Dearest Pippin, The Day Draws Close

"Dearest Pippin,

The day draws close. There is nothing else that I would rather do right now than spend every hour of every day and every night with you as your day of whelping approaches. It has been three years since we first went through this together. I wonder how much of that you remember. I remember it well plus we have the benefit of the blogposts during that time where I shared about your experience as a first time mother.  Humans often talk about forgetting the pain of childbirth. I don't know because with each of our two children I had a c-section under general anesthesia.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon putting the family 'cradle' (whelping box) back together.  It's almost 10 years old and it's the same one your beautiful mother Chrissy delivered you in, and also that your daughter Thistle had pups in.  Even when disinfected and scrubbed clean there will always be evidence that it has been well used.  Little teething marks, scratches, and a stain or two leave tell tale signs of this.  I have no desire to give it a fresh coat of paint or sand it down.  I love it just the way it is.

The little area where the cradle is now set up is still in a state of transition.  You've being patient Pippin and I appreciate that.  You also have been very helpful in the past few days as I have tried to transfer all the whelping supplies from the cabinet and replace them with all my grooming supplies. Your little nose has been successful at sniffing out any lone treats which may have been left over from our August shows when two of your grandsons had their show debuts.  Grandsons. Wow Pip. You're a grandmother. This means Chrissy is a great- grandmother. Not to mention Wish.  The pups that you are carrying make her a great-great grandmother. And perhaps most significant of all, your pups will make Wilson a father, Bullet a grandfather, and our golden boy Jack Dog - a great-grandfather!

Pippin it may sound funny to you but I was joking just the other day that now we are measuring our lives in dog years at this point in time.  Although many of you live much longer, the average lifespan of a Brittany dog is 13 years.  So for instance we're figuring how old we will be when your grandpup Holly Beth will be well into her senior years. And we'll be very well into our own senior years.  Can I have a do over?

1986 was the first time we were blessed with a Brittany. But our focus was to raise our family, build our home, attend and support our kids in softball, baseball, wresting, field hockey, football and you name it events plus our jobs.  Even keeping Hunter from our first litter in 1990, we never did the things we are doing now with you and the rest of ATB.  That all changed however in 2007 and the rest is history.

Pippin, these kinds of musings (is that poor grammar or what) are what happens when it's just you and me hanging out together.  I get to write to my heart's content or if I so choose, catch up on my reading. For hours I will sit and observe you while you rest and I will pet you, talk to you, and let you know how very much I love you. We will listen to music with a message or music that is simply soothing and speechless.  We will block the rest of the world out and that is as it should be. I will make time to make cookies while fixing nursing mother's pudding for you.  And as far as the rest of ATB, they understand what is going on.  They sense something wondrous is about to happen.  Besides it is bird hunting season and everyone gets to enjoy that.

I don't know how many more times the cradle will be used to be truthful Pip-pip.  We have reached the goals for our program and then some. We want to be able to enjoy the rest of our dog years with you and all of ATB.  Plus look at what is going on with Maryann, Alana, and Callum as their relationship with your grandson Zuko grows!  Cal says he would like to be a breeder just like gramie and grampa.  I'd like to be sure if he does, he has the best of the best of what we ever tried to achieve.  I look at you and I know that you more than fit that description sweet girl. Maybe this journey is taking a direction I never anticipated.

Your pups litter nickname sweet girl is "Desires of the Heart". Psalm 37, verse 4 is where the phrase comes from.  I like the entire Psalm itself, all 7 short verses of it.  For it is a reminder to be patient and to wait, not to be envious of others, and to trust that God will in His perfect timing bring things to the Light.  I especially like the way it is translated in "The Message" .  All I know is that God is faithful to watch over and protect all that concerns us.  And I feel especially close to Him as I feel especially close to you in these moments of time.

I will be here. Watching and waiting. Tending to your every need. Today was the last day of anything planned on the calendar which could take me away from you. You'll enjoy your days in the same way that you always have until such a time as puppies cometh. Your babies have families who are just as excited as I am for their arrival. Even so dear sweet Pippin, the most important thing to me is your health and your well being.  Whelping a litter of pups is serious and we do not take one thing for granted. We're blessed to have such an amazing support team to turn to as well as the ATB family who we know prays us through this whole process.  You have the love of John and me and you can trust that we are right here for you. Above all, we know God's in control. No matter what.

Imagine that, an entire blog written as if it's a letter to you Pippin! Your very own journal entry. And there you lie, sprawled out on the big orthopedic bed.  The gate is across between the kitchen and my living room.  The others are all quiet on the other side. The music plays on Pandora radio. It happens to be Canon in D. Oh how I love that! And you obviously must enjoy it too.

It's relaxing here tonight on this last day of September, 2014.  Leaving you for the last time today in awhile I had a full day at the fair so my knee is elevated and iced. Sweet girl, I'll be right here with you.  Right here where I belong. Right here where I want to be, so don't try to push me off the recliner so you can have it all to yourself!  Pippin you're such a Brittany."

Take care and God bless you, and thank you for your interest in our canine crew.  Love, John, Ann, Pippin, and the rest of All Things Brittany.

ATB: Autumn With Pippin at 7 Weeks

RUGAR (16 mths) 

Autumn is officially here and I know I'm not alone in saying this is my favorite time of year.  When the temperature begins to dip in the evening and the mornings are brisk and cool all one needs to do is breathe in this clean fresh air to feel a sense of rejuvenation.  Of course the additional thoughts include concern of how to get all that firewood stacked or perhaps even an OMG moment I need to get some firewood soon! The check list of chores seems to grow daily while the deep hope that truly October will be spent tromping in the woods remains.  There is an image in my mind of the calendar with the entire month of October completely blocked out for doing the things we love to do together. (I also do this with the month of July.) These visions are nothing new, yet every week there is another encroachment as one more thing is penciled in on the actual calendar hanging on the kitchen wall. So, as to avoid disappointment and if there ever was a time to be true to the sentiment of "Be still and know that I am God" it would be in regards to these vain imaginations!  In other words, go with the flow. Which we are really good at doing and without complaint.

So as the story goes Pippin came into heat much earlier than we had anticipated.  While we did have plans in place she totally messed up scheduled events for August, September, and October on several levels.  That's okay Pip-pip, we know that all things happen for a reason even though we may not completely get it.  I've decided that the change in plans will be beneficial in some ways for me personally. I will remain put at home with Pippin and her soon to arrive pups instead of pushing the envelope in regards to my recovery. Alas! With the sense of rejuvenation that fall weather brings to me, also come an unrealistic expectation that I am ready to tackle the fields and woodland.  I confess I am not so it is truly some what of a consolation that I will instead be spending this fall doing what I love to do and loving what I do as a breeder.

The grooming studio complete with a new hydraulic table and full standing tub is in a state of transition. Not because of the anticipation of pups but because of and ongoing project that has turned the area into a work zone. Last night on the way home from dinner with friends John and I talked about all that we have to do to get ready.  I was happy to have that conversation. He mentioned how he would soon reassemble the whelping box or, as I love to refer to it, the cradle.  Aunt Julie has donated several old quilts, comforters, and sleeping bags to ATB so I can't wait for Pippin to enjoy burrowing in them and making herself comfortable.

The whelping supply list needs to be reviewed again and replenished. Since our last litter was born John and I attended an informative breeders seminar presented by our friends on the awesome reproductive team at Broadview Animal Hospital in Rochester, NH.  I believe there is always something new to learn regarding the breeding of purebred animals. I'm reviewing my notes and the handout from the spring. Attending the seminar was actually my very first outing away from home following my surgery.  I remember how determined I was to go despite the pain and discomfort I was still experiencing!  Julie was here and took care of ATB while we attended. Anyway that's a bit of a rabbit trail and I need to reach for my whelping book to update where we are in regards to Pippin's pregnancy.

Although I know it is way too early I will cautiously say I believe that the other night I felt the fluttering of puppy movement underneath the palm of my hand which was resting upon Pip's tummy. Pippin remains active with a desire to be outside down by the pond. She has a new found interest in grasshoppers.  Previously she was fixated on dragonflies.  She's not a frogger like others in her ATB family here. After being outdoors for a good amount of time Pip will come back inside the house and retire to one of the couches where she'll stretch, cuddle, and nap away.  Ever since Pippin was a puppy (a singleton by the way) her very favorite thing of all is to have someone rub her belly for as long as she so desires.  She will blatantly roll over and reach up with one of her paws to try to reach for your hand in hopes that will generate the proper response. If it doesn't Pippin will become much more insistent to the point of annoying so really, it's best to comply.  Besides who can truly resist gently rubbing a soft and full pregnant tummy full of puppies!

If we could peek again inside at the developing puppies we would find that the hair is beginning to appear on their bodies and their skeleton has now turned to bone. Their coat is one of the last things to develop as is the skeleton which does not ossify until this point of pregnancy.  The greatest weight gain for the pups occurs during these last weeks. It would be possible to palpate and hear a heartbeat at this point. Pippins nutrition needs right now are great as the pups are drawing powerfully from her reserves.  It is at this point we begin to reduce how much food she is given at one time, and feed her smaller amounts of food at regular intervals.  Pippin is obviously feeling pressure upon her bladder as the pups develop because her trips outdoors are more frequent than usual. There is no mistake when she becomes uncomfortable as she paces and pants.  The pacing and panting of course will be one of the behaviors that increases when it is time for the pups to arrive.

For those waiting for a puppy this is a good time to be reading along in the Monks of New Skete "Art of Raising a Puppy."  For many reasons I love this book but one significant reason is the way author describes what their dog is going through as her time of delivery approaches.

I'm so looking forward to what October will bring.  I love the relationship I have with Pippin and as her time to delivery approaches we will grow ever closer.  I do not take whelping a litter lightly and will remain with her which I believe is my ultimate responsibility as a breeder.  Every effort is made here to keep life as stress free and comfortable as possible.  I also look forward to the development, socialization, and training of the puppies from birth to the first day of the rest of their; sharing it all with those waiting along with us.

We rejoice with pride of the wonderful accomplishments which I have enjoyed sharing with my readers.  This includes "More Braggin Rights", "Happy Pregnant Pippin", "Latest Achievements" , and more. We look forward to more news as the fall advances especially in regards to bird hunting season. And all of our crew is ready and excited about that!  There's a new gun on layaway for me which I look forward to getting, I also now have new chaps and hunting jacket! I know John and I will enjoy our time afield with each other. For the first time in several years my knee is not going to prevent me from walking alongside of him and our crew.  And that in itself is something to thank God for.

Okay well the day is a wastin' and the warmth of the sun beckons.  Dogs need running, floors need sweeping, a grocery list needs to be made, and a decision about what's for supper to be reached.  This is the day the Lord has made and indeed!  I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! PSALM 118:24

Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany, stay tuned!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann, and ATB.

ATB: More Braggin' Rights

BRAGGIN' RIGHTS !!

(See previous hunt test results)

 

Holly Beth:  New NAVHDA Natural Ability title !

J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton, NA 110, Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short



Congratulations to John and Holly Beth. They traveled to New York

for the Southern Adirondack NAVHDA Chapter test.  She was

a total rock star!  Prize 1, NA 110 Photo Credit: Kira Lajeunesse, 9/20/14

This is Holly during the water test. She had to demonstrate a willingness

and a desire to swim.  I think she nailed it! Southern Adirondack NAVHDA Chapter

 Photo Credit: Kira Lajeunesse, 9/20/14

BOLTIE: NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTER !!



J&A's Double Barrel Bliss JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owner/Handler: Dan Kinson

Congratulations to Bolt, Dan, and family upon the completion of Bolties
new AKC Junior Hunter title. We're so proud of you. We thank you too!
Northern New England Brittany Club: 9/20/14
 

ROCKY: NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTER 

Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH

Dam:  Merry Meetings' Brandy JH

Breeders: Walter & Christine Longley

Owner/Handler: Parker Chase

Nice job Parker & Rocky! Although we are not your breeders Rocky you
are every bit a part of the ATB family and you made us proud1
Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Test 9/21/14
 

 

JACK: JUNIOR HUNT TEST QUALIFIER

J&A's Jack Be Nimble

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owner/Handler: Dan Woodman

Congratulations to Jack,  Dan & Joan! Halfway there! I loved the surprise of

looking at bracesheets before the test and seeing Jack was testing as well

as Rocky and Bolt.  Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Test 9/21/14

 

ZUKO: JUNIOR HUNT TEST QUALIFIER

J&A's Blue Lightening Bolt

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Breeders: Julie Harris / Ann Short

Handler: Maryann Day

Owners: Maryann Day, Alana Day, Ann Short

John and I are so proud of our daughter and her puppy, Zuko! Turning 6 months old
just 3 days before the hunt test this birdy little puppy dog and Maryann earned
their first qualifying score towards an AKC Junior Hunter title!  His scores
were really quite extraordinary for such a baby - 9-9-9-9 (10 is highest!)
Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Test 9/21/14

 

HOLLY: JUNIOR HUNT TEST QUALIFIER 

J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton, NA 110, Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short

 

Congratulations to John and Holly who, upon their return from her

Natural Ability test and prize in New York, received her first

qualifying score towards her AKC Junior Hunter title! Holly, who

just turned 9 months old, earned scores of 10 - 10 - 10 - 8 !!!

 Northern New England Brittany Club Hunt Test 9/21/14

 

DORY & CHARLIE: FUTURE  JUNIOR HUNTERS

 

 

Last but not least I was so happy that the father/daughter team of Paul & Christine

showed up at the hunt test with their puppies "Dory" & "Charlie".  I also got to meet

"Gus" again. The pups are sisters to Zuko (Bullet x Thistle) and will be back to test for

 their JH title in the future.  They will also test for their NAVHDA Natural Ability title.

 

 

For me personally, to see these achievements and successes in the field is for me to remain confident in our hopes, plans, and dreams for the J&A's Brittany breeding program.  As time goes on the responsibility to continue to remain true to our original purpose becomes even more significant. The future continues to look bright for us as our daughter and family take an interest in what mom and dad are doing, and as the love of their new puppy dog, both given and received takes on a deeper meaning for us all.  NAVHDA is new to us, but not to several of the ATB family. I think it is going to be the bend or perhaps even the fork in the road that we take to continue to prove our Brittany dogs have strong natural and versatile hunting ability.  We are breeding less now because we're pleased with where we are and know where we want to focus. We are also pleased with the wonderful hunting families who are willing to wait with us. We enjoy the joy of their journey and will be right there to put their new pup into their arms for the first time - and when possible, we'll be right there when it's time for that pup to cross to the rainbow bridge. 

 

Now that these events have come to an end my focus will remain exclusively upon Miss Pippin.  She is almost 7 weeks pregnant. Daily her tummy seems to expand just before my eyes.  Her demands for belly rubs are constant but it is easy to oblige.  I will take her for short runs down to the bird field to be sure her muscles remain strong for approaching labor. Our puppy people can get a closer idea of where she is in her pregnancy by following along in the Monks of New Skete book, "Art of Raising a Puppy" (required reading pre puppy!).  The puppy cave has yet to be fully prepared but that will happen soon. And that's something I so look forward to. 

 

The pups of the 'Desires of the Heart' litter have some very special homes awaiting them.  New families to become part of ATB.  Aunt Julie is devotedly spending time crocheting puppy blankets for each pup that is yet to come.  Wilsons owners are as excited as we are about these puppies! My recover from total knee replacement continues.  On the days of greatest mobility and energy you will find me pushing the envelope to be a participant in my own life.  Other times I will still be listening to what my body is saying about icing my knee, elevating my leg and resting. Maine bird hunting season begins in just 1 week. And that feels like Christmas to our entire canine crew.

 

It's been quite a month here.  All good and all wonderful.  And for me, all things bed time. I'm not sure how much sense the last paragraphs are going to make. I'll check tomorrow.  In the meantime as always God bless you and yours.  Thanks for your interest in what we do and especially for being on puppy watch with us again. John, Ann, and All things Brittany.  Happy Fall!  Puppies cometh.





ATB: Happy Pregnant Pippin

I will never tire of the wonder and miracle of life. As I write today's post I am especially reminded of this because today it is our daughter's birthday.  Thirty something years ago I held within my arms my most perfect and beautiful daughter shortly after birth.  Through the fog of a planned c-section I heard the nurse say "It's a girl!" This was before ultrasounds were performed routinely to determine the sex of a baby and it meant that the layette consisted of safe colors of mint green, soft yellow, and perhaps for the more hopeful a definite outfit of blue or pink.  Coming home outfits were a huge deal back then and grandparents often vied to be the first one to go out and buy the most wonderful outfit in the appropriate color in hopes that their new grand baby would go home wearing THEIR gift! As insignificant as that may seem now, I will confess that hidden away somewhere I actually have not only the coming home outfits of our son and our daughter but those of mine and Johns.

Both of our kids were born in the fall months and I remember most everything about their births. This time of year is a wonderful time for babies to arrive, canine and human. The hot and humid summer days are pretty much behind us and we have the beautiful golden days of autumn.  It's a time to be active, to enjoy the crispness of the mornings and evening and also to embrace the warmth of the mid day sun.  I have a reason to take hold of the fall of 2014 in a brand new way with hope and with promise of more physical activity following my total knee replacement surgery which was five months ago. I also have the joy of anticipation as we await the arrival of Wilson & Pippin's puppies.

Happy Pippin!

Pippin by my side while her son and
her granddaughter 'come around"

Earlier this week John and I drove up to the Maine Bird Dog Club Field Trial grounds. This is a Maine Wildlife Management Area where American Field and AKC trials are held. We wanted to reinforce the retrieving skills of several of the crew, continue the introduction of shotgun to the younger ones, give the finished dogs a chance to shine, and above all spend some time with each other doing what we love to do with the dogs we share our hearts with.  Slowly but surely I am making progress in my return to John's side in the field.  My job which I chose to accept was to take some photographs to document the progress of a couple of dogs in particular. My personal goal was to spend as little time as possible sitting in my directors chair and as much as possible physically being among the dogs and doing my best to take the photos John was looking for. The day was amazing, fun, and totally enjoyable for all of us!  Especially so for Pippin.

Pippin on Point and below, she
carries the chukar shot over her.

At first I couldn't decide what would be better for Pippin. Her well being especially level of emotional stress is a priority for me right now. She wants me near and this will increase as her pregnancy advances. I will happily comply and look forward to when the "puppy cave" is ready for us to spend quiet time together there in a couple of weeks.  For the time being though life is for living and that applies to all of All Things Brittany including Miss Pippin.

Pippin came along for the ride and was quite the princess riding in the back seat along with Jack who as we all know is the Golden Boy. Stopping for coffee and donuts they were successful in persuading us to give them each a tiny bite of the tiny donuts. We arrived at the grounds and John immediately began to set everything up and I tried to help as best I could. He does have a particular way of doing things and I have learned as the good wife (ha!) to otherwise find various tasks to keep me occupied until hubby has things set up the way he would like. In no time at all John was ready to begin running dogs and I was standing by with my camera. Every dog had their turn to find the birds which John had planted and as I would expect, they did not disappoint! I could go into detail about each of them but this post is, after all, supposed to be about Pippin.

Pippin was happy and content to sit in the dog topper and watch the world go by.  John yelled over to me and said "you wanna run Pip-Pip?"  And I shouted back that I did but only if he felt like it.  It was not like I was especially helpful. He had already walked back and forth several times and the day was getting warmer as the moments went by. I didn't want to waste a bird on Pippin as she hasn't been on them much this summer but John put a chukar out for our girl.

Possessing the genetics and breeding of an outstanding and beautiful bird dog Pippin likewise did not disappoint.  As soon as John released her to the field she ran with a style, purpose and grace one would expect a Brittany of her caliber to demonstrate.  I've had the pleasure to see several of her pups and grandpups working and it is easy to see what she passes on.  Pippin hunts within shotgun range but also has the boldness and confidence to range out, quartering a field while turning back in to keep an eye on where we are.

I loved observing Pippin detect and then work the scent cone as surely as I have observed countless pups and adults from our program over the years.  If you closely observe your dog often enough you just know the instant their nose picks up the scent. It was undeniable that every fiber of her being was hard wired to tune into that single wave length communicating to her there was indeed a gamebird to locate. Her nose was hard at work expertly separating the scent of tweety birds,song birds, rabbits, mice, moles and all manner of smells.  Pippin's entire purpose for living in that moment was to follow that invisible, compelling scent cone that would lead to her bird. Some people call it 'being birdy' but I fail as a commentator while watching my dog work. In fact, I really don't say very much at all.  I just watch, I admire, and I smile a lot. A lot of times John and I will simply exchange a knowing glance from across the field and holler out "Hey! Did you just see that? WOW!"

It was that kind of day with all the dogs. A "WOW" day.  The kind of day that you can't wait to share with others.  But especially so with Pippin.  Maybe I expected less because of her advancing pregnancy and anticipated a patronizing, obligatory run on birds that was just cute. After all we could always stage a photo shoot and take a picture when it looks like she is pointing a bird, right? Not me. Not John.  And certainly not Pippin who was incapable that day of demonstrating anything less than perfection.

Speaking of Pippin's pregnancy at this point in time the skeletons of the embryos mineralizes, the toes are separating, toenails appearing, eyelids forming.  In one of the ultrasound views we could easily make out each vertebrae in the spine as well as identify limbs. Pip's nutritional needs are changing. We are now feeding her Purina Pro Plan Puppy food, which is the same food her pups will eventually be eating. She is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable as her abdomen is ever expanding. Boy, to me she really looks bigger than last time but it's hard to tell. Pippin has such a well sprung rib cage her appearance is deceiving.  This week she may begin to shed the hair from around her nipples. Eventually her entire tummy area will be hairless.  Those times we do not utilize ultrasounds to confirm a pregnancy this shedding is something I am always excited to see happen! Pippin is such a good, good girl and has no problem finding plenty of opportunities and locations to fully stretch out and make herself comfortable.  Her favorite thing to do is find a place nearby me, roll over and plead for a belly rub.  No problem, Pip-pip. No problem at all.

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

Latest Achievements / Coming Soon

Treasure (with me) and her son Bolt (with owner Dan)

NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTER - J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH "Treasure"

Sire: Pride & Joy's White Smoke ~ Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

QUALIFYING SCORE: - J&A's Double Barrel Bliss "Boltie"

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH ~ Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Every time you do something fun and special with your dog it's rewarding for both of you. I'm blessed to have had many days like that.

I always wanted to give Treasure a chance to try an AKC Junior Hunt Test. I also wanted to be the one to handle her in it. So last fall John and I entered her for two weekends of tests.  In both weekends she earned 3 of 4 qualifying scores. We took turns handling her.  I knew that I would not be in the woods too much last fall as my knee had reached the point of no return regarding mobility. In fact while I was on the hunt test course I ended up falling down and my kind judge helped me to my feet.  (I was recently deeply saddened to learn this same judge who I highly respected lost his battle with cancer.) But Treasure and I did it. I went out with her twice and we earned her first qualifying ribbon together. She also went out with John and won two more.  She was left only needing 1 ! (For a recap of 2013 fall hunt tests which included an ATB reunion check out  "SUCCESS AT HUNT TESTS".)  This past Sunday, John successfully handled Treasure to her final qualifying score and pending AKC certification - she has won the title of JUNIOR HUNTER! 

I was also pleasantly surprised when the brace sheets were released to see the name of one of Treasure's sons listed! Dan did a great job of handling Bolt who is now very close to finishing his JH title too - so proud of them both.  Congratulations to you!!

Additional Acknowledgment: 

Parker is pictured here with his "Rocky". First time out at a hunt test and they went home
with 2 qualifying scores towards their AKC Junior Hunter title!!! Congratulations!!
Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH  ~ Dam: Merrymeeting's Brandy JH ~ Breeders: Walter & Christine Longley

Here's Tom with "Ranger" who is testing at the AKC Senior Hunter level and doing quite well!
  Congrats Tom, Kim, and Cindy!
Belknaps Secret Weapon JH "Rocky"
Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH ~ Dam: Belknaps Reason to Believe JH ~ Breeders: Tom & Kim Zuk, Cynthia Wright

Coming Soon!

We're very excited to share that our daughter is having a good time learning to train her new puppy "Zuko" as a bird dog.  This picture was taken at Marshview Farm in York, Maine in John's sisters field.  Zuko is pointing a quail and holding nicely.  Just turning 6 months old, Maryann has plans to test him for his AKC Junior Hunter title this fall!! Zuko is Pippin and Jack's grandson. 

J&A's Blue Lightening Bolt "ZUKO"

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH "Bullet"

Dam: GCH Sisters of the Heart JH "Thistle"

Breeders: Julie Harris & Ann Short

John has been working with Holly Beth and getting her ready for the upcoming bird hunting season.  With the first year of training a puppy focused primarily on having fun she's been in the field with him since July and we are very pleased with what we see. Having talked about joining the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) for years we finally did along with registering Holly.  She will soon be testing for her Natural Ability title.  This was something I'd hoped very much to be able to do myself this fall but since I can't, John will be handling her.  We have Kira Lajeunesse and Peter Sipperly and several others to thank for encouraging us to take this direction. There are several Brittanys from our program who have won their NA prizes and done very, very well.  Including soon to be sire of Pippin's litter, Wilson! Holly is Pippin's granddaughter. 

J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton "Holly Beth"

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "Hemi"

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH "Treasure"

Breeders/Owners: John & Ann Short

The future continues to look BRIGHT for J&A's BRITTANYS close working gundog program!

AND SPEAKING OF PIPPIN:

As Pippin enters her 6th week of pregnancy we thought she may enjoy an outing with the other dogs for training at the Maine Bird Dog Club grounds in Brownfield, Maine.  She didn't skip a beat as she quickly took to the field, quartering with style and purpose.  Pippin easily detected the outer parameters of the scent cone and slammed into a beautiful and stylish point shortly afterwards wasting no time or energy.  John approached her and she didn't flinch as he sought to flush the bird she was so perfectly pointing for him.   When the bird took to flight, John raised his shotgun and fired, bringing the bird down.  He turned to find Pippin still holding steady so he released her to go and retrieve the bird which she proudly carried while walking at John's side. Shall we consider this to be pre-natal early bird dog training by osmosis?!?!

CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton - "Pippin"

Sire: CH Hills Blazen' Jac JH

Dam: KJ Requets Bouncin' Crysta

Breeders/owners: John & Ann Short

As always thanks for your interest in our canine crew.  Take care and God bless you and yours always, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany.

ATB: Happiness Is a Well Worn Book

I have my father's red and well worn whelping diary which he wrote in the 60's.  To a non-breeder the chicken scratch on each line of each page would make little sense. To me, it is a walk down memory lane as I read about the birth of my Lily Belle, the puppies of Snooky and Rosie, the surgery of Little Frankie, the emergency trips to the Portsmouth Animal Hospital and more.  It also reminds me of the times another dog was brought to our home and dad would tell me to go upstairs and stay in my room.  But I was just a kid and so I'd open the door of my bedroom door and quietly come down to the first landing on the staircase, out of everyone's sight but I could see something going on with two dogs that I didn't quite understand. Hence my early introduction to the birds and the bees at a very young age!  That memory became relevant to me again about 10 years ago. We were babysitting our oldest granddaughter but it was also the day one of our Brittanys was in full standing heat and we had an appointment to bring her to New Hampshire for a date.  We arrived at the breeders house and of course our granddaughter was happy to see the beautiful Brittanys there but when it came time to focus on what the trip was all about in the first place, she and I went around to the other part of the house together.

I too have several whelping diaries which I have used in the past.  Typically I'd buy an annual diary. Where most people use that for keeping track of their daily schedule and appointments the diary was what I used for journaling about ATB. Then one day John came home with this really nice "Laboratory Notebook" and I claimed it for my own.  The picture above reflects the mileage I've gotten out of it since then.  The binding is broken and so I taped it with wrapping tape. The surface of the inside of both the front and back covers have emergency phone numbers, information I didn't want to forget, dates and times for quick reference.  There's pages tucked in here and there with various important (to me) data.  There's a sheet with dog names that John and I came up with one night while trying to decide on a future puppy.  There's my personal reflections as well written during long winter nights with the wind howling, snow blowing, and woodstove blazing.  And the most invaluable information of all, the tracking of each pregnancy and whelping through delivery, weaning, and development.

On July 28th I opened my book to the page where I had last left the maroon colored ribbon bookmark. I turned over to the next page and wrote "Wilson and Pippin"  at the top of the clean, fresh, blank unlined page.  As I wrote their names together I felt my heart swell with so much pride. A big smile came to my face.  We are so thrilled for Wilson to join our breeding program and so appreciative that his owners have permitted him to do so.  Wilson in his own right has accomplished more than any other Brittany we have ever bred in a very short amount of time. While the genetics would dictate his potential, it is because of his dedicated owners that he has been given every opportunity to excel and to shine. His accolades are worthy of mentioning time and time again. Most of them are detailed in the breeding announcement which we shared here just about a month ago along with lots of brags and detail about Pippin as well as her amazing progeny.

July 28 - "I saw excessive licking and noticed slight color. (Told Kira!)
August 2 - "Pip for a progesterone test (Boys are definitely interested!)
August 7 - "Pip second progesterone test" (Breed now!)
JEOPARDY THEME SONG PLAYS....
August 24 - "Pippin excessively needy"
August 29 - "One of the dogs vomited in the house, was it Pippin?"
August 30 - "Miss chow hound has no interest in food."
September 9 - "Ultrasound Confirms Pregnancy" 

We have notified those who are on our waiting list, confirming level of interest. Our vet suggests there will be 6 puppies which is a real nice number of pups for a momma to care for.  Before the breeding occurred there were already 4 homes waiting specifically for puppies from Wilson and Pippin.

According to the size of the embryos clearly seen in the ultrasound as well as modern science the puppies of Wilson and Pippin, whose litter name is "Desires of the Heart", should arrive approximately October 7, give or take a few days.

Soon, the grooming studio will be transformed again to a cozy whelping area. We've been working on this area on and off throughout the summer and a lot of improvements have been made. The well used and loved family 'cradle' will be made ready and prepared for the arrival of Wilson and Pippin's puppies. I'll check my whelping supply list again and again to determine what needs to be replenished.  And I will look forward to when Pippin and I can begin to spend long hours together tucked away in this private space away from the rest of the world. Plans were to breed Pippin and Wilson however we were kind of hoping her heat would come later in the season but that was not to be. Maybe I'm not really fully recovered from total knee replacement yet to tromp around in the fields and woods bird hunting.  I gave myself a full year and I'm not even halfway there. So it's all good.

As always I seriously do covet the prayers of every person who ever takes the time to read this blog. The art of breeding and whelping a litter of pups can at time include uncertainties and unplanned events. There is always something to learn each time the decision is made to responsibly bring two animals together.  One would think it gets easier as time goes on because you learn more and there are always new protocols to consider but it does not.  Even so we are blessed not only with animals of excellent health, sound mind and body with strong and natural abilities we are blessed because of our circle of animal medical health professionals to turn to and who are always there for us. ( Dr. John, Dr. Amanda, Dr. Wes, Dr. Jen, Dr. Bill, Carrie - you all know how much we value your help, guidance, and assistance.)  And our ATB family - you totally rock and are the best. Our program would not be what it is today if not for your love, support, and prayers.  So dear ones, here we go again!  And I cannot wait to share this journey with you.  As always, take care and God bless - John, Ann, and ATB

ATB: Pippin Day 37 - DESIRES OF THE HEART LITTER ULTRASOUND

Psalm 37: 4

Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you 

the desires of your heart.

 

IS SHE OR ISN'T SHE? Her appointment was for 2:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday, September 9.  I've been on pins and needles for weeks wondering, hoping, praying, desiring.  If you've followed this ATB blog over the years you know that it's often difficult for me to even remotely suggest that I am ready to confirm a pregnancy.  Ultrasounds are the exception and not the rule here at J&A's Brittanys when it is time to make the determination whether puppies are on the way. As the daughter of breeders of Boston Terriers suffice it to say I understood the facts of life at a very young age. Consider also that John and I bred our first litter of Brittanys in 1990. Over the years our abilities to detect a canine pregnancy have improved exponentially and most of the time we happily wait it out, taking note of changes in appearance, appetite, and other areas.

AT FIRST SHE WAS The first time we bred Pippin she went to New Jersey for a very special rendezvous with the handsome Chevy. She had a very healthy, normal, and uneventful pregnancy which resulted in a lovely litter. We kept Hemi and Thistle as our own from this pairing. 

A SNIPPET ABOUT BREEDING: A Pippin and Chevy were an outcross breeding, one in which genes are brought together from totally unrelated individuals. In an outcross breeders are often looking for that so-called 'nick' also known as 'hybrid vigor.'  Our goal is to always improve upon what is already good in regards to our close working gun dog program. To do this we most often can look to our own lines which we are intimately familiar with. In this case we have been successful with linebreeding. NOTE: Some people confuse linebreeding with inbreeding. Our breeding strategy here at J&A's Brittanys does not include inbreeding.  When we first began to re-establish our program we carefully looked at lines we were personally familiar with and worked with several of them.  After awhile, we could easily, safely, and deliberately make a choice between an outcross or a linebreeding. We do prefer to use animals within our own program. They are not necessarily owned by us. Instead, we may have actually bred them or perhaps they are owned by breeders whose lines also include those most familiar to us. That is where the consistency comes in for us.  There are certain attributes we strongly desire and that we will protect.  When we see any loss or degradation of the qualities we strive to see in our Brittanys time is taken to reassess things. Strong natural hunting abilities and instincts are either present or they are not. These things along with proven records of good health, sound mind, and conformation that follows function are not sacrificed or compromised. Although linebreeding is a slower and less direct way to fix desirable traits in a bloodline, there are few risks involved. There are some things that you can "fix" or "correct" through a breeding program over a few years time. But when it comes to the hunt, the dog either has it or it doesn't!  In regards to Wilson and Pippin, this is a linebreeding on Pippin's side and because of the known COI (coefficiency) of this pairing I am excited about what will be passed down into these puppies.  

AND THEN SHE WASN'T The second time we attempted to breed Pippin once again she went to New Jersey to visit with Chevy.  Unfortunately it was not successful. Apparently the timing was all off.  Plus Pip was not a happy camper with all the traveling that was involved.  After awhile we came to the realization that Pippin (like her mother Chrissy and daughter Thistle) has a very unusual pattern to her estrus (heat) cycle. Fast forward to today.  

AND NOW SHE IS !!  We wanted to know with all certainty that the breeding back in August between Wilson and Pippin was successful. We checked progesterone daily and made trips to our repro vet to be sure we had the timing right.  Wilson's motility was checked during his breeding soundness exam. On that day our repro tech friend came bursting through the door of the exam room and exclaimed "Wilson is a rock star!"  It doesn't get any better than that. Unless of course, you are standing in the dark of a quiet room watching black and white images on a ultrasound monitor and you see limbs moving, hearts beating, little blobs jumping while the magic wand gently moves across the beautiful tummy of a beautiful Brittany girl named Pippin. That was today. Day 37 of Pippin's now confirmed pregnancy. Puppies cometh. Let the journey begin.  (See Breeding Announcement of Aug. 13)

As always thank you for your interest in our Brittanys. Take care and God bless, John, Ann and ATB

All things bright and beautiful

All creatures great and small

All things Brittany

The Lord God loves them all.