ATB Video: Benny's First Water Retrieves

Thank you to Wayne & Barb for sending this really enjoyable video of Benny and his first water retrieves.  Benny is a little over a year old and is from the Mega Litter of 2011. His father is Scooby and his mother is Molly.  If you are familiar with the ATB family you know that Scooby absolutely loves swimming in our little farm pond here and has a blast retrieving as well!  Molly is not crazy about the water herself but several of her pups enjoy the water including Max, Sassy, Jersie, and obviously Benny.  Once again I am reminded that it is truly always all for the love of the dog, both given and received and it's a pleasure to share this video courtesy of Bennys great owners.

J & A's Brittanys "Triple J&A Litter" New Families

Congratulations 11 new puppy families!!

 

FIRST DAYS FOR Treasure & Bullets 11 Puppies

A responsible dog breeder understands the importance of carefully selecting just the right family for each puppy in  a well planned litter.  Experience teaches the best way to determine that as year after year you 'get a feel' for those who contact you. Unfortunately, sometimes mistakes do occur but you learn from them.  You learn to follow your heart, your gut, your instincts. If you have faith in God, you learn to trust Him and come to the realization that everything you do matters to him. Everything. All anxiousness dissipates.  Peace prevails.  There is no sense of urgency. Not when God is in control.

As the Triple J&A Litter turned 8 weeks old the majority of the pups were spoken for. Over the past 3 weeks there has been a steady exodus of pups leaving here with their new families.  There has also been an ongoing interest in the pups that remained available.  Right up until last Tuesday John and I were still having conversations with people about "Patience".  A lot of people were interested in her.  We turned several folks away. A lot more were well qualified but did not have the time available to care 24/7 for a young puppy in the beginning.  But today, she left us to travel with her new family, to live a wonderful life in Rhode Island. And her new name is "Pearl". 

Speaking of names I have loved hearing about the naming of the new puppies, enjoyed the photos and updates. I am especially been happy to know that all the time and love poured out and deposited in to the lives of these beautiful Brittany puppies is evident in their personalities.  The pups went home crate trained for the most part.  They were also well on their way to being house broken.  A couple of puppies had experienced the pond and they all loved water.  Several were actually play retrieving when they went home. All were adjusting to the leash. They all had been introduced to clicker training at the most basic level. As the day drew nearer for each indivudual pup, they also had a chance to demonstrate their birdiness.  Loud noises made in the presence of  this litter elicited a very minimal "ho-hum" response.  Well socialized around children, adults, and other dogs the pups loved their mother and she them. Right up until the day they left, Treasure remained a part of their life.  I am a firm believer in momma dog remaining as an active influence in her pups in as much as possible. There are just a few days during weaning that Treasure really did not want them around her and she would warn them (and us!) with understandable grrrrrs.  Once her milk supply was naturally dried up she quickly included them in her romps and playfulness.  I learned a lot of new things but mostly I am encouraged that we are doing it right.  I don't say that with boasting in mind or with a puffed up sense of pride. I say it because I see the evidence and with 11 pups, the evidence speaks for itself!

 

What was interesting about this litter is that neither John or I ever saw the typical pack heirarchy develop.  They were all pretty much equal in disposition and personality.  Often you really do see a lot of squabbling and carrying on for puppy scuffles are the most vicious of all!  Not with this litter, not at all.  Of course there were pups that for one reason or another I felt particularly connected to.  And those which John felt strongly about. I know too that Julie was drawn to certain pups. But I loved them all.  I will always love them all,  ALL things Brittany.

And yes.  The question was asked several times this month as we kissed our pups goodbye. "How do you do it? How can you let them go? Is it hard? I couldn't do it."   My answer is to tell 'you' it is always bittersweet, but that because of the knowing in my heart and in Johns that we are confident of where each pup is going to go, that there is no sense of uncertaintly when they leave - it is good, it is all good.  We hug because we're huggers. We say we believe it is a God thing because we believe it is. We are already enjoying the new friendships that are growing, joining with others here at "ATB" (I joke and call it the "ATB Cult".) But just don't look at me after I say goodbye and begin to walk up to the house as John works the gate to open it.  I stand on the porch or in the door and wave goodbye, I watch your car as it drives away.  I am happy and I am sad.  And yes.  You betcha it is hard to let them go.  And yes.  Those tears fall, not just from "Momma Ann's" eyes, but from "Poppa John's" as well. But these pups are now entrusted into 'your' very capable hands, to share your daily lives with, to laugh and enjoy, to exceed your hearts desire as you give them the quality life that they are deserving of.  We have done everything we possibly can.  And now their life is in your hands from this moment on. And they would not be in your hands, if we did not believe you would give them the best of your own love.

I walked back into the puppy room, looked into the empty puppy playpen still full of shavings, toys, and pails. It looks like the aftermath of a hurricane!  All is calm. And my life is better for loving and caring for those 11 beautiful, remarkable puppies sired from our 1st champion, and as a result of our first breeding back into our own line. The Triple J&A Litter - The Jim, Julie, John, and Ann litter.  I am just as reflective this afternoon as Pearl left as I was on the day her mother Treasure was whelping her.  Indeed.  It is, a God thing.

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

PS Don't miss the announcement posted just prior to this one about Bullet's championship. There is a link to view my video interpretation of his exciting accomplishment!

ACHIEVEMENT: BULLET, First Bred By Champion !!

Congratulations are in high order for Julie and Bullet and his handler, Joyce Coccia.  Last Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Maine Chicadee Classic Dog Shows in Cumberland Maine Bullet finished his AKC Bench Title!!! Pending AKC approval, Bullet is now:

CH J & A's High Caliber Harris Special JH
Sire: J &  A's Apple Jack of Acton JH
Dam:  KJ Requet's Bouncin' Crysta

Finishing his championship with style and in competetion with 5 other male dogs, Judge Nancy Leibes awarded Bullet a 3 point major,  his second major won in 5 months under the professional handling of Joyce Coccia.  Although Bullet's owner (Julie Harris) was not ringside to see her boy in his his shining glory, his moment in time - I was so fortunate to actually be in the ring handling Hemi and watched as the judge pointed to Bullet as Winners Dog !!!  It is a moment I will never forget and will be proud of forever.  Julie (and her late husband Jim) NEVER ever doubted that Bullet would become a show champion one day.  John and I are grateful for the mutual belief they shared regarding this boy, and the perseverance and commitment that was necessary to finish him.  It's been quite a journey and many true friends have been a part of it offering much assistance, support, and love along the way through grooming tips, handling advice and words of encouragement.  Three years ago, at the same show location Bullet won his very first show point in Maine.  How awesome for him to win his final points as a 3 point major in the same place.  We had all hoped before Bullet and Treasures' pups went to their new home that he would finish - and that's exactly what happened.  Now Bullet is back at home, happily loving life with Julie, Sassy, and Thistle. Speaking of Thistle - she wowed her judge on Sunday with a 4 point major !!!  Thistle had won her first 6 single points by the age of 7 months old.  Now at 13 months she has 1 of 2 of her required major  wins.  (Pippin won 1st Place Open Bitch and Reserve Winners Bitch on both Thursday and on Sunday.  With a 5 point major behind her thanks to Dawn Hill, Pip just needs her second major and points to finish her championship, we are very close!  Hemi won 4 single points by the age of 7 months. We should also mention my True puppy, who also has 4 single points.) 

There's so much I could say but truly, I'm at a loss for words.  I will never forget this moment in time and I will never take Bullet's accomplishment (or that of any of our dogs) for granted.  I will however reflect on J&A's Brittanys 'life verse' which is:  Matthew 6:19-21  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Or as Joel Olsteen recently said: "God puts dreams in our heart that are bigger than we can accomplish on our own so that we learn to rely on His favor." 

Take care and God bless!  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: Treasure / Reflections

Happy 6th birthday to our beautiful Treasure!

J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton

Sire: Pride & Joy's White Smoke

Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

6.16.06

She was the first pup born, presented in the breech position and the teeny tiny toenails on her teeny tiny paws had reached straight through the sac which had protected her for the previous 9 weeks safe within her mother's womb. Her arrival into this world was also the arrival into my heart.  I knew I would be keeping a new liver and white Brittany girl puppy from Wish's second litter.  And the decision that pup would be Treasure was one made purely from the heart. 

What to call her was the question which I pondered. John and I have unique methods for selecting names and there are times when we yield right of way to each other in these regards. Such was the case with Treasure because after all, he had named Jack without any help from me!  I listen to music almost 24 hours a day and most of the time it is either contemporary Christian music from Maine's WMSJ 89.3 or I enjoy piano and classical instrumentals.  I lived through the hard rock, heavy metal, flower power, rock n roll and I like it era.  My teen years and early adulthood was full of Beatles, Stones, Iron Butterfly, etc.  I also loved the music of Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and others.  So now you see I just don't care for all the noise that's on most radio stations.  I prefer instead to fill my head with either inspiration or music which has passed the test of time. 

Deciding that TREASURE should be the call name of my new puppy was due in parts to words in a song I had listened to on WMSJ as well as gleanings from perusing the thesaurus seeking synonyms for pride and for joy.  As much or as little thought as one desires can go into selecting a dog's name.  I find as time goes on I take more time than ever before deliberating. John and I so appreciate the great Brittanys behind Treasure on both sides and the dedication of the breeders who have gone before us. Consequently I discovered that a synonym for pride and joy was indeed the word 'treasure.' 

Now to consider an AKC registered name was twofold in concept.  Her mother's name is Wish Upon a Star, which is a phrase used in several musical pieces most notably Somewhere Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz, and Disney's theme song itself of when you wish upon a star etc. which is often followed by lyrics that include "dreams come true: in some version or other. I also do have a few dreams of my own and I wanted to be reminded that dreams do come true which in itself is to me, an affirmation of faith.  Most important to me, I wanted Treasure's name to somehow reflect what I believe about dreams, desires, hopes, goals, etc.  Not just regarding dogs of course but in all of our live.

How would I do that?  But hauling out my huge Strong's Concordance and looking up "Treasure".  Sure enough I was soon led to what has become the foundation Scripture for all of J&A's Brittanys which is taken from Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So, for where my TREASURE is, my heart is also found.  Indeed! And in more ways than one.  Primarily Treasure is just that, a jewel and a gem, a beautiful liver and white Brittany that is loved so very much and enjoyed by everyone. Especially by me.  So as I think of all these reasons and descriptions as the most humble reminder is always right there in front of me.  And that is to keep my priorities in life straight, to consider what really matters the most in the long run. In the way we live our lives there are things that endure forever, which are eternal.  And there are things that are temporal.  For me, every time I speak or write her name, I am reminded that this is true.  (Speaking of 'true' there is even a word study somewhere in these ATB archives about how his name came to be!)

I'm a bit reflective this evening because "now there are two" puppies here waiting for the first day of the rest of their lives. (Trivia: the quote "first day for the rest of their lives" appeared on a poster which hung on the wall back in the 70's and attributed to Charles Dederich.  I began to use it several years ago in describing our Brittany pups as the exodus to their new homes started.)  9 puppies from Bullet and Treasure's outstanding litter of 11 pups born April 11, 2012 are already living the reality of the rest of their lives. It's really rewarding to know goals have been and are being met for this litter. This includes but certainly is not limited to the reality of the life ahead of them.  10 of 11 pups will be trained as close working gun dogs.  Out of those 10 pups, a majority will actually be hunting grouse and woodcock in - where else? - Maine!  (To those who inquired beyond the North East region I apologize but in most circumstances our Brittany pups remain within the general region, within driving distance.) 

Retelling the story of how Treasure's name came about seemed to flow with the way God has been working in our lives lately. He seems to be continually expanding our world, or put another way, requiring us to enlarge our tents to allow for Him to have His perfect way in our lives.  I think He wants to do this for every person with a particular desire in their heart. Don't you?

Take care and God bless you as always, John, Ann, and our wonderful canine crew of Brittanys at ATB.

Happy 7th Birthday Jack Dog



He knew he was the one he wanted.  John had watched our third litter of beautiful Brittany pups in over 13 years closely.  There was this one sweet little male, a sturdy looking boy who was primarily white.  The ones with the most white and the least color have always appealed the most to John. and he was confident about his pick of the litter born on June 13, 2005.

Each time visitors came to see our new pups they would run and greet people, woofing with glee, jumping and dancing to gain the attention of those around them. That is, all except Jack.  He would sit calmly nearby, wagging his tail simply watching all the fanfare.  He waited patiently and when his litter mates were finished with their greetings well Jack just confidently walked over to visit and stole the show for himself. It worked every time. John liked that in Jack.  And Jack knew it.

Our Brittany family had already started to grow by the time Jack was born here. Our move from the southern part of the state resulted in much more land in a very rural area and we began to re-establish a breeding program first started in the late 80's.  A program that was put on hold because a wonderful "life happened".  I often reflect and say that the beginning of ATB was the answer to empty nest syndrome. 

The summer of 2005 was a lot of fun for us and for our developing canine crew.  I clearly remember the way Jack would easily entertain himself while I was busy outdoors hanging laundry on the clothes line.  He would pick up a toy, a shoe, anything he could find really and do what I call a 'drive by'.  He'd toss it around to be sure I noticed and then run from the far side of the yard past where I was hanging clothes, to the far side of the patio.  And he's just look at me.  A few minutes later, Jack would go through this all over again, making sure to fully turn his head and make eye contact with me when he passed by.  I am laughing out loud just thinking about this now because not only does he still do it - but so does his son Bullet!

I should also mention that during this time period I was doing most of the training, field work, etc.  John was away from home at least 60 hours a week. Using the same orchards we train in today, I would take a trek down in the morning with Timber, Rose, and Jack and run them. That summer is when I named them "Fields of Gold."  I enjoyed that time immensely. I really was not quite sure  that I was doing things properly but it was fun.  Jack's first field trial was that fall.  He was a 12 week old puppy who slept on his dog bed next to where his mother was staked out.  I did run Timber that fall and his 4th place amateur puppy felt like gold.

Jack turned one on June 13th, 2006 and shortly thereafter was sent to Bob Paucek to be a part of the summer training program at Paucek Kennels in Buxton, Maine. This was good for Jack but hard on this heart.  We had puppies in Jacks absence which definitely kept life very busy.  We went to visit Jack when Bob said it was all right to do so.  It's important when training a dog to develop a strong bond of leadership and respect. For us to visit Jack before Bob was ready would have set Jacks training way back.  I couldn't wait to see him!  It was as if he was so proud to show off his skills, we knew he was happy and well cared for.  We left without him though.  A couple of months later it was time for Bob to take his string of dogs south for the winter and we were not going to send Jack.  One fall morning I drove over to pick him up.  I was told to go to the kennel and let him out and when I did there was a gorgeous happy grown up Jack dog who clearly was glad to see me.  He sat in the front seat on the way home and my eyes were filled with tears the entire time.

Maine's bird hunting season opened and we were so anxious to get out into the woods with Jack. I will forever treasure the memory of that first day out with him for many, many reasons.  It was one of those autumn days where the air is full of the scent of falling leaves that make a crinkly sound with each footstep.  The warmth of the sun was amazing.  The colors of the season vibrant. It was also my first real bird hunting season and I was looking forward to the experience with John.

John's first dog was named Jack.  Jack was John's childhood pet, a well loved border collie.  John shared a lot of stories with me through the years about Jack and I was not surprised when he named "our Jack" - Jack.  The one thing that still to this day touches my heart deeply is when I recall the simple expression from John as the three of us (John, Jack and I) headed into the cornfield along York River.  In a very quiet tone of voice, he simply said "I have always wanted to have a dog just like this, that I could enjoy bird hunting with.  He is everything I ever hoped for and more."  That is true now more than ever although John thinks quite highly of several of his other boys too who are pretty darn special in their own right.  He thinks a lot of his girls too in all fairness.  ('Guess I'm like the parent or gramie who always wants to give equal praise and encouragement - but this IS Jacks birthday!)

Jack has sired numerous of litters of close working gun dogs that have proven themselves to be all that their owners ever hoped for too. In reality, Jack and his progeny and grand progeny are first and foremost well loved family pets who live in the house with their family, Brittanys who love people, are social and beautiful and put smiles on the faces of those they share their life with each and every day. Each and every one of them is a true champion in the heart of those they share their life with.

Out of his many litters Jack has sired there exist several titled Junior Hunters and those working on a Senior Hunter title.  There have been many significant field trial placements. There have been show placements as well.  Although it is true we simply are not all about competition we sure are proud of their accomplishments as they continue to be seen more and more in his kids and grand kids. Jack has an easy way about him and so do most of his kids and grand kids.  When it comes to hunting style our Jack dog epitomizes the reality of a close working gun dog as we define one.  When it comes to temperament our Jack dog epitomizes the reality of a sweet, loving, gentle, intelligent and fun loving friend. 

To see John and Jack together is to see a team, to see a relationship which defies a satisfactory explanation.  It is the story of a boy and his dog. A love story if you will.  Jack has the kindest most expressive eyes.  He asks little of us other than to be loved and to have a chance to shine in the field or in the woods. When people come here to visit as they often do, Jack captures the attention of many and is not easily forgotten.  Rarely are the times when you will see John out and about in the truck without Jack (and as of late Hemi too) riding shotgun. When we can't find Jack outdoors we only have to walk over to the open door of the horse trailer. There he is found curled up in HIS dog box.  As a side note - our trailer came from Bob Paucek and is the same one that trucked Jack that summer of 2006 each morning to the bird field and back.  The space Jack claims as his own today is the same one he 'kenneled up' in 6 years ago. 

In dog years as I understand them Jack's age is the equivalent of 49 human years. A lot of white hair is coming in around his muzzle.  He's so funny and cute in all that he does. He may be the 'manly man, the stud dog extraordinaire, sire of the handsome dude' but Jack is truly a puppy at heart.  It shows in the way he approaches life.  He is one happy dog.  Happy Jack is a fitting way to describe him.  But John says it best when he affectionately refers to him with love reflected in the tone of his voice as "That's my boy! That's my bird dog!"  Indeed, a boy and his dog.

Happy 7th birthday JackDog - we love you more than you will ever know!  Happy birthday to all of your very special litter mates as well (and to your half siblings who were born on this day, 3 years later.)  xoxoxoxox

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ATB: A Day In The Life / 8 week old Activities / Pond / Pups Available

BEAUTIFUL LATE SPRING WEATHER
Finally we have had a couple of days of near perfect weather with yesterday and today pretty much being a "10" in my book.  John has been happy to get down to the field several days in a row without having to battle the rain showers. The dogs have been doing so well!  There never were happier dogs when John pulls the horse trailer around and it faces the road. The crew explodes in joyful adoration as the door opens and they all head for their own reserved spot to be transported together! There are those who make the trip every time the trailer leaves the yard and that means a serious day of training for our own dogs.  And when John loads up Molly, Wish, or Rose it means those girls are going to simply go have fun. They will find and point their birds - especially Miss Rose.  Treasure will rejoin them all in a week or so.  It's really been hard to catch a break for several weeks now regarding developing a consistent schedule due to the weather.  But every day when John returns I always ask who 'star of the day' was.  I enjoy hearing how each individual dog has done and love it as John describes them.  I hear the pride and encouragement in his voice when a particular Brittany has done very well.  I also sense his disappointment when things didn't go as well as they should.  As Treasure and Bullets pups are older now, and with very few remaining I look forward to joining him down in the field a few times a week.  I'm looking forward to bringing Ruger, Patience, Hope, Browning, Marlin, and Colt with us at least once just for the experience. 

ARE THERE ANY PUPS STILL AVAILABLE?
Either Patience or Hope will be leaving on Tuesday. At this point although a lot of interest has been expressed regarding the two remaining pups (an orange and white female and a liver/white male) 4 of the remaining 6 pups are spoken for and will be going to hunting families.  5 are already enjoying their happily ever after new life with their new families.   Updates have been so enjoyable to receive and very positive.  If you are still waiting to decide please know that Marlin is no longer available and will leave on Friday. He'll be going to a home who had a really nice Brittany from Birch Springs that lived well into his early senior years so Marlin will be a relative of that same dog.   He'll certainly have plenty of opportunity to be hunted as he grows and matures. I'm so happy with this situation!  Browning will be heading to Canada next Saturday and Colt heads to northern Maine that weekend as well.  Ruger, Patience OR Hope both remain available today, this may change at any given moment though!

3 DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR 6 EIGHT WEEK OLD PUPPIES
House training, Crate training, Leash training
Each of the pups is doing very well understanding that there are certain places to go to the bathroom. I've heard that this has carried over into the lives of the pups in their new homes.  I am also working on the intentional separation of each pup from each other and from Treasure.  I'm using several crates in various locations within our home and in the puppy play area to have each pup spend a brief, supervised time.  It's paying off because when they are all reunited they all go into one crate and lay down together with the door left open.  House-training and crate-training are ongoing regardless of the age or the number of the pups.  I'm aware that heading into 9 week so of age there is the potential for the beginning of a developmental period of 'fear'.  There seem to be several growth stages when this is noticeable.  One day the dog or pup is happy about everything and then there is a change where they become apprehensive about things that were comfortable.  I have observed also that this is the time frame when biting and mouthing seems to intensify due to teething.  We are providing many chew substitutes  including hard rubber chew toys such as Nylabones and Kongs.  All the pups have collars to wear however I don't like to leave anything on around their neck when they are altogether in the litter playing.  (In the past I would use a colored rick rack collar or a paper tape like colored ID band. We identify the puppies early on by taking photos with time/date imprinted and then naming each pup.)  At 8 weeks of age we are using a 15' flat nylon training lead with very lightweight hardware.  (Our friend Bruce Burnell owns Bruce Enterprises in Standish Maine and makes customized puppy collars and leads as well as all of John's training leads, check cords and collars.  We are of course happy to recommend him to anyone who is interested, just let us know.  His prices are really reasonable and these are Maine made products.)  Due to our very real and present danger of eagles and hawks our pups must either be in an x-pen with a cover while outdoors or have a long lead attached. Consequently we are having some very positive leash training at this point in time.  Whenever a puppy is introduced to a collar they show their obvious dislike by walking on 3 legs while trying to scratch the collar off.  The reaction of some pups who are then introduced to a lead attached to the collar can be similar to that of a bucking bronco! Some pups get it right off and will follow without hesitation.  Others will lock up on all fours and refuse to budge. Still another might jump and flail and have a true fit!  Either way, patience is a virtue and each pup simply is introduced to this in a way that suits them. Never dragging but always gently encouraging and providing a few encouraging tugs telling pup to come.   After a few times around the yard one by one these pups are doing very well in their leash training.  All is not work and not play though!  The greatest reward comes when sitting down on either the floor or on the grass and pup comes up to cuddle, snuggle, play and simply share the joys of puppy hood.  It's therapy anyway you look at it. 


THE POND AT ATB
When I look out and see the pond looking like this at 6 AM I could easily become a morning person.  Here there is a light fog over the water which was just lifting as I took the picture.  The picnic table adds to the tranquility of the scene an with an inviting welcome to come sit for a cup of coffee. We have what is considered the 'eu Du a la naturele' atmosphere when it comes to landscaping. Or, lack of.  Sitting pond side yesterday with Rosie and Molly together, just the three of us was one of the most relaxing times I personally have enjoyed in recent months.  How simple is that?  Dragonflies insisted on landing on me for some strange reason.  And there was that mystical ever present yellow butterfly which fluttered about all afternoon.  The butterfly which Scooby had happily chased about the yard as this particular insect seemed to make a game out of taunting Scoob. Seeing Scooby and that yellow Monarch butterfly together playing like that very quickly quieted my soul.  There's some hormonal things going on with the 'girls' lately so instead of running them all at the same time I have been enjoying the ease of a few together with me.  Such was the case Saturday afternoon.  With all the rain recently the water level of the pond is higher than it's ever been, reaching above the culverts.  That will change within a day or so with the warmer weather. I just hope it doesn't go down as low as it did last year.  Spring fed, this year the Pond at ATB is stocked with both Brown and Brook trout.  We had hoped the Browns would cause our frog population to diminish somewhat however that has not been the case.  Next will be Bass although that's just not a fish I am particularly fond of and I guess maybe they'll eat the Brookies?  I don't know.  I do enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the clear, clean, cool deeper waters of the pond.  Sometimes a dog or two will join me. Especially Scooby, he is especially attentive to me.  John added a float a year or two ago which I enjoy sharing with the crew.  We once had an above ground pool at our prior home.  And I grew up on the ocean with the beach within walking distance.  The ponds a little different but I still appreciate it on a very hot day. And I don't have to worry about what I look like in front of the dogs, the frogs, or the fish at our glorified farm pond..  Anyway, I always say we are certainly not fancy by a long shot, we are extremely low maintenance, and pour all of our time either into the dogs in one way or another. I'm grateful for the perennial and biennial flowers that we have here. If not for them we would have no semblance of a flower garden at all.  When Molly was a pup, I did not have the foresight to see how she may decide to do her own gardening.  We also had some very nice vegetable gardens the first few years here.  We've all but abandoned any hope of gardening and actually mow enough to keep the ticks down.  Barely. 

Lots to do today but I wanted to catch upon the blog just a little bit to say life is good here at All Things Brittany for John and I and our Brittany canine crew (and family!)  Take care and God bless!

ATB: Bolt Goes Birdy!

Sometimes certain moments in time just unfold before your very eyes and if you're lucky enough to have a camera to catch it on film consider yourself blessed.  (I had a camera to capture the evidence of Treasures unsurpassed natural raw maternal instinct introducing her pups to bird scent  several years ago, a YouTube video with over 4000 views!!)  And do I feel blessed with the above pictures and video. Dan and Caleb are part of Bolts new family and came to pick him up today. Before leaving John brought the wing and pole outdoors. It's the same one we use during our puppy evals. Suddenly, all those genetics that lay dormant surfaced and we saw the realization of our goals behind the breeding of Treasure and Bullet together.  Dear sweet Bolt, the first pup to go home, more than demonstrated the hopes and the dreams behind our very first line breeding.  We may not have the opportunity to do this with each pup that leaves from the Triple J&A litter but we sure do have this moment in time for you all to consider! Bolt went all birdy on us, he stood on his hind legs sniffing the air, not just sight pointing.  And when he locked up the first few times, this little 8 week old Brittany was shivering, shaking, and quivering with one paw raised, leaning right into the scent and sight of the wing with his tail as high and proud as it can be.  I'm still excited just thinking about it and even more pleased that Dan and Caleb were a part of that moment in time, or I should say "moments" as we played it out as long as we could.  Dear Bolt, school may be out all summer, but YOUR lessons are only just beginning!  You're not playing. I'm not kidding. No hype. Real deal.
Have fun Bolt - we love you!!
Equally enjoyable is knowing that sweet little Henry is exactly the puppy that his family needed, and that his family is exactly what he needed.  Before they left his new 8 year old girl "Molly" was lovingly carrying him around carefully, his body pressed close to hers and head on her shoulder. Thank you God for your faithfulness, and to YOU alone we give the glory.... God bless you all and we will be sharing more pictures and updates in the weeks to come as the pups go to their new homes.  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB Puppy Selection: HENRY!

Tomorrow we will kiss this cute little face goodby as Henry joins his new family which includes a Boston Terrier! (I like that idea as you can well imagine.) Tomorow is actually the day we say farewell to two of our sweet little boys, Bolt and Henry both - will begin the first day of the rest of their life.

Please vote! Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Puppy Photo Contest

NOTE: There is a puppy photo contest happening on Facebook right now which is presented by Sport Dog. There are two photos of J&A's Brittany pups entered.  The links are below. The first picture, which I entered, is of Magnum, Annie, and Hemi (Pippin/Chevy pups) at the age of 8 weeks old taken when they were in the dog topper at the bird field, their first trip out.  The second picture was entered by Sophia, one of Magnums best friends. It is a really cute picture of him with glasses on. Magnum you may remember is still recovering from his tragic accident over a month ago when he was hit by a car. He is doing awesome though thanks to the answered prayers of so many.  Anyway!  If you access Facebook would you simply indicate that you "LIKE" these two photos? That counts as a vote. So this is a little different for me to post such a request but hey, why not! We have just as good a chance as anyone!!  Thanks!!! Our two links follow.

3 BRITTANY PUPS IN DOG TOPPER

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3835706224576&set=oa.448909905122074&type=1&theater

MAGNUM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3489948936534&set=oa.448909905122074&type=1&theater

 

Puppy Photo Contest presented by Sport Dog  
Before they’re bird finders in the field, our hunting buddies are irresistible little bundles of joy – and the perfect subjects for great photos. Share shots of your pup (pictured at less than 1-year-old) in Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s first annual Puppy Photo Contest!
The five (5) photos with the most “Likes” will be combined with five (5) finalists selected by Pheasants Forever’s editors to be reprinted* in Pheasants Forever’s magazine. The photo with the most “Likes” at the end of the contest will receive the Grand Prize, followed by the First Prize. Winners will be announced on June 28.
• Grand Prize winner will receive a SportDOG TEK-V1LT

(TEK GPS location+e-collar training collar)
• First Prize winner will receive a two-month supply of SportDOG Canine Athlete Nutrition Products

Coming Soon: First Day of the Rest of Their Lives...

Another rainy afternoon.  Although a crazy busy morning, the pups are fed, cleaned, played with and are now all sound asleep in various places throughout the puppy pen.  Some are pig piled together in the crate nestled on two of Aunt Julies hand crocheted puppy blankets.  Two pups are snuggled up in the corner together.  There is one lying on top of the stool.  A couple always manage to tip over the empty puppy saucer and think that's a comfortable place to sleep.  Toys are strewn from one end of the room together.  Happily I notice that the majority of small but multiple puppy poops are within the framed 'toilet' area.   The scent of fresh pine shavings permeates the room, curtains open wide for the light to come in and two of the windows are open slightly. The music from the BACH radio station plays softly in the background.  Treasure lies contently in the large crate with the door that is always open.  Her body has completely and naturally ceased to produce milk for her puppies although they will at times attempt to snack.  She and I are separated from her little family of 11 Brittany pups, now closing in on 8 weeks old. 

Yesterday we transformed the front of this area into a veterinarians exam room.  One of our new puppy owners is a DVM who graciously offered to make a 'house call' for shots, complete physical exam, deworming, and issue 11 Maine State Health Certificates.  John and I helped the doctor and his assistant as needed.  I watched as Winchester, Browning, Grace, Ruger, Henry, Marlin, Patience, Bolt, Colt, Hope, and of course Heart were thoroughly examined.  Ears, bite, structure, breathing, heart, rectum, skin, coat you name it.  I could not help but admire the doctor as his years of dedication, knowledge and understanding about animal medical care was demonstrated right before my eyes.  He shared many valuable tips with us, some of which were new to us even after all this time.  We have known him about as long as we have been married and reminded him of a house call he made to our house almost 40 years ago to help save a young lamb we had raised. Yes, it was a valuable and enjoyable experience to have him examine this particular litter of 11 new Brittany pups, one of which will be going home to him and his family very soon.

Each puppy now looks to me with such a loving and yet at the same time curious look. It reminds me of the song from years ago "Is That All There Is?"   No my precious pups, this is not all there is. For as much as "Poppa John" and "Momma Ann" can do for you and have done for you here there is a wonderful world awaiting each one of you just outside of these doors, just beyond the driveway.  In a few more days the exodus will begin.  It will occur over a two week period as we accommodate schedules for your new families who are anxiously awaiting the day to bring you home, to begin the 1st Day of the Rest of Your Lives.

The puppies try on all kinds of new behavior before me, each one wanting so desperately to be the first one I reach down and pick up.  They will woof, squeal, sit, raise a paw, jump up - anything to stand out to me. If they only knew how each one of them already stands out to me, how much I already love them so deeply. So much that I know what they need more than anything else - is not what I can give for I have given the best of all I could possible have to give to them and it always feel as if I could do so much more.  What they need now more than anything is the love of their new families.  They are ready. And it is not for the lack of desire to care for them that I look forward to them leaving. It is for the joy that lies before them in the homes personally hand picked for them.

I have no qualms with putting down their quilt in the middle of the puppy pen, laying it on top of the shavings that line their playground and sitting down, letting them jump and crawl all over me.  I will do this in the house with them, in the yard with them, and anywhere they so desire to be with me.  Soon the puppy breath, puppy kisses, little puppy mouthing and jumping up will become a very warm memory which will fade into the past. Even so, there is always something so unique and special about each litter of pups to treasure and remember.  Yes, we will miss them. I know Treasure will miss them too. She's a good mother who enjoys her pups right up until the day they do leave.  Just today I enjoyed watching her intervene as one of the pups was being quite bossy with another one.  She sought him out with a toy, bumped him a few times with it and suddenly he rolled over onto his back while she gently dropped the toy to his side and lovingly kissed his belly.  Puppies learn so much from their mothers.

In as much as it takes time away to come and work at the computer, to answer email, update the blog, and post photos etc. on Facebook to do so brings a sense of pride and enjoyment.  I have discovered and continue to understand how many folks really look forward to reading about ATB. Especially when there is so much to share about puppies.  We enjoy sharing all of these things because it's what we are all about.  All for the right reasons.  And always all for the love of the dog, both given and received. 

For some of you reading this now are becoming a part of the extended ATB family.  And it is a most amazing family!   There are those we hear from once in awhile, others who stay in touch regularly, and even those who are a part of our daily lives.  At whatever level a person is comfortable staying in touch with us is fine as long as you stay in touch! I love to receive updates and photos. And even though the pups from our very first litter in 1990 have gone to "the Bridge" we still hear from their families from time to time.  Recently someone getting a pup from this litter asked if it would be okay to stay in touch with the owners of the littermates.  Many of you have said you'd like that so I'll connect you all soon. We use to have an annual Brittany club fun day here at our house and invite everyone to come.  We had some wonderful reunions and I would like to do that again sometime.

In closing, it should go without saying and many of you already know the reality that want to be available to you, throughout the life of your Brittany, for help and advice, encouragement and friendship.  We're not perfect people and we make mistakes.  Sometimes you may not agree with what we have to say or the things we do but overall, you can trust that at the heart of the matter will always be the little Brittany that we once held in the palm of our hand at birth.  Just like these 11 pups anxiously awaiting a new horizon that lies just beyond today. The First Day of the Rest of Their Lives.... Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and ATB

ATB Puppy Selection Update: "HEART"

Heart is the one!

Heart is the girl selected to spend her life as part of a very special family. 

One of her owners is a wonderful vet who we have known for years and years. 

She will be nearby and John will help with her gundog training.

ATB: Crazy Brittany Puppy Spurt

The 11 beautiful, fun loving, puppies of Bullet & Treasure have a

"CRAZY PUPPY SPURT !"

All the pups enjoyed themselves immensely in the front part of the puppy room while I cleaned the puppy pen for them! Too cute.  Hope you enjoy.

ATB: Puppy Selection / Frog Under Fence

REMAINING PUPPY SELECTION
Tomorrow evening I will confirm specific availability for the remaining girls to those waiting to hear about Hope, Heart, and Patience. Monday afternoon I will confirm specific availability for remaining males for those waiting to hear about Henry, Ruger, and Marlin.  See the posts below for specifics on where we are - thanks.

I sent a private email to confirm puppy take home date/times as well as some information helpful regarding traveling etc. on the first day of the rest of pups new life.  Please be sure to let us know the name of the vet and date of appointment that you have made for your new puppy - thanks!!

Each pup is spending quality time away from their litter mates in the house, outside in the yard, walking around, meeting the other dogs, and just having fun as their confidence grows.  We are also taking small groups of 2 or 3 together and playing, working with them. I cannot take a chance of a predator hawk or eagle swooping down upon one of these pups while outdoor playing.  It's fun to have the whole litter out running together but it certainly is unwise for us to do so.  It's beneficial for them though to be able to explore on a much smaller scale and we do have a chance to observe each one without the influence of their litter mates enabling us to see a much more realistic example of their personalities.

FROG UNDER FENCE
They are fully weaned and Treasure's milk supply has dissipated completely on it's own.  She does love to be with them and of course they will still try to nurse but are quickly disappointed.  Today Treasure decided the pups needed some extra nutrition by way of a live frog. Successful in her frogging endeavors Treasure proudly pranced in front of me as I sat in the rocking chair on the porch while on the telephone. (Yes sometimes I use the phone, not often!) I saw the very large frog legs dangling from her mouth.  She casually went over to the pups outdoor pen where 3 of the girls had been playing together.  Treasure captured their attention quickly and then began to dig frantically underneath the puppy pen which is made out of chain link. I motioned to John to come and intervene although we though this was so funny. Evidently she had hoped to feed them this all natural gourmet raw meal of "Frog Under Fence.  So sorry Treasure.

With that I will leave you this Friday evening - hope it's a good one!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All things Brittany

ATB Puppy Selection: Browning / Take Home Info

Browning is going to live a happy and wonderful life in

NOVA SCOTIA !!!

Puppy selection is ongoing and for the most part running quite smoothly.  I'm very pleased with the process and my favorite part is confirming which pup a family is going to get.  Browning has just the perfect personality for his new family in Nova Scotia where he will make his home.  Ruger is the remaining liver and white puppy but there are several outstanding prospects for me to consider not only for him, but for Henry and Marlin as well.  The girls are already under consideration by several families. Gracie will be enjoying her life with a lovely couple who is in love with Brittanys about as much as we are!  Today we had a visit from the folks who have the next pick girl. They will let us know their choice tomorrow morning. That puppy will be blessed to belong to one of our longtime vet friends. Next girl will be selected by a Vermont family who have been on our list for several years and we will know which pups are available for them tomorrow. 

NEW PUPPY OWNERS  TAKE HOME INFORMATION: 

http://mainebrittanysitejas.com/J--and--A%27s---Downloadable.php

http://allthingsbrittany.blogspot.com/p/preparing-for-first-day-of-rest-of.html