J&A's Brittanys 24 Days To Go!

After taking the shelves out and before removing gate.

Countdown - 24 Days

The major transformation of the grooming/puppy room has begun! With the certainty of puppies on the way time is of the essence.  I spent today organizing, putting my tub and tote of dog show stuff and other seasonal dog items into a small storage space in the garage. John made room so that I could move my adjustable shelving unit out of our puppy room. Temporarily. This holds grooming items which I will still need. I also took down the gating which creates a small blocked off where dogs like to hang out in if I'm busy bathing and grooming. The portable grooming table used for dog shows was moved into the wannabe bath-room. This gave me a great spot for dog food storage while giving back much needed floor space. Our hydraulic grooming table remains to serve multiple purposes.

Treasure asks, "Where'd the puppies go?"

My whelping supplies were safely tucked away since 2014. Today I brought them out along with the puppy basket we use to keep pups safe and warm while momma dog is whelping. We also use it to transport neo-natal pups to the vets for dew-claw removal and tail docking. Treasure had to check the basket out. 

Two of my supervisors, Treasure & Pippin

John will pick up where I left off. He can look at something and with little effort knows what needs to be done, how to do it, and what tools etc. are needed. The beauty of our puppy room is that it CAN be modified to suit whatever situation presents itself, easily.

Treasure approves.

Our whelping box is like a family cradle,  passed from one generation to the next, although much more frequently of course than a cradle for human babies. Our cradle has at one time or another kept each one of our Brittanys safe from harm. The parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents of our anticipated puppies were born in this cradle. It safely kept the singleton puppy as well as several litters of 11. Each time it's used we inspect it carefully, sanding if needed, bleach and sundry it, and put new flooring in.  We introduce the mom to it in plenty of time.  As we await confirmation of Toph's pregnancy a second whelping box will be needed. We no longer have ours so  friends who own Holly's sister have offered the use of their Dura-Whelp box. (Thanks so much!)

                 Dream, Hope, Inspire              Treasures Come in Many Shapes and Sizes

Once again we say thank you for your interest in following along. Take care and God bless you and yours!   John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

J&A's Brittanys 5th Week Pregnancy Update

Here's our girl recently, catching a sunbath on the warm patio. 

See Holly's Facebook Album

Already, time is flying by!  Seems we just announced Holly and Bullet Man's breeding and then confirmed her pregnancy and now we're at 5 weeks along, more than half way through the 63 days of gestation.  For 4 long weeks we wondered 'is she or isn't she?'   as we looked daily for any telltale sign that Holly was going to have puppies. 

By way of review, the very first week after Holly was bred her demeanor seemed to change ever so slightly. Then, a week later, there were moments that she actually looked wider.  At three weeks along I was looking for her to have morning sickness in the form of throwing up but that didn't happen. Instead, all Holly really wanted to do was seek the privacy of her crate, her den, and rest.  Also that third week when 'suppah' was announced for the dogs, she ran in the opposite direction with her tail tucked between her legs and refused her food no matter how we doctored it up.  Once we discovered the one thing Holly would eat was boiled chicken breasts in broth we stocked our freezer with chicken breasts. Fortunately, it was on sale for $.89 a pound! 

Day 30 of a dog's pregnancy is the best day for an ultrasound and for Holly, that's the day our hopes were finally realized. Upon arriving at the vets we weighed Holly and learned she had gained 4 lbs. in 4 weeks. After the weigh in John, Holly, and I were led down the hall, through the doors towards the back room of the animal hospital. Familiar faces waved and greeted us as we passed by, making mention we hadn't been there for awhile.  John gently positioned Holly on her back into the x-ray cradle. We enjoyed jovial conversation with the vet and her reproductive  assistant while Holly relaxed, trusting John completely.  

The equipment used for the ultrasound was so high tech! The ultrasound

(sonogram) uses high frequency sound waves to view inside the body and produce pictures. Unlike X-ray imaging there is no exposure to radiation. It is very safe and there is no danger. With the appearance of a lap top, the ultrasound scanner used on Holly had a transducer (probe) attached.  This was placed directly upon and drawn across her tummy, sending those precious images to the ultrasound machine itself.  One by one, clear and precise images appeared on the monitor screen as we heard the news "well, she definitely has puppies!"  With each movement of the probe across Holly's tummy area we heard "there's another one, and another one, and another one..." and the tiny little beating hearts were pointed out to us on the screen. So don't you know that for sure the tears fell.  John and I hugged each other and then he kissed Holly Beth.  A true happy, happy, joy, joy moment for the ATB family. 

Of course I couldn't wait to call Julie and let her know that Bullet was going to be a father again.  My phone call went something like this "Hey Julie, Holly has some news for you, she wanted to make sure you have a happy birthday!"  It was the day before Julie's birthday so what an appropriate announcement and Julie was of course just as overjoyed as we are.  Good job Bullet Man, as has been said, the dude does not shoot blanks!

Returning to this soon!

So that's our first 5 weeks!  Holly's rib cage is widening, her finicky eating continues, desire for privacy ongoing, and she has also thrown up. She's very cuddly and affectionate. Toph is progressing along a similar course and in time will have her ultrasound too. Her family is excited and I think I told you already the kids have picked out litter nicknames relative to the Fourth of July! Next week we'll begin transforming my grooming studio back to our puppy cave. A lot of work but something I look forward to. 

In the meantime and as always thanks for your interest!  Take care and God bless you and yours.  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

PS There's been such a great quality of inquiries and we thank you. We're excited and happy for those of you are waiting for a puppy. But remember, we're not going to pester anyone once we've requested additional information etc. including the questionnaire. The window is closing on Holly & Bullet's litter!  

J&A's Brittanys First Glimpse

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Our hopes were realized this morning. Holly's ultrasound shows 7+ puppies with healthy heartbeats.  Due @June 23.  Julie, John, and I are very happy. Here's a first glimpse of the puppies below.  We covet your prayers as Holly's journey to a safe, and uneventful pregnancy and whelping of healthy pups continues.

J&A's Brittanys Keep Calm and ....

Although I was very young when my parents were breeders of Boston Terriers, there are things I can still remember.  I also have my dad's whelping journal.  In 1990 John and I bred our first litter so one might think by now I'd be pretty adept at calling a pregnancy.  Alas dear followers, that is not the case!

Holly is now 4 weeks post breeding.  (Toph is 2 weeks.) Gestation takes 9 weeks so good grief and golly gee we are just about half-way!  We cannot be sure of the EXACT day Holly ovulated but we do know that pups are born 63 after a dog ovulates, or drops her eggs. Bet you didn't think you'd be getting a little biology lesson here.

Because of hormones, after a heat ends a dog that has not been bred may actually demonstrate or go through some of the same things a pregnant dog will. Sometimes they will even go through a false pregnancy, their teats will fill with milk, they'll nest and seek dark spaces and sometimes they'll carry and 'mother' toys as if they were puppies.  Despite knowing these things happen, I'm going to continue to remain extremely hopeful!

One of the first things to take place in a pregnant dog is a change in her nipples.  They may become just a little bit more prominent and darker in color. Sometimes too, even though the heat has ended, in a pregnant dog the slightest, clear discharge may remain.  Both of these things are true about Holly.

Almost from the first week Holly's behavior and demeanor has been so different. She has chosen, almost from Week 1, to retire to her crate and rest there most of the day when she's inside.  With the exception of how very excited she gets about John's every move, there is less of this now.  She seems to really prefer spending long periods of time sleeping in her crate, her den.  Instead of being one of the first dogs to come around when it is mealtime, Holly is often no where to be seen. It's as if the smell of food is offensive to her. This past week it has been especially challenging to get Holly to eat her regular food despite putting cheese, fish oil, bits of steak etc. in it to entice her. But today when getting the dog dishes ready Holly actually tucked her tail between her legs and headed in the opposite direction, remaining once again in her crate.

Holly did this yesterday for both her breakfast and for her dinner so she absolutely needed to eat something.   I cooked a boneless chicken breast in the microwave for her, mixing in some brown rice and a little chicken broth. Lo and behold Miss Holly Beth came running from the other room. Clearly she thought whatever I was cooking smelled good enough to eat. And that is what she did! Not just one serving, but two leaving me very, very happy.

As I mentioned previously, there's times I really think her rib cage has sprung. Like first thing this morning.  As Holly went out the door I glanced quickly at her and noticed a slightly expanded rib cage.  She hadn't had breakfast yet. Her 'tuck up' is still obvious, her waistline has not expanded. But that rib cage...

Once again this morning while setting out the dishes to feed our crew Holly was no where to be seen. I measured out each portion of dog food the sound of which caused a gathering of hungry and well behaved Brittanys. I fed them yet still no Holly.  I looked in the other room and caught sight of her laying in the very back of her crate. Without any fanfare I prepared the chicken dish again and popped it in the microwave briefly. I took it out, set it on the counter to cool and walked away.  Guess who came running and happily ate the meal prepared for her. Even if it meant hand feeding the last few spoonfuls.

Another interesting observation is her selective interaction with me.  If I'm sitting down on the couch Holly may suddenly appear next to me and then look deeply into my eyes.  She usually waits for an invitation to jump up next to me. She (and the others) know I am not a fan of uninvited jump ups and will respect that most of the time.  Happily, I will signal to Holly and up she goes, leans into me (we call that hugging) and snuggles.  John can ask Holly to give hugs, give kisses and she will oblige!  She'll stay with me for a little while and then, interestingly enough, she will then go sprawl out and on my bed for awhile.

There's going to be an ultrasound taken. And we are going to confirm Holly's pregnancy. I will not only "keep calm and wait for results'' like the meme above declares but more importantly I will put Proverbs 3:5 into action:

Stay tuned. Thank you for following along with us. As always, take care and God bless and join us with all faith believing that we'll see the evidence of things hoped for  - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany 

J&A's Brittanys Moment of Truth Cometh

Holly Beth - is she or isn't she???

As they say, "patience, young grasshopper."  Not that I'm impatient.  There's no irritability involved, no restlessness, no sense of rushing which are all signs of impatience. It is just so hard to think about anything else in this excitement of waiting to confirm first Holly's and then Toph's pregnancy!

When we first bred Holly and then Toph, all the wonderful possible outcomes nearly consumed my thoughts.  This is understandable because it's been 4 years since we've had puppies!  

Holly is just about 4 weeks along.  I can look at her in one moment and say 'yeah, you are definitely going to have puppies' and the next minute I am a doubting Thomas about it!  Friends of ours bred their first litter this past spring and we'd often talk about this unknowing from one day to the next.  Then, on the day of her dog's ultrasound there was a happy, happy, joy, joy phone call from the vets confirming there were puppies and we were so happy for our friends.

Our plans are to have an ultrasound next week. As we get closer to the moment of truth with Holly Beth I'm hopeful the results will be what my heart desires. Although it's my nature to be optimistic and positive it is my Christian faith that sustains that ability.  The only way I can truly distract myself and avoid being anxious is to turn to my Bible for guidance. So that's what I did. In doing so I quickly found 15 verses beginning with  'Do not be anxious ...'  and including an exhortation to trust in the Lord. (Back to basics, Ann. Back to basics.) Time for a little personal declaration:

"I will be anxious for NOTHING! I'm making a decision not to worry.  In every thing that concerns me, through prayers and petitions to the Lord I will make my requests, my desires known to Him.  Because I delight myself in Him, His Word promises to give me the desires of my heart. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards my heart and my thoughts in Christ Jesus. I commit my way to the Lord, I also trust in Him..."Paraphrase Philippeans 4:6,7 and Psalm 37:4 

Ann & Billy

By the way, this declaration isn't just about the dogs.  It is about ALL THINGS that matter to me.  And tonight, that includes the concern in my heart for my nephew Billy who is fighting hard against cancer. We'd appreciate your prayers.

Stay tuned. Take care and God bless. John, Ann, Holly Beth and All Things Brittanys.

J&A's Brittanys Strike a Pose!

It is such a cool raw day here in Southern Maine and believe it or not I turned the heat up inside the house! Toph went back home this morning so the previously discussed waiting games have officially started.  In the meantime I had fun this afternoon putting together the following 4 collages of Holly & Bullet, and of Toph & True.  Today is such a quiet, peaceful, uneventful day here at home.  The dogs are all so content. Actually, I'm in the mood for some Ted's Fried Clams. I haven't eaten any fried food since December intentionally which has paid off but! Tomorrow is Mother's Day, John will be judging a field trial so this will be my present to me 😇and to him too of course after his long day of judging today!

Holly-Beth

J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton JH, NA 110 Prize 1

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

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

Bullet

CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH, CGC, FDCH

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

Dam: KJ's Bouncin' Crysta (Chrissy)

Toph

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA 107 Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession JH (Hemi)

Dam: CH Birch Spring PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Prize 2 (Luna)

True

J&A's Keeper of the Stars of Acton SH

Sire: CH Gibson JH, CGC (Gibby)

Dam:  J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton (Treasure)

J&A's Brittanys: The Art of Raising a Litter

Puppy Cave = Transformed Grooming Studio! (Treasure above) 

NOTE:  Some of the following text is taken from pages I have previous written on this ATB blog and/or our from our website!

We enjoy a purpose driven breeding program that includes careful selection and planning well in advance for each successive breeding.  An ongoing evaluation of our fun loving Brittany crew begins at birth.  It continues through the years through important feedback from those who will love and own them. The years pass quickly by but every day is still an ongoing experience of the love of the dog, both given and received. The ones we held in our hands wet from birth are the same ones we kneel next to as they take their final breaths.  This, this for us is a lifestyle choice and for all the right reasons. 

Because we're a multi-dog family we make sure that an expectant mother has her own warm, cozy, private space away from other dogs to comfortably settle into prior to whelping.  She spends more and more time there as the due date approaches.  It's set up to have many creature comforts for canine and humans alike. Some people have a man-cave. Well, we have a puppy-cave!

When expecting, the mother receives the best possible pre-natal care and given the most respect throughout her pregnancy, whelping, nursing and rearing of her puppies. Although monitored closely, she is afforded privacy during labor and delivery with minimal assistance. Whelping occurs in a separate and quiet atmosphere of low lighting, soft music, and warm, comfortable and clean surroundings. The safety, mental health, and overall well being of the nursing mother and her pups will always preclude any thought of ever permitting another family dog into her whelping box and surrounding area during this time.

During labor, we remain close by, taking cues from the mother should our assistance be needed during delivery and to reassure her with our presence. Most of the time our presence is welcome but we respect cues that indicate otherwise! 
Shortly after birth each pup is carefully examined, photographed and weighed. Important information is quickly recorded and pup returned to it’s mother. This actually is their first “stimulation exercise!” We enjoy close observation of neo-natal pups and the interactions with their mother and siblings, sometimes simply sitting close by for hours. Neo natal pups are kept under an infra-red heat lamp, the temperature of the whelping box closely monitored. The whelping box is arranged so that one area is cooler for mom. A security surveillance camera, 2 way monitor, and a remote digital temperature sensor assure us peace of mind concerning their well-being 24 hours a day. It also makes it easy for us to communicate with each other of course.  (Pups will eventually  outgrow their initial need for such an intimate, private, and nurturing environment.) To avoid endangering any aspect of this stage of development we safeguard their nest and den on their behalf.  Lessons and rules learned from mother and siblings are crucial especially during the first 3 to 4 weeks for many reasons. (In recent years we have set up a private live video stream for the new families to enjoy the pups development.)    

Early interactions prepare the way for healthy and stable relationships with other dogs and the most important relationship of all, the one they will have with humans. The first 72 hours is critical as pups are weighed at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours to be sure they are gaining weight. During the first 36 hours pups and mother are brought to the veterinarian for dew claw removal and tail docking. This will also be their first health exam. (Tails of our neo-natal pups have been submitted in past years to UC Davis as part of their ongoing Brittany genetic DNA research.  DNA has also been collected from our adults for this purpose.)

We weigh pups every 24 hours and look for their birth weight to double around 10 days. Pups are handled daily.  Certain behavior is anticipated at various stages and it’s fun to watch for and identify each one. For several years we've kept an informal journal. This helps to compare similarities and differences in pups from previous litters including weight, size, and dates of significant phases of development. (These phases are noted in "The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete" which is required reading!)

Although the evaluation process is ongoing from birth we have identified key periods for individual testing and evaluations and have developed a series of tests and exercises for pups. The exercises help us evaluate the pups while providing them with new learning opportunities as they experience new sights, tastes, sounds, surfaces, scents, etc. The more things a puppy is exposed to during these first weeks the easier it is for them to learn and accept new experiences later in life. See our blog pages for particulars.

The animal - human bond is established gently with lots of love as we progress slowly and deliberately with them. Keeping our purpose based breeding program in mind we begin by reinforcing the canine rules taught by the mother Brittany, introduce human manners, and continually provide stimulus to enrich the environment of our Brittany puppies. Each puppy is a unique individual. Our methods of evaluating puppy development has been refined over time and is based on highly respected research by Pffafenberger, Volhart, Hastings, etc.

From about 4.5 weeks on life for the young Brittany pup changes rapidly.  Supervised and gradual introduction to the rest of the ATB family begins. Visits from prospective new families, evaluations by people unknown to the pups, vet visits, romps here there and everywhere, increased time with children, introductions to the crate, collar, and leash and so much more. It is a busy time where every moment of the day is devoted to puppy care in one way or another.  And it is perhaps the most enjoyable part of raising a litter of pups despite the hard work involved. Truly qualifying as "a labor of love"  

Weaning in itself is an important part of their development.  About 3 weeks old we introduce pups to warm puppy mash. It is quite a comical experience.  Each pup reacts different and in the end it is one big mess. It is a great photo opportunity!  Pups are separated from their mother for a few hours so as not to nurse and then have quite the appetite to try something new.  When they are finished mom comes back in to clean up the dish and her babies.  Once weaning is well underway pups are separated  from their mother for several days and fed warm puppy mash 5 times daily. This helps with mom's milk drying up. When weaning is complete they are reunited with her for extended periods right up until the time they go home.  No one can teach respect to a young puppy like a mother dog. The dam is always able to escape her pups however she often chooses to be with them especially at night. Pups are usually eating dry puppy food 3 times a day when they go home. 

We are devoted to our Brittanys and consider it of utmost importance to be aware of specific things about each pup as well as be personally familiar with the great dogs behind them in their pedigrees.  We make an effort to maximize the learning potential of each sweet little Brittany puppy by making learning fun for them while stimulating its learning ability, interests and natural instincts. We begin this at birth through the SMART PUPPY program.

It is a labor of love to get a pup ready to spend the rest of their life as an alert friendly, fearless, inquisitive, happy, and smart Brittany. It is perhaps the most important thing as breeders that John and I do. Our preparation includes establishing a firm, solid, foundation of trust and respect. The groundwork we lay involves the potential new owner as we guide and direct them in their own preparations to eventually bring pup home. We have always referred to puppy take home day as "the first day of the rest of their life". As we entrust the care of a Brittany puppy by placing them into the loving arms of fully prepared new owners we are assured and confident they will be responsible to continue what began here, long before pup was even born. 

Breeding Better Gundogs

We have now bred four generations of OUR line of close working Brittany gundogs who are actively hunting with their families.  The quality attributes and strengths which we have identified to be consistent in our Brittanys include:

• high intelligence level
• natural bird hunting abilities
• natural retrieving skills
• soft mouth
• versatility
• ease of training, cooperative
• biddable with a well balanced, fun-loving disposition with children and adults
• dual quality 

Of course, the ’genetic recipe’ of all Brittanys should always include the ability to work and perform as an intelligent hunting dog.  When possible, we maintain the best evidence of this is seen by going out into the field to work with an adult relative of a Brittany pup under consideration.  Great hunting dogs produce great hunting dogs. We enjoy supporting our claim about the natural hunting instincts prevalent in our Brittanys by actual field work (weather permitting) on an actual game bird. Despite what the dog has inherited, and regardless of how well prepared it is when it leaves us - training must be ongoing.  Just obtaining a Brittany from a good line is not enough. The new owner must provide proper nutrition, nurturing and training regardless of pups intended purpose. If the dog is to be hunted, early, consistent and frequent exposure to birds is a must. (All J & A’s Brittanys pups are introduced to birds before leaving.)

We believe there are critical factors in a hunting dogs performance to consider. and that the younger a Brittany is introduced to birds (correctly) the better.  The purpose of a Brittany is first and foremost a sporting dog bred to hunt. While the AKC breed standard should be adhered to in regards to conformation the existing hunting standard is equally as important and should not be overlooked. We desire to see Brittanys from our program participate at the youngest age possible in the AKC and/or NAVHDA hunting tests.  The most successful examples of a dogs ability to fulfill the purpose for which it was bred will also be the dogs that are best adapted physically to perform that purpose. Here is where adhering to the breed standard is the most important. Form (conformation) follows function with the function being the purpose for which the dog was bred.

We know just how to guide a new Brittany owner to help their pup reach its full potential. We stand behind every Brittany puppy we are responsible for bringing into this world and will remain available for the lifetime of the dog. 

J & A’s pups are not defined with a single function in mind. They are dual purpose dogs. Our client’s homes are not defined as a show quality, pet quality, or a hunting quality home. My belief is that they are full quality homes. We encourage involvement in showing, hunt tests, field trials, fly ball, agility, obedience etc. Although our primary focus is on close working gun dogs, many of them are show quality pups and do very well in the ring! (Check out the column on the right).

In closing, I apologize that some of this is redundant to those who are already on our waiting list. You read most of this in our puppy reservation policies! But right now there is not a lot to share on the day to day. Toph is ready to go back home though, so the waiting game continues. As always thanks for your interest and following along!  Take care and God bless you and yours always. John, Ann, & All Things Brittany 

J&A's Brittanys Waiting Game

Holly Beth 2 weeks post breeding

WEEK 2

John is Holly's "Person." 

Throughout the entire gestation period of a dog there are often times of second guessing and right now is no exception. Is it wishful thinking or is there really a deeper color in Holly's teats?  Is it being overly optimistic to suggest that even in the above picture she appears slightly thicker through her middle? Is it self deception to suggest I detect a very subtle change in Holly's behavior?  Frequently, as the 3rd week of pregnancy approaches a momma dog will actually experience morning sickness.  Sometimes it is simply a matter of discovering that they have vomited or their entire appetite may be a little off.  I have read that they will actually get nauseous. Holly is not a Brittany that typically would go lay down in her crate in the middle of a busy day, although there are others that do routinely.  (We have several crates throughout our home with doors always left open with a soft blanket inside. That is unless you are Hemi and you pull your blanket out and proudly prance around with it but I digress. Positive crate training is so important from the start.) Neither is HB likely to prefer my company over John's as he is her Person with a capital "P".  Lately though she frequently tucks in next to me for some serious snuggles and I am more than happy to oblige her as we play the waiting game! Holly is one sweet Brittany and seems even more so now.

 As John definitely is Holly's Person and also his top hunting girl she is accustomed to being top dog regarding his daily outings to the field. There's an early morning routine here which the entire crew recognizes and it begins with the sounds and activities associated with John loading the All Things Brittany truck with his dog training gear.  From the time he unplugs the training collars from their charging ports to when he first opens the dog topper they are all revved up for their greatest joy awaits them. (Full disclosure: Getting up at dark o'thirty in the morning is not my idea of joy. Pulling my act together in time to head out before the sun comes up and being 'Suzie Sunshine" isn't something that will always work well either!) Weather permitting, our dogs are run several times a week. Some of this is for training, most is for conditioning and exercise, and all of it is for the love of the dog both given and received. Some days birds are involved, other days they are not but the dogs always anticipate encountering them and that always makes for an exciting morning whenever John loads the truck.  In order to keep Holly's stress level from bouncing off the charts she rides shotgun in the truck with John to the field.  Caution is exercised as far as she's concerned though and her amount of field running has been curtailed.

Holly and her momma Treasure.

I know there are plenty of people who show, trial, hunt etc. with their dog even if a pregnancy is anticipated. I'm not one of them. I'm over protective and I admit that I am careful to avoid potential problems, risks, or even dangers.  Although I know my girl is healthy, disease free and up to date on vaccinations how do I know that other dogs where we're going are?  I also consider the possibility of injury caused by any number of reasons so I err on the side of caution. I rarely will even go to a dog event when there are puppies involved or the possibility of them!  (If I do, I spray the bottom of my shoes with Lysol and then change into another pair before setting foot onto my property.)  Perhaps I am over cautious but I'd rather play it safe and think twice before risking the well being of my girl. We even limit visits by our friends and/or their dogs during this time! But they understand and still love us.

Well, that's enough rambling for now.  Time to call it a day. The windows are open tonight and the peepers are singing "cold feet, can't sleep"!  At least that's what John's mom use to tell me they said. All is quiet. Toph is still here tonight. Tomorrow I plan to groom her and make her pretty before returning home to her family where she is greatly missed.  So the waiting game continues as we will wait and see if her time here has been successful.  Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany and as always God bless you and yours.  John, Ann, and our canine crew

J&A's Brittanys Breeding Announcement #2

A daughter of True's

I'm very pleased to share that the happy dance continues here as J&A's Keeper of the Stars SH has been bred to J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH NA 107 Prize 1 .  And once again I preface my next sentence by saying "if all goes well".... these pups would arrive right around Independence Day.  Consequently, our daughter and family have been working on some pretty cool patriotic litter nicknames!

Recently, in "J&A's Brittanys Waiting Room" I also announced that the breeding between Holly & Bullet had taken place. I have no apprehension about the timing here or the closeness of litters.  It has been 4 years and it simply IS time for puppies again.  These puppies will be born about 2 weeks apart.(Note my positive attitude!)  As surely as litter nicknames are already in the works, last night John and I spent some time making a list of... ahem... AKC registered names and call names.  Well, you know... just in case. 

Practicing the art of patience when your hopes are high but you're still not sure of the outcome is challenging. We're all familiar with the quote "Patience Is a Virtue." And of course patience is identified as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22 - 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

Patiently we will wait. Ummm.... well at least we will give it our best shot! First milestone will be confirming pregnancy with an ultrasound for Holly Beth. Stay tuned because I do plan to keep this updated in as much as possible. But in the meantime you won't be surprised to hear me say we're going to trust God completely.   I will openly share each step of this journey, partly because I simply enjoy writing but also because I've been told how much prospective new puppy owners enjoy being part of the journey with us. And speaking of new puppy owners, we are happy to share the news that Holly & Bullet's litter is fully reserved until further notice.

Speaking of prospective new puppy owners, please acquaint yourselves with the pages of this blog as listed in the far right column.  There is information which will help you to prepare for a new puppy.  There are also two books which we want you to have in hand and use as a resource.  They are "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete and "Tarrant Trains Gun Dogs" by Bill Tarrant.
Here is a link with an excerpt to the Monks book: ART OF RAISING A PUPPY . And here's a pretty good review of Bill Tarrant's book. Take note, there are many Tarrant books, this is the one we recommend using for the most humane method of gundog training for pointing breeds. 

We also would like you to spend some time perusing the NAVHDA  website.  These two litters will most likely be registered not only with AKC but also with NAVHDA.  Holly earned the NA 110 Prize 1 title and Toph earned the NA 107 Prize 1 title. As a good breeder friend recently told me, if you train and test your pup through the NAVHDA program you're going to have an amazing hunting dog!

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