that their child not coming home, meant that he or she had been a victim. And they also knew their precious little body was still locked up in the school. I think that's what just wrenched my heart the most. I do lift my eyes to the Lord, and cry out to Him.  I believe that many of those parents are doing the same thing. For there alone is where the healing is, where the comfort is, where faith and prayer are real. 

 

These are very dark times for all of us... but when we know in WHOM we believe, trust Him, despite the fact we can't see His hand in any of this... strength will come to us, in small ways. As Christians, we truly know that certain things are going to come to pass... and we can all be faithful to share Jesus with the world, shine for Him, pray for others, love when we don't feel like it. The faith of so many is being shaken, tested, and tried in these days. We can do nothing n our own strength but it is through our weakness that God's strength is perfected. Our hearts may ache collectively as a nation, but heart of our Father, God - is breaking for all of mankind.

 

Perhaps this Christmas prayer expressed by Max Lucado on his blog following the shootings will touch your heart as it has mine:

 

"Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
 
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children"

12 Dogs of Christmas

 

Just for fun thought I'd share this snipped from the finale of 12 Dogs of Christmas!  If you look closely, you will see a very cute little Brittany puppy in this scene. He is actually one of the featured dogs in this movie which was filmed entirely in Maine.  Since True and Piper are included in our 2013 breeding program I thought it might be fun to 'show off' True's father "Gibson" who is the Brittany puppy featured above!  There is one slight problem with this song, that is they fail to identify Gibson as a Brittany but it's an oversight we can forgive because he is seen frequently throughout the movie. You hear me talk a lot about my friend Pam, well she and her husband Sam own Gibson who was born in December 2003 and featured in the movie which was filmed in the Sunday River area of Maine, spring of 2004. Enjoy!

ATB: Dog Breeders Ringside Reflections

Thistle, brother Hemi, mom Pippin chillaxin' at a recent dog show. Note the identical peeved expressions
 on the girls, and then Hemi's attempt at re-arranging his crate.

NOTE: I decided to further elaborate on a topic which originally appeared in part under Hemis' major show win photo.  I felt the rambling topic below, which is of a more personal nature, is worthy of it's own blog post. Some of the terms used in regards to showing is like a foreign language. AKC's Introduction to Dog Shows would be helpful if it's too confusing!

RETROSPECT
In November 2011 I became extremely discouraged and was turned off about the whole showing thing. Many factors came into play. Not only was my knee working against me, but so was my weight. To move a dog nicely in the ring as well as to present the dog well is easily hindered by a handler that is physically limited to how well they themselves can move. It may look easy to the casual observer watching a dog show but there are very precise and focused movements taking place while in the ring. It takes an understanding at which speed a handler must move/run, to support the best gaiting pattern of the dog at the end of the lead. It takes a bit of grace too I should add! The handler is supposed to become as if invisible to the judge, so that the focus does remain on the dog. Anyway last fall was a turning point.

When I first started to show in 2007 I would laugh at myself, and refer to my attempts to show as being the court jester! Not so much has changed because when I get in the ring it's as if I never knew anything about showing a dog. Brain cramp city or senior moments are the norm. When the judge recently selected Hemi as Best of Winners to win his 3 point major she had to point to me twice before I realized what was going on!

CROSS OVER POINTS FOR HEMI!
Incidentally, Hemi won this major by 'crossing over'. There were not enough entries in the classes for dogs to result in a major win.  But there were enough entries in bitches for a 3 point major. Hemi first one the Open Dogs class. Then he went on to win Winners Dog.  Finally he entered the 'breed ring' to compete for Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best Opposite Sex, etc.  Because he defeated the Winners' Bitch (who had won a major) by winning Best of Winners, Hemi also earned all of her points, to cross over and make it a major win for him as well. See AKC How to Count Points at a Dog Show.

While standing ringside, waiting for your class to be called, it is often challenging to grab hold of a moment in time that holds any resemblance to sanity. It is a very busy place. Several of us have found that by taking time to briefly pray together before heading to the ring will usher in a sense of peace. Some exhibitors want to carry on conversations while others wish to remain solely focused on their dog.

As important as it is to give undivided attention to Hemi (or whatever dog is at the end of the lead) I feel it's equally important to be aware of good sportsmanship on my part. Especially after the placements and ribbons have been given.  We all know it's not always easy to graciously accept that your dog has lost on any given day. For this reason I appreciate the subtle and gentle "handling" by my friends who know me best and can tell when I am about to say or do something I will regret later. That's what friends are for.

I really try not to publically demonstrate sour grapes. It's important to me to keep a level head about regarding a placement or lack of one. Poor sportsmanship at ringside has a tendency to quickly manifests itself in a variety of ways. Some of it is downright ugly.  Sometimes exhibitors get so uptight, anxious, and even downright mean spirited when they are showing a dog. Sometimes reactions in other people are downright scary.  It's easy to forget just how quickly careless words spoken with a loose tongue ringside can injure a relationship.

Angry words spoken ringside very often are accompanied by swearing. What about that young child standing within earshot? What of those new to the sport of showing purebred dogs who are enjoying their first attempts at showing their dog?  It should not be too difficult to remember that a more encouraging, less spirited, gentler language  has a long lasting effect, and a much more positive one.

We all need people in our life to encourage us. I'm blessed to have been persuaded to continue to keep trying to show to the best of my ability. I really appreciated this persuasion more than they could know. The more obvious my physical limitations became, the harder it was to even want to try. But I really desire to finish Hemi's show championship myself, to show him to his next major win, and to the remaining points needed.  I successfully finished his AKC Junior Hunter title this fall!   Can I do it? Yes. I can.  

About 5 years ago Julie, Pam, and I were showing dogs in direct competition to each other. When we came out of the ring, we linked our arms together saying "we go into the ring as friends, show our dogs as competitors, and are still friends when we come out of the ring. No matter what." That is our covenant to each other!

Whenever possible, they stand ringside watching and observing me while showing. The know what kind of feedback is most helpful for me. I do the same for them, and especially enjoy taking pictures or video of them in the ring to critique and evaluate together later. But woe to others who offer unsolicited advice and opinions!

I'm in another window of time where my Synvisc-One injection into my knee is having the most effectiveness. I have taken off nearly 20 lbs since May with Weight Watchers. Now, it is so much easier to move out with Hemi in the ring and I don't get out of breath like I use to with the weight loss. Good health is my motivation. My doctor told me that for every pound of body weight lost, it was like taking 5 pounds of pressure off of my joints. I have discovered by staying as physically active as possible, my confidence increases too.  I have no idea how long this injection will be effective, but I will take advantage of the relief afforded to me from severe Osteo Arthritis.

Literally and personally, this is a different walk for me. I can glean from the years of experience in my adult years with the Brittany in the area of breeding, whelping, raising pups, socializing, evaluating, training, and so on and so forth.  I can also reflect further upon my childhood years as the daughter of parents who bred Boston Terriers.  Showing dogs was never a motivation to me and it will never be our primary purpose for breeding.  We'll continue to show but our Brittanys will always be bird dogs that love the hunt and the people they share their lives with. Our breeding goals will forever remain to provide outstanding bird dogs for active hunting families.

I do understand the importance of proving not only hunting ability, good health, and temperament but also the outstanding conformation supporting the correct structure, type, and function. We're doing both at this point in time without sacrificing one over the other. I remain grateful for the ongoing mentor ship of well seasoned breeders in their 70's, 80's, and 90's as well as lessons gleaned from them through past conversations over the years.  These seniors pose very pointed questions to us from time to time including how they want us to be sure to:

1. Know what we want in a Brittany.
2 .Acknowledge we are not breeding Brittanys for field trials.
3. Continue to breed Brittanys that will hunt, point, and retrieve grouse, woodcock, pheasant.
4. Be certain of who we are breeding Brittanys for

We're good!

Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittanys. It's always nice to spend a few minutes with our readers! In the near future my posts will hopefully begin to take on a new focus.  We are looking forward to sharing a brand new journey with you as we anticipate our next litter of puppies.

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

ATB: Hemi's Show Photo 3 Pt Major

 

J & A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH ~  "HEMI"

Sire: GCH CH Tonan-Hopes R U Kiddin Me ~  'CHEVY"

Dam: CH J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton  ~ "PIPPIN"

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short

Isn't Hemi just gorgeous, cute, and beautiful!!! Congratulations little britches, it was a fun ride around the ring with you when you won your 1st major! We're getting there hemikins!!! 

I'm so proud of this puppy for so many reasons. And this was a very special moment in time for me. I have never put a major on any of our dogs before, personally.  Truthfully, I just never thought I could do it myself.  I have limited mobility due to the OA in my left knee, and also due to effects of Lyme Disease which rears their ugly head from time to time. But I keep on trying, I keep on going. I'd like to say this very important win was not all about me.  Yet it was.  It was about pushing through the pain, not giving up, and believing not only in my dog, but believing in my God!

It is awesome to think we now have 3 champions from our line of Brittany bird dogs, finishing within months of each other.  Julie exclusively handled Thistle to her recent championship. I really desire to handle Hemi to his and it is within reach.  We're so glad we  have found a wonderful professional handler in Joyce C. who has done such a nice job of finishing Pippin and Bullet.  While I did put single or double show points in the past on Treasure, True, Pippin, and of course Hemi (all dogs which we personally bred) the majors have always remained elusive to me, until now! (All of Treasure's minor points have been won in Bred By Exhibitor.)

 

 Anyway, I'm kind of rambling but that's okay. I was so excited to get this show photo in the mail today and share it here, there and everywhere! Hemi is so much fun. He always has been cute. Now he's maturing and looking very very good. Hemi is a joy to show. He knows what is expected of him, and he'll do it all because he knows it makes me happy. Plus we have so much fun in the ring together. He has to catch up to his sister Thistle now - who Julie finished just a few weeks ago!

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

J & A's Brittanys Winter Puppies

DOG VOMIT:  If you know me, you understand the importance of  dog vomit to me.  Yes, even with Christmas being just 16 days away, I will be focusing on dog vomit.  I'm not trying to gross anyone out here but within the next 16 days, I'll be hoping that Miss Pippin throws up a yellow, frothy bile. That's all I am going to say about that for the time being.

TIME FOR PUPPIES? I also want to add that I feel January AND February are lovely times for puppies to be born. One thing I have come to really enjoy is the opportunity to hunker down during a blizzard, in the "Puppy Cave".  Currently, the puppy cave is our grooming area but our expectations are to, once again, transform this area.

CHECKING OUR LIST: While Santa lists are being made and checked twice, I am in the middle of updating our J&A's Brittanys puppy waiting list.  I have been following up on several serious inquiries who have been waiting for awhile as well as reaching out to those who may have recently contacted us.

CONFIRMATION NEEDED: If you've not yet heard from me in a personal way (telephone, email, FB message etc.) please be sure to reconfirm your level of interest for a future Brittany puppy from us using our contact form on the Maine Brittany website, the Internet 'home' of J&A's Brittanys. This will also once again help me to be certain I have your email address for our group mailing regarding puppy updates which is much more personal and detailed than the blog posts here.

QUESTIONAIRES: All serious inquiries should have already sent us your completed questionairre for our files.  You should also have a copy of our purchase agreement, and our puppy reservation policies.  Per our agreement, a deposit needs to be submitted at the time an actual breeding occurs. You probably already know that in most instances that deposit is refundable. 

I enjoy sharing the journey of a well planned and highly anticipated litter of J & A's Brittanys pups with all of  'you'.  And in the weeks ahead, I sure hope that there will be much to write about.  But for now, we are in the waiting mode.  We know that anything can happen and that nothing is certain.  Timing comes into play.  I'm not superstitious and won't say we're crossing our fingers.  I also know that luck has very little to do with it.  If something is meant to be, then it is meant to be.  I do hope that a healthy and beautiful litter of puppies will result through a recent repeat breeding with Pippin and Chevy.  I'll take it one step further and say I hope for the same result by bringing True and Piper together.  Yes, it is going to be a winter with plenty to look forward to.  God willing.

Take care and God bless you and yours always.  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

PS If you'd like to hibernate for just a few minutes with a new litter of puppies, you can retreat to Hibernating With Brittany Puppies, during winter of 2010/2011 !

ATB: Thistle's Championship Photo

At the age of 18 months, Thistle the Pistol finished her AKC championship title in style with her co-owner (and our dear friend) Julie Harris handling her under Judge Houston Clark on Sunday, November 24, 2012 in Springfield, Massachusetts.  As breeders (and a co-owner) we are over the top with joy and pride and extremely appreciative to Julie for giving her every opportunity to shine!

 

 

CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart "Thistle"

Sire: GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin' Me "Chevy"

Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "Pippin"

Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owners: Julie Harris & Ann Short

Handler: Julie Harris

 

Shown selectively, the following is a list of Thistle's accomplishments:

 

@4 months Date: September 2011 Best Opposite Sex, Penobscott Valley Kennel Club B-OB Match, Julie handling
@ 5 months Date: October 2011 Best of Breed, Puppy Group 1, Adult Group 4, York County Kennel Club B-OB Match, Julie handling
@ 6 months Date: December 3, 2011 6-9 months, 2 POINTs, Best of Winners Worcester Kennel Club, Julie handling
@ 6 months Date: December 4, 2011 6-9 months, 1 POINT, Best Opposite Sex Worcester Kennel Club, Julie handling
@ 7 months Date: January 13, 2012 6-9 months, 2 POINTS, Best Opposite Sex, Greater Lowell Kennel Club, Julie handling
@ 7 months Date: January 16, 2012 6-9 months, 1 POINTS, Best Opposite Sex, Merrimack Valley Kennel Club, Julie handling
@ 11 months Date: April 2012, 2 of 4 Junior Hunter Qualifying Scores, Central Maine Brittany Club Hunt Test, Julie handling
@ 1 year Date: May 2012, 4^th Place Open Derby, Central Maine Brittany Club Field Trial, Julie handling
@ 13 months Date: June 24, 2012 12-18 months, 4 POINT MAJOR, Best of Winners, Penobscot Valley Kennel Club, Julie handling

@15 months Date: September 8, 2012 12-18 months, 2 POINTS, Winners Bitch, Carroll County Kennel Club, Julie handling 
@18 months Date: November 24, 2012 Open Bitch, 3 POINT MAJOR, , Best of Winners, New Champion, South Windsor Kennel Club , Julie handling

 Click here to visit Thistles page at the Maine Brittany Site for her bio and pedigree.

ATB: Reflections of a Dog Breeder

Ann & Hemi at a recent dog show in Fitchburg, MA. Shown in the Open Class
for the first time, Hemi went Reserve Winner Dog to a 4 pt major. Closing in!

My calendar tells me that Saturday is the first day of December.  How can it be? My mind is still wandering through fields of gold, enjoying the warmth of an early summer morning sun that kisses away the dew on tall grass where birds are planted and dogs are trained.  In the blink of an eye it appears that we have simply skipped our way through the past 12 months. Dog wise, 2012 began with a high degree of optimism regarding the breeding program of J&A's Brittanys.  It was clear a page had been turned in the book of our life, revealing a fresh, clean and crisp sheet of paper upon which a story was to be continued.  Personally, it began with the ministry of our son's new church and his pastoral leadership over those who that God has drawn to come. Christmas Eve will mark the 1st anniversary of Maine Life Gate Christian Church which quickly outgrew it's original location and recently moved.  As surely as God was moving in the lives of our whole family, so he was moving in our midst concerning friendship and the very dog's themselves.

When I was a little girl there was a lady in the neighborhood who lived alone. She was often visited often by the kids in our small town, ranging from elementary school age into high school. She was the aunt and cousin of a couple of them I think.  Although I grew up and went to church every Sunday, involved with the choir and Sunday school I knew diddly squat about having a personal relationship with Jesus. My praying consisted of "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep...." and reciting the Lord's prayer.  Yet, now as an adult, I realize the lady who lived alone had a deep abiding faith.  But it was something few of my friends or I ever came close to understanding. For instance, when her washing machine broke down, we knew she would ask God to help her find a way for it to be repaired. In our juvenille and immature state of mind however, this looked as if she was praying to her washing machine. So we considered her to be a little loony.  And I imagine some people now consider me to be a little loony because of my own deep abiding faith! As I get older, I do attribute my faith in Christ, my belief in all of the Bible, and my personal relationship with Jesus as the very reason for my existance now. And I pray with all faith believing. I pray for things that are obvious. I pray for things not so obvious. I pray even for our bird dog breeding program and the ATB extended family.

I'm confident that God does bless and give good gifts to those who Believe in Him, and who are not afraid to give Him credit for what comes their way.  I remember our son winning a state wrestling tournament and as he was under the spot light on the podium in the winners circle, he pointed to heaven and mouthed the words 'thank you Jesus.'   I know that whenever our daughter travels abroad, she will call from the airport and ask me to pray with her.  It's a lifestyle, and it's a lifestyle I so often fail at. But I understand the way forgiveness works and how closely bitterness is related to unforgiveness. I'm not the person I want to be, but I am also not the person I once was.  I am somewhere in the middle on this journey or whatever you want to call it. But I don't want to call it karma, energy, light or the like. Those terms are from other Eastern or new age religions and I just don't open myself up to them.

It is only when you have walked through some things, gone around the mountain a time or two, and finally reach a place where you can look back that the hand of God has been upon your life the entire time.  Whether tragedy or joy, gain or loss, blessing or curse - everything in a Believers life is known to God. It's easy to praise Him and rejoice when it's all been good.  It's not so easy to be grateful otherwise when bad things happen. I think that is where trust must come in. But even that has to be supernatural in nature. What sane, intelligent person is truly capable of saying gee thank you God for all the CRAP which just happened to me, which has all but destroyed me or my family, or my friends.  That's the faith part of it for sure.  But you've gotta understand what faith really is too... and even that in itself is baffling to the natural human mind which cannot comprehend things of the Lord. How much sense does this make to a non-believer: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Thats in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 1. 

So let me apply all of this now to our canine crew, to All Things Brittany, to our breeding program.  I have issues with people who don't understand that often in life you simply have to pay your dues. If you're a member of a club, a union, or other organizations there is a price to pay for belonging.  Annually you pay your dues.  Sometimes you have to pay your dues for a long time before being accepted as a member. There's just no shortcut to paying dues because in doing so you show your dedication and commitment to a 'cause' over a period of time. It takes hard work to get to where we want to be. I realize some of this may not fly with the methods in which Christians reach and attain goals but even then Philippeans 3:14 talks about "pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  When we have paid our dues we are no longer considered as a "Johnny-come-lately", someone who is new to an idea and late in accepting what everyone else already believes to be true.

This past weekend at the Thanksgiving Cluster of Dog Shows held in Springfield, Massachusetts the 3rd Brittany which we have bred finished in the ring as an AKC Champion.  Congratulations to Julie Harris for finishing our little Thistle, the 3rd champion in a line John and I first began to establish when breeding our first litter in 1990. The 3rd Brittany of ours to finish in the last 5 months. John and I have known many of the long time Brittany breeder for years. There have been a lot of times when they have encouraged us. And times when they have scratched their head wondering what we're up to.  Most recently, I've really appreciated the 'atta girl' pats on the back by my 'peers' in a community of well experienced, knowledgable, mature, respected and trustworthy Brittany breeders.  In order to be recognized as a gatekeeper for the breed standard, it's important to remain true to the ideals of the Brittany we all know and love. 

I've often said that I never ever want to take any accomplishment of any of our dogs for granted. I always want to demonstrate the full depth of my emotion when I'm ringside, in the field, or on the end of a telephone call with good news about a dog from the ATB family.  This can mean the dogs first pheasant or a pups success with housebreaking.  The first time I stepped into a ring with a dog I bred, love, and own was in 2007.  My reason? Because people I respect said our Brittanys were beautiful and deserved to be shown off. And I wanted very much for our breeding program to be taken seriously. And Treasure won Best in Sweepstakes, which I felt was more of an affirmation coming from God than man's approval of our breeding program. 

In 2011 we were recognized by AKC as Breeders of Merit.  I wear my pin proudly.  It means we now have 12 AKC titled Brittanys which we have bred, and this does include 3 bench champions. An affirmation of God as well as man's approval of our efforts to breed and produce outstanding dogs.

So many families who own the Brittanys from our program have become close friends, and an important part of our life.  The encouragement and support from them is ongoing and extremely humbling, greatly apprciated. An affirmation of God as well as mans approval of the time we pour into our pups the first 8 weeks of their lives resulting in extremely well socialized animals.

We enjoy many photos of happy owners with their beautiful Brittany hunting companions, several of them with their young family members.  Yet another affirmation of God which meets mans desire for a well bred hunting companion of sound mind and ease of training. And I love the stories which still need to be shared here.

There are particular hopes and dreams which are tucked away in my heart concerning our beloved Brittany dogs.  Goals which have been set and that we will work to reach, step by step.  We're not alone in this, and I am able to strongly feel the incredible support and dynamics demonstrated towards us and towards our dogs on many level.  I also feel God's hand upon all of this for some reason. 

Thanks for letting me ramble, for I feel that's really what this has been today. Since the last time I posted anything lengthy we've gone through the elections, several dog events including shows and field events, enjoyed our family Thanksgiving dinner and of course - Julie handling Thistle to her AKC Bench Title! 

Also appreciate that some of you have taken time to email us and confirm your level of interest in a future puppy.  Two nice litters are planned here for 2013.  And a couple of others with dogs from our program. Waiting lists are ongoing, and you know it's important to us to have the best fit regarding puppy and family. Plus we enjoy staying in touch.  THANKS!!

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“To make clever people believe we are what we are not

is in most instances

harder than really to become what we want to seem to be.”

ATB Video: Showcasing Thistle, our new champion!

We are very proud to share the news that the beautiful 'Thistle' finished her AKC Championship title in Springfield, Massachusetts at the Thanksgiving Classic.  Handled by our dear friend and Thistle's co-owner Julie Harris, she fulfilled the AKC requirments for a champion of record by winning a 3 point major under Judge Houston Clark.

 

Additionally, on Saturday, J&A's Quiet Courage (Wilson) won his 6-9 month puppy class with competition and brought home his very 1st blue ribbon.  This makes two beautiful liver and white pups from Treasure and Bullet's litter to now be actively shown  - as well as actively hunted.  (Speaking of hunting, I do have a really cool story to share about their brother, Jack, which I will also share soon.)  I handled Hemi who won the Amateur Owner Handler class.  A fun weekend was made more enjoyable with the debut of Pam and Sam's puppy "Max" in the 4-6 month old class.

I have received several messages saying that my blog posts and musings have been missed.  It's been extremely busy here at All Things Brittany this month but that's not really a good reason not to write.  Even so, there is a lot of new and exciting things going on for sure and I'll be happy to share more about them as time goes by.  We are getting many inquiries into our next planned litters so if you haven't been in touch recently now would be the time to check in with us.  I have our ongoing waiting list but it is a good time to confirm your intentions and your level of interest.  Looks like we have some very nice hunting families lined up, all of them pet homes, and several families interested in showing and/or trialing, testing, and more.  I have to say I am always thankful for the way God brings us all together and this time it is no less amazing in my eyes. 

There are 3 litters anticipated with dogs from our lines being involved. This includes a stud service with Jack, a leased litter, and two of our own.  I am looking forward to working with all of you who have expressed an interest. This will be the only public posting for the time being in hopes of eliciting responses from those who follow the blog. Our waiting lists are growing and we do have deposits coming in. 

I was so pleased to see the wonderful comments left by our ATB 'family' on the Gun Dog Breeders website.  http://www.gundogbreeders.com/gun_dog_breeder_reviews/jandabrittanys.html  Thank you all so much for helping us promote our purpose driven breeding program, it means a lot.  We are honest in our description of our Brittany dogs as well as the years of adult experience we have as breeders.  However, it is our ATB family that keeps us accountable and allows us to say with complete pride of ownership that J&A's Brittanys is a program of  "Beautiful, well bred Brittany family bird dogs with a proven hunting heritage that measures up to the breed standard regarding movement, appearance, and temperament."

Hope that you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we sure did. Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: MAGNUM - Not Your Ordinary Bird Dog

To look at this photo is to witness the evidence of a miracle of

God's healing power. It is to understand the depth of faith and love poured out

upon Magnum by his loving family and so many friends.

 

 

Jamie said: "Magnums first time hunting and he did a wonderful job.

Very thankful that he can hunt at all after his accident. He is a pleasure to hunt with!"

 

Karen wrote: "He hunted Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Jamie said he did REALLY well. He pointed very well and retrieved great! In fact, the people he hunted with, didn't believe he ever had an injury! - It really is amazing! God is good!...."

Remember Magnum?  This is the beautiful young Brittany (Pippin and Chevy pup) that was critically injured this spring when he was run over by a dump truck. Immediately following the accident his chances of survival were quite grim indeed. But God! 

Indeed, God was in control of this entire situation (I've shared about Magnum's accident and updates since April 24, 2012 and they are listed in the archives.)  Seemingly at every turn the reports which should have been negative and discouraging were turned into multiple reasons to be extremely thankful.  His pelvis was fractured in several places and he underwent extensive surgery to hopefully repair the damage that was done. It was not known if he would ever walk again, let alone run.  I'm confident in saying that the prayers of so many wonderful, believing people kept Magnum safe in the hands of God. 

Magnum is loved by a lovely family of mom, dad, and their 3 daughters.  An extremely active and hunting  family, he was to be a family pet and a hunting companion. And if all worked out, also was going to be shown. (He did get out to a match last fall and did well.)  After his accident though the only thing that really mattered to anyone was having the health, vigor, and vitality of this handsome young pup fully restored.  Anything else would just add to the miracle of the fact he even survived. I remember hearing the reports about when Magnum first walked again, then ran, and then pictures of him swimming over the past year. All reasons to rejoice with his loving, caring family. A family that was touched by the anonymous generosity of a donation to help cover Magnums large veterinary bills. A family that sacrificed time and resources to devote all that was necessary for this young pup to recover.

So hence the caption above that Magnum is NOT your ordinary bird dog!  I am so pleased to be able to share with all of you the photo taken of Magnum and Jamie during a Columbus Day weekend hunting trip.  

Thought maybe in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and the seriousness of the upcoming presidential election we could all use something inspiring to lift our spirits!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann, and All things Brittany.

HURRICANE SANDY: When The Oceans Rise

(Pause PlayList to the Right before playing)
Still

Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

ATB Bird Dog: Bolt Puppy Does it Again

Kristie wrote: "Another Saturday...Dan got his limit, and Bolt pointed 7 birds for Dan
and the rest of the hunting party. Nice job Bolt!"

J&A's Double Barrell Bliss
Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special JH
Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton
DOB: 4.11.12 

ATB Bird Dogs: The Superior Brittany Crew from CT.

Lori wrote: "The girls first prize of the season...Brandi & Jersie pointed, Nova backed!"

Pictured her left to right with Jim T.:

J&A's Superior Nova (Gibson/Treasure 2011)

J&A's Superior Jersie JH (Jack/Molly 2010)

J&A's Superior Brandi JH NA 108 Prize I (Gibson/Treasure 2009)

ATB Bird Dogs: Boog & Remi Poulin

Special thanks to our friends Nellie & Garrett Booth of Greys Outfitting in Cartunk Maine for releasing these photos to me for use on the blog.  They are long time friends with Bob P. and his family who own Boog (Treasure/Gibson 2009) and Remi (Jack/Chrissy 2008). Early in October Bob (bottom pix) and his daughter were up doing a little bird hunting and spending time with them. 

Boog on point. Photo credit: Greys Outfitting



Remi (BBW) on point. Photo Credit: Greys Outfitting



Boog and Remi together on a woodcock. Nice point and honor boys. Photo Credit: Greys Outfitting

Owner Bob P. with his dogs and some of the crew working at Greys Outfitting (Photo Credit).




 









ATB Bird Dogs: Millie's 2nd Bird Hunting Season

This is  "Millie" also known as 'Sweet Pea' in our 2009
litter of Brittany bird dog pups from Treasure and Gibson.

Millie's owner Greg sent this photo to us yesterday and wrote:  "She still doing a great job in her third year. So far we gotten out every weekend and she loves it. Watched the video when she was a pup hard to believe she is three years old already."

Way to go Millie - keep up the good work!!!!!

ATB Bird Dogs: Jack Puppy - BIRD DOG

 

 

This is Bullet and Treasure's puppy, "Jack".  Although he and his grandfather share the same name, this Jack puppy is named in honor of a very special Brittany named "Jake" who has passed on to the Rainbow Bridge. We knew that little Jack puppy would have some pretty big shoes to fill but according to his owners, Dan and Joanne, he is more than meeting their expectations without taking the place of his namesake.  (Interestingly enough, Jake and Jack both share the same ancestry.  And I discovered the same is true with Dan and I!)   Anyway, Dan recently went to Newport ME with Jack grouse and woodcock hunting for 4 days...They put up 4 woodcock, 3  which he evidently pointed and the one that was shot Jack located.  Then, on another day, a mutual friend (who owns a a Brittany out of Treasure and Gibson) accompanied Dan pheasant hunting... The first pheasant Jack pointed was a runner.   "Phil helped direct Jack when the bird moved 3 times and he went on point each time he reached the bird. Phil said on Jack’s second point “that was a beautiful point.” On the third point Dan got beside Jack and the bird flushed and he shot. Later he pointed another cock pheasant, held steady and then found the bird after shot. Dan was very impressed with him staying close and on point. According to Dan, “Jack was amazing for a 6 month old puppy" and is doing well".  And Dan?  I understand he is very, very happy with his new puppy.  (Thanks Joanne!) 

 

And this update makes me very, very happy as well in consideration of the fact that this puppy (like several others we have posted here) are from our very first line breeding using Brittanys exclusively from our program - Treasure and Bullet.   Way to go little Jack, you're proving not only your own abilities, but the consistency of several generations behind you!! To God be the glory.  

 

 

ATB Bird Dogs: Bolt's First Birds !

I love seeing the tradition of hunting passed from one generation to the next in families.  I especially appreciate seeing the reality of the strong hunting heritage in our Brittany bird dog puppies !! This is "BOLT", who just turned 6 months old. His parents are Bullet and Treasure, from the Triple J & A spring 2011 litter.  You may also remember Boltie (as he is lovingly called by his family) won Best of Breed in the 4-6 month old AKC puppy classes earlier this year. Thank you to Kristie for sharing this awesome photo of Bolt with Dan and the boys. She wrote: "Bolty pointed his first birds in the field today.  Dan even got one of them! He hunted beautifully along side 2 other seasoned dogs."

ATB: Over the Rainbow - Celtic Woman



ATB Bird Dogs: Ranger's Pheasant !

Today so thrilled to receive this most recent photo of Ranger (Jack/Jasmine) from Tom Z. who is this year old pups breeder, trainer, and owner. I think Tom is having an awful lot of fun over in New Hampshire with his puppy, don't you?  He wrote: "Ranger pointed, held steady to wing and shot, and retrieved the bird on command. He is now pointing grouse and woodcock. He retrieved 2 more woodcock this past weekend."

ATB VIDEO: Wishing 11 puppies a happy 3rd Birthday

Happy birthday to Treasure and Gibson's 11 puppies born on October 11, 2009. This is the litter in which our amazing senior bird dog "TRUE" was born, his litter nickname was J.R. All of these puppies are greatly loved now as young adult Brittanys, the updates and photos show us how beautiful they all are. 9 puppies from this litter are actively hunted and have become outstanding upland game and water fowl gun dogs. Every puppy from this litter is part of a loving family, many with very young children. Hope you enjoy this brief glimpse back in which I take the time to identify each one of the 11 pups. Aren't they beautiful? See how many you can remember by their litter nicknames!  What is awesome to me about this is that soon and very soon the handsome True (J.R.) will be used in our breeding program! 

Take care and God bless, John, Ann & ATB.

 

 

PS  Note the beautiful hand crocheted puppy blankets. They are made by our dear friend, Julie Harris.  Since 2006, she has created a blanket for every puppy which goes home with them on the first day of the rest of their lives.  The beautiful, soft, and colorful crochet puppy blankets assure a positive transition from ATB to their new home because it has the scent of momma and littermates!

ATB Bird Dogs: Rangeley's Timberdoodle

One of the many things I really enjoy about this time of year is receiving updates and photos of our Brittanys out bird hunting.  Today these two photos arrived in my email from Rangeley's owner.  This beautiful Brittany boy is out of Pippin and Chevy (brother to Thistle, Bogey, Magnum, Annie, and Hemi!) He lives in a wonderful family where 'dad' is a registered Maine guide and his entire family is very active and loves the great outdoors.  And yes, Rangeley is named after the lake. (Thanks John for sending these pictures and update!!)


"This is Rangeley nicely pointing a woodcock."



"...Jack and Rangeley having fun in the woods! This dog has amazing natural ability. He has pointed many woodcock this year and has lots of drive and is settling down into an excellent family dog..."

ATB: Kezar Falls Youth Hunt

Today (October 10, 2012) the Kezar Falls Rod & Gun Club offered a fun hunt for youth.  John is a member of the club and has enjoyed getting more involved there. He helped out at this event as an instructor. A manageable and eager turnout of about 8 youth ranging from 10 - 14 years old participated. All had State of Maine Junior Hunting licenses. Parents, uncles, grandparents and friends accompanied the youth who were there to have a chance to do some bird hunting with hunting dogs. John brought along 4 of our trained, experienced Brittany bird dogs to help. A couple of German Shorthair Pointers and English Setters were also part of the event.  

 

Each instructor and their dog(s) took a small group of junior hunters.  Each junior hunter had 2 adults with them. The instructor took each junior hunter through the steps of bird hunting with a dog.  Hunting safety was the primary focus for working with all of the dogs.  Of utmost importance of course was teaching them when it was safe to fire and when not to.  The adults supervised very closely with youth that were very eager to learn.  In the group that John was working with Mitchell was the only one who actually shot a bird and he was very excited and proud! I received a phone call from John and his new young friend. I was happy to have a chance to congratulate him personally.  John told him his picture would probably show up on the Internet somewhere!

 

There is also a story behind the above photo.  John wanted to take a picture of Mitchell with his first bird and of course with Scooby, the dog he shot it over.  To do so John folded up Scoobys lead and hat Mitchell stand on it. When John requested Scoob to 'whoa'  his reaction was to raise his front leg up and look around very seriously, looking quite impressive. Well, I have to confess that Scooby's expression and pose in the photo simply makes me laugh out loud!  You see, I clearly remember when this now 5 year old beautiful Brittany boy and his littermates were first introduced to actual live birds when just 6 weeks old.  Scooby and his litter mates first smelled and then saw the bird hidden in the grass in our front yard.  Each puppy froze like a statue and raised their front leg in unison staring at the bird in front of them. Scoob has come a long way since those days but he is still just a kid at heart and one who  does take his job very, very seriously.  Congratulations Mitchell and way to go Scooby! 

ATB Bird Dogs: Hemi's 1st Bird - Rite of Passage?

 

Hemi's very first real bird hunting experience resulted with this, his first pheasant.  A hen that he pointed in the Maine woods for John, held steady until John came in to flush it and then shot. (Soon afterwards Hemi also busted out a rooster in some high swale grass which I am glad to hear Sam and John did not shoot at.  Later in the day, Paris and Hemi hunting with each other, then pointed a hen together, but John and Sam both shot and both missed.)  I think Hemi crossed an important threshold today. It may sound funny but I can almost 'see' a change in the way he carries himself since returning home. I know he's tired of course but that's not what I mean..  As soon as the truck drove for Hemi to get out and he ran as fast as he could where I was waiting on the front porch for him. His eyes were glistening and they were fixed on mine as he slowly approached.  Suddenly he  gently stood up on his hind legs, looked at my outstretched arms with palms up, and placed his front feet in my awaiting hands.  In the briefest of moments we looked deeply into each others eyes. I quietly  told my puppy he was such a good boy, that I was so proud of him for bringing home his first bird.  Hemi listened so intently in that fraction of a second, I could feel the love between us.  He turned to see that John was now carrying HIS bird from the truck and ran off to check things out.  I watched as John let the others out of the truck who had gone hunting. Of course they were aware John was carrying a bird, and I believe they knew it was Hemi's. But, I have to wonder, did those other dogs also know it was Hemi's FIRST bird?  I do know Hemi's reaction clearly indicated to me that he was aware there was great significance surrounding HIS bird.  Hemi pranced around as HIS bird was carried to the back porch, his head held proudly and his tail set on high as he walked alongside of John. The others surrounded these two.  I was fascinated.  Perhaps there was some unspoken ritual occurring right before my eyes among the pack, perhaps a rite of passage.  I will forever remember this day when my little britches, my Hemikins, entered a new stage of life, experienced a ssignificant change. Today Hemi crossed a threshold of experience and became in every sense of the word - a BIRD DOG.

ATB Bird Dogs: Opening Day for MAX !

This is MAX dog, son of JACK dog! (Molly/Jack 2010).

 

Mark wrote: "He came back with a bird about 300 yards from where it was shot at. He just comes prancing over and drops it at my feet and goes of to find more birds... He's really doing great this year... Max was amazing... Without him we never would have found half the birds we shot.... First day of hunting in Pittsburg NH. It rained all day but we had 23 flushes and got 6."

ATB Bird Dogs: Jasmine and Ranger Opening Day!

And here's our second photo - thanks Tom for sharing!

 

This is mother (Jasmine) and son (Ranger) today over in NH for opening day of bird hunting. Sounds to me like momma Jasmine wanted to show her young son how to get 'er done!!  Congrats to Kim and Tom and thanks for sharing the photo.  (Ranger is son of Jasmine and our Jack. His older half sister is Zoey, and went duck hunting yesterday as seen in prior post.) 

ATB Bird Dogs: First Hunting Photo for 2012

Zoey the Brittany Goes Duck Hunting in N.H.

The Brittany dog in the above picture is 5 year old "Zoey" (J&A's Princess Zoey on Prp).  She's seen here with one of her best friends, who is the 6th grade daughter of friends of ours.  This was a mother/daughter duck hunting excursion.  Zoey is from Jack and Chrissy's very first litter and truly a versatile hunting dog in every sense of the word.  Looking forward to posting other hunting photos here in the weeks ahead - just email them to us or share on Facebook and tag me.  Tomorrow is opening day for bird hunting in Maine so hopefully we'll have some to share too!

ATB: Pippins Championship Photo

On September 15, 2012 another dream came true for us as Pippin finished her AKC championship.

 

 

CH J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "PIPPIN"

Sire: CH Hill's Blazen' Jac JH

Dam: KJ Requet's Bouncin Crysta

DOB: April 5, 2008

Breeders/Owners: John A. & Ann H. Short

Handler: Joyce M. Coccia

Judge: Mr. Walter Somerfelt

South Shore Kennel Club, Cape Cod, Massachusetts





 



ACHIEVEMENT: Hemi, our new AKC Junior Hunter

"HEMI" - Junior Hunter !!

 

J & A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH*

Sire: Multi BIS/BOB GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me "CHEVY"

Dam:  CH* J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "PIPPIN"

 

AKC Junior Hunter - Hemi's 4 Sets of Qualifying Hunt Test Scores

 *Central Maine Brittany Club Hunt Test: April 29, 2012

Ann handling - 9, 8, 9, 7 

*Kathadin German Shorthaired Pointer Club Test: September 15, 2012
John handling - 10, 9, 10, 9

*Kathadin German Shorthaired Pointer Club Test: September 16, 2012
John handling - 10, 10, 10, 10

*Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Test: September 22, 2012
Ann handling - 10, 10, 10, 6

 

Finish "Little Britches" Myself?

I wasn't sure.  John has been running and training Hemi for such a long time now. They are truly an impressive hunting duo. This is nothing unusual for John does form a remarkable bond with each dog he ever works with.  It is a given that bond will be stronger with our own. Such is the case with Hemi, or as I affectionately call him "little britches".  But John asked me if I wanted to try to finish Hemi at the Northern New England Brittany Club AKC Hunt Test, this past weekend.  Deep down inside of me my answer was a resounding yes! yes! yes!!  But faced with the reality of my own physical limitations which include limited mobility and flexibility, I just didn't want to mess Hemi up.  John seemed to really want me to try, but he never pushes me to do anything. He just said he thought it would be nice if I did finish Hemi because I had put his first leg towards his title on him.  I was worried I'd let Hemi (and John) down though.  He said well, we could enter him both days and if I didn't finish him, he would handle him on Sunday.  Deal.

 

I was excited. I couldn't wait. But I was also full of doubt.  The brace sheets (listing of the order in which dogs are tested) were released Thursday. Hemi and I were listed for the first brace.  It said "A. Short" and not "J. Short".   John said he thought I was going to list him as an alternative handler. Well, I guess I thought I'd made the request but there it was in black and white. There's no games involved with Hemi when it comes to birds.  He's way beyond his age in his ability and skill. Being such a young Brittany though means you have to work him with as little pressure as possible. 

 

So it is no secret to anyone that I'm not a morning person. Good grief, not even close. But when there is a dog event to get to on time, I'm there. Maybe not mentally, and perhaps not especially physically, but I'll be that warm body taking up space on the passengers side on the way to the event.  It depends on who is driving. And thankfully, I'm not often in a position to be the driver! Who ever is driving, it's important for them to truly realize it takes time for  'me' to surface.  It's just the way it is. John, is a morning person and also someone who must arrive ANYWHERE very, very early.

 

By way of review, I had only been to one other hunt test and that was because the Brittany club where we are officers   held one this spring (Central Maine Brittany Club). John on the other hand became acquainted with hunt tests through our friends Pam and Sam Jackson several years ago. It's not always easy for the both of us to get away at the same time an event, especially if we are in a puppy minded state of mind. This NNEBC hunt test was the first one John ever participated in and also where Jack earned his first leg of Juniors several years ago.  This particular test is also where the very first J&A's Brittany ever finished - and that honor goes to J&A's Roxie Hoover JH, a daughter from Jack and Chrissy's first litter  who finished her title at 15 months back in 2008.  Her owner also encouraged John to continue with hunt tests.  Since that time John has participated with the crew at various tests throughout New England.  I think we are up to (at least) 9 finished AKC Junior Hunters from our line, with several others very close.  Additionally, we are also close to our very first AKC Senior Hunter.

 

Saturday morning, handlers and dogs for the first brace are called and Hemi and I move towards the path for the breakaway.  I was on my own, and it would be up to Hemi to get 'er done.  I knew he could. Could I?  As we continued down to the path, he was actively pulling and tugging, almost to the point of walking on two legs because this dog is born to hunt. Quickly I made a half hitch in his lead in hopes of slowing him down a bit.  I certainly was not about to give him a correction at this juncture - plenty of time for that afterwards.  Even that half hitch didn't slow him down!  And this puppy is all solid muscle.  Every square inch of him is hard as a rock. This by the way was noticed by the last judge who examined him at a recent dog show.  Hemi is, as his name implies - magnificent.  There were many well wishers standing around with their first cup of morning coffee, freshly brewed by the hunt test "field cook."  Evidently this little britches of ours had already made others aware of him based on his most recent perfect score of all 10's.  Yikes.  No pressure, no not much.

 

I enjoyed meeting the handler of Hemi's bracemate. As is often the case, it was simply putting a face to a name which I have corresponded often with in regards to all things hunting dogs.  It was all good.  We all headed out with the judges and reached the corner where the dogs could be released.  We were asked if we were ready and being that we were - unleashed Hemi and his bracemate who was a very lovely German Shorthaired Pointer.  My judge was aware of my limitations and very considerate when I told him I would take my time.  You see I knew that I didn't have to worry if Hemi did find a bird and I wasn't there.  Hemi would hold his point. When Hemi is on point, I trust him. There is going to be a bird produced. 

 

My Opinion about Hunt Tests

Hunt tests are not intended to be competetive with other dogs, at least not in my mind. Your dog is being tested to a written standard of whatever level you are testing at.  I know people 'guffaw' so many dogs that get a Junior Hunter title and never go into the woods bird hunting.  But is a wonderful way for a dog owner to have some fun with a dog, meet other owners, be part of a club and so much more. Just like there is an official breed standard for the conformation ring and dog showing, there is an official hunting standard. I admire people who are not bird hunters, yet will take their non-hunting dog out and give it this opportunity to have some fun doing what it was purposed to do.  I have seen people persist at this, despite several times out in the field with absolutely no finds or even any indication of being birdy. The Junior Hunter title affords them an opportunity to understand what their dog is capable of doing and depending upon their judge, the handler/owner is in a position to be guided and assisted in the event a dog just doesn't show any ability.  These handlers don't give up neither do they accept it as a given that their dog will qualify.  They do not always.  Out of 6 hunt tests with Hemi, there was a day he didn't get a qualifying score. That was the first time out with me. The next day however he won his first beautiful qualifier ribbon!  

 

The Senior Hunter title brings with it much more of a concerted effort. It also brings more pressure for the trainer, the handler, the owner and for the dog.  Unless someone has qualified a dog at the Junior level or well experienced in handling a dog under actual hunting conditions with a mature and well seasoned dog, it can be a big disappointment to begin testing at the Senior Hunter level.  We ran into some issues with crossing over from trialing to testing and back again.  Among our expectations for our Brittany dogs is a dog that's going to hunt close, respond to a variety of signals, be trustworthy to point only gamebirds, honor the point of another dog, hold through the shot and then go retrieve the bird!  These events are fun, just as the occassional field trial is fun for us.  Even so, nothing is worth sacrificing what is already evident in a natural retrieving and honoring Brittany dog with strong pointing ability.  We will never (intentionally) allow our dogs to become confused or set them up to fail at what is the most important aspect to us in regards to Brittanys who are actually going to be hunting birds for real. 

 

Hemi and Me, the Rest of the Story

Hemi and entered the bird field together.  He was a little 'off' because he was still expecting his field commands to be coming from John.  Hemi will run out into a field and seek objectives where he believes a bird may be, he'll cover a lot of territory but he's not likely to be found in the next county either.  What he does, has purpose. When he's with John, it's clear to see they are a team. Actually when most of the dogs handled by John are out with him, it is just as clear.  The judge and I did want Hemi to come over into another section of the field. Some of the instructions were different than what I would have liked to do but when your dog is under judgement respect for the judges wishes is paramount.  This was also the same judge who did not give us a qualifying score back in the spring.

 

Soon Hemi came around again and noted I had changed direction so he began to work to the front and side of where I was. In a hunt test they must point 50% of the birds produced or better.  We had yet to establish the point and I was really wondering if there were any birds, but I knew of course there was.  Oops!  Hemi was running so fast that he over ran the scent of his first bird.  He did immediately come to a screeching halt just as the bird flushed.  It was my choice not to fire the gun although I could have.  I had watched the flight of the bird and Hemi by now was turned on by the scent of it.  I headed to the edge of the woods while Hemi intensely ran from side to side following that scent cone only known to him.  SLAM! There you go little britches!!!  So I came up behind my puppy who was locked up in a picture perfect gorgeous point.  I was grumbling slightly under my breath because the bird was obviously somewhere in the tangled mess of brush and stumps among the stand of trees there.  Hemi and I made eye contact and he patiently held that beautiful point for his 'momma' to do her best to produce it for him.  Where the heck was it?  Oh there you are... I could see his bird and let the judge know before I flushed it.  BANG!! I fired my blank gun and Hemi held briefly before my feet then became entangled in a low lying tree root! Then he broke and went deeper into the woods. Good grief.  My pride was hurt, and I was embarassed.  My judge being a fire fighter and EMT showed extreme concern for me and came in to gently help me to my feet while asking if I really was okay.  I thought I was!  So let's get over this and move on, where is my dog?  I looked down the incline deeper into the woods and could see little britches frozen like a statue. Oh great. Just great. I not only fell but now I had to meander down to where he was and find his bird for him.  I took my time and I'm sure my judge was pretty worried about me at this point, he's a good guy.  My cute freckly face little britches Hemi held and held, waiting for momma to like he did before.  I walked around, trying to decipher the Bobwhite Quail from among the leaves, branches, etc. And I didn't have my glasses on ha ha... Thank God I saw the bird and I told the judge I did and flushed, fired and that it was all good! 

 

I relocated Hemi so he would NOT continue into the woods but would go on into the bird field.  There sometimes comes a point during judgement when your judge has seen enough. Such was the case with Hemi and me.  So now we go back into the bird field and my judge instructs me to call my dog in.  So I did everything I've done before, and all that I have seen John do.  Did he come? Absolutely not. He did a couple of drive bys despite my efforts.   Grumbling to myself again, I thought oh great, we've done so well and now we're going to fail at the trainability score. You have to have at least a 5 on each of the 4 category.  Keeping in mind his perfect 10s, I was feeling quite down hearted.  Well, as is typical of Hemi he found and pointed another bird and I knew that I knew that I knew this would be the ONLY way I could pick him up.  I was torn between finding his bird, flushing, and shooting for him - or leashing him. And the sane logic prevailed.  I leashed him and we headed off the bird field together.

 

I really didn't know whether or not Hemi had qualified or not.  I watched the judges confer over the brace from a distance, watered my dog and set him back into the kennel to warm up and rest.  Our judge walked over to where I was sitting and asked me if I wanted to talk about the brace which of course I did. First he wanted to be sure I was okay after the fall.  Then he did a good job of explaining things to me but I will admit, I was on the verge of tears. There was praise but there was criticism, necessary constructive criticism and it was really all about Hemi's need to respond to 'me' better. I wanted to say 'yes but, when he's with John..' but what good is that?  I want to handle him. I want to hunt over him.  So I listened. 

 

After a few minutes I looked over the judges shoulder and saw the hunt test secretary walking our way.  John was out with one of the Senior dogs so I had no back up. Gulp. Yes, tears were now going to fall. But they would be tears of great joy and happiness as I was awarded Hemi's great big orange rosette with the words "QUALIFYING SCORE JUNIOR HUNTER" on them!!!!   My judge seemed surprised I was in such a state of disbelief! I told him I felt he had been trying to break it to me gently that Hemi may not have scored enough in one of the categories.  Not so!!

 

Hemi had not only qualified, but he was not a finished AKC Junior Hunter!!! Dare I look at those scores written in on the back of his ribbon tag?  Slowly I turned it over and read 10-10-10-6.  I totally understood that 6 in the category because it reflected Hemi's trainability - not with John, but with me. Not a secret, and something to be conscious of.  But nothing to be discouraged about at all! This was another first for us - the first time I've put ANY title on ANY dog! I'm very grateful that John foresaw this possibility.  That's the real team effort, John and I both put two qualifying scores on him. I started Hemi, and I finished Hemi.  Wow. Thank you John for encouraging me to do this. 

 

What Next?

So we were still entered for the Sunday hunt tests. While we could have run him in Seniors, why set him up to fail, as well as set the stage for Hemi to possibly really mess up a dog ready for that level. I wouldn't want someone to run an inexperienced dog with one of our Seniors and I would definitely not do it to someone esle. So John ran Hemi again in anticipation of a qualifying score for the new advanced Junior Hunter test. He qualified without issue but we learned afterwards the best thing for us to do would have been to scratch him. To run this dog at a level that he has already mastered is  to set him backwards in his training.  You can't reach out and correct a dog that is under judgement.  In the field (training not running him) if Hemi breaks point at all, he must be corrected.  If Hemi were to continue at this level of testing he would all too soon Hemi would be taught it's acceptable to give chase. This is a key turning point.  

 

Little Jack Puppy

Little Jack puppy (Bullet/Treasure) and his owners drove up to spend Saturday at the hunt test. We had enouraged them to consider how exceptional and obvious the natural instincts their 5 month pup are in light of the opportunity to give hunt tests a try. I personally really enjoyed spending more time with them and also was happy that Jack puppy enjoyed visiting with his Brittany 'family. He was staked out alongside of his father Bullet, his grandfather, Jackdog, half brother True, and of course his cousin Hemi. Nothing like keeping it in the family, right?!! Oh we have fun here, we really do. At the end of the day puppy had a chance to go out into the bird field to locate some of the many birds that were there as a result of the days testing. He did really well. John told me he accurately pointed out several birds which was pretty amazing in consideration of the other adult dogs who also took to the field about the same time. 

 

AKC Recognizes Flyball Champions At Last!

Speaking of which - I am very happy to announce that AKC now recognizes the sport of Flyball. Consequently, Julie's amazing Sassy girl will FINALLY receive the recognition she deserves through AKC's new official titles awarded only to the top Flyball champions. The American Kennel Club will now recognize NAFA flyball titles for inclusion on pedigrees of AKC registered dogs. AKC will recognize three titles – Flyball Champion (FDCh), Flyball Master (FM), and ONYX. Titles earned back to January 1, 2000 may be recorded. Seems to me we know a beautiful girl named SASSY who qualifies for two of the top tier titles!!!! WOO HOO! About time AKC!!

 

In Closing

September 2012 has been a super banner month for John and I and the ATB crew of hunting dogs for sure!  Not only because of the significant accomplishments that are recognized by the American Kennel Club but most notably because of the reports from so many who own and love our Brittany dogs.  From the youngest to the oldest, we are blessed by the consistency which is demonstrated officially as well as where the rubber truly meets the road - in an actual hunting situation.  The fact of the matter is when everything is said and done, we evaluate our breeding program through the testimony of the wonderful dog owners who live with the progeny of J&A's Brittanys. Thank you again and again and again, you all know who you are and you mean so very much to us, we appreciate the continued, ongoing support and for sharing this journey with us.  I know that many of you have been in preparation for the upcoming bird hunting season. And  others are actively involved with your J&A Brittany in other venues including the most important of all - family companion and couch potato extraordinairre.   

 

I'll be watching the mailbox closely this week in anticipation of Pippins show photo!  I can't wait to see it.  It will be posted here of course.

 

I want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the family who spent time with us over the weekend meeting our crew and watching Hemi work.  It was a delight to meet you after corresponding for several months.  I am excited for the future knowing it is likely that a J&A's Brittany puppy will be welcomed into your heart, your home, your lives.  You are a very special family and once again, I know without a doubt God has caused our paths to cross.

 

Thank you to all who follow this blog and have an interest in our All Things Brittany lifestyle.  Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and our canine crew.

 

 

P.S. Hemi's Sunday Score

AKC Junior Hunter Advanced - Test Scores

Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Test: September 23, 2012 - John handling - 9, 9, 10, 7