WILSON - AKC Senior Hunter / Accomplishments

Our newest AKC SENIOR HUNTER

CH J&A's QUIET COURAGE SH, NA 107 PRIZE 1

Sire: CH J&As High Caliber Harris Special SH

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

In our previous post I shared that John and I had the pleasure of watching both Bullet and Wilson working at the New York hunt tests with Kira handling Wilson to his first Senior Hunter leg. He finished the title with Dave Molyneux handling him. I heard it was a "performance one would expect out of a Master Hunter." Thank you so much to his owners and our friends Pete Sipperly and Kira Lajeunesse for recognizing all the potential and ability within Wilson and giving him every opportunity to shine.  We're also proud to share the news that his daughter (with Pippin) "Ellie" has been working towards her AKC Junior Hunter title this fall in New Jersey.  Just shy of her first birthday J&A's Desire of the Heart met is halfway to her JH title.  Congratulations to her owners Stan & Linda. Wilson & Pippins daughters Belle and Brooke are also half way to their titles.  (Wilson is available for stud service to approved bitches.)

John and I continued to be very busy following our New York trip (see prior blog-post). Knowing it was a matter of time before my right knee gave out I tried to do as much as I possibly could.  We took a day trip to Smithfield Maine for Sebasticook Chapter of NAVHDA's fall tests. We met Maryann, Ayden and Toph there who was testing for her Natural Ability title. Toph is out of Hemi & Luna. She earned an impressive Prize 1 score with Maryann handling her.  It was Maryann's birthday and her husband surprised her by driving up from Connecticut where he'd been working. We had an impromptu birthday party and cake much to her charging.  David then presented her with her birthday present, a brand new shotgun!  Several of Toph's littermates were also tested by their breeder (and our friend!) Philip Thayer, Jr. of Birch Spring Brittanys. They ALL earned their Natural Ability titles!

The next weekend was divided between hunt tests and field trials.  Toph ran in her first field trial, and placed 2nd out of 7 in Amateur Derby with Maryann handling. Proud mom here.

Thistle gets a shout out too!  Julie handled her to a first place Walking Hunting Dog.  After all Thistle has been through we just have to thank God she's back to being Thistle the Pistol for sure. Way to go Julie!

The very next day Maryann and I headed to Hopkinton where Toph successfully finished her AKC Junior Hunter title with Maryann handling!  That particular hunt test weekend is one of my absolute favorites. It is often like an ATB family reunion.  Over the two days there were about 10 or maybe even more Brittany dogs there that are from or related to our line. Talk about being proud. We all just have so much fun, arriving with our E-Z ups, coolers, dog paraphernalia, and more. I like sharing these times with John, our daughter, our friends.

Such a really fun atmosphere no matter what plus we enjoy everything being with the Northern New England Brittany Club where Maryann, John, and I are members.  Ammo, Dory, and Charlee from Bullet & Thistle's pups tested that weekend with Miss Charlee earning her JH title.  Zuko earned his at 6 months old. Quincy is still working towards his. That will make 5 pups from that litter with a JH title - and it will also earn Julie the AKC Breeder Award of Merit.   Bullet's full brother Lil Jack earned his 3rd leg towards his JH title. He's a really nice boy.  His owners bring him out for the event once a year, they are really lovely people!  I may have mentioned it already but several pups from Hemi & Lunas litter also finished their AKC Junior Hunter titles that weekend. Also, Parker and "Rocky" are working towards his Senior Hunter title and doing very well. Rocky, sired by Jack is out of Merrymeeting Brittanys.  They were all there on Saturday and did very well, Littermates Rockstar Rocky (Bullet and Brandy) and Argos also finished their titles.  It's all about the hunting for us, and we love to encourage owners to get involved with hunt tests because it's a lot of fun and so rewarding especially just before the real deal of bird hunting season. "Woo hoo" let's hear it for our close working gundogs and their owners who support our program!! If you're reading this and have never tried hunt tests think about joining us in the spring 2015, I'd be happy to give you more info about them, especially the April tests in Kennebunk, Me. In the meantime everyone keep up the good work, we are so proud of you all.

I'm proud to say that we have two handsome boys from Bullet & Thistle's litter knocking on the door of their AKC Championship title. Previously I shared Quincy's photo from the Union Me. dog shows when he won Best of Breed.  Ammo has had some success recently as well with two back to back Best of Winners and he is pictured here. (Their brother and littermate Zuko has had limited showing due to my 10 year old granddaughters very busy schedule of Karate & Judo. She recently earned her Black Belt way to go ALana!)  And thank you Roger & Marilyn for doing so much with Ammo and also Miss Ruby.

This picture is Wynne's show debut!  She won Best Puppy in Specialty at the Iowa Brittany Club show.  She is Tophs full sister from Hemi & Luna's litter and also has two second place field trial wins in the Midwest. Shown here with her owners Kendall & Carol Brown. (Due to the busy and hectic schedule of a young family of 5, sister Toph has yet to make her show debut. Still, we are making plans for 2016 and I really look forward to seeing her and Maryann together in the ring.)   

Speaking of pups we do have some very nice breeding plans which we hope to announce soon.  In addition to our own plans, the services of our boys have been requested. We're also looking ahead to 2017.  I would like to encourage you to privately confirm with me now your level of interest as we are getting inquiries every single day.  Our goal is to have a potential litter reserved well in advance of a breeding. We ask for deposits once the breeding occurs.  Prior to that we accept inquiries without commitments and screen for the absolute best possible fit for pups. Of course all health clearances will be in place before a breeding occurs and all official documents and papers are provided well in advance. It's all explained in our puppy reservation policy booklet. I've not had a chance to respond to everyone, please be patient.  And for those generic inquiries who are just contacting every breeder with a web page it's unlikely you'll hear back from us. Sorry about that.

 Bird Hunting! Believe it or not John and I actually got away together with ALL of our dogs.  We have a beautiful new camper which we took to Moosehead Lake for a whole week at the end of October.  Greenville Maine is one of my favorite places in the whole world and it was perfect.  With the help of the dog topper and then converting one of the rooms in the camper for crates it all worked out.  We camped at Lily Bay and had no neighbors whatsoever so the dogs could be off leash a lot of the time. I greatly enjoyed walking through the campsites with them but unfortunately as the week went on my knee just kept getting worse and I could barely walk even with using a cane.  We did get Holly onto some wild birds for the first time ever, she did great finding them.  Even our most senior dogs enjoyed themselves, it made my heart so happy to see them. We know with some of them time is of the essence. It was warm enough for splashing and playing in the water so all of the dogs had a blast running free at Jewetts Cove without any restrictions on them or worries on our part. I am looking forward to many more adventures with our new camper not only hunting, but also at future dog events.

So, it is one month since surgery.  I am going to out patient rehab twice a week now. My flexion was 114 when my physical therapist last measured me.  I can ride the recumbent bike for about 10 minutes.  I'm walking mostly without a cane.  This is a challenging recovery which I sure know from last year. But worth it. When I'm not doing exercises or therapy the rest of my time I am sitting with my leg elevated and my knee iced. I cannot sleep at night so my days are pretty messed up.  Pain is being managed.  I know that I will get out of this what I put into it. When they say expect a full year to recover there is a reason.

As spring ended I was back in the field again with John and the dogs.  Enjoyed the brief reprise from knee pain right through to the fall. It was so awesome to be out there again with my dogs and I really enjoyed the time with John and especially Maryann. Yet, despite the fact it's all come to an end for now, I enjoy the solitude and chance to further contemplate what the future has in store as far as J&A's Brittanys goes. I believe we have been true to keep the program focused on what we always wanted it to be and are readily identified and known primarily for having close working gun dogs. Everything else is frosting on the cake. From what I see I continue to be convinced that the best is yet to come.

Hard to believe it's Christmas. It will be low key this year.  We did enjoy a nice Thanksgiving here with all of Maryann's family, John's sister's family, and David's mom from England too. John took care of things beginning to end, it was just one week after surgery I could not do much.

In closing, please keep the Blackadar family in prayer.  Their beloved Brittany "Henry" was killed instantly this week when hit by a car. We all feel the grief, pain, and terrible sense of loss. There are times where there is no rhyme or reason when no matter how careful we are or what precautions are in place an accident still happens that is out of our control.

That sort of catches us up! We've really had a great year on many levels. Once I actually wrote everything out I realized quite a lot has been accomplished. As always take care and thanks for your interest in All Things Brittanys - God bless you and yours....I've got several Brittanys offering their therapeutic presence to me this night.  Good thing it's a king size bed.

ATB: Holly - New Junior Hunter & Other Accomplishments

J&A's Carry The Dream of Acton JH, NA 110 Prize 1
Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH
Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Holly finished her AKC Junior Hunter title this weekend at the Hudson Valley Brittany Club (HVBC) in Greenwich, NY. I had the honor of handling her on Saturday when she finished and John took her out the next day. Holly slammed into a stylish point when picking up Chukar scent but the silly bird walked in a half circle around her. She didn't budge.  It was amazing and resulted in applause from the gallery!  I'm so proud of this girl who has been a hot shot since the day she was born!

CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH
Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH
Dam: KJ Requet's Bouncin' Crysta

Bullet, a finished AKC Senior Hunter and bench champion is working towards his Masters.  He knows what is required and there are times he goes through each sequence perfectly.  That was not to be the case in New York however.  He did everything right but just not at the level that is demanded for the Master Hunting title.  That's okay Bullet Man, we know you can do it ! It was pretty cool though, his son and grandaughters were all there too.

J&A's Bella (11 months old)
Sire:  CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA  110 Prize 1
Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton JH

J&A's Ruff Play (11 months old)
Sire:  CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA  110 Prize 1
Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton JH 

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground
Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH
Dam: CH Birch Spring PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Prize II

11 month old Miss Bella has been here for a few weeks for bird work as her first hunting season draws near. Her owners said we could bring her with us to the HVBC hunt tests, have some fun in the field and show her to our friends who own her sire. Receiving qualifying scores on each day of the two tests so she is now halfway to finishing her JH title! She's a sweet little bird dog with strong natural retrieving instincts.

Miss Brooke, Bellas littermate, came to stay with us for a little while as her owners wanted to make sure her introduction to gundog training was done correctly. They also let us bring her to NY where, like her sister Bella she too earned her first two legs towards an AKC Junior Hunter title.  She'll be here for just awhile longer as her family is preparing not only for bird hunting but for moose hunting as well! Brooke, like her sister is a sweetheart.

Toph is our daughter's 6 month old pup and not only did she go to to NY with us but she's also in training for her NAVHDA Natural Ability test. Keeping it all in the family, she is niece to Bella and Brooke and half sister to Holly Beth.  Toph did very well at the HVBC hunting tests earning her first two legs towards her title. Maryann hopes to finish her JH title this fall and begin to show her too!

(No picture here but I do want to give another SHOUT OUT and appropriately so regarding Toph's littermates.  Her full sister ZIVA just won Best Opposite Sex at for her first show point at her debut in Union Maine.  Other littermates have already tested for their NAVHDA NA title with one of them (Tyson?) earning a PERFECT SCORE and the other was not too shabby either with another Prize 1. Toph is testing soon as well as two additional littermates and if all goes well, our friends and breeders of this litter (Phil & Sherri Thayer) will receive the NAVHDA Breeder Award.)

CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 107, Prize 1
Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH
Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH 

In New York John and I enjoyed the opportunity to see Wilson (Bullet & Treasure's son) earn his first leg towards his AKC Senior Hunting title. An AKC bench champion and already a NAVHDA NA Prize 1 working towards his UT,  Kira has enjoyed training Wilson and seeking the guidance of professionals to bring out the best in him.  We were the guests at their beautiful new home and stayed a few days. Thanks to Julie H., John and I were able to get away from together for the first time in 10 years and we had a great time.

We had a wonderful time in NY and I so enjoyed making some new friends as well as visiting with those who I don't usually get a chance to.  Mostly of course, there was the pride factor of looking at the fruit and evidence of being true to our goals as breeders.  I enjoyed the opportunity also to share with others about our breeding program and was happy to meet those who share similar philosophies.

J&A's Heart of Seumas "Quincy" - Best of Breed
Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH
Dam: GCH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Pictured here is young Quincy who has been shown in a total of 4 show venues beginning in March 2015. That's not very much! Winning a 5 point major (Specialty) in June, he just won another 4 single points in Union, Maine. This handsome son of Bullet & Thistle is, as they say "knocking on the door" of his AKC Bench Championship with limited showing.  Way to show, Julie!

One thing I appreciate is when owners recognize the true potential of their Brittany puppy and give them every opportunity to shine. There are times people will tell us they'll train or do this or that and there is no follow through which is just plain disappointing to me personally.  It's fun to work on a focused training goal with your dog!  Although a Brittany dog does make an outstanding house pet our experience has been that they simply excel when given the opportunity to participate in not only upland hunting but hunt tests, trials, agility, flyball, etc.  It's not fair to have a puppy grow up to be an adult dog who has not been given the chance to 'work' or 'perform' at something fun and enjoyable with their owner. Whatever it may be. We also appreciate those who may recognize they just don't really have the time or experience to do the necessary training correctly and turn to us. It's what we are here for.  John is such an outstanding bird dog trainer and he's very generous with this "gift".  We work not only with dogs from our own program but with those from others and also with other pointing breeds. It's a commitment that needs to be fulfilled and it's a benefit to your dog, to yourself, and in some ways also to us.

In the meantime, countdown is on for Maine's Bird Hunting Season opener as well as my next total knee replacement. Let's see if the owner of the BBW is paying attention as I say "thank you for the continual use of your recumbent bike as I head towards this second surgery".   Now everyone who has gotten this far - take care and God bless and thanks so much for your interest in All Things Brittany.  Stay tuned - we have two more weeks of events coming up!  John, Ann, and our canine crew

ATB VIDEO: Fun Field Training with Pups

The majority of pups out of any given litter will become a family hunting companion.  We make sure every single Brittany pup that leaves here at 8 - 12 weeks of age has, at the very minimum, been introduced to scent from a frozen gamebird wing. Friends often will save and freeze the wings from gamebirds they have shot to give to us for this very purpose.  As soon as our pups are up on their feet and stable they are allowed to play with, chew on, maul, and carry the wings in their mouths.  It's so fun and you really get a good idea early on who has the strongest prey drive and potential retrieving skills! Then, depending upon the time of year a litter is born, the are also taken down to the nearby training grounds.  John loads them up in the dog topper for their great adventure, we drive to the field, plant some birds and let the pups have some fun! (We have our own homing pigeons who are happy to return back home safely once they have been 'flushed.' ) 

We always offer to help with any pup which we have bred. Because we are both retired we have the time to give 110% into preparing for an upcoming bird hunting season.  John and I are firm believers in getting pups on birds as young as possible.  We also feel strongly that the first year of a Brittany pup's life should be full of fun and enjoyment.  There is plenty of time for instilling discipline, perfect manners, and obedience. We've both seen the results of placing too high an expectation and too much pressure on young dogs that are just not ready for it.  Every trainer has their own philosophy. Ours is similar to that of Mike Gaddis who says "The desire in an exceptional pup is like a rare young wine, kegged from a proven vineyard. Nurture it slowly to perfection and it will pleasure the years. Tap it prematurely, and you will squander it’s bouquet in infancy”. 

The first few summers after John retired he enjoyed hanging out a lot with his friend Bob Paucek who has been training bird dogs since the age of 18.  There's been many articles written about him, Bob is also featured in a book authored by Jerome Robinson and titled "Hunt  Close!" It's a great read and covers techniques used long before the use of remote tracking, training, and e-collars became so widespread.  He's been been interviewed many times for various publications, videos and programs.  Bob bred, handled, campaigned and finished some of the best Pointers and Setters in New England in years past. He was American Field's 2013 Legend of the Game. Bob had also trained Brittanys for us in the past before John retired and before we had found grounds nearby our home to do the same. John always enjoyed helping Bob out anytime he could at the Paucek Kennels in Buxton, Maine plus there were always other friends there and they simply had a good time with all the dogs. 

(Personal observation: Besides, as any newly retired couple knows, finding yourselves face to face with each other 24/7 does require some getting use to (she said with a straight face)! Seriously though, I've enjoyed how this has all come together and I do hope it continues to develop and grow, especially now with our daughters involvement too. She is becoming a great dog handler in her own right with Toph and Zuko! )

These days we do have nearby grounds to run dogs on thanks to the generosity of a local land owner.  For several years now John has mowed and groomed the field to suit his needs for planting birds and running the dogs. In addition to the fields there's also acres of woodland.  There are sometimes a few grouse or resident woodcock but we have a couple of johnny houses set up for bobwhite quail and chukar partridge being licensed in all that we do. Friends may join John throughout the week and especially on weekends. Recognizing the amount of work involved usually everyone pitches in and helps in one way or another. There are other times when folks from away will make a trip up so John can spend a little time offering them tips and advice. We will not run the dogs when it's too hot or during a downpour.

We appreciate those in our ATB family who recognize they may not have the time, resources and/or the experience to get their Brittany ready for an upcoming hunting season regardless of age.  Such is the reason we have Bella and Brook with us.  The door is always open to work with Brittanys we've bred, to welcome them back to our home and to their canine relatives.  The methods that John has developed over the years are specific to the Brittany.  He knows how to read them and it is uncanny how quickly they will respond to him.  A lot of folks have said he is a dog whisperer.  Although he's also known to bellow at times, I will totally agree that he has a remarkable way with the dogs. John is not harsh or heavy handed and always is careful to set a dog up to succeed and not to fail.   Even when they must be corrected for something they know better not to do, John will always end the time together on a positive note including lots of praise for whatever dog he's working with  His greatest fault? Being way too humble and generous with his time but that is just part of who he is, and that's not a bad thing at all.

Hope you enjoyed the video. And if you did or if you enjoy posts about training etc., why don't you leave a comment? Thanks!  As always take care and God bless. Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany.  John, Ann, and our canine crew

ATB: Way to Show, Ammo ! first points!

UPDATE:  Ammo has been shown by Roger in a lot of shows in the New England area and beyond.  We were very proud to have him represent our breeding program in Florida during the American Brittany Club Futurity Show, January 2016.  Ammo won 1st Place Senior Dog!!!  Love Ammo and love his amazing family too.

John and I are so blessed by the deep bonds of friendship that develop as a result of the mutual love of Brittany dogs with those who are in the ATB family, extended or otherwise.  There is usually a wonderful story behind the way someone discovers us and the story of how Roger & Marilyn came into our life is no exception. We had communicated at great length for months before the best time for them to get a puppy was determined.  They had shared their heart and home with a beautiful Brittany named "Belle" and were grieving her passing. As it would eventually work out, it was another beautiful girl by the name of "Ruby" who would join their family, a family by the way who I am so thankful is part of our life. I could go on at great length about our special first time visit, about meeting their adult children, about how Marilyn actually catered a nice lunch for us to all enjoy together including the ever refreshing "Ruby Rose Ice Tea".  I could share how we sat on the grass in the back yard with all the Scooby & Molly pups from the "MEGA" litter in 2011 playing and trying to help them decide on which would be the best fit.  I will always remember the day that Ruby went home with her new family on the first day of the rest of her life for several reasons including how baby Hemi (Chevy/Pippin) puppy got stuck in the culvert under our driveway!  Sylvia, their friend from Paris, was visiting with them and fortunately heard him crying.  While that all makes for a delightful story evoking the best of memories there is more to tell here today.

I discovered Roger and Marilyn seem to like surprising John and me.  This was first realized on the occasion of Ruby's hunt test involvement.  (I have blogged about this previously in detail including pictures of the lovely Ruby. By the way, Ruby has this unique marking on her chest which I've always felt was a ruby pendant. Much was written about the Mega litter and is found in the April 2011 archives and beyond.) I knew they had become involved with Central New England Brittany Club but not to what extent.  Unbeknownst to me Ruby had been in training for testing for her AKC Junior Hunter title. When I found out about that - I was overjoyed as we had no idea.

And this spring I had no idea either that "Ammo" (Bullet x Thistle son from the "Only Believe" litter) was participating in conformation classes.  Roger and Marilyn surprised me with their news and said they were going to enter him in the American Brittany Club Summer Specialty Show which the Maine club was hosting. Not only that but Roger would be handling Ammo! (see pictures)

Just as surely as time was spent in planning and preparing for Ruby's arrival into their family so it was with Ammo too. A lot of things came into consideration and much discussion took place.  The possibility of showing their next pup was discussed too but John and I are not breeders who will insist, not even when a pup with obvious show 'potential' is noted.  Of course in my heart of hearts I always hope that an owner with a show quality pup will give it a try and such was the case with Ammo. I knew two of his brothers would be shown and had really hoped that a sister or two might but that was not meant to be.  (Showing is important as it helps assure us that our program is indeed adhering to the breed standard. If a dog is not structurally sound it cannot perform the job it was intended to do, in this case hunt birds. There are more Dual Champion Brittanys than any other sporting breed combined.)

So, about a month or so before the Summer Specialty Marilyn totally surprised me and made my day with the news about Ammo being shown.  I couldn't wait.  And it was just awesome to see Ammo and Roger in the ring together, what a team! As if that was not awesome enough, seeing 3 of Bullet & Thistle's sons lined up together made me so proud.  Ammo won his first blue ribbon during the Maine shows and other placements.

 When it comes to showing dogs, truly you lose more than you win.  And the adage of different judge, different day rings true.  But if you have a nice dog to show and want to show them the best thing to do is get out there and just do it!  Roger and Marilyn have embraced this and I admire them for this, especially because it is all brand new to them and to Ammo.

 I touched base with Marilyn recently and learned Roger would be showing Ammo at an upcoming show.  It was to be an early ring time so I checked in to see how things went and the news back was AWESOME!!

Roger showed Ammo in the "Open Dog" class and not only won first place in that class of 5 really nice dogs but also earned his first two AKC championship points towards his title!!  He went "Winners  Dog" and I could not be prouder or happier for Ammo and his family.  This shout out is well deserved and I'm happy to share it here. Way to show! As always, God bless you and yours!  John, Ann, and ATB.

Wachusetts Kennel Club Results Link

ATB VIDEO: Fun Trial, Holly, Hemi,Toph

Here's a slideshow of a few candid photos of  two out of our three braces taken at the Northern New England Brittany Club Member Fun Day in Hopkinton, NH recently. Results follow. I arrived following Hemi's run so we have no pix of that, but I appreciate Ben Thayer for taking my camera out to photograph Holly and Tophs braces! It was a lot of fun especially seeing Tophs littermates.  Zuko and Pippin were both there but didn't run. Alana and I had been to a show that morning with them. We tried to be two places at once!

August 2 - NNEBC Club Championship 9 Starters

Devil Dog (Poland) Club Champion

Hemi (Short) Runner Up  (Chevy x Pippin)

Adult 10 Starters
Lizzy (Blondin) Blondin 1st
Tessie (Belletti) 2nd
Jasmine (Zuk) 3rd
Aja (Bjork) 4th

Derby 10 Starters

Holly (Short) 1st (Hemi x Treasure)

Proof (Hembrough/Bjork) 2nd

Ruby (Moreno) 3rd

Tyson (Thayer) 4th (Hemi x Luna)

Puppy 2 Starters
Milley (Beauregard) 1st
Sadie (Aucoin) 2nd

ATB: Friday Morning Rambling

Website Update About once a year I like to spend some time tweaking our J&A's Brittanys website.  The update started last week and will probably be ongoing for awhile. So far it's coming along nicely but there's still a lot more work to be done on it!

What's Up It's currently a season of conflicts regarding showing and field events!  Our primary interest throughout the summer is keeping the dogs in good shape for the Maine bird hunting season which opens on October 1st. They are

ATB: Breed Standards & Plumb Lines

There is a Facebook page called "Coffee Break With God".  I'm blogging this morning with that in mind.

60 is the new 50 or is it the new 40?   All I know is that when I gaze into the mirror the eyes looking back at me are for the most part very happy, peaceful, and content eyes.  They are brown like those of my mother and my father who have both been gone for many years now.  And those brown eyes love looking into the beautiful blue eyes of the man who I have spent over 40 years of my life with.

 Is silver gray the new black? I gave up coloring my hair about 10 years ago for good. I am often told by others they are thinking about doing the same thing but they don't think they would have the same depth of color, or that my color gray is so pretty and while they like how it looks on me, they couldn't do it.  Another friend insists on calling me a silver fox which makes me laugh! Some days when I look at my reflection in the mirror I feel the gray makes me look very tired and drawn out.  But there are other times it almost seems to illuminate my face.  Despite how often I may say "I think I'm going to color my gray again" I have yet to reach for the bottle again.

Are Browning hunting boots or LL Bean Mary-Janes the new high heel shoe? They are for me. I've never been one to collect endless pairs of shoes. (Okay stop right there.  Proper grammar check.  endless PAIRS or endless PAIR?  Anyone?) I prefer actually to walk barefoot year round.  And I have ugly feet.  Yes.  A childhood friend once told me the 16 year old 'me' that my toes reminded her of a scene featuring the aliens from the movie "War of The Worlds".  My mother wore a size 10 shoe. So does my sister. Many women in our family wear a 9 or a 10.  Sorry about that.  Anyway, despite not being an avid collector of footwear I did grieve and do lament the fact that since total knee replacement I can no longer wear any shoes with a heel.  Not that I wore them a lot but at least I had the option. Recently I recycled and tossed 4 pair of high heel shoes including a pair of true spike high heels. And despite having ugly feet at least I still can wear sandals and am not limited to wearing practical walking shoes.

You have to have a sense of humor about birthdays and advancing years.  Even about your own limitations.  Taking yourself too seriously can be hazardous to your health.  Letting little things add up can also have the same effect.  I am learning that you just have to let go of them.  Sometimes that's not too difficult when it comes to forgetting things.  Wouldn't it be nice if those things that were most likely to disrupt our peace of mind were also the things that were the most easiest to forget and with little effort?

ATB VIDEO: Ann & Holly in the Field

August 1st
A year ago this would not have been possible.  What a happy day to finally be able to not only be back in the field again but to also be able to handle Holly Beth entirely on my own!  This is a true hallmark of recovery.  Thank you God for Your faithfulness!!  (Photo credit: Maryann Day)

ATB: Gettin' Better All The Time

Today I just feel as if I want to break into a chorus of the Beatle song "Gettin' Better All The Time" to describe what it's been like to be back in the field again. For a long time following my total knee replacement back to the field meant sitting in my chair next to the chain gang waiting for John to return to tell me how each dog did. Each time he headed out I would hear the tone of the bell grow dimmer and dimmer, I would hear the shot from the blank gun, sometimes watch the bird fly over, and then the sound of the bell grow stronger as handler and dog returned.  Very often friends of ours would (and still) come to run their dogs and will give John a hand. At one point I drove the ATV around just so that I could see the dogs work which is something I derive great pleasure from. I know there are far greater physical challenges associated with recovery from diseases and much more complex surgeries.  I realize there are true heroes whose daily battles make what I went through seem like a walk in the park. But to me, that cinchy walk in the park lasted much longer than I could have anticipated, completely putting an end to enjoying ATB to the fullest with John.  But that was then and this is now.

A few highlights:

Working independently with Pippin Treasure. I did run them together just once to see where they may be in regards to backing/honoring.  The potential is there to fine tune this but there are other areas which I need to focus on. The reason for me to work my dogs in the field is two-fold.

ATB: Pippin Honors Treasure's Point

"Honoring' is a term used to describe other dogs recognizing a dog on point and following suit. 'Backing' is a term that can be used in the place of 'honoring'. The term 'backing' stems from the idea that the dogs following suit should be behind the dog that was on point first."

We really do not spend a lot of time TEACHING a dog to honor or back another dog's point. There are a lot of methods including the use of a wooden cut out dog figure that you set up in the field and walk your up to. This is helpful if you don't have another dog to train your dog with.  In our case we either have our dogs or those owned by friends of ours.  Teaching a dog to honor the point of another dog is so important but unfortunately some bird hunters don't understand the importance of it.  It's not fun for you or your dog if another dog comes running up, ignores the fact that your dog is on point and runs in and busts the very bird that you were about to go flush and hopefully shoot!

J&A's Brittanys: I Am Back In the Field !

9 year old J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH - lovingly known as "Treasure".  Established a beautiful point today on a Chukar Partridge and that she held throughout the entire sequence. I walked beyond her to locate her bird, flushed it, and fired my gun.  She never moved other than to turn her head in the direction of the bird's flight. 

7 year old CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton, affectionately called "Pippin" also established an equally impressive point this morning which she held for quite awhile.  After I flushed Pip's bird for her and fired my gun she remained perfectly steady.

It's 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning. My bed does not want to let go of me.  I roll over to look out the window and get an idea of what the weather may be. The sun is shining!  I hear John and some of the dogs out in the kitchen. Soon the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee finds it's way to me. Treasure and Pippin are cuddled up next to me while Holly lies in wait on the floor in front of the bedroom door.  

ATB Hall of Fame: June 2015

Catching Up:  Today is the last day of June 2015.  And today I began the first day of the rest of MY life as I returned to the field to handle on my own two of my most beloved Brittany dogs, Pippin and Treasure. With 2014 - 2015 being a year of transition on many levels I have had to identify where I am in this season of my life. It's been pretty blurry and challenging the past two years and the limitations great.  I am regaining my vision and starting to really refocus. Only God knows the plans and purpose for the rest of my life but I anticipate with great joy this journey that is leading me back to "me" physically, emotionally, and spiritually all for the love of the dog both given and received. By the Grace of God, my new knee is functioning well as if recover from recent kidney surgery. Onward and upward!

No Puppies This Year.   With our "Hearts Desire" litter born to Pippin in October under an emergency c-section and then almost losing Miss Thistle about the same time we have taken a deep breath and a serious overview of where we are.

There's a New Bird Dog In Town

J&A's BIRCH SPRING BREAKING NEW GROUND - "TOPH"

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

Dam: CH Birch Spring PC Luna Eclipse JH, NA II "LUNA"

Breeders: Phil & Sherri Thayer   Owners: Maryann Day & John Short Sr.

 

UPDATE:  This amazing pup at 6 months old and within a two week period with our daughter handling earned a NAVHDA Prize 1 title, earned her AKC Junior Hunter title in 2 weekends, and a 2nd place Amateur Derby field trial win!  She will have her show debut in the spring of 2016. 

 

J&A's Brittanys is proud to introduce the latest Brittany to the ATB family of close working gundogs as part of "TEAM AVATAR".  "Toph" has come home to join "Zuko".  At 7 weeks old we visited Toph and she was retrieving a frozen gamebird used for bird dog training. Just for fun! Then today today at 8 weeks of age she had her first experience in the field with live birds. Also, just for fun! We get excited when we see such strong natural instincts at such a young age!  

An 8 Week Old Pup

Author:  Dave Jones (Thanks, Dave...)

Caly (pronounced as cal - ee )

She's only 8 weeks old, pointing and running bigger than you'd expect for the age! How can that be? Just the thought of her developing into a great gun dog is thrilling to me. She conjures up old memories of what has been and what will be. What can I expect from this wonderful Brittany pup? Love, attention, quiet days afield and fireside memories. Memories of our 'oneness', of old friends, of days that pass too quickly.

A whole world is ahead for the tiny puppy. Imagine how this unguided creature would fair without my careful guidance? I have a huge responsibility that makes normal duties such as her safety and welfare pale in comparison. I shall take her afield and have pleasant memories with her. She will challenge me but I will know that in the end, we will merge...we will become a team. I shall endeavor to properly introduce my young charge with all that is good. I will hold her and comfort her when she becomes sick, injured and old - I know this will happen and I will be there. I will always be there for her. It is my job as her master to be there. I do not take this responsibility lightly.

Many breeders before me have taken this charge and carried it out dutifully. How many countless hours afield have her ancestors spent afield? Not to mention those 2 legged hunters who have logged lifetimes finding the perfect pup, breeding the best to the best.

ATB: The Best is Yet To Come

The first quarter quarter of the new year 2015 is upon us.  It's March 2 and spring is just around the corner. This coming weekend the clocks will be set ahead and we've already gained over two hours of daylight since the last time I wrote in this blog.

Thistle continues to improve.  Regularly she has blood work and tests done that monitor her all important liver values.  We are all thankful for this and will never forget how close we came to losing our precious GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH in the fall of 2014.  Her mother Pippin (CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton) has recovered completely from her emergency C-Section in October, her 3 beautiful pups sired by Wilson (CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 107 Prize 1) are all in their loving homes with well experienced bird hunting families.