Isn't She Beautiful?

Treasure will be 14 years old this June. Several years ago I began to notice subtle changes in her behavior. As the changes became more obvious I contemplated writing a new blog to share and document what was taking place.  Because life happens and time passes by too quickly that just never did happen. 

I know beyond a shadow of doubt that my time with this beautiful Brittany is winding down. She still sleeps with me and sometimes I check to see if she is all right and if I can feel her breathing. As I reach I am aware of the primal scream of denial residing deep in my soul. When I try to squelch the anguish my stomach rolls slightly and I realize I am close to succumbing to silent, powerful, waves of wailing and grief despite relief that she is fine. I truly hope and pray that we have many more days together yet I am preparing my heart well in advance.

Treasure is aging rapidly. The canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD or doggy dementia) progresses. She has good days and bad days.  Mornings are her happiest time of day.  Towards the end of the day Treasure often becomes confused, paces, and appears to be lost. Not every day and not all the time. But more often than not. Senior dogs have unique needs, require much patience, gentleness, kindness and above all love.  They deserve also to be loved for the dog that is in front of us at the moment, not only for the dog they once were. Such as it is with Treasure.

I have known loss in my life. I have experienced the deep grief and loss that results from the death of both parents.  My dad died when I was 11. My mom when I was an adult. Other beloved family and friends have passed on through the years, deaths that had to be accepted regardless of age or reason, tragic or naturally. (Just a little over a year ago I was faced with the possibility of losing my husband due to a heart attack. I thank God he has fully recovered.)  

There have also been animals who were part of my life too that I have grieved over. I know that the Bible teaches in Psalm 30 that weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. I know that the day will come when the Lord will wash every tear away. And I know because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection that death has been swallowed up in victory. These things I know, trust, believe and confidently consider them regarding my family, friends, and All Things Brittany as well.

Multiple opinions are expressed through articles about the human animal bond. Sometimes the relationships are mocked. Other times  exaggerated to the point of humanizing beloved animals. I'm no fan of extreme anthropomorphizing but I am confident of the unique connection, the understanding, and the deep love that exists between my husband and our Brittany dogs. I'm not a dog mom and they are not my kids. But oh, my dogs most definitely ARE family! 

And as much as I love the uniqueness of each individual Brittany dog we're blessed to share our life with, there are those who for one reason or another I connect with more. This is not to say one dog is better than the other or loved more.  I love absolutely everything about Brittanys because they are so highly intelligent, funny, personable, loving, agile and easy to train to name a very few.  They have shared my heart and my home since 1986. (Many of you are familiar with our story.) They can at times be challenging, stubborn, disobedient, frustrating and difficult. But the most difficult part of all of owning a Brittany is the day your journey together comes to an end and you have to say goodbye. But I am not ready to say goodbye to Treasure, my beautiful liver and white heart dog.

I'm not sure a dog will 'tell you' anything about when they are ready.  Indeed my experience has been anything but.  Because they love us so much, they are so tuned into us and very aware of how much we love and cherish their companionship. I have seen dogs in pain that were so stoic, still wagging their tail and acting so happy simply because it pleased us.  Yet these same dogs could hardly physically move, had lost control of bowels and bladder. They absolutely do NOT tell us when they are ready. In fact they are very good at faking it. No. We have to know and we need to be the one to decide when. (I understand there are unique situations)

I leave you with this link to THE GOOD DEATH. My friend Karra posted this to her Facebook page the other day.  A timely read, easy to relate to and one that has totally blessed me. Treasure and I will cherish each precious day that God gives us to be together. His love and guidance will help me with the hard decision. And I will pray for many, many more happy and healthy days together with my beautiful Treasure!

God bless you,
Ann

J&A's Brittanys: January 2020 Already?

Looks like writer's block hit!  Not that I am a full time writer or anything like that. But I usually enjoy keeping this blog up, something which I obviously have not done now for three months.

It's already the middle of January 2020. Fall came and went along with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. And although a blur at this point, it was all good. 

I love being a great-grandmother.  She is going on 5 months old already and I love every moment I get to spend with her.  Last Sunday at church for instance. 

Our son is lead pastor at Maine Life Gate Church in Limerick, Maine. Two of my granddaughters are on the worship team, a team which rotates from week to week. They are gifted musicians vocally and musically! (I'm on the team too as a vocalist).  Anyway, when John and I arrived at church Sunday I was so happy my grandson in law handed the baby to me.  'Mom' was on the platform.  I asked John if he could bring the rocking chair from the nursery out to me. So there I sat during worship service rocking my great granddaughter - what joy. As her mom was singing and I was rocking the baby during the worship service was perfect.

I've always tried to give each of my children and all of my grandchildren equal time.  Even when it comes to writing about them. But I find I just can't do that because everyone is busy with their own life now, they are older, changing and have a myriad of interests! We have 7 grandchildren, 1 grandson in law, and 1 significant other (boyfriend). Imagine trying to write something special about every one! 

Not to mention, our son and daughter in law as well as our daughter and son in law.  Suffice to say they ALL make our lives full and through the years we have made many happy memories together. Although not physically all a part of my daily life, they are each definitely a daily part of my life through thoughts, prayers, and thanks to technology -  a lot of texts and photos!  The best times are though when we're all gathered together in one place. We are blessed. I'm so proud of the accomplishments of all of our family. Our son and family involved with a church he founded.  Our daughter and family founded a karate school in Eliot by the name of  New Day Karate. They are all doing so well!  Alana (who I usually show dogs with, has been busy and aspires to eventually compete in the Olympics.

One cool thing John just found recently which we have yet to share with the rest of the family.  There was a VCR tape that was recorded in Chibougamou, Canada during the summer of 2000.  The whole family at the time enjoyed a week long vacation at our fishing camp on Lake Chibougamou. (We no longer have the camp but had some great times there.) What a hoot to watch this.  Our daughter, son, daughter in law, and granddaughter had such a memorable and fun time.  Looking forward to a family movie night soon and I'm sure this will bring laughter and tears. But still - 20 years ago?! 

Thanksgiving and Christmas both were very special this year for certain reasons. There were joys, blessings, and sorrows throughout 2019.  We walked through some storms but we also danced in the rain and rejoiced with great happiness.  God is faithful.  No matter what. 

Unless you just stumbled across us by pure accident, you're probably familiar with our breeding program.  You would know all about our frozen semen/surgical insemination breeding (Jack and Holly). You'd know about Ginger and Flint.  You would know about Revere.   In other words, you know about All Things Brittany. We lost our dear Rosie in 2019 at the age of 14.  And the year before we said goodbye to Jack, Molly, and Wish.  I joke about our geriatric ward. But it's true. The majority of our dogs are beloved seniors now. Treasure turns 14 this year.  She has canine cognitive
dysfunction meaning some days are better than others. Love her.

I hope 2020 brings for me a continued healing of my torn hamstring!  At a dog show with Revere in October I injured it severely while in the ring. I had to stay in the hotel for 2 days because I couldn't move. The good thing is though Revere picked up another championship point, won Best of Breed, and a Bred By Exhibitor Group 4.  Even after my injury. I go to physical therapy twice a week.  I want to finish this boy as a champion! We know he's a great bird dog, we have 4 generations of our own breeding behind him that testify of that.  (Nothing I like better than looking at a pedigree and seeing line after line of J&A, especially those with CH in front of it.  Just saying I don't want to ever lose that.)

Speaking of which. Thank you for your ongoing interest in All Things Brittany and for the serious inquiries about future puppies. Stay tuned!

Take care and God bless, 

John, Ann and All Things Brittanys