ATB: Success of Hemi & Wilson

Thank you to those who have remained faithful to my blog. I've posted a lot of photos and updates on the ALL THINGS BRITTANY page on Facebook this year.  I'm happy to brag about some of our recent happenings here beginning with this brief video. 

CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI" and Ann back together again!

Due to lingering issues my orthopedic surgeon gave me strict orders to wait a full year before trying to show dogs again following my second total knee replacement surgery. With November 9 being the anniversary date I felt I was ready to try my two artificial knees and entered a small show. Hemi and I were both a little rusty but ended up he was more than ready to go show off again.  I held onto Hemi's lead for dear life as he put his 'internal combustion engine' into power drive! I came away thinking that particular ring really was much to small to adequately show a Brittany but we did just fine. Our granddaughter went with me for support and took the above video for me to critique afterward.  Overall I'm very pleased all things considered. I felt there was some choppiness in his movement but that probably that comes from my handling. Hemi wasn't sure what I wanted and I wasn't ready for his power! It was wonderful to be in the ring with him again. A very happy and excited Hemi won Select Dog for 2 more points towards his AKC Grand Championship title! And I walked away feeling exuberant.

CH J&A's Quiet Courage SH, NA 107 Prize 1 - Photo Credit Lynda Ruffini  

Hemi wasn't the only J&A's Brittany to have a successful weekend!  This handsome Brittany above is Wilson pictured here with his handler David Molyneaux.   Having finished his AKC SENIOR HUNTER title already Wilson, working towards his AKC MASTER HUNTER title, qualified for two more of the necessary 'legs' required to achieve this goal.  He's more than halfway there!  AKC defines a Master Hunter as the "complete hunting companion that any hunter would be proud to own."  The AKC Rulebook for pointing breed hunt tests contains the specifics.  We're very blessed when the owners of dogs which we breed exclusively for close working gundogs also recognize the limitless potential within them to excel in other venues and such is the case with Wilson's owners who truly have become as part of the family.

As a side note, stud service is available for "approved" bitches from both Hemi or Wilson. Their health clearances are in place. Both boys have proved themselves and their ability to pass on the exceptional natural hunting instincts which we aspire to preserve in our dogs. Wilson has 1 litter on the ground and Hemi has 3. Each boy has sired pups possessing varying levels of AKC and/or NAVHDA hunting titles. They have each produced show quality offspring as well.

We desire the very best for any of our awesome Brittanys and believe that happens when they are a well loved and integral part of their families daily life. The dogs which are seen in most of the family photos of birthdays and celebrations, family vacations and not only in the hunting pictures are the dogs we know are the happiest. First and foremost they are family companions but additionally, we know that they thrive when given opportunities to remain active on a daily basis and to work at doing what they were bred to do.  We have not wavered from our goals for our purpose driven breeding program since our first litter in 1990 and in doing so we have achieved more than we hoped for.  I think we'll continue to do so!

Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also."  Matthew 6:19

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

ATB: Dog Training Recap

Breeding Better Bird Dogs - Two Pheasants and a Turkey

It's the end of October already! How quickly the seemingly long hot summer transitioned into brisk autumn days where leaves go through glorious stages of change, to eventually cascade from branches
and lie scattered on the ground, reminding me of a quilt of many colors. And this, THIS is the time of year the dogs live for. From Holly Beth, almost three,  to Molly and Wish who both turn 14 on their next birthday, all things Brittany enjoys this time of year most of all. Most everything we do all year long leads up to the joy and anticipation of the moments that October ushers in.

Bird Hunting 2016. Scooby, Maryann, John.

Beginning in the spring and continuing right up to opening day most mornings John leaves the house very early and heads out to run and train dogs.  They all get to go but not all at the same time.  It's a lot of work but it's also a lot of fun. We have great friends who regularly meet up with their dogs too. On any given morning over the course of several months our Brittanys are regulary run with not only other Brittanys (including French Brittanys) but also English Setters and Pointers. Occasionally a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Vizsla, German Shorthair Pointer, Gordon Setter and a Munsterlander have joined them.

Although he's not a professional dog trainer John is often contacted for advice and tips on training a close working gun dog for the walking upland bird hunter. He's always happy to take the time to offer suggestions over the phone.  He might suggest  bringing their dog to the field so he can informally evaluate them.  John does not train dogs for competitive field events although sometimes our own Brittanys or those from our program will participate in them, usually resulting in a placement.  We do enjoy introducing people to AKC hunt tests, especially those with young pups and that type of training can go hand in hand with training a bird dog in most instances.

We have a purpose driven breeding program and have achieved goals that we had in mind when we bred our first litter in 1990 and in doing so we have  reached a lot of milestones as well.  Breeding better bird dogs has been and always will be our first priority. Everything else is frosting on the cake!

Molly Rose - puppy at heart, going on 14 enjoying Moosehead.

Our circle of 'bird dog friends' grew immensely when John retired. Prior to his retirement he'd been working up to and over 60 hours a week leaving little time for dogs.  We'd been given landowner permission to use over 100 acres of field, orchard, and woods just down the road from us. Not that I really knew what I was doing but I did sure enjoyed those early training days with Molly, Wish, Rosie, Jack, Timberdoodle, Treasure, and Pippin! While I thought I was the one doing the teaching the fact of the matter is that they were the one teaching me. They showed me honoring before I knew what it was.  They taught me about the intensity of the point before I understood the importance of it. I observed strong, natural and inherent instincts hard at work before I could even articulate what I was seeing.  I delighted to learn about the scent cone by watching my dog naturally quarter a field in front of me, and so much more.

The summer of his retirement John and another friend helped a nearby pro-trainer in the field with the dogs he was training at his facility.  The following year John returned to assist on a full time basis when his trainer friend had a few serious health issues which fortunately were resolved.

Since we still had permission to use the field near our home that's where John started to run dogs the following summer. We could have two johnny houses there for our our quail, pigeons, and chukar partridge. Some mornings John was joined by others and their dogs and other times he had

Molly's daughter Rose, Moosehead Lake 2016 (almost 12)

the morning to himself with our dogs. For almost 10 years we enjoyed this property and many very special memories were made, leaving us grateful to the landowner for that opportunity.

This spring the news was disappointing when we learned we could no longer use that property as it was going to be turned into a hay field. Friends understood our disappointment and began to look around on our behalf for a new space.  Before too long new 'grounds' were obtained with another generous landowner. The only downfall was that the new land is 40 minutes away. We were spoiled with the other location being so close but everything worked out.  A good time was had by all from spring through to the fall. We were happy to hear how,  as a result of training efforts, a lot of the dogs did well in field events and hunt tests before Maine's bird hunting season began on October 1.

Bird Hunting - Canine family Affair

I make no excuses about not being a morning person and I'm not the early bird that catches the worm! Most of the actual bird hunting is left in John's capable hands and that of our friends.  I did enjoy one morning of hunting with our daughter.  Additionally, John and I headed to the Moosehead Lake Region in Maine for a few days with our entire ATB crew.  Ol' Ruff was rarely sighted! But the dogs loved the total freedom and the chance to spend one on one time with just the two of us. As did I. With the majority of our beloved Brittanys approaching 14, 12, 11, and 10 these moments in time are precious.  The younger dogs were actually taken out to hunt.  The seniors were happy to simply 'be'.

Speaking of lessons and things we learn from our Brittanys. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can learn from our senior dogs is the importance of living in the moment. We can experience this with dogs of any age but far to often we may be caught up with an urgency to

Wilderness paradise at Moosehead for ATB.

teach, train, or prepare them for something in particular. By the time the senior dog reaches their golden years the owners sense of urgency arises from the realization that the days of canine companionship are numbered. What may seemingly appear to be insignificant becomes a powerful demonstration of mutual act of love shared with and from them.  Or as we like to say around here "all for the love of the dog, both given and received."

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

PS Looking for ATB family hunting photos for 2016 - you know where to send them! Thanks.

Hunting Dogs - Opinion

Seriously? Disposable Hunting Dogs?

Do you know how it is, to read something that just gets under your skin and makes you feel you just have to say SOMETHING, to somebody and speak out against what you know is wrong? Well, that’s the motivation behind this blog tonight and I definitely have SOMETHING to say to whoever will hear my heart.

Believe it or not, there is a shallow mindset among some (not naming any names, groups, organizations) that people who hunt with dogs do not care about their animals.  There is an assumption that we view them as disposable. For instance, if our hunting dog does not perform as we anticipate we abandon them and leave them in the woods.  Or worse, there is also the erroneous suggestion that hunting dogs are the reason for dog overpopulation.  You see, all these abandoned hunting dogs running at large seek out the nearest intact female, barge into the yard of the unsuspecting (so-called responsible) dog owner, have a grand old time, and leave behind an unwanted litter of hunting puppies which (according to something I was once told) then is taken to the local shelter, pound, rescue, vet etc. How absolutely preposterous, ridiculous, and yes asinine for anyone to believe such nonsense!!  Deep breaths Ann. Deep, deep breaths.

And here’s the gist of a conversation posted on one of the social networks just the other night. “Hunters think of their hunting dogs as disposable. They intentionally leave them behind at the end of the hunting season. They buy a new puppy every season.  The hunter throws their hunting dogs away. The hunters dump the dogs who don’t hunt or who are gun shy. After the season many will turn them out or shoot them because it’s cheaper to just get another dog than to feed one all winter long.”

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful circle of acquaintances throughout Maine and the country that enjoy the sport of bird hunting.  I also have friends who breed dogs for bear hunting, coon hunting, rabbit hunting and others. I know what goes into breeding a hunting/sporting dog.  It is not hit or miss. It is deliberate, and often the result of years of planning. The majority of dog breeders involved with improving their particular breed of sporting dog have purpose driven programs. By this I mean that they want to preserve the particular and unique strong instincts and traits within their line. They also want their dogs to not only hunt for them – but they want that same dog to curl up on the couch with their grandchildren, roll over for belly rubs, and share popcorn with them.

I’m tired of all hunters being painted with the same broad paintbrush. Sure. There are those hunters and dog breeders alike who do mess it up for the rest of us.  But the rest of us – the MAJORITY of us would really like to set the record straight.

By the way, I  know from my own experience with breed rescue that the majority of people surrendering are not bad people, and I feel it is wrong and unethical to make assumptions and judgements.  My experience in working with surrendered animals is that most of the time that owner is torn up pretty good about making that decision especially when it’s a local surrender.

A whole lot of time, money, resources, training, and most especially – love and caring – is the norm when it comes to a hunter bringing home a little hunting puppy.  I’d like to assume that most breeders work closely matching up a particular breed and it’s disposition to a particular family situation.  Most. Not all.

There are visits to the veterinarian, registration, micro-chip, health evaluations, puppy kindergarten, specific training tools, dog food, toys, leads, leashes, you name it the list is endless. Now I’ve not taken the time to itemize these expenses but suffice to say it all adds up.  You spend the first year or two just letting that puppy learn what it’s job is, expose them to whatever it is you want to hunt with them and you have fun. And as this is going on, a very strong human – animal bond is forming.  A strong human – animal bond that is just as powerful as it is with any other dog obtained under any other situation or circumstances. The difference here is that the hunting and sporting dog, bred with a particular purpose in mind is most often uniquely and supremely – a deliberate choice with much, much time and thought behind it. Some people wait for years for the hunting companion of their dreams, for their once in a lifetime best buddy.

It is absolutely ridiculous and ignorant to make a statement saying that hunting dog owners do not care for their animals!!!

If you’re not a hunter, then you’re not a hunter. Some of us are gatherers, some are harvesters, some are hunters.  Just because someone is a non-hunter, does not mean they are anti-hunting.

Many people who hunt with a dog own more than one.  Always in the back of their mind is the reality that one day their best canine bud is not going to move in the woods as well, that the hearing will go, perhaps the eyesight.  The last thing the hunter is going to do is leave that dog behind when they leave their hunting grounds then run out and buy another puppy for the next season. With all that is involved, most notably the time  -I cannot believe people think this way!

Many hunters absolutely WILL bring in a younger pup while the senior dog is still able to enjoy life. A new companion and many are the stories of how the senior dog rebounds for a while with their new young companion.

The strength of the loving human – animal bond is evident when the master is afield with their well trained hunting companion. There’s different kinds of hunting. And some dogs live in kennels, kennels that are dry, warm, and comfortable. The sporting, hunting dog is happiest when doing that thing they were created and bred to do while spending time with their family that loves them. The people who love and own them know this and provide training year round – just to give them the opportunity to hunt during the season of choice.  Those who want their dogs trained properly will often spend hundreds and thousands of dollars for their dogs to participate in a structured training program. During non-hunting seasons, many of these same dogs are actively engaged year round in various ‘performance’ events which simulate the actual hunting itself by competing in field trials or hunt tests etc. depending upon the breed.

As for the owners of sporting and hunting dogs.  Some participate with their dog in events targeted at youth and disabled veterans.  They provide training seminars for those with an interest in learning. They make themselves available to others to teach the basics. These dog owners may be surgeons, politicians, lawyers, small business owners or they may be your retired couple just down the street.  When their dog comes up missing, these hunting dog owners are frantic with worry until they are reunited with their dogs.

That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it friends!  In the meantime, there are several Brittanys lying nearby who will be out in the field tomorrow bird hunting with my husband and I. They most definitely are not disposable. ~ Ann H. Short, J&A's Brittanys, Acton Maine

NOTE: This original article first appeared in my expired blog "Maine Hunting & Sporting Dog Owners" at Bangor Daily News on October 7, 2012. 

TEAM AVATAR UPDATE: Alana & Toph first show points

CONGRATULATIONS ALANA & TOPH !!!

In case you missed it... TEAM AVATAR

Are the two beautiful hunting Brittanys,

named Zuko & Toph, loved and owned by the Day and Short families. 

Named by the three children who love their dogs and are 'Avatar' fans!

"Zuko"

Recently, at the Maine Event 4 day cluster of dog shows in Union, Maine our 11 year old granddaughter successfully handled her family's 18 month old Brittany "Toph" to her first two AKC championship points, also Alana's first points ever. Pictured here with judge Joy Brewster and with me, Alana's smile says it all.  (Photo Credit: The Standard Image).  On September 2, 2016 with a total Brittany entry of 9, they won Winners Bitch out of the Open Bitch class for Toph's first point and then Best Opposite Sex!  They also went on to win Best Junior Handler in Show with a total entry of 4. The next day, they also went Winners Bitch for their second point and then Best of Winners.  As Alana came out of the ring I noticed a few tears falling and wondered if something was wrong.  When I asked, Alana told me she was just so happy!  I hope she always feels this way and never takes the winning for granted.  I appreciate the support and good sportsmanship that's been demonstrated by so very many people towards Alana every time she goes into the ring.  She always takes into consideration the tips and advice, even the necessary critique.

Recently we were pleasantly surprised when a friend pointed out to us that Toph is among those young field trial derby dogs that currently qualifies for the American Brittany Club Shooting Dog Derby Invitational at the Gun Dog Nationals in Ionia, Michigan this fall. She's also nominated for the ABC 2017 Show & Field Futurities.  Here's a great article written by one of Alana's biggest fans which was published not only on the American Kennel Club site but also in the American Brittany Club magazine recently. "Youth Spotlight: One Determined Young Lady" 

These Union, Maine shows are always among my personal favorites.  In fact the theme is "the way dog shows should be".  I like that a lot. My first memories of this particular show are very special to me.  (There was a time John would travel to dog shows with me. I loved (and now miss) those times when we'd go together. He is such a people person, unlike me!  One year we stayed for the entire show weekend in our truck camper.)  They continue to be an enjoyable show venue for me. While Alana and Toph's first show points and the time spent with her was the highlight for me, there was no shortage of reasons to smile.  Alana hasn't shown very often at all, just a few times since she first started in June 2014.  She has done very well though. I really hope that she'll want to continue.  Attending the shows together is fun, especially when she successfully persuaded me to go swimming with her in the heated pool with her at our motel.

Quincy and Julie did very well, picking up two more points towards his championship title.  He has his majors and should finish very soon! It was also the debut of Kennith, a Junior Handler. and his Brittany "Belle".  Belle, Quincy's littermate, is the daughter of Bullet & Thistle. We're all especially proud and happy to support Kennith in their new endeavor.  Julie and I have also created many years of special and fun times together at dog shows in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and in New York.  Our showing is very limited but more often than not we're in the ribbons when we show.  She's really done great as an owner handler and now as owner handler breeder and I'm proud of her as well! This is also the time to give a huge shout out to Roger & Marilyn Gilman with their Brittany "Ammo", also from the Bullet & Thistle litter. Roger has done a wonderful job showing Ammo over the past year and he too is knocking on the door for his championship title. Likewise, there are pups from each of Hemi & Luna's two litters (Toph's siblings) involved with NAVHDA, AKC hunt tests and also shows in New England and also in Iowa.

I'm looking ahead to the fall/winter show circuit. The Union shows were my first road trip with our new (to me) SUV.  As anyone who works out of their vehicle at a show knows, it takes time to figure out the best organizational scheme.  At one point Alana and I unpacked everything simply to make it more manageable.  Figured out a slight glitch regarding battery life when ours died and we had to call AAA.  I am going to add a couple of clear, plastic totes with lids to simplify our trips.  After showing for almost 10 years, I understand the importance of simplifying.  I've downsized the grooming table which I travel with and condensed my most needed grooming tools, product, etc. so it all fits into one portable tote with wheels.  There's a couple of great Facebook groups that focus on dog show vehicles and set ups. Simplifying the process will result in things being less complicated. I have my sights specifically set on new Kennebec dog crates for traveling. I've watched the videos of their safety tests. My other consideration was Rough Tough Kennels but I feel the Kennebec would hold up better in case of an accident.

Public Service Announcement or in other words, "Look! A squirrel!" I continue to advocate for all dog owners when traveling with their dog to make sure their dog is either crated or seatbelted with a dog appropriate harness system. (Another pet peeve is the retractable leash and also rawhide bones. Get rid of them.)

Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany!  As always take care and God bless you all, John, Ann, and our awesome canine crew.

PS - We're still planning a winter litter if all goes well.  Gimme & Holly Beth.

BEING THE LIGHT

I had to share... a very powerful message at the Maine Life Gate Christian Church in Limerick Maine where our son, the Rev. John Short Jr., is the pastor and founder. Nothing here about Brittany dogs but plenty about the reality of a relationship with Jesus Christ. The last part is especially beautiful and awesome as two of our granddaughters join their dad to worship with music with vocals, keyboard, and guitar. Be blessed and take the time to listen/watch to the very end...These are the days... ~ Ann

TRUE - AKC SENIOR HUNTER / More!

TRUE - OUR NEW AKC SENIOR HUNTER My heart is bursting with pride on behalf of John and our "True" puppy.  True sailed through his Junior testing level quickly earning his JH title.  He continued to do well at each successive Senior testing level and likewise qualified for his first 3 legs.  Then it became more of a struggle and we gave him a break from it all. He's always had a nice retrieve and never had a problem backing the point of another dog.  John ran him in a field trial where he won an adult placement in Open Gun Dog but trialing is just not our thing. The handsome True was shown a few times and quickly won his first 4 points in his first four back to back dog shows but was not shown again. Maryann has an interest in learning how to train at the SH level and  insisted this spring we try to finish him.  The first day out he didn't qualify but on the second day when brought back to show the judges he would back another dog he did not disappoint!  Congratulations to True and John, I couldn't be happier about this.

J&A's Keeper of The Stars SH - "True" 

Sire: CH Gibson JH CGC  &  Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short

True is the third Brittany which we have bred to earb the AKC Senior Hunter (SH) title but the first one soley owned by us.  (Bullet, co-owned with Julie, was the first to finish his SH title as well as our first bench champion.  Wilson (Bullet's son) owned by Pete Sipperly and Kira Lajeunesse was the second to finish his SH title and is also a bench champion.  I should note that Wilson is a NA Prize 1 Brittany also in training for his UT title.  Both boys are working towards Master.)

OUR BOYS SURE HAVE BEEN BUSY
Hemi & Luna's beautiful litter of 10 Brittany puppies arrived on April 19th at Birch Spring Brittanys in North Hampton, NH.  This is a repeat breeding of the litter which resulted in a NAVHDA Breeders Award of Merit for the Thayers.  Pups from the first litter are actively trialed, shown, and of course hunted including our own "Toph" (J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA Prize 1).

Photo by Birch Spring Brittanys

Bullet & Brandy's sweet litter of 4 arrived on March 28th, also a really nice repeat breeding. Bo & Christine Longley of Merrymeeting Brittanys in Litchfield, Maine have good reason to be proud of this litter.  Two of the boys, Rocky and Argos, earned their AKC Junior Hunter titles and the majority of pups in the first litter are in active hunting families.

Photo by Merrymeeting Brittanys

TEAM AVATAR HAS A DUAL JUNIOR HANDLER!

On Mother's Day 2014 at 8 years old our granddaughter had her first handling 'lesson' here thanks to our dear friend Julie Harris. I'd just had my first total knee replacement so Julie had taken my young puppy Holly Beth to live with her for a few months. (It was also when Bullet & Thistle's pups were born including Quincy, Zuko, and Ammo.) With Julie's help Alana took Holly Beth around the yard and from the start it was easy to see what a natural handler she was.  Holly went on to be shown by Alana in the Central Maine Brittany Club Specialty show winning their first blue ribbon. Soon she was old enough to show in AKC Junior Showmanship and obtained her pin and number. Eligible now to show as a Junior she presented my champion "Hemi" (Holly and Toph's father) and at her first show won BEST JUNIOR IN SHOW with competition at the Union Maine shows.  Alana took handling classes to perfect her 'craft' and presented both Hemi and her puppy Zuko at various shows.  In the spring of 2015 Alana won her 3rd Novice Junior Showmanship class with competition and moved up to the Open Juniors.  Life happened and she didn't get back into the ring until this spring, this time with her 14 month old puppy "Toph".  At back to back specialties Toph's show debut first place win in 12-18 month catapulted her and Alana into the Winners Bitch competition.  Alana showed Toph in a highly professional and impressive manner.  A couple of weeks later Maryann, Alana, and I had a girls weekend at the West Springfield show.  Alana won her very competitive Opne Junior class of 7 and went on to compete for the coveted Best Junior in Show. Another junior won this but Alana worked Toph the entire time, right up until the judge made her decision.  She also  competed in the adult classes and did really well.  Alana also expressed an interest in learning how to handle in the field along with her mom. We're really excited about this. To make a long story short Alana successfully handled Toph to her first Junior Hunter Advanced leg.  They did so well the hunt test judge called them back to run as the 'bye dog' with another dog that didn't have a bracemate.  This was pretty cool that out of 22 dogs they were selected.  Toph actually finished her JH title at a very young 6 months old with Maryann handling.  Now we are looking further at field trials. Maryann handled Toph to a  2nd place Amateur Derby win when 6 months old.  As I've been saying all along, the best is yet to come!

ATB HUNT TEST RESULTS

The 2016 Central Maine Brittany Club hunt tests have come and gone.  I've completed all of the official AKC paperwork and sealed the envelope.  Now the accomplishments of Brittanys from our breeding program at this event can finally sink in, especially True's accomplishment as AKC SENIOR HUNTER!

NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTERS

J&A's Heart of Seumas JH

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    Owners: Julie Harris & John Short

Birch Spring LH White Feather JH, NA Prize 1

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

Dam: CH Birch Springs PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Pz 11

Breeders: Phil & Ben Thayer   Owners: Phil & Sherri Thayer

J&A's Jack Be Nimber 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    Owners:  Dan & Joanne Woodman

J&A's Superior Jack's Rugar JH

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

Dam: J&A's Superior Nova JH

Breeders: John Short & James Turner   Owners/Handler: James & Lori Turner

ATB Junior Hunter & Junior Hunter Advanced QUALIFIERS

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA Prize 1

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

Dam: CH Birch Springs PC Lunar Elipse JH,, NA Pz 11

Breeders: Phil & Ben Thayer   Owners: Maryann Day & John Short  Handler:Alana Day

J&A's Rubies Are Heaven Sent JHA (she is already finished as a JHA)

Sire: J&A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton

Dam: KJ's Rambling Molly Rose

Breeders: John & Ann Short   Owners: Roger & Marilyn Gilman  Handler: Tyler Gilman

J&A's High Caliber Shamrock Special

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   Owners: Roger & Marilyn Gilman

Merrymeeting's Little Rockstar JH

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

Dam: Merrymeeting's Brandy JH

Breeder/Owner/Handlers:  Walter & Christine Longley

It's been a very busy year so far and will continue to get busier! Bullet as well as his son Wilson are working now towards their Master Hunter title.  John has several judging assignments for Junior, Senior, and Master levels of AKC hunt tests coming up throughout New England and New York.  There are several AKC and American field trials we all have an interest in.  Maryann successfully completed her judging apprenticeships. Young Ayden wants to try his hand at showing too. A few dog shows remain on our immediate radar.  We're also looking towards summer and field tune ups for several dogs from our program. Still up in the air about where we will be running dogs but we do have a nice area over in Dayton that has worked out well so far. It's been a lot of fun having Maryann regulary come alongside of us with Toph and Zuko. 

As for puppies we'll enjoy meeting Luna and Hemi's pups in a couple of weeks. Sooner than later Bullet & Brandy's pups will be going to their respective new homes. Julie had a blast meeting them recently!  I have enjoyed sending referrals for both litters.  I am also enjoying my time with our senior dogs to 'simply be' while continuing to look towards the future with an eye on the past.  And the future looks good for J&A's Brittanys on many levels.  I think our boys are going to keep things moving forward. By the Grace of God, it looks very very good. 

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

ATB: Early Spring Update

It's now been almost 5 months since my second total knee replacement. Daily I'm aware of returning strength accompanied by confidence to push a little harder and do a little more than the day before. Yesterday I realized that when getting up from the recliner I can now use my feet/legs/knees to push the footrest down and back into place! Up until last night it has been so difficult to change position, roll from one side to the other trying to get comfortable at night in bed. I have discovered that is no longer the case and I also can sleep for about 5 hours straight now. Most of the time I can go down the stairs using alternate steps. I've not experienced pain or swelling at all despite taking a more active and supportive role with the dogs again such as grooming, going to a weekend of dog shows and field training. I might be ready to handle a dog during a hunt test next month but doctors orders say I am not permitted to handle at a show until November. Although sometimes there is still a need to rest, elevate and ice my knee I do enjoy spending more time with my family without frequent breaks to rest from activities. The severe and debilitating knee pain from bone on bone osteoarthritis is a thing of the past. Yesterday I was giddy when doing deep knee bend squats, something I've not been able to do for years! Strength and endurance is coming along slowly but surely. 

Took my first road trip a week ago when Julie, Quincy and I traveled to Acton, Massachusetts for a double header weekend of 4 Brittany specialty shows.  Maryann and Alana met us there with Zuko and Toph.  Ammo was also entered so it was really nice to see Marilyn and Roger as well.  We left on Friday afternoon and returned Sunday.  Highlights were seeing Quincy win 1st place Bred by Exhibitor and Ammo winning the blue in Open Dog.  Alana handled Toph to Best Junior Showmanship, won her class, and then competed in Winners Bitch  Great experience for them.  I love sharing "All Things Brittany" with our daughter and granddaughter.  It just makes me so happy. 

The following weekend we had another full training day for our dogs and those of our friends.  Julie made the trip down to do a tune up and evaluation with Bullet.  I am not sure how many dogs were there but there were Brittanys, French Brittanys, English Setters, and an English Pointer with their owners.  It was fun to see Maryann working with True. She desires to handle at the Senior Hunter level and True will be part of her education.  It's going to take some time for them to get use to each other. 

Not that this is all about me me me but, I am happy to share the fact that I CAN spend a weekend away at a dog show and an entire day in the field with the dogs. Of course wisdom is necessary in determining where my boundaries are physically speaking.  April 15th will mark 2 years with my brand new left knee.  My right knee is almost 5 months old.  I'm loving being part bionic woman.  I will continue to bump up my activity level over the next few weeks by walking on a regular basis.  Out of the past 6 years, four of them have been spent in a state of declining physical ability. Two of them have been spent recovering from two total knee replacements. I am so done with this!

We had such a nice Easter.  Began our day by worshiping at the Maine Life Gate Christian Church in Limerick Maine where our son is the pastor.  He and his son wore matching suit vests and ties, it was very cute.  Our two oldest granddaughters are on the worship team. Brook plays keyboard and also does vocals with sister Nova.  Later in the day we had the entire family for Easter dinner prepared by Grampa of course!  My nieces joined us too. I love having them all in one place. Then our oldest grandson had his 13th birthday and it was another fun time with our family, friends and neighbors.  These are my favorite times of all, moments I thank God for. 

As I write I am being bombarded by Holly Beth. She has this habit of just getting right in your face when she has to go out. It does not matter what I am doing Holly will find a way to get her message across. 

We have no pups planned for awhile but a lot of people continue to inquire.  We have full waiting lists for future litters.  Oakley and Jack will not be having pups afterall but her owners may try again in the fall.   Merrymeeting's Brandy (and Bullet) beautiful pups were just born. Mom and pups all are doing well, they are all spoken for.   Luna (Birch Spring) is doing well and her pups with Hemi are expected @ end of April.

 As always thank you for your interest!  Take care and God bless you - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: Looking Ahead

Update: We must say goodbye to the fields and abandoned apple orchard where we've taken our dogs since 2005.  Appreciative of the current and previous landowners generosity to train, run, and introduce pups to birds the property will now be used to harvest corn and hay crops.  It's going to be hard to drive by every day knowing that special season has come to an end.  Truly the good times there gave way to a sense of community among family and friends who love their dogs as much as we do ours.  We're keeping our eyes and ears open though hoping to find another place nearby.

2/28/16 Where we run and train
the dogs. No snow!!!

Getting back to what I love.
(Pippin & Treasure)

The weather this winter reminds me a lot of what we experienced a few years ago in 2012. That year we consistently had no snow and the temperatures were fairly mild during the winter months.  We actually were able to run and train the dogs on birds throughout the entire winter season!  I also remember that was when the pain from OA in my left knee would often debilitate me. Today however, I am so thankful to be on the other side of two successful total knee replacement surgeries and so very eager to not just pick up where I left off, but to experience a myriad of new adventures! I've been in the field with dogs running two times now since surgery.  The first time was down to the Kennebunk Plains at the end of January. And the second time was yesterday at the training field. I am so ready to take my focus off of what I can or cannot do because of my knee. Currently, I am still measuring my goals and successes by how strong and pain free my knees are on any given day. It's been almost 4 months since the second surgery, and almost 2 years since the first one. Recovering from total knee replacement has been the most challenging experience of my entire life and I don't say that lightly. I do still have rough days. These surgeries are not for sissies! The fact of the matter is I have two brand new knees to rediscover what it is like to play an active role in my own life!!  The surgeries are behind me now and it's time to make good on my claim that indeed, the best is yet to come! Today my goal and my success will be making the rest of my life the BEST of my life.

So what lies ahead?  To begin with we're very excited working with two established breeding programs and a brand new one which we are supportive of. We're also happy that there are many very happy families awaiting news of these anticipated pups. There may be some availability once they arrive and for anyone wishing more information or might be remotely interested please  contact us and we'll happily refer you to the breeders. As for the next litter that we breed which will actually be born here - we will probably look to Holly-Beth for that honor.  J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton JH NA 110 Prize 1, is OFA Excellent and several names are on Holly's dance card!

Toph wonders about this show debut
stuff and why she lost her neck hair!

Next on the list is the show debut of the incredible J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA 107 Prize 1 "Toph"!  She was one very busy little puppy in 2015 the first year of her life and it looks as if she's going to take on 2016 in much the same way.  I am looking forward to seeing our daughter have some fun with her puppy in the ring.  J&As Blue Lightenin' Bolt JH otherwise known as "Zuko" will be shown a little more this year as well. Together he and "Toph" make up the dynamic "TEAM AVATAR".  This grandmother had to research the characters that these two youngsters are named after.  Zuko has been shown a few times by our daughter and our granddaughter.  He has been in the ribbons but they are anxious to see him earn some points of course.  His two brothers, J&A's Shamrock Special "Ammo" & J&As  Heart of Seumas "Quincy"  have done very well in the show ring so it's just a matter of time. 

 I am really looking forward to learning more about training a dog at the AKC Senior Hunter level. I also really like what NAVHDA has to offer.  Regardless, I really look forward to spending more time spent in the field with our dogs than ever before. We do wish to see pups from our program tested in one or both of the hunt test venues at as early an age as possible.  The earlier this is done the easier it is to see the strength of the natural instincts.  Then I like to see the dogs take a break from testing following the junior and NA level, to really work on obedience and compliance to their handler.  I guess that's where I am. Even so, the folks who seek us out are interested in one thing only and that is a close working gundog.  The rest is frosting on the cake as far as I'm concerned.  I don't like to promote our pups as show puppies though despite the fact that pups from our program frequently not only have great potential to be successful in the ring, but now more than ever they ARE!  I am not permitted to run until my 1 year anniversary following this second surgery so no showing for me. I did try it last year but as my other knee was showing off that was quite short lived. It's not really pretty when I show anyway. We'll leave it at that!  There's enough of my family and friends showing our dogs now so it's all good. I will sit ringside cheering, help with grooming, and take pictures for the time being. And be very proud while still believing, the best is yet to come. As always thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany, take care & God bless - John, Ann, and our canine crew.

J&A's Brittanys Close Working Gun Dogs