ATB: MAGNUM the Miracle Brittany Update

'The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love
and be loved in return.'
*An update on J&A's Magnum The Prince of Maxfield.





April 23, 2012 was a day of celebration for the owners of Molly and Scooby's pups as they turned a year old. It was also, unfortunately, a day of devastation for the owners of Magnum, the beautiful male pup from Pippin and Chevy's litter, a boy John and I came very close to keeping.  My awareness began when I learned there had been a tragic and awful accident in which the then 11 month old Magnum was struck by a large pick up truck earlier that morning. Right in front of one of his loving owners. Quickly, I contacted the family who was in shock after rushing Magnum to the vets to hear a less than positive report. At first it seemed all was lost, with little hope to believe Magnum would survive the accident, let alone any extensive surgery which would be necessary for his survival. And even then, no guarantee that he would full recover, walk again, or enjoy life as only a Brittany can.  All I could do was offer my prayer support and reach out to so many people across the country to request they too join in an intensive effort to pray for a miracle with this Brittany pups life.  It was amazing to see so many people turn to God on Magnums behalf.  His owners and I remained close in touch, wanting so much to hope beyond hope, and believe beyond belief that this special little guy would come through.  And as all of us know, animal medical emergencies come at a very high cost, financially as well as emotionally.



More pictures of Magnum on a camping trip, swimming, mudding,
chasing ducks, and being loved.  Click to enlarge thumbnail.

God's hand began to move quickly as evidenced with a post at the bottom of the blog.  "Nancy", a vet tech friend who also is a huge fan of Pippin (Magnums mother) notified me that of all hospitals he could be transferred to for special care, Magnum was right there where she worked.  I know she is of like minded faith and would be there praying, encouraging, helping and indeed that is what happened.  And she was a blessing to Magnums owners, especially his human 'mom' but that is the way Nancy is.  Magnum just happened to show up there.  The diagnosis was complicated but did indicate that Magnums spine and pelvis had been fractured in several places. It was not known if the 'plate' could easily be repaired or how much nerve damage he had already sustained.  Quality of his life was of the utmost importance.  I consulted with a couple of our vet friends, one who happened to stop by that morning.  He assured me that the likelihood of a positive prognosis was very possible and greatly encouraged me with his knowledge of similar situations he had encountered.  I shared all of that with Magnums family, a very special and caring family where Magnum is loved by 3 girls and their parents.

Magnum had his surgery and went home to recover.  We were updated throughout the days and weeks that followed on a regular basis.  His family truly went the extra mile for Magnum, providing all the specialized care and attention, administering to all of his needs, which I know was not easy. I'm aware of how much of their time and resources were dedicated and sacrifices for Magnum. But I also know they wouldn't have it any other way.

I can't remember how many stitches it took to sew the incredibly handsome Magnum back together. I remember looking at the photos though of his shaved backside which clearly showed the skill of the animal surgeon in an incision that extended from one side to the other. The kind of incision that makes you shudder. Magnum eventually began to walk again, slowly and with difficulty. But he walked. And eventually he also began to run again - whether he was 'supposed' to be running or not, he did! 

One day I was reading an especially uplifting update about Magnum which blessed me tremendously.  Karen shared that there had been an anonymous 'donation' to help defer some of the veterinary expenses incurred for Magnums emergency surgery and aftercare.  Who ever that was, I thank you too and am so appreciative of your help.   Thank you for caring so much to help out in such a way.  God will bless you for this!

Well, I was so happy today to be 'tagged' on Facebook in a group of recent photos of Magnum enjoying some summer fun with his very active and wonderful family.  I thought it might be nice to share them, especially for those who followed Magnums progress since the first update on April 24. 

I believe and am convinced that God is faithful to watch over and protect ALL that concerns us, those who love Him.  I believe and am convinced He hears and answers the prayers of those who turn to Him in times of trouble, who put their trust in Him alone.  How else can one explain the chain of events, the people involved, and the final outcome of this one little Brittany puppy, named Magnum?  A puppy from the litter so aptly nicknamed "The Magnificent Obsession" litter.  Thank you to all who have prayed and continue to do so.  Take care and God bless,  John,  Ann, and ATB

*Sire: GCH Tonan-Hopes R-U Kiddin' Me (Chevy)

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

DOB: 5.10.11 Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owners: Jaime & Karen Carson and Family

ATB VIDEO: Sweet Dreams

I really enjoy my new camera. There are so many amazing features which I have yet to discover. It's so much fun to experiment with all the settings, editing tools, etc. I took these photos last night. No, our dogs don't sleep with us - much.

ATB: Continuing to Simply Be

July is halfway through, which means my self imposed 'sabbatical' is as well. As I continue to contemplate further upon what it truly does mean to "simply be" I realize it is beneficial for each day to include some structure. Whether that structure actually has 'teeth' or is simply a nice illusion designed to make one feel productive is purely a personal choice.  This structure could vary from one day to the next and should be extremely flexible. In my opinion, to live with an unyielding schedule is to live with a ball and chain tied to your foot.  But alas, I will concede structured schedules should come into play yet only when there is balance. 

There are bumper stickers with the quote: "no schedule, no phone, no address." It all sounds good on the surface and quite honestly, it's an approach I could easily yield to. Especially the telephone aspect of it (said she who absolutely hate and abhors the telephone.)  Even so that approach when taken seriously becomes a type of malady, a malady that retirees and vacationers alike are in danger of suffering from.  When the opportunity arises in our life to 'simply be' it's too easy to lose sight of the importance of responsibility and accountability. Too much structure binds us physically, emotionally, and spiritually to people, places, things, and issues.  All these things have the potential to consume our every waking moment and conscious thought.  Yet total disregard for structure leaves our mind, soul, spirit, being and inner man/woman wide open to the latest whimsical anecdote or philosophy regarding the purpose of our life.

As some people experiment with drugs, I suppose other people experiment with spiritual beliefs.  There is a wide realm of spiritual activity in the world today, with many persuasive and well intentioned beliefs.  A person can pick and choose their beliefs in much the same way we sit down to a restaurant with a 5 course dinner menu.  But alas.  As surely as not all food choices are healthy for our physical self, neither are all the spiritual choices and teachings healthy for our spirits, for our soul.

I learned years ago to be very particular about what music, books, teachings, and ministry I allowed to permeate my 'being'. No one ever tried to censor what I would open myself up to. When my children were very young, living at home I did pay attention to what they were watching on television and listening to on their Sony Walkman. When mom said no, mom meant no.  We joke now about how I had the kids get out of the car because they fussed and fumed about the music I had playing on the radio.  Don't think I was a terrible mom, we were just about a half mile away from the house.  But they did not want to listen to Contemporary Christian music.  And I did not want to listen to Madonna.  (Today I would choose Madonna's music over a lot of the JUNK that tries to pass it off as music.)  We even had cassette tape destroying wars at times.  One of my favorite tapes would either disappear completely or mysteriously appear all tied up in knots.  Likewise, so would theirs. A bratty adult is no match for a bratty kid. I had MTV blocked on our cable.  I encouraged our children to expand their horizons and live life large as they explored their world. But never at the expense of their innocence, vulnerability, or morality. 

I've been thinking a lot about these things lately.  John and I don't watch a lot of television.  I do enjoy having music playing most of the time.  My cell phone doesn't even take a picture, I don't know how to text, and I don't own one wireless gadget.  My youngest grandchildren have to show me how to use the Wii.  In 1989 we spent thousands of dollars and bought the latest and greatest home theatre system.  13 years later the television has just quit and the only component that works is the radio. For my listening enjoyment these days I link to Pandora or download MP3's that are free.  I discover many wonderful new artists this way.  I do have a hand me down first generation I-Pod Shuffle.  Times have changed for me.  Back in the early 90's I think John and I were about the only ones among our friends who actually had a computer.  I learned about the Internet and email via an administrative stint at a power plant.  In the 90's I was designing non-html websites.  And we always had cutting edge,  high tech computers and software. Including all the latest Atari computer games etc. That was then. This is now.

Eventuall I determined there was way too much noise and busyness in my life.  I remember years ago, riding in the backseat of a car with family and friends headed to a concert. The radio was blasting a Top-40 countdown popular song of the day. And I hated it.  I just wanted the noise to stop. I couldn't hear myself think.  I love music.  I hate noise.  But maybe people fill their lives with noise and busy-ness to avoid being in touch with the deep places within them. Maybe those places are painful, maybe they are sad.  I don't know.  But what I do know is I'd rather feel everything I was created to feel than stifle it, bandage it, and keep pushing it deep down inside so that I become numb to it.

Yet in those moments of quiet and deep reflection, how can we even KNOW who it is we profess to believe in?  I do know the answer to that question.  It is called setting a private, personal place aside - in both your heart and in your home.  Or maybe on a beach.  Or just somewhere that you have none of the other noise, none of the other busyness intruding.  A mini-retreat, a mini-sabbatical such as I am experiencing here at ATB.   And when you do this, reach for the Book that tells the stories of creation, of God's love for mankind.  Reach for the book of Psalms, of love songs, of praise and of prayer. Reach for the book of wars, of famine and flood, of despair and destitution. Reach for the book of hope and of revelation, of truth, of promise.  Reach for the book that leads the way to the living God, the life changer and re-arranger. Reach for the Bible where the love of God can reach out and touch the depths of the soul of any person on this earth who dares to open their heart up to that reality. Even briefly.  Because when that happens, the floodgates of His love quickly fill all those empty places of longing within.  Be still.  And Know. That He is God.  Just try it.  And do it with a Brittany or two quietly laying nearby.  They totally get this whole idea and concept of 'simply being' in the moment.

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

ATB: To Simply "Be"

To simply be... this is where I am tonight.  A "place" of peace and contentment.  I arrived here randomly, through a selection of music playing on Pandora.  Above, is the piece which has touched my heart, reflective of all that I was all that I am all that I ever hope to be.  The name, SEA AND SILENCE is so appropriate. I saw photos on the Facebook page of my niece as she was kayaking in the afternoon, over in New Castle, New Hampshire.  Photographs of the waters just off of Portsmouth Harbor.  Waters that I grew up, where we all grew up living on a beautiful island of Colonial homes, a magical and mystical island to grow up on as a child, a place full of memories in my mind and in my heart. Funny the thoughts come tonight on this day, my sister's birthday.  Funny the sense of peace and calm arrive at the beginning of a week which will end with a joyous celebration of the wedding, of another dear friends daughter.  Time passes by. But life is good and sometimes even better than ever hoped for. Not always. But most often.  As I blog tonight the music carries me in the same way it once did at my very first creative writing class, a class where I also heard Pachobels Canon in D for the very first time.  All is calm.  And all is bright.  And All things Brittany is very peaceful tonight. 

I have so loved the many updates and photos of Bullet and Treasures puppies these recent weeks and days.  They are so loved and they are so treasured, what more could I ask?  And their daddy, Bullet, he has finished in the ring! Not only as a show champion owned and loved by Julie but also as the very first J & A's Brittanys show champion in the history of our gundog breeding program. We said we hoped he would finish before his pups all went home, and Bullet did just that. Right to the day.  I never want to forget what this 'feels' like to me.  I never ever want to take for granted how this grand event came to be.  I want to always remember being there in the ring as the judge pointed to Bullet and my heart leaped for joy for so many reasons, not the least of which was the beautiful Brittany himself.  A boy so full of love and affection, so playful, yet so keenly intelligent and filled with the strongest hunting instincts, instincts that continually rise to the surface and demand to be fulfilled in the field.  Julie told him that when he finished he would never have to go into the ring again, that job would be done but that from now on he'd be spending time doing what he loves to do best - hunting and field work.

This day John and I began the arduous task of transforming the whelping area and puppy playpen back into a grooming studio.  Truthfully I had been putting it off. Not so much due to the nature of the job, but more to the reality of the closure of the rearing  of the Triple J&A litter.  11 pupppies each one in their new home this night as I reflect.  11 puppies born on the 11th of April to our beautiful Treasure.  And to our first show champion, Bullet.  

All the shavings and toys, blankets, whelping supplies, the box itself and all manner of things relative to raising a litter of new Brittany pupppies - disappeared as the afternoon wore on.  In it's stead the grooming table, crate, mirrors, tack box and other tools.  All manner of things necessary now to keep this crew looking it's best in the days, weeks, and months ahead.  And I like grooming our crew. From a simple check at their ears to a full body summer field clip, it is time spent with each dog that I enjoy. They like it too. When I still went to have my hair "done", I usually loved the way I felt when I walked out of the hair salon.  The dogs love that feeling too as evidenced by their wild and crazy romps around the yard.

Treasure is doing wonderful. Her coat is shedding profusely but that is typical after having a litter of pups.  But her eyes are bright and her coat is glowing still.  On the day that Pearl (Patience) left, she and Treasure ran through the open door into the puppy play area.  Pearl jumped up on the stool and sat and looked at Treasure as she nosed around sniffing and pawing.  Then together they ran up and over back outdoors to play.  Treasure continued to show an interest in her pups right up to the leaving of each one.  She was a part of it.  After Pearl left for Rhode Island Treasure went and found a puppy toy.  She ran all around the yard with it as if to be sure no one had been left behind. Satisfied all was well, Treasure focused her attention upon me and begged me to engage with her in a game of keep away. I happily obliged. 

When it was still June I joked and said I was going to hang a shingle that said CLOSED during the month of July. But I realize I really cannot be 'CLOSED'.  Besides that each weekend is already full of plans and schedules including a nearly week long visit by two of our grandsons. We have plans though and it will be fun. July is a month of several dog shows but right now after our Brittany club specialty I have no energy nor desire to go to one single show. I will however look forward to getting down to the field as much as I can with John and the crew. 

It is a time to simply be. It is a time to remind John that he does not need to be planning the entire next week while we sit quietly at the edge of the ATB pond.  We need to remember to watch the dogs closer as they play. They live in the moment.  They are happy no matter what they are doing and never ever fail to let us know how much we are loved.  Yesterday morning we sat in the shade as the sun came up over the pond with each and every Brittany all out together at the same time.  I love our pack. I love our life. I love being loved and I love loving those in my life, sharing it all with John.

The joy of the Lord is my strength and indeed, this is true. Every moment of my day this can be a reality.  Joy.  Can be. A. Reality.   Joy is not an emotion or a feeling.  Joy is a state of mind which we can choose to live in.  And I do.  Joy is found in quietness and in simplicity, places of solitude.   It is only when we are stilled, quieted and make a choice to be still.  To be still.  To be still and to know. That HE is God. There it is.  Suddenly again.  How clear and how simple.  To simply 'be'. 

My goal for the month is to simply be.  Simplify my life.  Become unencumbered.  Place no high expectations on myself, John, family, friends and certainly not the dogs. Instead, I'm going to spend more time with all of them as well as with each of them than I have for a few months. They already are aware of this and they seem very happy about it.  They place no expectations on me and somehow understand and accept when time must be divided and shared. But this month, for the most part I am certainly all theirs. I think it's going to be a great month.

I'm thankful for those of you who read and follow this blog.  Even more so for those of you who love this amazing breed and of course - ours in particular! Stay in touch and may God always bless you and yours... John, Ann, and our canine crew of Brittany dogs.  (wow we bred a champion...wow)

J & A's Brittanys Video: July Dog Day Morning

Can't have too much fun with this crew!