J&As Brittanys: Revere's 1st Year in Review

J&A's AWAKEN THE DAWN OF ACTON, NA PZll, CGC, TKN

Psalm 108:2  is the inspiration for Revere's AKC registered name :

My heart O God is steadfast! I will sing and make music with all my soul.  Awake harp and lyre! I will AWAKEN THE DAWN singing praises!  I will praise you Lord among the nations. I will sing of you among the peoples for great is your love, higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Be exalted O God above the heavens, 

Let your glory be over all the earth!

(PHOTOS FOLLOW BELOW TEXT)

Revere was one of several pups I had my eye on in True & Toph's litter.  As the weeks went on I narrowed it down as I became certain of gender and color.  Still, I did not make my final decision until AFTER their 7 week Puppy Aptitude Test and health exams.  If we were to keep a puppy that puppy had to be the total package no ifs, ands, or buts. I had a purpose and a plan regarding this pick puppy. Having the benefit of knowing what True produced previously with a different dam, there was no doubt of the potential in all of these pups but pups change dramatically from week to week.

I knew what I didn't want and I realized that there are certain stages of development that show you the adult dog and stages that mean absolutely nothing.  Keeping emotions out of a puppy selection was key. I did what I tell all of our puppy families - fall in love with all of the puppies and narrow it down to three. There was no magic, no instantaneous bonding with Revere at that age.  I treated all the pups equally not favoring one over the other.  Every day from the time they were two days old I faithfully worked to stimulate their senses and intelligence. I practiced the Rules of 7 and the Bio-Smart Puppy program.  They all started out the same but I trusted God that there would be that one puppy.  And... I was prepared to pass the entire litter up if I didn't see that one puppy and even turn to another breeder for what I was looking for.  This was also our daughter and grandaughter's first litter so it was exciting on many levels.

The question also was whether or not I was up to meeting all the needs of a young puppy. It is not fair to welcome a new pup into a family only to relegate it to a crate or total confinement during it's most critical development stages.  Even though we have multiple dogs I know the importance of letting a puppy develop and grow with as little influence from the others as is possible. Well we know the rest of the story - Revere was my pick choice, a decision reached with great objectivity but one I couldn't be happier with.

I'd slacked off a lot regarding my own actual physical involvement in the ring and in the field. Not intentionally but because even after two total knee replacements I still experience mobility issues.  Health wise I'd deliberately worked hard to take off about 30 lbs which I have now kept off for over a year. The struggle is real.

We knew that Revere possessed amazing natural hunting ability. When very young we set a chuckar out and let a totally untrained puppy do his thing. He didn't sight point but his body reacted instinctively to the scent of the gamebird which was about 5 feet away in the tall grass. The bird actually walked up and around Revere who stood as solid as a rock, still not seeing it. Eventually the bird ran directly in front of Revere's vision. He quickly surmised that was the desired object of affection and did what every young bird dog puppy should be allowed to do at the initial awakening - chase the bird with glee across the field!!

None of us could have been prepared for what happened in December when John almost died from a massive heart attack. Life as we knew it went on hold for quite a few months.  Praise God that he is a strong, determined survivor and that together we are here to enjoy many more years together doing the things we love with our family, our friends, and of course our dogs.

Ongoing training is so extremely important for a young puppy.  Revere and I started our first formal classes when he was about 5 months old.  Our classes were interrupted for several months because John's needs came first.  Our daughter kindly kept Revere until John was settled in back at home. I have an awesome trainer at Inspire K-9 in Alton, NH and she worked so hard with Revere and I to bring us up to speed. The effort paid off.

In the spring John began to resume some of his favorite activities and a group of friends gathered at the field one weekend. We had about 12 dogs with us, many who were related.  And Revere showed me his stuff in a big way. I liked what I saw but I also knew I wanted his first year to be all about fun and not about restrictions in regards to what he is taught. Not right now.  I also liked what I see regarding conformation so we took up handling classes in addition to the other classes we attended.  We've been busy!

Badda boom no matter what I have asked of Revere he has complied. We have developed into an amazing team if I say so myself.  We nailed the NAVHDA Natural Ability test with very little preparation on a day that it was cold and pouring rain.  He excelled at the CMBC spring pointing breed field trial and earned all his juvenile points.  He worked so hard to successfully complete the requirements for both Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Novice titles.  I entered the CMBC dog show 'just' to support the club and he went away with Best in Sweeps. I hadn't shown a dog in about 3 years.  That motivated me to enter shows in Vermont and see what happened. He won a 3 point major!

Revere, like all young dogs, is not without his behavior issues. But we're working on them together and will continue to do so.  Revere reminds me about zest for life, about futures, about possibilities, and to never give up.  He also reminds me that his grandmother and great grandmother, two of my best dogs, are getting old and that to honor their contribution means I move ahead with him.  FIVE generations of J&A's Brittanys on the ground and more to come.

I am a proud breeder and sometimes you just have to be the one to give yourself your own shout out.  Sometimes you have to swallow your pride as things change around you and keep pushing the envelope even further. People change.  Seasons come and go.  And I have a puppy that when I look at him I can clearly look back and see all the hard work, the planning, the sacrifices, the commitments, the joys and yes even the sorrows that are behind him in his pedigree. 1986 until now.  It's been an amazing ride and I expect it's not over yet.

To God be the glory. Enjoy the photos. There WILL be more!

Humble beginnings at 5 days old.

Neo natal Revere 6 days old

2 weeks old he's sucking on my fingers

2 weeks old my eyes are open!

3 weeks old already a striking expression

5 weeks old and Revere stands square unsupported

6 weeks old I'm liking what I see a lot

8 weeks old - prophetic pose!

1st Place Open Puppy (Ann) & Derby (John) for his juvenille field points - 10 months old 

NAVHDA NA 105 Prize 11 title 11 months - he was awesome for me.

Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Novice titles 11 Months. Hard work but we did it!

Best in Sweepstakes (first dog show) 11 months - a wiggle butt but a cute one!

3 point Major win - 1 year old - (2nd set of shows).  Unexpected but he sparkled that day!

To be continued! 

ATB: Holly Beth @8 Weeks / Day 53

Now It Begins

ALL THINGS HOLLY - @Day 53

Holly is staying quiet during these hot and humid summer days.  It's a very uncomfortable time of year to be pregnant.  (My oldest granddaughter knows this all too well as her due date draws near. I am more than excited to become a great grandmother!!) John and I have been revamping and transforming the grooming area/puppy room and things are shaping up. We opened up the entire space by removing the room divider.  There is new flooring.   I am making my list of whelping supplies to have on hand. Puppy movement can be felt!

The whelping box is being carefully prepared once again.  I refer to ours as 'the cradle' because there is one that has been used from generation to generation of J&A's Brittanys. Holly will give birth for the second time in the same whelping box that Treasure gave birth to her in 2013. It's also where Holly's sire Hemi was born to Pippin in 2011.  Pippin was delivered in this cradle by Chrissy in 2008.  It is probably also the same cradle where both Jack (2005) and  Treasure (2005) were born to Wish.  There were other ATB puppies whelped in it as well. Soon, Holly & Jack's puppies will be safely kept in the 'family cradle'.

(Speaking of cradles, I should say I tried very hard to hold onto the actual beautiful baby cradle that was gifted to me by my in-laws when our son was born.  I also used it for our daughter.  That cradle also held most of our grandchildren when they came to visit and took naps as infants. We loaned it out once and eventually it succumbed to wear and tear. I wish we still had it now for when our great-granddaughter arrives! At this point it probably could be considered an antique.)

The puppy cave as I like to call is modest and separate, quiet, and away from all of the other dogs. Holly will spend more time there as the day approaches. It's cozy and comfortable for her and for us. We'll take turns helping her get settled in.  We have music, air conditioning, television, books, a mini-fridge, coffee maker and books. I'll prep some food and snacks as the day approaches. It is almost time to think about hunkering down with Holly.

Tonight I will begin to track her temperature so that there will be no surprises.  Everything will begin to fall into place as Holly enters her final phase of pregnancy and will be well prepared.  Although we are seasoned and experienced breeders we never take anything for granted. Holly will have our undivided attention. We stay put and do an informal self imposed quarantine.  What is really a beautiful thing is that the rest of our crew here seem to already sense what is taking place in Holly.  (So you know we do talk to them. And we have told them Holly is having Jack's puppies.  Revere doesn't quite get the importance of this though.)

This weekend it was clear to see that Holly is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable due to the growth of her puppies within.  From this point on the pups experience their most rapid growth, doubling in size. The difference is seen between morning and night and that is no exaggeration. John and I are both of course anxious to feel the strong and certain movement of the pups.  Carefully and slowly I rub her abdomen, telling her she's such a good girl. Her tail wags. She's such a love and it is almost in gratitude that she stretches forward to lightly lick at my nose, my cheeks and ears.  Am I really a good girl? Am I pretty? Do I make you happy?  Yes sweetie, all of those things and more.
The hair on Holly Beth's tummy has been falling out for a week or so now. There are places that there isn't any at all.  As the day of whelping approaches I'll take blunt scissors and very carefully trim around her nipples and thin out the hair around her 'bloomers'. 
I have to do my puppy laundry. I love  it when the clean, fresh smelling, soft towels and blankets are carefully folded and placed in the puppy basket, the basket where Holly and Jack's pups will be placed under the heat lamp as she labors. The two hot water bottles will be filled and wrapped in towels to place at the bottom of the basket.  In between contractions and the arrival of each pups they are moved back and forth between basket and mom as the need arises.

We will set a cot up this week next to the whelping box..  I absolutely love falling asleep with just the soft lighting and soothing music playing.  Holly Beth is John's girl though and intends to be 'her person'.  We will both be with Holly as labor begins. Once her puppies have all arrived and are safely nursing at their mothers side we will do split shifts for a week or so.  Although there is no need to interfere, we will always be right there with her.

Over the years I have seen such a difference in pups that are whelped in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere as opposed to those whelped in busy environments with other animals nearby. To me the raw and natural influence of their mother is the most important need for them in the early days and weeks. Shaping their behavior correctly, momma dog teaches them so much. Interaction with John and I is frequent throughout each day, and in time family members and friends come in to handle and help socialize.  From the day they are born until the time the first day of the rest of their lives begin in their new home, we follow a deliberate and specific well proven schedule based on their behavior and development. One that we have shared often with other breeders.  
Puppies... I can't wait. For all the right reasons, I can't wait. The other day someone suggested that dog breeders do it for the money.  I had to bite my tongue before replying. If that were our motivation we would never have planned to breed a litter of Brittany puppies in the first place. Sometimes it is hard to rise above misconceptions and ignorant comments that people make about dog breeding. But this much I know. Anyone who knows John and I, or who has welcomed one of our pups into their lives over the years, or perhaps has enjoyed bird hunting alongside of us understands what we are about. And primarily, that is and always has been all for the love of the dog, both given and received.  We have a purpose driven breeding program focused on the Brittany as a family bird hunting companion and we DO breed to the AKC Breed Standard for Brittanys. 

Plus that sweet and intoxicating scent known as "puppy breath"! 

Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany.

Jack & Holly Puppies Due

J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH "JACK DOG"

Sire: Pride & Joy's Butchman "BUTCH"

Dam: Birch Spring Wish Upon A Star "WISH"

J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton JH, NA 110 Prize 1, AKC Achiever Dog "HOLLY BETH"

Sire: CH J&As Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI"

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

This breeding HAS OCCURRED via surgical insemination using Jack's frozen semen.  Holly's pregnancy has been confirmed. Litter is absolutely fully reserved at this point in time however there COULD be some limited availability.  Please see this link for additional information.

  

ALL THINGS HOLLY:  

Without a doubt John believes sweet Holly-Beth could quite possibly be the most outstanding gundog in our program and that is truly saying a lot. At 8 months old Holly's natural hunting ability was tested through the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Asociation (NAVHDA). In New York, Holly was the only dog during her test weekend to receive a NA Prize 1 score! Holly quickly earned her AKC Junior Hunter title at a young age with an average score of 10 !. Holly also has 5 adult AKC field trial placements to her credit including a 1st place 4 point major win. (She also has one American Field adult gundog placement to her credit as well.) Holly is a recipient of the AKC Achiever Dog award. Above all, Holly's greatest accomplishments are 

successful Maine bird hunting seasons where she has hunted pheasant, woodcock, and

grouse. Both playful and serious, she lives to be in the field where she really turns it on. She's an honest bird dog that takes her hunting job seriously. When Holly detects scent she quickly and confidently establishes a beautiful, stylish point that can be trusted. When hunting with other dogs, she has good manners and will naturally back them. Holly is steady to flush, wing, shot, and fall and makes bird hunting fun. Holly is a very sweet dog who melts the heart of all who know and love her. At home she is a lap dog who loves to be with her human and canine family and is extremely affectionate and entertaining, as a Brittany should be! Holly, 5½ years old, is liver and white like her mother Treasure and is from Treasure's final litter (and Hemi’s first of several). She is a mini-me of Treasure. In the summer of 2018 Holly had a litter of 10 beautiful puppies sired by Jack’s son, Bullet (CH J&A’s High Caliber Harris Special SH) Most all are in active hunting families. They each posess sweet dispositions like their sire and dam, are extremely agile and intelligent, and of course possess strong natural instincts. Several are working on or have already earned titles! 
(OFA Excellent)

ALL THINGS JACK: Jack was John's pick pup of the litter who became his best friend. The first time the two bird hunted together John remarked how “this is the bird dog I have always wanted.” And indeed Jack was one in a million. Jack perfectly fit the definition of a classic and stylish gentleman's walking hunting dog. At a young age he was naturally consistent in finding, pointing, holding, retrieving and in honoring. Although trained to work close and within shotgun range Jack also naturally ranged out if the terrain demanded it. He matured into a steady, honest, well mannered and loyal dog who totally respected John.  Jack was ever attentive for the sound of John’s shotgun and the sequence he was expected to follow. Jack waited for the command to fetch the bird then would happily retrieve it immediately back to John’s outstretched hand. To observe John and Jack truly was a beautiful thing. It was a true testimony to Jacks good genetics, strong natural instinct, and to the deep love and respect between man and his best

friend. This scene between the two seemed choreographed! From 2007 – 2013 Jack sired many multiple family hunting companions. He was a popular stud dog in our own program and often used to compliment the lines of other breeders. Jack sired our first AKC show champion, several AKC Senior Hunters, numerous AKC Junior Hunters and NAVHDA titled dogs. There are many with field trial placements most notably a daughter who is close to finishing her Field Championship title. A Jack grandson is our program’s first AKC Master Hunter. Jack has great-grandsons and great grandaughters who went on to finish their AKC bench championship titles and even grand-championship titles. We said goodbye to Jack in August 2017 but he has left behind such an amazing legacy! We thank God for the joy of loving and being loved by Jack. We are also blessed as we see Jack’s distinctive attributes continue on through each successive generation of J&A’s Brittanys and are excited about those yet to come.  (PennHip 55R  41L 50th percentile)

ALL THINGS BRITTANY: Since 1990 our purpose driven breeding program has remained focused on the Brittany as an outstanding family bird dog and companion. Pairing Jack and Holly continues this tradition. Together they pass on strong natural hunting instincts with the sky being the limit as far as unlocked potential goes.  We anticipate seeing structure, conformation and type true to the breed standard as indicated by their pedigree including healthy animals with strong dual influences and also maintaining sound temperament and disposition. We can confidently identify the unique, combined genetics of both animals because we have bred, owned, handled, hunted with and/or lived with many Brittanys behind them.   Additionally we can testify to the hunting ability of these Brittanys.  We have personally hunted wild birds over them, resulting with upland game in the freezer to enjoy later!  There are of course also many notable, great Brittanys "behind" our own. Most are known to the 'fancy' and left their mark through significant contributions to the overall Brittany gene pool. We are very excited about this breeding!!

​

Fear Is A Liar

I don't know if showing Revere in June at the CMBC Specialty was more about experiencing personal growth, taking chances, or just the belief that my puppy is a really great dog with awesome potential. Perhaps, it is a combination of both.  I do know one thing for sure though and I don't mind telling you, it DEFINITELY was a matter of faith.

Indeed, walking with the Lord means committing everything you do to Him. I may not be in church every time the doors open but I am 'in Christ' every time I breathe.  God made me who I am, placed particular interests and desires in my heart which makes it easy to simply be me. 

I did happen to be in church the day after though.  I had a conversation with a couple of wonderful ladies about how I sensed God wanted me to somehow begin to weave more of Him into my writing about dogs.  This sense is surfacing right now probably because of Rosie's recent passing. 

It's very easy to overlook little things that seem insignificant during the course of a day.  If it's not huge or if other people don't notice I think we cast them aside. But those little things sometimes end up being the BIG things. If you're paying attention. 

God doesn't always (often?) speak to us loudly. In fact, I have found over the years when I have realized God was trying to get my attention it was indeed most often through little things. 

Did you know fear is a liar?  Have you ever even thought about what fear is?  It's not just being afraid of the scary things you imagine are lurking in the dark shadows of the night. It can be a fear of stepping out and trying something new or even trying again something that you once failed at. Fear tells you that you're not good enough, fear tells you negative things about yourself, and fear tells you why try because you'll never succeed.

Success means different things to different people. And to me this weekend success meant overcoming several fears I have held onto for a couple of years now. I'll be writing more about this after I share an upcoming announcement!