J&A's All Things Puppy Blankets

Aunt Julie's New Puppy Blanket

Pippin and her mother Chrissy 

Do you have a favorite blanket that you enjoy wrapping yourself up in? Perhaps it is special because of the person who gave it to you. Maybe it just makes you feel warm, cozy, and secure. It is familiar and it is yours. Blankets are especially important to toddlers and young children because of the very real comfort it brings. Blankets are special. Some children hold onto just a corner of their blanket well past their toddler years!  And moms, like me, often tuck their own children's baby blankets safely away.  My own is hidden away in a trunk making it a true antique. Think on these things as I share this little story.

I am blessed to have a dear friend who has devoted hours, days, weeks, and even months at a time crocheting blankets.  If you are part of the 'ATB family' you already are familiar with her blankets.  You brought one home with your puppy on the first day of the rest of it's life. In all likelihood still have it. 

Julie crocheting with Sassy's help.

In July 2006 a very special Brittany named J&A's Sassafras Rose Harris was born to our Molly Rose. (Sassy passed away last September at the age of 13, breaking the hearts of all who loved her although we know she had a wonderful life.  Sassy belonged to Julie (and Jim) Harris. She was my Treasure's half sister.)  In between the time Sassy was born and the day she went home, Julie crocheted a beautiful full sized blanket for John and I as a gift. (We did share this with Molly and Rosie on the couch.) At the same time Julie also crocheted an identical one, puppy size, just for Sassy. Shortly after this, Julie crocheted a beautiful jewel toned blanket for Treasure who was just a month older than Sassy.  

Yes, our primary focus as breeders is on a close working gundog.  The genetics are there. Even so the single most important thing that I personally can do to assure a puppy gets the best start possible are the first 8 weeks of life spent here with John and I.  Everything we do leads up to the day when we take the puppy leash and hand it over to their new owners with the goal to make the transition for each puppy as comforting, secure, and trouble free as possible.  Thus the importance of Julie's crocheted puppy blankets. Sassy loved the blanket Julie had made her!  We also enjoyed ours with Molly and Rosie.  I did try in the beginning to keep it special just for humans but that was an epic fail.  Molly especially loved the blanket and in fact, when Molly passed in 2017, she was laid to rest with it. 

It wasn't long before Julie decided to crochet puppy blankets for an entire litter of puppies.  She understood as I understood the importance of the pups needing something familiar to them in their new homes, to ease the transition. The rest as they say, is history!

Mail from Aunt Julie!

If Julie suspects that we may be thinking about breeding again, she thinks about making blankets again.  Suddenly a text message arrives from Julie that says "I've started on blankets!" My response usually is to say "We don't expect you to do this, you know you don't have to! We know you are very busy."  Then she says "shut-up I love you".  And that's the end of the conversation.

One by one blankets either arrive in the mail or she quickly hands me a bag and says "there's another blanket I finished!"  Each blanket is absolutely beautiful and unique.  Julie is creative in her color choices and very particular about the yarn she uses and how a blanket comes together.  I have known her to rip out rows and rows if she doesn't like the way the blanket is coming out.  Julie crochets with a precise tightness and guaging of each stitch to result in a perfectly dense blanket that is safe for a puppy. 

Puppy blanket repair!

Sometimes, if Julie knows ahead of time who a particular puppy is going to, she will actually ask if they have a color preference. She keeps track of every color combination ever used and in every group of blankets crocheted by Julie, are the identical colors and patterns of the dam's puppy blanket, sire as well if she made one for him! She even offers to repair blankets if needed.

I have pictures of Julie at dog shows, field trials, visiting us here and other places where she is sitting with a near finished puppy blanket in her lap. People say they could never find time to do this. Julie works full time and often on the weekends. She is probably the busiest person I have ever known in my life! Still she makes time. Julie has struggled at times with not only arthritic fingers but even a broken finger!  With great affection and love I say "stubbornness is an independent woman of Scottish descent." I can't tell you how many times I have tried to discourage her but it never works. (Last year Julie showed another friend of ours, Christine Longley, how she made the puppy blankets.  Chris soon caught on and her own pups also went home with special blankets.  Chris blessed me by including a beautiful blanket she had made in with those that Julie sent us.) In addition to all that Julie does concerning the puppy blankets there is also a very special method of quality control involved.  Her Brittanys all test each blanket for comfort and coziness as Julie crochets with blanket and Brittany in her lap.  

Jack x Holly Puppy Blankets

Moms are introduced to the puppy blankets well in advance. Once pups arrive and are old enough, we place them one at a time on a blanket to get them use to a different surface and smell.  It's part of their development. We often take pictures with the pups on a blanket. I don't leave a blanket with the pups until they are older but daily they have a chance to crawl on or take naps on them.  When we introduce each young puppy to a crate before going home, there is a blanket in it.  When the pups are getting use to sleeping at night in an open crate I always make sure there are blankets inside. Sometimes the blankets need to be washed of course! When the first day of the rest of their life arrives, each puppy goes home with a gently loved blanket with the familiar scent of littermates and momma. 

Ready for the first day of the rest of their life!

I am convinced that the love that is poured into each and every one of Aunt Julie's beautiful hand crocheted puppy blanket helps reduce anxiety and stress that may be associated with a pup's homecoming.  I am confident that the familiar scent of littermates and mom influences the well being a puppy not just for those first few days home, but possibly for the rest of their life. Even now, my adult dogs favor their puppy blankets! 

These blankets are like a tapestry of love, threads woven together that are strong and resilient. I end with this quote: "And we became stronger, together.  A tapestry of friendship, woven with grace, knotted with mercy and made beautiful through imperfections."

We love you Julie Harris and thank God for the incredible gift of our friendship that began and continues all for the love of the dog, both given and received. Saying thank you just never seems like enough.

. Quincy & Julie, après dog show. 

J&A's The Story Behind the Story

The American Kennel Club's "Breeder of Merit" program began in October 2010.  In May 2011 John and I became enrolled as a result of meeting the current qualifications. This included:

• A history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events
• Having bred a minimum of 4 dogs from AKC litters that had earned AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion event titles in our Breed.
• A member in good standing of an AKC club.
• Certifying that applicable health screens are performed on animals that we breed as recommended by the American Brittany Club
• Demonstrating a commitment to ensure 100% of our puppies are individually AKC registered. 

Recently, we were very proud to discover we qualified for the AKC BRONZE Breeder of Merit, an advanced level of achievement and recognition. The additional requirements we have met for the BRONZE level include:

• Currently enrolled as a Breeder of Merit
• Provide PROOF of American Brittany Club's required health testing on sires/dams of litters
• Met our commitment of ensuring ALL puppies get registered
• Have had a minimum of 10 dogs earning titles with at least 5 of the titled dogs earning a prefix title (champion in all venues) and suffix titles in conformation, companion, and performance events. 

We've always been breeders of close working gundogs.  It's not a catchy phrase to promote our program.  It's who we are, who we have always been. Our preference was to simply stay in the woods and the fields with our Brittanys. We never had a desire to do much more than 'hunt em up'! Until a good friend said to me, if we wanted to be taken seriously as breeders, we should get involved.  

What did get involved mean?  Well, we discovered it meant meeting other Brittany owners and breeders, join the Brittany club, and support it's events. Then we had others say to us, "your dogs are beautiful, did you ever think about showing?" Well no, I absolute had not and had no desire to do so.  I was encouraged to give it a try although at that point in time I couldn't understand the importance of it.  

I jumped in feet first, without any experience or understanding of showing. Oh the stories I could tell of how I felt like a court jester when showing my dog!  And for years (and I mean YEARS!) when I showed, it was basically 'point fodder' for others.  But that is another story and that's okay! I was the one that the judge said he'd never seen anyone so excited to earn a second place red ribbon!  Hey, I earned a ribbon and I didn't care what color it was. 

So you get the picture.  Eventually my dear friend Julie Harris came into my life and between the two of us, we were determined to show to the best of our ability.  I can't tell you how much money and time we invested before achieving much more than a placement. (In time, we made a decision to enlist the assistance of a most amazing professional dog handler, J.M. Coccia.  Joyce finished Julie's BulletMan and shortly after that, finished our Pippin!) Julie and I improved our handling skills and our grit and determination grew stronger. It's a long story, a road full of twists and turns involving a lot of really super wonderful people. If they are reading this, I'm confident they know I'm talking about them.  And those who were not so 'really super wonderful' I bet they know who they are too! 

I am not a fan of showing dogs. But I believe in the purpose of showing my hunting dogs. Having said that, some of the best times with my dogs have been 'dog show weekends'. And now I really miss them. 

While there surely are many other breeders who have achieved far greater and grander accomplishments than the Bronze Breeder of Merit recognition, for me personally this is very humbling, significant and deeply meaningful.  In just 6 years, from 2012 to 2018 seven hunting dogs that we bred finished their AKC Championship, including one incredible girl who finished as a Grand Champion.

Last summer I showed Revere at the age of 12 months.  We only had 3 dog show weekends together. In that time he won Best in Sweepstakes, Best of Breed, Best Bred By Exhibitor, Group 4 Bred by Exhibitor and a 3 point major! And then, I fell in the ring and tore my hamstring. I went to physical therapy until everything shut down. But the story's not over.  It's just on hold. 

John will continue to title and finish hunting dogs. And we even hope to have a field champion someday - with my ultimate dream of a Dual Champion (both field and show). 

Thank you to everyone in our extended ATB Family who has jumped in feet first just like I did and finished your Brittany in any number of purebred dog sports! You found out it was fun to do something with your dog, that you could indeed compete and finish what you started!  YOU are the reason we are Breeders of Merit (Bronze Level) because you believe in our program, you get us, and understand what we're about.  No, we've never forced anyone but it's always ALWAYS been such a joy to see the determination you demonstrate. We have ENJOYED and will continue to enjoy guiding and encouraging others to step into a world beyond bird hunting! We are blessed. And we truly love you all. 

Our 7 champions and 1 grand champion that John and I bred are highlighted in the column over to the right. Someday I'm going to list ALL of our titled hunting dogs. Some really deserve a shout out for going above and beyond. 

(See John and Ann's Brittany Story for more about us)

Art of Raising a Litter: Best of ATB

Puppy Cave = Transformed Grooming Studio! (Treasure above) 

FROM THE ARCHIVES:
The Art of Raising a Litter is gleaned from our original written puppy reservation policies and information over the years. 

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 was also 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 years we've maintained an informative 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 has always been J&A's required reading!) The journal is invaluable too when it comes to researching prior heat cycles, ovulation dates, and determining best time to breed and when to anticipate pups. Once a week, a photograph is taken of each puppy to have a visual record as well.  The pup who looks one way this week will look very different in the future.  This is one of the reasons why we wait until at least 7 weeks to determine puppy selection.

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 list of 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, Scott & Fuller, Volhart, Hastings, etc.  

I would like to reiterate that although the 'alpha roll' has been an accepted concept it is too often repeated and used for the wrong reasons.  We've had puppy people come to visit and ask if they could do that to one of our young puppies. The answer is absolutely not. The alpha roll is an outdated and controversial dog training technique. We will incorporate it once, at 7 weeks as part of the Volhart temperament tests and only for 20 seconds, long enough to observe the pup's response.  There is a time and a place to do it, and a time to leave the exercise behind in a trail of dust. An alpha roll makes sense when dogs do it, humans should not consider it.

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 have never been 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 each home where a J&A's Brittany spend's it's life is a FULL QUALITY home. 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!  However, the majority of our Brittanys with great show potential never compete in the ring for the coveted champion title but remain as champions in the hearts of those who love and own them. I (Ann) so still carry a dream and a hope to see a Dual Champion though in my lifetime from our breeding program.  (Check out the column on the right side of this page where we proudly highlight our champions). 

The importance of any breeder 'proving' their program in the conformation ring cannot be overstated.  I was dragged kicking and streaming but came to understand that I needed to know how our Brittanys stood in regards to the AKC Breed Standard. Surprisingly, our dogs that have been shown have done very well. Even in the hands of amateur owner handlers! Titles on BOTH ends of a dog are just as important as their papers. As breeders we are the gatekeepers of the breed we know and love and need to do our part. I'm always ecstatic when someone wants to show their puppy, as long as they have let us know of the interest well in advance and will follow through with their intent. 


In closing, I apologize that some of this is redundant to those who are already on our waiting list. You have read most of this in our puppy reservation policies! 

As always thanks for your interest and following along!  Take care and God bless you and yours always. John, Ann, & All Things Brittany

CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "PIPPIN"

The Whelping Journal: BEST OF ATB

FROM THE ARCHIVES and previously published. 

"Good morning!  I had no intention of blogging again so soon.  My plans for the day included catching up on all things administration which consequently, led me to digging through some files. You know those quizes that are supposed to help you determine what your gifting, personality, etc. are? Well years ago when I was studying for ministry credentials I took a test to help determine my calling. That in itself is another story.  The results identified a very strong spiritual Gift of Administration.  Now John and others who know me may choose to differ 😅😍 but! it is a fact that I truly do enjoy organizing, administrating, writing, and managing files. I love to write both longhand and electronically.  I also like creating forms, graphs, etc.  As for those of you who don't know me well (yet) might roll your eyes and yawn, don't worry - I do find enjoyment in a myriad of other ways! But I digress.

I have written in the past about my dad's whelping journal:
"I have my father's red and well worn whelping diary which he wrote in the 60's.  To a non-breeder the chicken scratch on each line of each page would make little sense. To me, it is a walk down memory lane as I read about the birth of my Lily Belle, the puppies of Snooky and Rosie, the surgery of Little Frankie, the emergency trips to the Portsmouth Animal Hospital and more." 


I have also shared previously about my own well worn journal which I've posted above. That journal began in late 2007, just before I started this blog. Prior to that I had created forms for my notations, puppy reservation information, temperature charts, whelping tables, and ways to keep track of inquiries, visits and more.  But these early notes had been missing.  That is, until this morning. 


I had pulled my Thistle/Bullet and Pippin/Wilson puppy files to review. They were our last two litters 4 years ago. I had other folders out too of  those ATB families who are getting another Brittany from us.  I just use their prior questionnaires. As a breeder it's a true sense of joy working with someone who already has had a Brittany from us in past years that has given their dog an amazing life. I found the files I needed but just as I was about to put everything back I noticed an unmarked, well worn tabbed and bulging file folder.  I was curious as to what I may have overlooked.  As I recognized the contents of this folder I just as let out a big exclamation of "WOW"!   


These particular notes are special.  Why?  Because these are the detailed birth record of my beautiful Treasure, Holly's mother.  Those notes were written exactly 12 years ago today.  Treasure's birthday is Saturday! Even so, it is not only the obvious and emotional context that is significant to this breeder's heart.  It is that now I have in my hands the complete whelping history of Holly's mother Treasure but also her grandmother,Wish who passed away last year shortly after her 14th birthday. The value and importance of this information cannot be overlooked, especially for a first time mother who will give birth to the 4th generation of our amazing close working Brittany gun-dogs.  While it is true we always need to be prepared for anything which might happen, I'm thankful for this information today.  It gives me such peace. 

JUNE 2006 WHELPING NOTES: (Treasure's arrival!)

 Day 46 Wish's hair is shedding around her nipples
Day 57 Wish is very unconfortable, restless, not eating, vomited late PM/seems to be having light contractions, content but changes position a lot
Day 58 Trying to get Wish to eat. Egg or liver separately, also some Esbilac. Acts like she feels miserable. Taking Temps now every 12 hours.
Day 59 Temp dropped to 99.9. Mild straining, pushing, stretching at 3 pm.  Temp down 99.1.  Licking herself, digging papers, more/mild contractions/ 8:30 pm Temp is 90.  Fairly regular contractions about 10 minutes apart. Tries to sleep but contractions intensify.  Think her water broke at 11:20 pm.  Digging, straining, licking, she is getting so restless and looking to me for assurance/staying right with her.
Day 60 (June 16, 2006) 6:35 a.m. Wish whelped the first of 7 beautiful pups/her labor went very well, close deliveries, she got them nursing almost immediately/had basket with infrared light ready and she seemed to communicate to me when to put them in and when to take them out based on the whelping of each pup/very little assistance, just two aspirations and one cord needed cutting/a 'breech' birth (o/w/male) required a lubed gloved finger to help delivery head, pup was fine just a little blue at first/Gave Wish Pet-drops at start of labor and electrolytes during an after/Last pup born after a long delay. I thought she was done!"  

Take care and God bless, and thank you for your prayers and for being who you are. John, Ann, and All Things Brittany"

Previously published/From the archives, The BEST OF ATB

J&A's Brittanys A New Journey Begins

Current Mood: Happy Dance!

I read a quote which said our journey in life is delightful when traveled with a dog.  I completely agree, especially today.  I am so very happy to say that Holly Beth has been successfully bred with Oly! 

If all goes well, Oly and Holly puppies will arrive around September 18th, which is our daughter's birthday. We will have hopeful anticipation with all faith believing, praying as we wait and including an ultrasound at the appropriate time to confirm pregnancy. 

I want to share again about Oly and the breeding behind him. While for the most part the lineage behind Oly is new to our program it is definitely not unknown and includes a line breeding on 32X NSTRA and 6X American Field Champion Nolan's Last Bullet.  

Pronounced "Oh-lee" this handsome orange and white Brittany is loved and owned by Morris and Monica Pollard. Oly shares his home with another Brittany named Gracie who finished her AKC Field Championship title last year! John and Mo (Oly's owner) are friends who have hunted, trained, tested, and trialed together. We know Oly personally. He's a sweet boy and very handsome as you can see from the photos I posted in the prior post last week.

Pippin still has this puppy blanket.

Our dear friend Julie Harris has had the pleasure of grooming Oly from time to time. Speaking of Julie, we had a long overdue visit with each other recently. It was so good to see her.  And wouldn't you know, she's already crocheting puppy blankets! Holly Beth loves her Aunt Julie and actually lived with her for awhile when I had my first knee replacement surgery. 

Oly is an outstanding medium range bird dog. Titled as an AKC Junior Hunter, he's spent the last five falls in the north Maine woods hunting upland birds, specializing in grouse. His owner Mo is a Maine State Guide who has successfully guided numerous bird hunters in various bird covers in the Rangely, Maine area. Last fall alone Oly had over 225 grouse finds of which hunters shot over 85 birds.  Oly is a strong, well conditioned, biddable dog who can be counted upon to hunt 6 days a week during the hunting season.  He has an exceptional nose for grouse and staunchly points with intensity. 

Oly's sire is NGDC/NACDC/VC/AFC Peter Gunn and recognized as "one of the most talented and decorated, well rounded bird-dogs the Brittany Breed has to offer with an outstanding lineage of highly talented and proven dogs."  Pete made Brittany history as being the only dog to hold both the National Open and National Amateur Gun Dog Championship titles.  He was also awarded the National 2010 Magnum's Masked Man award for having the highest amount of gun dog field trial wins/points of any dog in the country. 

Oly's dam, Sling Blade's Trade, is a level headed, moderate range gun dog with an incredible amount of bird drive and hunting instinct.  Sling Blade's Trade is sired by the renowned American Field Champion, 15X NSTRA CH Beeline Bullet's Bravado (Brave) a son of the afore mentioned 32X NSTRA CH, 3X Grand National CH, Nestle Purina Dog of the Year 2003 and 6X American Field Champion Nolan's Last Bullet (Buddy)! 

AVAILABILITY

At this point there is very limited availability, if any. I'm still waiting on a couple of confirmations. Otherwise this litter is fully reserved with families who currently have or have had a J&A's Brittany. They are privately updated via email prior to anything being shared publicly. Several on this list have been waiting for well over a year for their next puppy!  (Love our ATB family) It's possible once pregnancy is confirmed and when number of pups are known that there will be some availability. 

There is a litter of pups sired by Hemi due within the next two weeks in the Fryeburg Maine area. We are referring qualified inquiries to the breeders.  

Additionally, there will be a repeat breeding at the end of the year of True and Toph. We our building a waiting list now. 

Please reach out to us through our website at www.mainebrittanysitejas.com   

Stay tuned! Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittanys.  Take care and as always God bless you and yours - John, Ann, and our wonderful crew. 

All Things "Oly"

Tis the season! Very happy to share that Holly Beth is in pro-estrus. Holly will be visiting Oly once she moves from pro-estrus into estrus. Here are some photos of this handsome Brittany. Profiles and bios of both dogs can be found on J&A's Brittanys website

Son-of-A-Gunn JH  "OLY" 

Sire: NGDC NACDC VC AFC Peter Gunn 

Dam: Sling Blade's Trade

Oly's Sire 

Oly's Dam

www.mainebrittanysitejas.com

J&A's Summer Breeding Plans

Good things take time! 

Usually when we say 'Tis the season' it's in regards to Christmastime. It's a phrase used to draw the focus to the most festive time of the year. We've probably all sung the chorus of Deck the Halls 'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, to la la la" while looking forward indeed to the most wonderful time of the year.  Suffice it to say, it's the middle of July and although the Hallmark channel is showing Christmas movies, we have about a half a year until it 'tis the season'. 

That is, unless you are me, waiting for Holly Beth to come into season, so that I CAN say "Tis the season"!  And that's exactly where I am right now. I am WAITING.  Good things take time.  But hey, at least it gives me something to blog about, right? Something uplifting and positive, something to lift spirits in a time of uncertainty and especially in the months following my dear Treasure's passing. I miss her every moment of every day.

So many of you have followed my intermittent writings over the years.  You have come alongside of me through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, the mountains and the valleys of many of life's experiences. The very existence of this blog and often our mutual love for God AND for Brittanys has resulted in some very wonderful friendships.  For this I am thankful. It has been fun to share each journey with you and especially when it involves waiting for puppies! Good things take time!

There is so much advance planning and careful consideration that takes place whenever looking ahead to a potential breeding.  I believe one of the most important things to consider is being certain that there are already homes lines up long before the actual breeding occurs.  We are happy to receive many inquiries into our breeding program on a regular basis.  We point the way to our puppy reservation policies through our website and take it from there. 

We do have a waiting list and have already announced our plans to those on the list. Some of  whom have been waiting since last year. Good things take time! Obviously availability cannot be guaranteed until there are actual pups on the ground but we are still happy to consider a few more who feel would be a good fit.  And if not for this litter we do have plans to do a nice repeat breeding with our daughter's Toph and our True for this fall and winter. Also, if all goes well there's going to be puppies sired by Hemi born in a couple of weeks. 

By the way, I've heard from other Brittany breeders that they have received double the inquiries into puppies this spring. Most believe that is due to the stay at home orders imposed upon us all due to the pandemic and all of a sudden people want puppies on a whim. Breeders are being especially careful and diligent right now, self included. (Fortunately everyone so far on our waiting list is already a part of the ATB family!)

I am sitting here listening to "The Message" on SiriusXM radio. The song "God You Reign" is playing. A good and timely reminder that indeed, whatever is going on God hasn't given up His authority and is faithful to watch over and protect all that concerns those who love Him. This state, country, and the world have gone nuts. 

It's getting late and I've been working on the bios and pedigrees for our summer breeding plans long enough. I received an upgrade to my pedigree program and I still haven't figured it out so if anyone sees any errors please do not hesitate to let me know.  I may tweak the web page a little more but I've been so anxious to let you know what our plans are this time around that I wanted to publish it now. 

So here you go, click here for the great reveal!  

As always thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany.  Take care and God bless you and yours! 

John, Ann and our canine crew. 

Stay tuned...