 |
| Quincy - CH J&A's Heart of Seumas JH in a playful moment! |
As I write I am surrounded by my wonderful family of Brittanys. Some lay nearby, another looks out the window for John to return. The youngers dart back and forth from one window to another watching the birds and squirrels. Every day is a new delight for them. The dogs are unaware of those things that are on most of our minds.
This winter has been kind weather wise So far anyway. There have been a couple of significant snowfalls here in Maine. One of them left us with over 30" of snow! The other only about 12". The temperatures are certainly not warm but compared to prior years could actually be considered mild. Heavy rains and winds washed most all of the snow away.
My heart and my spirit are heavy so I'm very thankful to have my dogs. Let's take a bit of a detour here before focusing on what's coming up with J&A's Brittanys for 2021, shall we?
Above all, I am thankful to have strong faith in the Lord. A faith by the way, which has only grown stronger through my life from each disappointment, sadness, and yes, each miracle I have seen. Did you know that the definition of faith is "the EVIDENCE of things not seen, things that are hoped for"? It is complete trust and confidence in God alone. For me, it's not faith in a 'higher power' nor is it in people, places, or things. If you've followed this blog for the past 11 years or so you are familiar with some things which have increased my faith. Many prayers of faith have been prayed and there have been many answers.
I'm thankful to live where we do, and to be retired. I see the weariness in the faces of family and friends whose jobs and lives have been so negatively effected by the virus. There are those in our life who have had it and fully recovered. It's so sad that life as most know it has been shut down. Fear has encroached and intruded into the normal every day life and routines of far too many.
And then there is all that occurred surrounding the elections. As if the virus and the resultant shutdown have not been hard enough to deal with. Hypocrisy abounds in our government. Our leaders display the same behavior that they disdain in others. They set rules up for us to conform to yet fail to follow them. While not dwelling on that which some may say "it is what it is", I definitely have strong feelings about what happened November 3, 2020. If the integrity of the election was not so questionable it would simply be just one president I voted for that didn't win. I've voted in every presidential election since 1972, and believe me not all my candidates won. But life went on "as usual". And life will go on this time too, however I have grave doubts that it will be "as usual".
Paying attention to the current political scene which, by the way, also effects the virus, means also paying attention to random and unsupported claims. It means honing those critical thinking skills, using logic, researching sources of information, analyzing for ourselves what is boeing reported over the vast expanse of social media, the Internet, cable news, network news etc. This only needs to be mentioned once but in an attempt to silence all conservative voices, critical thinking skills are now needed more than ever. (But not as much as having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship that begins the moment of realizing our need for Him, admitting that we're sinners, and by faith receive Christ.)
Now to a subject near and dear to all of us - Brittanys! Oly & Holly's puppies are going on 5 months old already. There are frequent photos and updates from most of their new families which are so enjoyable for us. The pups are not only beautiful and in great homes, but new friendships as well as prior ones continue to strengthen and grow. ATB really is like a family! A friend of ours says to "love what you do and do what you love". In the case of our breeding program of close working gundogs that sentiment is especially relevant!
Consider for a minute how much advance planning occurs prior to an anticipated breeding of two animals. First the purpose of bringing a pair together should be clear to the breeder. What do you intend to accomplish and why? This is a decision left up to each individual breeder however the overall reason should be to improve the breed; either upon your own line or the breed in general. Once that's decided and among other things, there is the inevitable waiting for the future dam to come into heat. That's actually where we are right now with True and Toph. Toph has yet to come into heat but I have to say I'm thankful for that!
Last fall when the Autumn Treasure's went home I was exhausted emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This was not because of the work involved with meeting their needs. In fact, having them to focus on really did help me through. My sister passed away unexpectedly in October. And of course I was still missing my girl Treasure. Not to mention that it was very hard for me to say goodbye to our son and his entire family as they moved to North Carolina. Some of you seemed to really understand what I was going through and blessed me with so much kindness through your beautiful flowers, unexpected gifts, cards, thoughtful notes and your prayers.
God is good and the timing is now right to actively prepare for and anticipate our planned breeding with True and Toph. We're all looking forward to spring puppies so Toph, it's all up to you now! By the way, "Aunt Julie" has already started to crochet her beautiful puppy blankets. And granddaughter Alana has already made plans for remote learning from our house so she can stay with us and help raise the pups.
My personal hopes are high this year for getting Revere back in the ring and finishing his bench championship! I also hope we can get him back into field trials. Each one in our crew will be busy with various interests based on their level of training and age. Our Brittany club here in Maine is moving ahead with plans for a hunt test, a show, and field trials. Even so, I'd have to say one of my favorite pastimes outside of hunting season, is simply spending time with the dogs down to our small farm pond, weather permitting. As I always say, there's nothing fancy about us. What you see is what you get!
Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany. Take care and God bless - John, Ann & crew
