ATB: Catching Up Summer 2013

Hemi and Ann

Can you believe it - August is drawing to a close?  July was so hot, humid, and miserable then came August with the recent refreshing cooler weather. The last few days have been a remind that summer is most definitely NOT over!

I've been trying to get use to Windows 8 on our new laptop, my tablet took a nose dive courtesy of a few exuberant Brittany dogs, and we had to send our work horse of a desktop personal computer out for service.  This all adds up to mucho frustration for me because I haven't been able to upload or edit photos or do much on either of the websites I try to maintain. Never mind not keeping up with this blog or the one over at Bangor Daily News.

This has been one busy summer that's for sure, each week seemingly busier than the week before.  I usually try to take one full month "off" in as much as that may or not be possible but that didn't happen.  But it's all been good. 

I've been happy to see our ATB family continue to grow, hear from some folks I was wondering about, and really enjoy summertime with the dogs. I have come to really rely on Facebook to stay in touch with most people and I'm always happy to see the photos and updates shared there.  I have all but eliminated relying on email for communicating due to the overabundance and backlog of emails - one of the reasons I had to send the PC in for repairs.  Sometimes a few of you will leave comments here and I like that too.  But I do feel an apology is in order - you know I just love to write and share and stay in touch but it's just not happened.

Thank  you Doug Tighe!

Pam, Sandy, Kira, Ann, Julie

One of the highlights of this summer was the recent trip Julie, Pam, and I took to New York.  We were the guests of "Wilson" and "Annie's" owners, Kira and Pete. There was a wonderful dog show (Adirondack Circuit) and we spend time with a lot of the members of the Hudson Valley Brittany Club.  Speaking of which... I have some pretty cool stories I do want to write about.  In most cases it should be 'what happens in Saratoga Springs stays in Saratoga Spring' but some of our fun times were just too enjoyable not to share! While there I handled Hemi to win additional AKC Grand Champion points as Select Dog and showing him as a champion for the first time.  Not to be outdone Miss Thistle went Best Opposite Sex most days for additional GCH points as well.  The high point was when Wilson (Treasure/Bullet) won several consecutive Best of Winners including a 4 point major win at the North Jersey Brittany Club Specialty Show!!!


Central Maine Brittany Club members joined Hudson Valley Brittany Club members for this group photo taken for the judging of the best 'campsite'. This group transformed our grooming area into an authentic hunting lodge and the kids won the Junior Hunter award!
Balston Spa Fairgrounds, NY

So this is kind of a breezy, catch my breath little jot just to say I'm here really!  We are gearing up for another show, several hunt tests, and the clubs field trial. 

My concern has been not being able to communicate effectively with those of you who have inquired about a future Brittany. Most of you have received a reply explaining the delay in sending our information out and I so appreciate those of you who are committed to a puppy from us - simply because it is a puppy from our program.  That makes me very very proud!

I have re-assembled the questionnaire, puppy reservation policy, and the purchase agreement.  If you've been in touch with us within the last month or so, I will be sending them out to you. 

We do have definite plans in place through 2014 which will be very very nice.  I have some of you on lists for a specific time frame.  Others have not confirmed your reservation but that is understandable and not required at this time.  Our breeding program continues to develop into it's 3rd generation and we couldn't be happier with the pups and young dogs that are out there.  So much that a 4th generation is just beyond the horizon, potentially sometime in 2014.  For now - we are thankful that we can proceed one day at a time.

Please continue to keep Remi (Chrissy/Jack) in your prayers regarding his fractured foot and remember his family as well. This is a tough time on them all and the BBW.

Don't hesitate to contact us again if you feel we may not have received your initial inquiry. Just go through the www.mainebrittanysitejas.com. 

Take care and God bless, and as always THANK  you for your interest and  your support of All Things Brittany.  John, Ann, and our canine crew