ATB VIDEO: Sometimes In Winter



ATB Video: Seeing is Believing !!

December 28, 2013 = 2 weeks old

Brittany Puppies

Starting to watch and listen! (They can see blurry shadows of movement as their eyes open and their vision begins to develop.  They hear noises as muffled sounds as their ears begin to open. I was amazed truthfully at the obvious reactions seen above.  Their sensory perception seems to be keenly developed at a very young age according to notes in my whelping journal.  The pups are overly reactive in a positive way not only as seen in this video in regards to sight and sound but also to the pattern of simple petting from head to tail (touch) and detecting John coming into their area by the scent of his cologne (smell). They are definitely adventurous as they 'explore' their surroundings and with every wobbly, uncertain step they learn something new.  Seeing, touching, hearing, smelling are 4 out of the 5 traditional  senses that seem to be highly developed at the age of 2 weeks.  This leaves taste as the final sense so as we introduce them to solid foods in the future I'll be interested to see their reaction to that!

ATB: The EYES have it!

"Open your eyes to a new world out there, waiting for you to come out and explore!"

This is "Buck", he's the puppy who was delivered by C-section 24 hours  after Treasure whelped her last puppy. Today his eyes (and that of his littermates) are opening and can respond to the movement of shapes and react to the light. Their little ears are also beginning to open and they react to my voice by lifting their sweet bobbly heads up into the air as if to determine where the strange noise is coming from.

 

ATB: 2 week Old Brittany Puppies Weigh In

 

"Hard to believe Hemi and Treasure's beautiful puppies are already 2 weeks old. I think we'll see their eyes are fully open by the end of the weekend if not before as the lids have started to separate. Keeping the lighting low now intentionally. Coordination is really quite good. Their response to petting is really cute as they back into the palm of my hand as if to ask for more! Little woofs and some vocalizing becoming more frequent. Of course they sleep about 97% of the time but when Treasure steps into the box they are immediately aware momma is near. Last week they responded to the scent of John's cologne when he walked in as a couple of the pups lifted their head up high as if scenting the air. Then I received new perfume for Christmas and the same thing happened when I walked up to them wearing it for the first time. I just love seeing responses like that in such young pups! I was especially curious about their weight at 2 weeks and didn't really want to see this particular litter much over 2 lbs at this stage so I am happy about that. I think we're going to have to do our first revamp of the whelping box soon by raising up the sides a few inches before the first escape artist emerges. You know when they climb up onto the pig rail and stretch their little necks up high it's just a matter of time before they are up and over. Don't want to make it too easy for them, plenty of time for learning to climb in and out. So I really like the name BETH."

 

Hope you had a great Christmas!!! God bless you always, John and Ann and ATB

ATB Video: Pups On The Move

ATB: "YOU'RE HERE" - a beautiful Christmas Message

 

I think this is the most beautiful Christmas song to come out in years.  The video that accompanies the song is so poignant and beautiful.  For a little over 4 minutes this expression of God's love for all of us can help  remind us of the true meaning behind Christmas. I know not everyone feels the same way, or celebrates the Birth of Jesus  but we do here in a very simple way.  I can't help but to enjoy sharing because " It only takes a spark to get a fire going, that's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it you want to pass it on!!"  ~ Ann

ATB: And On the Ninth Day



The puppies are still tiny enough to fit in the palm of my hands.  I love the way a pup will wiggle and snuggle as I hold it.  They seem delighted to discover my fingers while sniffing then trying to mouth them, uncertain of what they are exploring.  Slowly and gently I bring their pudgy, roly-poly bodies up closer to my face. As I do they react to the subtle movement of being lifted. Ever so gently I reposition them so that we are face to face although the eyes remain closed. Patiently, I wait for a reaction as I bring the sweet little puppy ever closer, my nose and my breath right there to be discovered.  Soon I am rewarded with the fresh clean intoxicating scent of puppy breath.

Hemi and Treasures beautiful litter of 8 Brittany puppies is 9 days old today.  Soon, their eyes will open, marking the end of the neo natal period and the beginning of the 'transitional period'. (Those following along in the ART OF RAISING A PUPPY book can take note!)  Today I detected the teeniest and tiniest of little slits from the inner corner of one of the pups eyes.

The smallest puppy in this litter is "Chris".  He barely weighed 6 oz. when born but every day he has gained steadily and now he weighs 1 pound.  Chris is no slouch when it comes to rooting around among his littermates to find an open spot to nurse!

Treasure keeps her 'nest' and it's precious inhabitants absolutely immaculate. She is fastidious in the care of her puppies and has strong maternal instincts.  Although it would appear to the unobservant eye that not much is going on in the whelping box there is in fact a whole new universe developing so to speak, other planets soon to be heard from!  It won't be long before these near reverent and serene moments of blissful quietness turn into a whirlwind of busy-ness, noise, activities and exuberant joyfulness. And when that happens, the "birthing suite" will be transformed to a spacious puppy playpen with most of the current furnishings removed.

I know breeding is not for everyone. And I know not all breeders approach their programs the same way. Fortunately, I do have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to Treasure and her pups. It is now going on two weeks since I have moved in to the puppy cave.  But I am here because it's where I want to be not because it is where I have to be. There is a world of difference.  Yes these are 'just animals.'  Yes the mother dog takes care of everything the first few weeks. Yes I could even leave them all alone and go off for the day and they'd still be fine. But I really don't want to miss a moment, I don't want to miss it for the world. John and I are a team together. As surely as he runs the dogs in the fields, takes them for training, and travels where the birds are while I stay home to take care of the crew - so do I devote all my time, resources, and ability to the rearing of each litter of pups for the first 8 weeks.

A few weeks ago John brought home an enormous orthopedic dog bed.  The covering is like a faux suede and inside is an" egg crate"  foam mattress. Per usual, he found a bargain of a bargain when he found that and wished they had more than one!  We decided that for the time being Treasure would be the one who could benefit the most from it.  I like it too because I can easily and comfortably use it while on the floor next to the whelping box.

Buck, Hope, Comet, Donna, Dasher, Holly, Chris, and Cupid just fascinate me.  I look at them and realize I already "know" them.  Soon I should easily recognize various  expressions and behaviors in them.  There will be such a familiarity about them.  This that is familiar with enable me to easily identify all things new.  That's a lot of fun to do. 

At 9 days old the pups have daily already been handled according to the bio-sensor method. I think there's a page link over to the right here explaining that more fully.  But basically it is a structured early stimulation process designed to develop the highest level of intelligence possible.  It doesn't take a lot of time and each day each puppy goes through the same few exercises every day.

Another thing we enjoy doing once their ears are open is introducing them to a sound effects CD.  Prior to that we do try to keep noises to a minimum while their ears open. Anyone who has visited pups here can probably remember that there is always quiet music playing in the background. This is because when their ears do open I want to be sure that they are not jarred into a rude reality of loud noises.  Just my preference. And as the eyes begin to open this week, we'll make sure the curtains are drawn when the sun is the brightest. These babies don't need the brilliance of the morning sun shining into their newborn eyes. A lot of things that we take for granted we realize not every breeder does nor has the convenience of doing things this way.

We will be looking for the wobbly, unsteady movement of short, little, chubby  legs to suddenly propel an unexpected puppy across the whelping box sometime this coming week. Just as rapidly as the pup lurches forward so it will suddenly kick it into reverse and they will clumsily walk backwards.  Funniest thing ever and we have always called this the 'drunken sailor' stage. We have always provided a disclosure when using this statement as well; we surely mean no disrespect to any sailor anywhere!! Very young Brittany pups who are learning to walk truly provide plenty of opportunity for comic relief.

Our good friend Julie is such an important part of All Things Brittany. She supports us, encourages us, motivate us and truly demonstrates unconditional love and friendship. One way she does this is by crocheting a puppy blanket for every puppy to take with them when they go home. We tell her she doesn't have to do this but it is a labor of love.  These blankets are used while the pups are here, gently loved on, laundered frequently and then when they go home the scent of momma and littermates go with them. Not only does she crochet all these beautiful blankets, but she keeps track of the colors.  In this case there will be one blanket with the same color as Treasures and one blanket the same color as Hemis.  She also will repair the blankets.

 Julie is a blessing in many ways including often adding to our ever growing ATB library.  One book that she added years ago is called "Another Piece of the Puppy Puzzle" which I refer to frequently when raising a Brittany puppy. There are many, many development tools for a young litter including how to clicker train a litter to sit all at the same time and wait for their food.  THAT is quite amazing.  We always recommend that an owner might continue with clicker training, it's a successful tool for very young pups shaping positive behavior at a very early age.

I'll continue to provide updates here and on Facebook. I had thought of doing a private FB page for the family of ALL THINGS HOPED FOR but decided against it.  I know that there are those who enjoy following us when we have pups.

No matter how much devotion is poured out upon these pups I will never feel as though I have done all that I could do to prepare them for the first day of the rest of their lives. In the meantime though, I'm just simply planning to take things one day at a time and enjoy these very wonderful, special days. I have taken so many photos and videos I'll never have time to edit/upload half of them but will try to keep them coming.

Hope that you are all ready for Christmas and that this weekend sees you enjoying the last minute preparations. Whether shopping, baking, visiting, traveling or any number of things - I hope you do find time to reflect upon the birth of Jesus, what does it mean to you or for you, and share some special reflective moments with those who you love.  Thank you for your interest and as always, God bless you and yours! John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: 1 Week Old Brittany Puppies

 

 
This is the 39th Christmas John and I have spent together, and it is the first time he has ever taken care of writing out the Christmas cards or completely decorated the tree with such little 'assistance' from me. I'm just blessed that he would take so much of this on just so that my focus can be upon where it needs to be and where I want it to be. You wouldn't believe the thoughtful things he does as I spend this time tucked away with Treasure and her babies. Speaking of Christmas cards, we love going to the mailbox and hearing from all our friends and family, and especially the beautiful photo cards from our ATB family. In the meantime, the woodstove is keeping everything warm and cozy here, Christmas lights adorn the whelping box, a mini tree and manger on the shelf, and Christmas music playing too. I love waking up to the view of beautiful pups and their mother.  She is sleeping through the night.  This neonatal time will soon end, a transition will come and the changes will be reflected here. Visits will begin in the middle of January for the excited new families. Holding the pups this morning, I truly reflected upon the memory of holding their grandmother when she was born here, both of their parents born here, and now of course the pups themselves. We also have their great grandmother here, from the Birch Spring program. What is even more remarkable though, is tracing them all back to our very first litter in 1990 - even if it's just the belly button theory! As always, thank you for your interest.  Take care and God bless- John, Ann, & ATB.

ATB VIDEO: Brittany Puppies 1 week old

All Things Hoped For 

 

 

ATB: Year In Review - WOOT! WOOT!

ATB's year in review and 'records management' is putting a huge smile on this breeders face as I look upon many significent accomplishments in 2013 of dogs which we have bred.  This smile includes being happy for many owners who share their life with their family pet in a variety of ways. For the majority of folks that means loving their Brittany also as an outstanding grouse and woodcock hunting partner! For all of this means loving our Brittany for the unique, wondrous, beautiful, intelligent, fun loving dog that they are and the important part of our daily life that they are.

 A dog doesn't have to have the titles to be considered valuable to a breeding program. (That's a subject I am currently writing an article about. I hope to publish  it here, soon.) Even so, a TITLE earned is evidence of a tangible, visual and measureable goal. It indicates the absolute achievement and unquestionable  level of 'success'. The accomplishments of so many J&A's Brittanys this past year also makes this breeder proud for all the right reasons.  It also affords me the opportunity to easily recognize those breeders with a record of good ethics when they do well with their dogs in any given venue.  Natural, and mutual expressions of congratulations flow easily and are received with gratitude and appreciation when they are sincere.

A quick glance at the column to your right will reveal the ever growing list of titled Brittanys in various dog 'sports' from our program. A special SHOUT OUT to those who give your dog(s) an opportunity to shine in a sanctioned event or venue. You KNOW who you are!!

While we don't breed just to produce show champions we are proud to have bred show champions from our proven hunting dog lines.   2012 was exciting for us as 3 of our hunting dogs that we own (and co-own) became AKC Show Champions within 6 months of each other. 2013 is ending with a blaze of glory as not only 2 more of our Brittany hunting dogs finish their show championships but we also have our first GRAND CHAMPION - WOO HOO!

2013 has been an awesome year too with our first AKC SENIOR HUNTER title and several more Junior Hunter titles as well.  We plan to  continue to improve upon our line which we have developed over many, many years.  One of our greatest enjoyments is to take several of our dogs out together and show off their hunting skills. They are working dogs, they have a job to do, and they sure do it in a most excellent way.  We are not an overnight success but by golly, we are a success story!   In an extremely rare moment of standing on the rooftop  I shall now toot my own horn and shout out these current accolades:

2013 - FIRST AKC Senior Hunter: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH FD CGC  "BULLET"  J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH x KJ Requets Bouncin Crysta / Breeders: John & Ann Short / Owners/Handlers/Trainers:  Julie Harris & John Short Bullet is now testing for his AKC Master Hunter title. He also has points towards his AKC Field Championship and is officially recognized and titled as a "FD" (Flyball Dog).  

2013 - FIRST AKC Grand Champion: GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH "THISTLE"   GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me X CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton / Breeders: John & Ann Short / Owners: Julie Harris & Ann Short / Handler: Julie Harris  Thistle also finished her AKC Junior Hunter title in just two weekends.  She  finished her AKC Grand Championship title with 5 grand champion majors.  Thistle also is involved with Flyball.

2013 - FIRST BREEDER/OWNER/HANDLER AKC Champion: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI" GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me X CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton / Breeders/Owners: John & Ann Short / Handler: (Ring) Ann Short, (Field) John and Ann Short  He also has points towards his AKC Field Championship and is in training for his AKC Senior Hunter title. Hemi has points towards his Grand Championship title including 1 major win. He is the first dog from our program that I have personally handled start to finish in the ring and I am so proud. He finished at the Central Maine Brittany Club Specialty Show.

2013 - NEW AKC SHOW Champion: CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 108 Prize 1 "WILSON".  CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH FD X J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton. Breeders: John and Ann Short / Owners: Peter Sipperly, Kira Lajeunnesse / Primary Handler: Christine Walker (Wilson has also been handled by his owner Kira, Doug Tighe, Joyce Coccia) Wilson finished his championship on November 22, 2013 with his 3rd major at the Central New England Brittany Club Specialty Show at the age of 19 months. (His second major win was at the Northern Jersey Brittany Club Specialty Show.) This spring he finished his AKC Junior Hunter title and he will remain in training for additional levels of hunting accomplishments above all he is a well loved family hunting dog.

2013 - New AKC Junior Hunters from the ATB family of close working gundogs:  J&A's Superior Nova JH (Treasure/Gibson),  J&A's Superior Jersie Girl Jack/Molly) GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH (Pippin/Chevy), CH J&A's Quiet Courage NA 107 Prize 1 JH (Treasure/Bullet), Belknaps Secret Weapon JH (Jack/Jasmine)

2013 Upcoming AKC Titled Hunting Dogs Additionally, several other Brittanys from our program joined us for a fun weekend at the New England Brittany Club Hunt Test weekend and all received qualifying scores, leaving several very close to finishing their title!  It truly was a family affair which included: Ruby (Molly/Scooby), Bolt (Bullet/Treasure), Jack (Bullet/Treasure), and last but not least my very own J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton (TREASURE) who just needs 1 more qualifying score to receive her AKC Junior Hunting title too. (Treasure is of course show pointed, quickly earned all of her required minor points with me handling her in Bred by Exhibitor classes. Two major wins would make her a show champion too!)

2013 - New Flyball Title J&A's Sassafras Rose Harris CGC, FmCH - Pride & Joy's White Smoke X KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose / Breeders: John & Ann Short / Owners: James & Julie Harris Sassy is a key member on the Flyball MAINEiacs flyball team. She is also at the top of all Brittanys in the entire country for Flyball points and achievements.

2013 - Agility Accomplishment  J&A's Tenzing To The Summit OA NAJ "TENZING"
J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH X KJ's Ramblin Molly Rose / Breeders: John & Ann Short / Owners: H. Connell/H. Connell 

J&A's Maggie Rose, Tenzing's sister, is also enjoying the sport of Agility with her owner in Ohio, Deb Fogle.  We look forward to the updates on both of our Agility Brittanys as this is a very new venue for us. Congrats to both Tenz' and Maggie!

 Not to be outdone, their sister Ruby has been involved with training at the Central New England Brittany Club with her owners Marilyn and Roger Gilman. Roger has successfully handled the lovely Ruby Rose to her first sets of qualifying scores for her AKC Junior Hunter title as well. The Gilmans totally surprised us with the news that they had been preparing her for testing. She joined us at the fall NNEBC hunt test weekend.  That weekend was such a family reunion for all of us who could be there including. That is also the weekend Pete & Kira's Brittanys (Wilson and Annie) both finished their JH titles. I can say we all have a good time whenever we gather together at any kind of event and look forward to more of the same in 2014!

I'm probably not getting everyone listed here who should be but I hope that grace is extended to me in light of the busyness of the season not to mention - full time enjoyment of our new puppies!!! Do not hesitate to let me know if I have left your dog's name off this list for anything that has to do with 2013 !  I have enjoyed visiting this past year with families who have increased their canine crew and became a multiple dog family. But that's how it is with Brittanys, they are like Lay's potato chips in some aspects!

2014 HUNT TESTS Speaking of young Brittany puppies.  I will look forward to seeing several of them out at hunt tests, field trials as some new owners have expressed a desire to get involved with them. I will admit this is self serving for me because I enjoy the reunions at the tests, trials, shows, training sessions and more.  I often am referred lovingly to as  "Momma Ann" and recently referred to as  the 'Mother Goose of Brittanys" which makes me laugh, smile, and pleases me to no end. I don't mind that a bit, I can probably remembers the birthdates of our crew in less time than it takes to recall those of family sometimes.

TO SHOW OR NOT TO SHOW: Although the majority of pups in Hemi and Treasure's "ALL THINGS HOPED FOR" litter will be enjoying their life in bird hunting homes that does not mean they are not show quality or show potential.  Every pup with show potential is readily identified as such before going home however it is up to the discretion of the pups new family as to whether or not they will show it. We place no pressure on anyone at anytime. That takes a lot of the fun and enjoyment away from owning a Brittany because quite frankly our inquiries are all from bird hunting families who have little to no interest in showing. For those times when someone expresses an interest in showing, we will do all we can to guide them into a positive experience which includes selection of the puppy with the best potential. ( We will however gently persuade EVERY puppy owner to consider hunt tests.) As for showing, if someone has an interest but would rather have someone else handle their dog we are always happy to recommend our handler if you are in the area or will find one for you near where you are. Handling is always a lot of fun to try with your dog.  Shows can be what you make of them. Keeping your perspective in line as well as your reasons for showing can go a long way towards a positive experience. We are well versed in what a positive experience is and that would be the only experience we would hope to introduce our puppy people to. We only show occasionally but our dogs are competitive in the ring and often do very well because they not only can hunt but they are also beautiful!

One week away from Christmas Eve.  Time to reflect on the past year. I have a lot to be thankful for, look back, and reflect on. Not just about All Things Brittany or All Things Hoped For.  As Roger Caras says "dogs are not our whole life, but dogs help make our life whole."  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

ATB VIDEO: No Place Like Home For The Holidays!

ATB Video: Here they are!

ATB: Something NOT Hoped For

"We have always felt anything could happen during the first 72 hours after a litter of pups arrives. Typically, we don't share a lot of early pictures or updates until that crucial period has passed other than with those waiting for their puppy. Today, at our post whelp exam at our vets and for dewclaw/tail procedures, he said he was not satisfied Treasure was 'clear.' Rather than routinely admin...ister an injection of oxytocin/pit shot (ALWAYS a bad idea IMHO unless under your vets supervision) he opted for an x-ray instead. So very thankful because the x-ray revealed Treasure still had one more puppy after nearly 24 hours. Immediately she underwent an emergency C-section to remove the puppy. There was little 'hope' pup would be alive and we were prepared for that news - all that really mattered was Treasure. Shortly afterwards, John and I heard the unmistakable sound of a puppy crying! We looked at each other in disbelief. Tonight Treasure is resting comfortably, recovering nicely from the surgery and all 8 puppies are thriving. Please pray us through these next few days."

ATB: All Things Hoped For !!!!!

 

SIRE: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI"

DAM: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton "TREASURE"

 

From 2 pm to 4:30 pm today, December 12th, Treasure delivered 7 beautiful and healthy Brittany puppies.  4 males, 3 females.

All is well... safely rest... God is nigh... All things hoped for becomes  reality...

(Will catch up in about 72 hours...)

 

(This litter is fully reserved)

ATB: Treasure Sleeping Today

 

MONDAY P.M.Facebook Post: "Well I can't say I have done very well with decorating our house for Christmas yet but I have decorated the puppy cave! Lights around the whelping pen, a little Christmas tree, and the most important decoration of all, the special Nativity which I brought back from Israel years ago. I bought it while in Bethlehem (BETHlehem ) it is hand carved out of olive wood. I also have a beautiful olive wood ornament with the words Bethlehem carved into it which I got at the same time. I think Treasure likes having her whelping area decorated for Christmas. She's doing well and thinks it's so nice so many people are praying for her and her upcoming litter."

TUESDAY P.M Facebook Post: "It could fluctuate again and go back up over 100... it could. Day 59 going into Day 60 from the first breeding, which was Day 11 of estrus. All is well. Will take temp again in about an hour or so. I will not be surprised to see that it has risen but will look for that drop below 100 that remains there, and then drops even lower. The temperature drop indicates progesterone levels are changing in preparation of approaching labor. Treasure is sleeping soundly tonight..."

 

WEDNESDAY Morning Facebook Post:  "It did go back up to 100 again. Didn't stay there very long and is below again. Probably will go up once more and then dive down below 99 and stay there. All is well. NOT quite at the hurry up and wait stage - yet. John said a major snowstorm is forecast. Will these be our 3rd blizzard babies? Today she is all about sleeping, sleeping, and sleeping some more. Let's see, I am on page #205 of 979 pages of Diana Galbadon's "The Fiery Cross". Hoping to make some progress today on my favorite series loaned to me by Julie."

 

From my heart: I just want to say, I'm really feeling the prayer support and all the love coming from so many.  It's quite overwhelming in a very wonderful, awesome way.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

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

ATB Vido: A Treasure Amidst the Winter Snow

DECEMBER 9, 2013 - Puppies Cometh

Within days of her anticipated whelping date our ever beautiful, liver and white Brittany "Treasure" is reacting to the strongest of strong natural, inherent instincts that lie deep within her being. She is in her own right extremely primal in some aspects especially in regards to hunting but this is different. This is the difference between wanting to obediently respond to my call by returning to my side, or continue to follow an invisible path leading her somewhere private, dark, and safe; to a cave where she can have her pups. I was glad to have my camera with me this morning on this brief outing which truly began with a very simple request from Treasure to be let out to go to the bathroom. 

 

The snow was softly falling and just a dusting of the white stuff had accumulated while we went out for a brief walk together.  Usually Treasure makes a game of running as fast as she can around the entire circumference of our home, often completing her first lap within seconds!  Not so today.  Instead she sort of loped around, slowly carefully and deliberately.  Her spunk and playfulness was evident though.  She buried her nose in what snow there was and also tried to make a 'snow angel' which was quite ungraceful given how large her abdomen is.

 

It was as if Treasure was perceiving some powerful call of the wild or something. Suddenly she stopped in her tracks, raised her head to the air while the snow fell upon her dark liver coat and her nostrils enlarged with a scent only she could detect.  Quickly she turned aside and ran for where a large weather proofing tarp lay on the hillside. Cautiously, she bent her head low and sniffed where the opening of the flap was.  Then she stuck her whole head in and lifted the tarp up over her body.  For a few seconds she began to dig around, scratching the surface of the ground. Just a quickly as she started, she stopped and jumped out only to run down to the edge of the woods where we have a pile of patio pavers stacked among some tree stumps and the like.  Treasure stuck her head underneath every possible opening and rooted around, running from one side to the other. Then once again she stopped with that same far away look and stance before quickly running down into the stand of pin leading towards the pond and into the deeper woods.  This did begin to make me nervous so I turned around to head back to the 'puppy cave' telling her to come. And I was very glad when she ran ahead of me, indicating happily that indeed, she had every intention of going back into where it was safe and warm.  

 

Her temperature is remaining steady, not a smidgen over 100 degrees. Appetite is really good too. We are still several days away, not quite the hurry up and wait 'stage' but definitely things are progressing. My goal is to help to keep Treasure as calm and stress free as possible. Not easy to do for any Brittany but especially for one getting ready to have pups. With Christmas music playing, plenty of writing projects, several books, and of course the diversity of Windows 8.1 on the new laptop, there's plenty to keep my own attention.  Even so, sitting on a couch with Treasure exposing her belly to me as she lays on her back lends itself to gentle belly rubs and plenty of opportunity to tell this lovely Brittany what  a goooooood goooooood girl she is. And that's the truth.

 

Thank you for those who are confirming your level of interest! I know it's been a long wait but it's just about over with a new journey ready to begin. And especially thank you to our faithful ATB family, friends, and followers for always caring, always encouraging, and always ALWAYS praying.  Take care and God bless, John, Ann, Treasure and All Things Brittany

ATB: Treasure - One Week And Counting

Wanting to note the yellow gardener pad here. John bought that me the other day to make it easier when I am kneeling on the floor, leaning over and into the whelping box. I thought that was thoughtful!

 

We started to take Treasure's temperature now and will be watching each reading very closely.  The average temperature for a dog is 100.1 - 101.1 with of course some fluctuation. As the day of whelping approaches hers will eventually drop below 100 and remain there. When you hear us talking about the temperature drop it's because we know things are about to 'happen' and puppies cometh! Although there is some consistency and predictability as to what John and I expect to occur over the next week nothing is ever absolute.  We take nothing for granted and are prepared well in advance.  

 

They talk about man caves. Well, I have a puppy cave.  More and more breeders are finding the value in having a puppy room and we are among them. It's nothing fancy schmancy, but it is clean, warm, cozy, and well equipped with a couch, a cot, the woodstove, t.v., CD player, small library, whelping box, dog bed, phone, and more. A good way to describe this period is to call it hunkering down, or to settle down into an area for an extended period.

 

Most of our Christmas shopping is finished.  Our celebration of the birth of Jesus is very simple and we try to avoid the hustle and bustle of the commercialism which brings with it a multitude of stress.  As the years pass by we have learned to be content with less 'things' and have learned ourselves what gifts are best enjoyed by our family. They are really quite simple. Our grandchildren are always happy on Christmas morning with the many toys and gifts they find under their own Christmas tree. It's been challenging over the years to shop for them all, and to know what it is that they would really like.  We finally figured out the gifts that they most looked forward to and seemed to enjoy the most (believe it or not) where the slippers and pajamas they found underneath gramie and grampas tree on Christmas Day when we all gathered for dinner together.  The grandchildren, who sometimes arrived proudly wearing a new Christmas outfit, all don their little elf hats which I made for them years ago. I wonder this year if our teenage granddaughter will still find this fun or if she is too grown up for it!  Knowing her, I imagine she'll be the biggest kid of all. They all play Santa's helpers and pass each gift out which we all in turn open in a frenzy - it's totally unorganized and chaotic but it's how we do it!  Following this, we sit down to dinner to enjoy a meal prepared by Chef John.  As the day goes on, the Christmas music plays, games are enjoyed and eventually the grandchildren all go change out of their clothes and put on their new pajamas. It's sort of a late afternoon pajama party really. When it's time for them to go home, hugs and kisses are passed out one more time as they head home.  This is of course very convenient for the younger ones because if they should fall asleep on the way home - they are already to tuck into bed, pajamas and all! 

 

We'll be bringing a tree home soon, and I will set the nativity set up which I brought back from Bethlehem in 2000. Actually, I brought a set home for each of our children and it puts a smile on my face to see it displayed in their homes now with families of their own. I no longer have the energy to put up a lot of decorations but there was a time when every nook and cranny of our home was decorated for Christmas. 

 

Knowing that the Christmas shopping is under control, as well as our plans with family and friends truly brings a sense of peace to my mind at a time when it's important to focus upon Treasure and her soon coming pups.  She's accepted not running with the rest of the dogs although she does get her share of exercise. Just not with the entire crew.  She has also accepted that when they are outdoors running without her she cannot stand in the window and bark her head off at them.  No, I have kept her slip lead on Treasure and made her stay by my side sitting or lying down.  She doesn't need to get all worked up.

 

We are wondering about the weather in the next week as it has seemed that winter snowstorms tend to trigger the whelping process for some reason. We have whelped more than one litter in the middle of a blizzard which only lends to the coziness and the hunkering down of being here in the puppy cave.

 

I have found a particular song which is on a CD I made and play just for times like this.  It's not an especially 'spiritual' song nor Christmas music  but the melody is reflective and the words speak to my heart as we head into this, the final week prior to Hemi and Treasure's pups being born. It is done by "SECRET GARDEN".  I'll close this blog with the lyrics which seem very, very appropriate for the "ALL THINGS HOPED FOR". 

 

"The Dream"

We sailed out in the morning
As the winter turns to spring
Undestined and unknowing
Of what tomorrow brings
Towards the blue horizon
Leaving all we have behind
Our yearning hearts will guide us to find

A dream we carry with us
And the hopes that we hold
As we rise from the ash into gold
We reach for the impossible
As unreal it may seem
Still we sail 'cross the ocean
And follow the dream

The moon and stars above us
Will lead us to the shore
My heart will be my compass
And you will be my north
We forecast stormy weather
And pro-and-con our moves
But what have we achieved ...

A dream we carry with us
And the hopes that we hold
As we rise from the ash into gold
We reach for the impossible
As unreal it may seem
We will sail 'cross the ocean
And capture the dream

One day arriving
Behind the far blue
Where you'll find me waiting
And I will find you too

A dream we carry with us
And the hopes that we hold
As we rise from the ash into gold
We reach for the impossible
As unreal it may seem
We will sail 'cross the ocean
And become the dream 

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

ATB: Treasure Nesting, Day 50 of 63

"Barring hormonal issues and when no longer training, the crew typically is run together at the same time. Treasure hasn't been able to do this with them for quite awhile now. In the beginning it was really hard for her to be inside and look out the window seeing them. She'd work herself into a frenzy. I tried crating her but that didn't help. So I started to put her Mendolta English slip lead on her, having her sit next to me. If she tried to pull or started to get crazy I gently gave her a leash correction. It took awhile but now when the dogs run, I reach for the lead, slip it on her and immediately it quiets her. Treasure will either sit calmly or do a down stay. ~ Tonight she decided the pile of laundry out near the washer/dryer would be a good place to make a nest. Then she thought the space underneath the end table would work too. This girl is very huge and very uncomfortable. At the moment her head rests on my lap and she's getting a belly rub. Hemi is at the other end of the couch. He loves his girl very much."

I think we'll begin to take her temperature in a couple of days. It may be wishful thinking but I have a feeling that Treasure is going to have her pups early.  Her mother had pups on Day 59/60 in the past.  Treasure has done the same. If it's a large litter it is highly likely.  I just don't want them to come too early, that is never a good thing.

We covet your prayers... Take care and God bless, John, Ann, and All  Things Brittany

 

 

ATB: Treasure - 2 Weeks and Counting

Treasure says she is ready!! 

"Detecting the movement of puppies is not always obvious. I'm not one to intentionally feel for them out of concern for the momma dog's comfort. You can expect to feel and/or see movement as the due date arrives. I was pleasantly surprised to feel the ever so slight and quick sensation late last night in Treasure's 'tummy'. It wasn't in relation to the intake of her breathing, which is easily mistaken for a pup moving nor was it in relation to her own deliberate movement. No, this was most definitely the first tangible and awesome sign of the existence of precious little lives developing within my Treasure, lives we are responsible for, lives that are well planned, greatly desired and that will be much loved. Your prayers for Treasure's comfort are greatly appreciated, and especially for an uneventful whelping as the day approaches."

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