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!