ATB: MAGNUM - Not Your Ordinary Bird Dog

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

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

upon Magnum by his loving family and so many friends.

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

HURRICANE SANDY: When The Oceans Rise

(Pause PlayList to the Right before playing)
Still

Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

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

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

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

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

ATB Bird Dog: Bolt Puppy Does it Again

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

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

ATB Bird Dogs: The Superior Brittany Crew from CT.

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

Pictured her left to right with Jim T.:

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

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

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

ATB Bird Dogs: Boog & Remi Poulin

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

Boog on point. Photo credit: Greys Outfitting



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



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

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




 









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

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

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

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

ATB Bird Dogs: Jack Puppy - BIRD DOG

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

ATB Bird Dogs: Bolt's First Birds !

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

ATB: Over the Rainbow - Celtic Woman



ATB Bird Dogs: Ranger's Pheasant !

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

ATB VIDEO: Wishing 11 puppies a happy 3rd Birthday

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

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

 

 

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

ATB Bird Dogs: Rangeley's Timberdoodle

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


"This is Rangeley nicely pointing a woodcock."



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

ATB: Kezar Falls Youth Hunt

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

ATB Bird Dogs: Opening Day for MAX !

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

 

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

ATB Bird Dogs: Jasmine and Ranger Opening Day!

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

 

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