ATB Video: Keepin' It In The Family (4 month old pups)

 

Southern Maine's weather has been cooler and drier the past few days giving us all a sense of refreshment and renewed energy - especially the dogs!  Additionally, I think my knee is finally beginning to respond favorably to the most recent Synvisc-1 injection received just about a month ago as evidenced by less pain upon movement.  The fact of the matter is that I can realistically anticipate for less joint pain, better mobility and greater range of motion for about 10 months or even longer.  As I continue to be successful with Weight Watchers I know too that effects the weight bearing pressure on my knees. Suffice to say, the lower humidity happily coincides with my desire to work alongside of John training and handling our crew!  Okay, now that we've talked about the weather and my medical issues which seem to be resolving themselves, let's move on and get to the point, which hopefully points to the above video.

 

Earlier in April this year Treasure gave birth to 11 beautiful Brittany puppies sired by the handsome dude we know and love as Bullet Man.  As you may already know this breeding produced our first true line breeding.  From the beginning we quickly identified a wonderful consistency within the pups temperament, structure, intelligence, and especially the natural, inherent hunting abilities.   We knew what we wanted, we knew what to look for, and we knew when we were seeing it! 

 

Our hearts are so full of love and affection for so many Brittanys.  Some of them share our lives and home, all share our heart.  Almost daily we receive updates and photos in our email, on Facebook, and on the phone (but John takes the calls as you may know!)  What developed here at All Things Brittany through our mutual love not only of the dogs (and often the mutual the love of God) is more than we could have hoped for.  Our ATB 'family circle' spans several years and generations with friendships not only made with our new puppy owners, but a lot of the owners stay in touch with each other on a regular basis.  Some very genuine and authentic, loving friendships have developed and continue to develop. And it is good!

 

One of the things that has also developed in the years following John's retirement are ability to work well with the dogs.  I really like what one of our Brittany friends says about him, that John is 'dog magic.'  And this is something that just kind of happened because of the time he had available to spend with our own crew, and several from our program.  I'm proud of him. I enjoy watching him with our dogs in the field. They are a team. This is not to say that John and I are not a team unto ourselves of course, that is a given as we approach 38 years together! 

 

I have had the privilege of watching my husbands skills take shape right before my eyes.  I have seen how he takes a Brittany from our program, adult or otherwise, out into the field and evaluate their skills.  I've watched as he takes a pup who has had an overload of obedience training and is fearful to make an independent move towards a bird - transformed in a very brief time.  I've seen him take an older dog who may have been blinking birds, work with that dog a few times, and next thing  you know they are a bird finding, pointing machine.  There's times when he has had to administer necessary corrections to a well loved adult finished dog, knowing full well he hates the look in a dogs eyes when they realize they have displeased John - their master, their owner, their friend.  He is not a trainer by trade, and certain has no aspirations to turn professional.( I smile on the inside when I hear people refer to him as a 'pro trainer'. No. John is simply a nice guy who enjoys seeing other people succeed with their dogs.) 

 

It's a standing joke around here that John has now 'stolen' two of my Brittany boys - True and Hemi.  They were to be my so called 'show dogs.'   Well, I have come to deeply respect John's keen perception as to when a young dog should be out in the field as opposed to running around a ring.  I have had to learn there is no rushing the process - either process, and not to be in such a hurry.  And I have been able to better respond to advice given to me ten years ago in regards to knowing for certain what 'my' goals,  hopes, and dreams were in regards to our dogs. I have learned not to apologize for being a breeder whose priority is to raise bird hunting dogs who hunt exceptionally well in the Maine woods and fields, and the entire New England region. I have learned to be unwavering in that commitment.  Some of us must walk to the beat of a different drummer.  And I'm so thankful that John is one of those individuals.

 

We recently rejoiced with the accomplishment of our first bred by AKC show champion, a champion soon returning to the field that he loves and excels in.  We are confident and thankful that our second and third bred by show champions are very close to a reality, and there are others.   I think it's finally beginning to sink in.

Each time we make a conscientious decision to bring two animals together, it is done because we want to improve upon what is already good. I think this can mean that the best of  our 2012 program is much better than the best of 1990, the year we bred our first litter of Brittanys!  Long time breeders have the benefit of learning, growing, and most important of experience.  They should also easily be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in their line through each generation.  They should expect to see improvements with each successive mating of animals, whether by strengthening that which they want to remain or eliminating that which they do not want. 

 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this very brief video which I put together today. To watch these Brittany dogs of various ages is indeed to clearly identify the specific thread which is carefully woven from one generation to the next.  I know we're going to have some very happy bird hunters! Take care and God bless.  This video points to several generations of J&A's Brittanys.  John, Ann and our canine crew.

ATB Video: Hunt CLOSE!

Summer is beginning to wind down. Each day brings a longing for cooler, drier days and the awesome fall weather. As upland game hunters, this time of year also brings a renewed sense of longing for both John and I to hit the woods and the fields with our own beloved bird dogs. It's been more difficult for me in recent years to do so as often as I once did, or as frequently as I would now like to go. But I will look forward to opening day of bird season because of how fun it is for John and the dogs, especially for his Jack dog. Today I went through some of the early field pictures that I took years ago and put this musical slideshow together in anticipation of what lies ahead for this 'boy and his dog!'

ATB: Who Am I?

 

I am the worlds best grandma. 

I am a superstar. 

I rock.

Don't believe me? 

Just ask my oldest grandson! 

 

 Out of the mouths of babes.  Wasn't it Art Linkletter who had the program back in the day called "Kids Say The Darndest Things" and also "House Calls"?  (I think too that Bill Cosby had a version of the program in more recent years.)   All the cutesy little kids would be sitting together in a row and Art would approach each one with the mic.  He asked very basic questions of the youngsters who, for the most part, were eager to speak into the mic and provide an innocent and enthusiastic answer. This of course resulted in an outbreak of  canned audience laughter. On second thought, maybe it was not a laugh track at all. Regardless, the kids were such a breath of fresh air in stark contrast to the seriousness of the oh so adult world we find ourselves living in at this stage of our life. Do you ever just find people take themselves too darn seriously?  Or, if not themselves, situations and circumstances.  My 'birthday letter' will remain posted within sight where I can look at it every day and be reminded that "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child" (Forest E. Witcraft, American Scholar, Teacher, Scout Leader, 1894-1967)

  

"Who Am I" is an important question for all of us to ask of ourselves from time to time.  When John and I were youth directors at our previous church we put together a PowerPoint presentation of all the teens set to the awesome words of a song by "Casting Crowns" called "Who Am I."   I think it's especially important for the youth of today to have a balanced perspective of who they are, of their potential, value and worth.   (Click and listen while you read, I bet you'll like this music!)

 

 

I'm confident in believing too that we all need to be mindful not to become negatively effected by excessive pride, or rest on our laurels and accomplishments to the point that our identity becomes lost in them.  You see this a lot in the business world or even epitomized clearly through the adage "he who dies with the most toys, wins."  Wins what?  I've seen some really nice people transformed into very boastful, arrogant, and obnoxious people because of their achievements, goals, promotions, acquisitions, etc.  We all desire to have our moments in time, to be more than we ever hoped we could be. That sense of worth and value which is ours and ours alone, to stand in the spotlight of whatever our chosen profession, craft, or giftings may be.  Yet too easily this can morph into an obsession, and not necessarily of the magnificent kind. 

 

I guess that the most important thing to take away from any reflection on 'Who Am I?" is to work at becoming better at being yourself.  Be certain of what really matters the most  and also not getting caught up with the expectations of others.  Learn to say "no, thank you" more often or "I'm sorry, I can't."  How can we know who we are, if we don't even know what we really want, or who we want to be?  It's never too late and certainly never too early to take the time to try to answer these questions.   

 

Family, friends, co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, pastors, and all manner of individuals in our lifes have a 'notion' of who we are. But does their belief about who we are really define us accurately?  If so, we should be left with a peaceful and easy feeling in our relationship(s) with them.  Yet finding ourself conforming to desires of  people who only have a vague awarenss or understanding of who we are can cause true peace of mind to remain elusive and unattainable.  Such a constant, inner battle can bring about weariness and stress that's simply not healthy for us on any level. We're actually battling against ourself,  against our own nature as we challenge the very person God created us to be!  We are at risk of having no idea of who we are, and in danger of remaining trapped by the expectations that other people put upon us. We get lost in the shuffle.

 

I can tell you this is not the plan God has for your life.  It's not the plan He has for my life either.  One thing about growing older which I say on the heels of a recent birthday that brought me closer to my next celebration ending with a "0" - you do become wiser, more knowledgable, and confident.  My mother in law at the age of 84 told me that when something was on the tip of her tounge to say to another, that she knew it was soon going to be spoken!  Maybe you become less concerned with offending someone or hurting their feelings.  I'm not advocating that we become offensive, insensitive, or arrogant in what we tell others. But give the same level of respect to your 'own person' that you give to others.  Do unto others as you would do unto yourself takes on a bit of a new meaning with this perspective, don't you think?

 

Not everyone has the same likes or dislikes.  We shouldn't expect others to be just like us and vice versa because that results in conflict. Appreciate others likes and dislikes and be respectful.  Don't put our expectations upon others.  Saying yes automatically to everything others want is not what putting others first is all about.  (Don't be afraid to tell those who insist on their own way more often than not, to take a break and a chill pill. We all have control freaks in our life so you know what I mean.)  When everything is said and done, the only way to grasp the truth and the reality for ourselves truly is simply by putting God first. Seek Him and His ways. Read about who you are, who He created you to be. Embrace this once and for all. And walk in the freedom of the answer to "WHO AM I." How do you answer the question?

 

Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany. John and I and the dogs are all doing well.  Very busy with daily field training and getting ready for hunting season, maybe a couple more hunt tests and probably a trial.  We are beginning to put plans together for our winter 2012/2013 breeding program and will announce them soon. We have a nice waiting list growing which will motivate us further.  Pippin is close to finishing, True needs 1 leg for his Senior Hunter, and we're very pleased to have on of Treasure and Bullets little boys here for early bird introduction.  Molly Rose is enjoying an extended vacation away from home, and John and I are getting ready for our clubs field trial weekend. Don't have a lot of plans for much more showing this fall, just settling in to what the future may hold. All good. I've enjoyed many wonderful visits with several of you this summer as well as special times with our family.  Life is good and God is great.  Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and our canine crew

 

 



ATB: Pip - Pip - Pipppp-ORAY !



Wow.  It keeps getting better.  Seriously.  Watched Bullet (Chrissy/Jack) become our first AKC show champion in June at the Maine Chickadee Classic dog show. Saw 14 month old Thistle (Pippin/Chevy) win a 4 pt major also at the Central Maine Brittany Club Supported Entry at the same show. You know I took July off and then went on vacation at Julie's camp with Moll-moll.  While away, Hemi (Pippin/Chevy) wins 1st place Derby and True (Treasure/Gibson) wins the club championship at Northern New England Brittany Club with John handling. On Saturday, Hemi won his class of 2 on Saturday at the Northern New England Brittany Club Specialty (then class of 1 on Sunday) .  On Sunday at the Wachusett Kennel Club and NNEBC Supported Entry - 4 month old pups Wilson and Bolt (Treasure/Bullet)  debut in the new AKC 4-6 mth Beginner Puppy class. I watched Wilson place 3rd in a class of 4, as brother Bolt wins Best of Breed and a Sporting Group 2 Beginning Puppy. And then...

And then! OH MY HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY DAY!  I saw Pippin win 1st place in Open Bitch on Saturday at the Northern New England Brittany Club Specialty from a nice class of 3.  She won that same class on Sunday (NNEBC Supported Entry), went on to receive Winners Bitch, and Best of Winners for - DRUM ROLL HERE - A 3 Point MAJOR win!!!! I'm walking on air.

I sat far away from the ring when Pippin was shown for a variety of very good reasons. She is after all  a Brittany that is first and foremost a hunting dog with a great nose and superb hearing.  She has been in full coat for a couple of months now and looks absolutely luxurious.  This is not always the case as  anyone who shows a bitch knows the reality of being in coat or out of coat due to their heat cycles. Pippins coat is a very deep, deep orange with a luxurious texture and slight waves.  It has been in what I consider top show coat for a few weeks now.  I could not wait for her to be shown again.  Her movement is impeccable, very synchronized - some have said they've never seen such precise timing in any dogs gait. When Pippin is on - you know it.

On Sunday I watched as the judge pointed to Pippin in the Open Bitches class and the ringside Pippin fan club stifled their applause for the time being.  We were all bursting at the seams when she won the Winners Bitch class. Then halfway through the Best of Breed judging  I could feel my heart pounding as the judge really took her time going over all the beautiful finished champions, and Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.  In order for Pippin to win a major she needed to win the Best of Winners award as there was no major in bitches. There was a 3 pt major in dogs.  I believed in Pippin, the skill of her handler to present her well, and of course God's timing.


I watched as the judge awarded Best of Breed to a handsome and finished male known as "Beckett" out of Triumphant Kennels.  Then I watched the judge point to Pippin and her handler, Joyce Coccia who is also Pip's new best friend.  By this point though I really was not sure that Pip had been awarded Best of Winners.  Fact of the matter is, I still have a hard time following the judging procedure at that level and often have to ask what just happened!  I looked across the two rings at Julie who was nodding her face up and down among other friends there.  Shania and Cindy both ran over to me and told me she had won the major!!! I didn't believe it though, I really couldn't believe it, it was too good to be true at that moment, and I really didn't want to react until I knew for sure.

Making my way through the other exhibitors who had just left the ring with their Brittanys I heard words of congratulations and was hugged by a few exhibitors.  My eyes were filled with tears and I kept saying, are you sure??? Did she really win the major??? Rounding the corner I was surrounded with hugs and words of congrats yet still I was not certain!! I walked over to where Joyce and Pippin were leaving the ring and asked someone there - did they get the major?  And then in Joyce's hands I saw the blue and white ribbon with Best of Winners along with the beautiful large purple rosette saying Winners. She did it!!! Pippin won the 3 point major!!!!  Joyce brought Pippin over to me where she was so happy and just knew she'd done something very wonderful and special. I couldn't stop hugging her. I also couldn't stop crying I was as happy as Pippin was. Joyce also had a huge grin on her face too!

Oh my sweet and beautiful Pippin, you have been a delight since the day you were born, one little singleton puppy full of so much personality, vim and vigor, love, energy,  impishness, mischievous behavior, and more.  Pippin, a striking Brittany who gives as much affection as she received. She's a little bratty (a lot?!) at times and needs strong leadership to keep her under control and in the field - she is a stylish bird finding machine.  And now - this awesome bundle of joy is just 2 single points away from finishing her AKC conformation title!!  I'm so appreciative to her handler Joyce, who always goes into the ring believing in Pippin no matter what. I love to watch her present Pippin. And I love how much Pippin enjoys being with Joyce. I saw that with Bullet making it easier to decide to send Pippin along with them before Bullet had finished. And it is NEVER easy to make that decision regardless of where you are sending your dog. But I had no doubt where I wanted Pippin to be.

The weekend was awesome. Kira showed Wilson so well!! Congratulations Kira, I'm so very proud of you and thank you for everything.  Hanging out with you the past two days was so enjoyable. And I'm so happy you and Julie had a chance to meet Bolts terrific family.  Julie you did a superb job handling not only my little britches Hemi but also Bolt for the Krinson family. How wonderful for those young boys to experience the joy of seeing their puppy do so well.  The new AKC Beginner Puppy class is just great, and it was fun to share the excitement in the ring with a very special first time breeder and her pups as well. ALL the pups did well especially in consideration of their young and tender age.

The All Things Brittany "family" continues to grow in numbers and also close to each other.  John and I are blessed in so many ways throughout our life.  I can never take things like this weekend for granted. And I really want to be faithful to not only give credit and appreciation to where it is deserved, but most importantly - I ALWAYS want to be sure to simply give the glory, the praise and anything that goes with this to God, the One who truly causes me to believe that ALL things are possible.  He is always in control of our lives, cares about every area within it, knows our hopes and our dreams and wants to give us the desire of our heart.  I believe that it's important to acknowledge His presence in every area of my life- most notably now in the public arena of All Things Brittany.

I'm rambling, I'm tired, I need to catch up on housework, put my things away from the show, edit and upload photos, catch up on email and telephone calls and so much more. For the time being I'm going to simply make up for a little lost time with the rest of the crew who haven't been traveling to or fro.  As always thanks for your support and interest in ATB. Take care and God bless you, John, Ann, and our canine crew

Achievement: Hemi 1st Place Derby Dog

Owners/Breeders: John & Ann H. Short    Trainer/Handler: John A. Short, Sr.
SIRE:  GCH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin' Me
DAM: J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton
DOB: 5.10.11

ATB: All Things Molly

I have just returned from a most wonderful vacation up in Aroostook County with Julie, our very dear friend. No telephone, no computer, no cell phone, no radio, no television added up to the opportunity to simply relax and yes - to simply 'be'.  This vacation actually began with a very nice birthday celebration held at the New Castle Commons in New Hampshire.  John teased me for the week leading up to my birthday because once again, calling me "Rose" from the series Three and a Half Men because I'd pretty much put the party together.  The reason I did this is because I really just wanted to be back in New Castle with all my family, and especially to have a chance to walk on the beach there with my grandchildren, a beach I grew up on.  Julie drove all the way down from mid-coast Maine to join John and I, our children and their families.  She and took a lot of nice pictures of the celebration which included the desired trek across the beach with all 7 grandchildren and our son; I was very happy that the weather held off for the birthday party despite the threatening thunder clouds and occassional sprinkles of rain. 

The next morning John headed out early for the annual Northern New England Brittany Clubs Members Day and Field Trial. Hemi won 1st Place in the Derby and True won the club championship!!!  So proud of our boys especially John. That being Sunday, I was very honored to lead the worship service at our son's church by playing keyboard.  Not only to be filling in for our church worship leader, but to be accompanied by our son and two of my grandaughters as well as other friends during the worship service. The whole service was AWESOME at the Maine Life Gate Christian Church.

Later in the afternoon Julie, Sassy, Bullet, Thistle, Molly and I began our trek to Northern Maine after a very nice visit at our friends Pam and Sam Jackson where we were introduced to their beautiful 4 week old litter of puppies, Duke, King, and Prince.  Sam and Pam had prepared a lovely lunch of appetizers and cold beverages for us to enjoy. And from that point on, it was "All Things Molly" (and friends) for the upcoming week as seen in the video above - hope you enjoy!

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

ATB: Off the Grid

For about a week or so it's going to be very quiet here on this blog!  I'll be away from the computer which also means away from email, and away from Facebook. Even before the calendar page flipped from July to August we began to more than make up for taking a month 'off' (in as much as it was possible).  We've enjoyed company with more to come as well as the advent of several dog club functions and responsibilities, dog shows, and family birthdays - and it's all good.  For the time being I do hope you like the new 'look' of the blog with Pippin's beautiful face looking back at you - and it is True who is on point in the background image. 

The amount of sunlight each day is becoming noticeably less with each passing day.  I notice it in the evening especially.  John being the morning person that he is notices it at the beginning of the day.  There are a few maple trees which I've noticed in passing that have already started their gradual change to the beautiful colors of autumn leaves. Some of the local stores already have their Halloween items out on display. I'm just getting into the whole summertime feel and you mean to tell me it's almost over?  Sigh. Complain as I might about the heat and high humidity there is a certain summertime mentality that eventually surfaces for me, one that makes me wish for outdoor dinners each evening, walks on the beach with John, and star gazing.  Wistful thinking!  I still would like to pack a thermos of hot coffee for both of us and head off to the nearest beach for a sunrise.  It is in summer that I miss the nearness of the ocean most of all.  Beginning a day sitting oceanside in August is a joy! 

Thistle has been here for a week.  We've enjoyed her tremendously.  What a beautiful, loveable, intelligent pup she is!  We've also had a good time with Miss Nova who will leave us in about a week.  We're getting a couple of the crew ready for showing and several also ready for hunt tests and field trials. Yes, we are going to continue to be busy right into the fall!

As this day begins, I am looking forward to what the coming year will bring... and can hardly believe how quickly the time is passing.  All things considered, all is well here at All Things Brittany.  Will catch up in a week or so.  Take care and God bless - John, Ann, and our wonderful canine crew!

ATB: August? Already?

Well, the sabbatical has come to an end. Actually it ended in a wonderful way on Monday with a planned visit among Brittanys and their owners. Translated to mean a special time with ATB friends!  We had company from Rhode Island and Connecticutt for the afternoon and what fun.  Nova the Brittany was reunited with her owners and Wilson (her brother Treasure/Gibson litter, North) was reunited with John and I!  If you get bored and have nothing to do you can look these pups up in the January 2011 "Nova Litter".   Wilson/North's eyes are very unique and breath taking! We also had the pleasure of meeting his Brittany friend, Brandy, a lovely 8 year old liver and white rescue dog.  John tossed a few steaks on the grill and chicken, I made a pasta salad and dessert.  This was paired with jumbo shrimp and lobster from Jim and Lori.  Monica surprised me with an early birthday cake and a really cute gift - plus she brought something for the dogs too!  All the dogs played together with close supervision and I have to say they did really great considering it was the first time for some to be here in our 'pack'. It's not always possible to have multiple dogs run when we have visitors but when we can, it's very special. Everyone took a walk down to the pond so the dogs could swim... everyone that is except for me. My most recent knee injection has yet to show any sign of offering pain relief which is pretty discouraging.  I've been doing well on Weight Watchers and feeling like I want to do more.  Just can't do much when the ol' knee won't cooperate but that's another story unto itself.

We are happy that we are able to add another liver and white Brittany to our breeding program as our daughter's Brittany "Boomer" passed his health clearances.  He is a cousin to our 1st Brittany, Hunter, so we are pleased with the possibility of what the future may bring. Speaking of which, there will soon be an announcement of our plans for 2013 and our waiting list is filling up.

Thistle is here with us this week. What a joy and delight she is.  As her co-owner I'm happy to get to know her better for sure.  She'll be staying here for a little field work soon.  Love this little girl! 

Looking forward with great excitement to some upcoming shows.  Bolt and Wilson from Treasure and Bullet's litter will be shown in AKC's brand new 4-6 month old puppy class!  I'm deciding which shows to enter Hemi, Pippin, True, Treasure in over the next 6 - 9 months along with looking ahead to what Thistle does in the ring.   We're also looking at the hunt test and field trial schedules carefully. They are almost upon us.  The dogs should all do well in the woods this fall, and also the tests and trials we are looking at. 

I do have more to share but I am leaning over and making contact with the keyboard - in other words falling asleep as I type!  There's some pictures I want to share of the other day among other things.

Nice to visit even briefly!!!  Take care and God bless you and yours, John, Ann and ATB