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.
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