Here Comes the Brittany Mobile!

Just a quick note - the Brittany Mobile is traveling this week, headed for several days of shows. John will be home taking care of All Things Brittany and getting ready for two soon coming field trials in Maine. Looking forward to this, spending good times with friends and their dogs. Will check back with updates on ATB next week. Please take care and God Bless ( PS I am waiting to hear how Shiloh and Moxie did their first 24 hours away!) John, Ann, and our amazing canine crew.

1st Day of the Rest of Their Lives

Parting Shots

Tomorrow, at the age of 8 weeks old, our two beautiful patriotically nicknamed pups, George and Martha, will begin the first day of the rest of their lives. I am frequently asked how hard it is to let puppies go when it is time. As I've shared here before, it is truly bittersweet and indeed, a few tears are bound to fall. But John and I believe that our fullness of responsibility towards each puppy we bring into the world extends into every aspect of that animal's life. Long before we have purposefully selected two specific animals to bring together in hopes of improving our line and eventually contributing to the breed as a whole, we begin to work with people who have inquired of puppy availability. And we say "no' more often than we say "yes" to those who contact us. As anyone who loves and understands the 'nature of the beast' a Brittany is absolutely NOT for everyone and we know this without any doubt. So, when we give our goodbye kisses tomorrow, George and Martha become "Shiloh" and "Moxie" and their new owners can know we have given them the absolutely best start we possibly could in the past 8 weeks. We in return can know their new owners are well prepared to bring them into their lives where hopefully, they will live the next 13 years or so together. And John and I will always remain a part of their lives in some way. When a puppy leaves, there is joy in knowing they are going to the absolutely best suited home they possibly can go to. If the joy were not there, we would not live with regret or sadness at saying goodbye - there simply would be no goodbye for puppy would remain here for as long as it took for their rightful owner.

Okay so now I've given you my big and brave testimony full of pride and boastfulness to assure you that I'm going to be okay when the pups leave tomorrow... but wait... let me wipe the tears that already are falling...

These two pups have won my heart. I feel that we got the conformation, the balance, the structure we've wanted to get from a Wish pup for so long. I saw that this summer in a year old neutered male too. There's never been an issue with temperament or hunting ability, but we have had to overcome size issues due to the saturation of proven lines of all age amateur field championships, in which breeders often wanted the taller, bigger Brittany. This is not a criticism in my eyes of any of our dogs that are on the tall size of the standard. But when people began to say to us - your dogs are so beautiful, you should show them. And I knew then it was more about a beautiful dog. It was about stepping up to the plate and working HARD to breed a Brittany that not only excels in the woods and the fields, but in the ring. I do not particularly enjoy showing - other than the fun times shared with good friends. My dogs don't seem to like it much either. And you spend hundreds of dollars to win a $5.00 ribbon!

I truly dream of the day when we have our first AKC show champion. All the hard work that has gone behind it will have been worth it. This is something I must do for myself and for the love of the dog, both given and received. I also dream of the day when our personal breeding program (a hobby) results in more consistency. It's important to understand the importance of conformation that is rewarded in the show ring. It means - that your Brittany, a working dog, is going to be physically, structurally, and mentally sound to be able to do the job it was born to do. Your dogs job may be hunting, agility, flyball, or any other ACTIVE sport. Your dogs job may be to a lifelong companion. Either way - it should be bred to standard and the only way that is determined - is when it has been fairly judged and evaluated in the ring. We have bred according to our knowledge, experience, and ability at every level. As in all things - we gain more knowledge by each experience. And we are blessed to know in return, our Brittanys have brought love, joy, and happiness into the lives of some very wonderful and special people.

Yup. I'm sad. I'm reflective. And if you ask me if it's hard to let them go, I'm going to have to say - you bet your life it is!!

God Bless you always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

12 Dogs of Christmas Story - DVD - Holiday Movie For Kids About Dogs Family Cats Children Dogcatchers

Have I said lately how PROUD we are that we bred Wish to Gibson??? We had a chance to hangout with him at his home recently and photographs do not do this Brittany justice. He is a muscular,handsome, funloving, happy, sweet, talented crazy Brittany boy who lives to hunt. It was because of his love of Pam (his co-owner) that he successfully completed his AKC Show championship. His pups with Wish are beautiful and we look forward to future opportunities with him again. I love this boy. He is a true Houdini, an escape artist and extremely clever and agile - which I have seen the evidence of! And he happens to be owned by some very good people :o)

12 Dogs of Christmas Story - DVD - Holiday Movie For Kids About Dogs Family Cats Children Dogcatchers

A Breeder...

A BREEDER…
Author: Unknown

A Breeder is one who thirsts for knowledge and never really knows it all, one who wrestles with decisions of conscience, convenience, and commitment.

A Breeder is one who sacrifices personal interests, finances, time, fancy furniture, and deep pile carpeting! They give up the dreams of a long, luxurious cruise in favor of turning that all important Show into this year's "vacation".

The Breeder goes without sleep (but never without coffee!) in hours spent planning a breeding or watching anxiously over the birth process, and afterwards, over every little sneeze, wiggle or cry.

The Breeder skips dinner parties because that litter is due or the babies have to be fed at eight. They disregard birth fluids and put mouth to mouth to save a gasping new-born, literally blowing life into a tiny, helpless creature that may be the culmination of a lifetime of dreams.

A Breeder's lap is a marvelous place where generations of proud and noble champions once snoozed.

A Breeder's hands are strong and firm and often soiled, but ever so gentle and sensitive to the thrusts of a puppy's wet nose.

A Breeder's back and knees are usually arthritic from stooping, bending, and sitting in the birthing box, but are strong enough to enable the breeder to Show the next choice pup to a Championship.

A Breeder's shoulders are stooped and often heaped with abuse from competitors, but they're wide enough to support the weight of a thousand defeats and frustrations.

A Breeder's arms are always able to wield a mop, support an armful of puppies, or lend a helping hand to a newcomer.

A Breeder's ears are wondrous things, sometimes red (from being talked about) or strangely shaped (from being pressed against a phone receiver), often deaf to criticism, yet always fine-tuned to the whimper of a sick puppy. [and sometimes all wet and slobbery from dog kisses!]

A Breeder's eyes are blurred from pedigree research and sometimes blind to their own dog's faults, but they are ever so keen to the competitions faults and are always searching for the perfect specimen.

A Breeder's brain is foggy on faces, but it can recall pedigrees faster than an IBM computer. It's so full of knowledge that sometimes it blows a fuse: it catalogues thousands of good boning's, fine ears, and perfect heads...and buries in the soul the failures and the ones that didn't turn out.

The Breeder's heart is often broken, but it beats strongly with hope everlasting...and it's always in the right place!

Oh, yes, there are breeders, and then, there are BREEDERS!!

John got out of work early today so we could go to our vets together with Shiloh (George) and Moxie (Martha) for their second and final examination before leaving for their new homes in just a couple of days. They were good as gold and didn't put up a fuss about being put in a crate for the ride over. It was also the first day they have had their puppy collars on. I was so proud to walk them into the vets on a double leash (thanks Julie, it worked great for them) and everyone ooohed and ahhhed.... One woman was there with her own litter of 8 week old Cocker Spaniels and she commented on how well Shiloh and Moxie were doing. The clients at the animal hospital all get an 'A' from me for correctly identifying our pups as Brittanys!

Usually a stool sample is required from the pups before a health certificate can be issued for a puppy. Of course I forgot. We hoped that they would go in the office there but no such luck. So we had to try something a little different which did result in the necessary sample - it did leave Miss Moxie quite indignant though and she hid under the chair in the examination room. Shiloh, who I would have thought would be most upset about the something a little different took it all in stride. I have been working with the pups on a table, getting them to stand still (the earlier the better) so they were very well behaved for 8 week old pups when it was time to administer their puppy shots. Nary a whimper. Both pups were found to be in excellent health and great condition (no surprise on my part) and our vet was very pleased with them. The staff knows us well and whenever John and I bring our dogs there we are treated like royalty, and the vet techs go out of their way to accommodate us - just so they can spend time with our Brittanys. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful animal hospital nearby. We also utilize a smaller practice nearby and they are just great to us as well. In fact - Mr. Shiloh is going to be a neighbor of one of our vets - brownie points for his new owners!

So-o-o yes... this is a bittersweet time for All Things Brittany. Each day my heart and hands embrace these beautifully, amazing, fun loving, intelligent puppies even more fully than the day before. And how can I help it?! Today for instance, Shiloh was sitting down watching the world go by and enjoying the moment. I softly spoke his name and when I did, his gaze rested upon me and he cocked his little head to the side as if to listen better. Tonight when we were heading across the yard with the pups Moxie had fallen behind (intentionally I'm sure). Shiloh was nearby but I couldn't see his sister. I headed back around the corner and sure enough, there she was and she was running full speed ahead towards me. I bent over and held my hands out for her as she jumped right up into my arms!

I have done an informal evaluation on the pups and have been especially pleased with the results. Using the Vohardt aptitude test, these pups tested exactly where they should be. We also have the Puppy Puzzle DVD which takes into consideration the evaluation of their physical conformation. The result is that these pups are perfect in every way, but of course!

But speaking of perfect... that is something I most definitely am not and in fact, I just nodded off for a brief moment! I do have additional pictures to share once I unpack my camera from last weekends time away at the shows. NOD! SNAP! That's it. My head is behaving like one of those bobble head dolls and I''m going to wind down now before I tip over and fall out of my chair here! Good night and God Bless you from All Things Brittany,
Ann

Another Good Time Had By All

Oh I have so much to share with you... A good report on Shiloh and Moxie including countdown to their new homes... Highlights of a fabulous weekend of shows with good friends and awesome dogs - especially Brittanys... Reflections of a mulitude of things... Glimpses into the future of ATB... and more to share soon but not tonight... Tonight I am purely exhausted but you know, it's the kind of exhaustion which means a good time was had by all...

August has been and looks to continue to be full each week and weekend - well into... October. But I am going to intentionally make a few changes, let go of a few responsibilities, and be sure that my course is steady and sure.

I can say this... my life is rich because of my family, friends, our dogs, but most important - because of the faithfulness of God whose Hand I can continue to see in each and every detail of all that concerns me. I question why certain things happen, why people behave in particular ways, and why is it so hard to let go of one thing - yet easy to walk away from another. I believe it has a lot to do with building character. And I ultimately believe in God's Providence.

What a hot August night - unbearable in many ways. But the window is open, overhead ceiling fan circulates the slight breeze, crickets chirping and two dogs lay nearby. John just passed through to share a funny email sent to us from Pam in England. (very funny....about showers!!) The pups are settled in. The older dogs are restless and hot. I hate this kind of weather but knew it was inevitible we'd experience it eventually.

It is exactly the middle of August, in a few weeks Labor Day weekend, and then we are into Fall. We have a few cords of wood stacked nearby. Fall... A season I love to live for... Soon to be here. I have picked up several orange and red colored leaves which have fallen from the trees already. As some people reflect on the first snowfall of the year- so do I reflect on these leaves.

Change is in the air... one season soon to end, another about to begin. And I intend to be ready, well prepared. God knows the plans and purposes for our lives, and for the lives of our family and those who are closest to us.

I will catch up on particulars tomorrow or Tuesday in most instances. For the rest... we will be waiting and seeing, anticipating and hoping. Something good. Something that will once again remind me that All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Great and Small, All Things BRITTANY - the Lord God loves them all. I am looking forward to moving from August, into September, and into October and beyond. I am looking forward to becoming 'unencumbered' from several responsibilities. I am looking forward ... oh yes, indeed I am!

In love and friendship with hopes of God's blessing upon your life - John, Ann and ALL THINGS BRITTANY!

Why is August so busy?!

I feel as if every morning so far this August I have hit the floor running the minute I get up! And by the end of the day the word 'dragging' doesn't even come close.... A quick look at my calendar explains it all... Not one free weekend until the end of September... no wait! Not one free weekend until... October??? or midway through? WOW. I'm not complaining but there are things to do ! Places to go! People to see! PUPPIES TO LOVE, TREASURE, ENJOY!

Oh yes indeed... that is what consumes my days lately - and its not a bad thing at all. We have a bit of a routine here now. Pups leave mom in the morning to come up and spend the day with me - either in the house, or outside. We've an X-pen set up in the kitchen and an extra one for outside too. Trying to work with the puppy training pads along with quick runs outside when I see the signs for poops and pees! Way too early to expect consistency of course. They cannot manage to control their body functions for a few months yet. Even so, they try hard to hit the puppy pad... usually they miss it by a few inches - or a few feet LOL!

George has caught up to Martha in behavior and confidence. He is still not quite as bold as she is but she is definitely extra bold and confident! Their weight has leveled out and they are favorably comparable to other pups from other litters in the past. They enjoy their puppy food (Purina Puppy Chow) and are just about completely weaned. Wish is nearly 'dried up' and she refused to let them nurse. However she does not refuse to love on them at the end of the day and the little family of 3 is quite affectionate with each other.

Yesterday was a special day! Pam and her mom Alta came down to visit the pups. It was the first time Alta had a chance to see them in person. They were pleased with how the pups were doing and enjoyed playing with them and holding them. I do have pictures. A certain someone did take a little cat nap in the chair with Martha in their lap! That's okay - when John came home several hours later I was the one caught napping on the couch with pups nearby.

They have ventured with me all around the yard. Before they would only go so far and then head back to something that was familiar to them. Now they come along and follow me wherever I go. I call "PUPPY PUPPY PUPPY" and they come a running! I sat back in the middle of the front yard last night and just let them explore. Boy did they have a blast! They realized there were no boundaries at all and explored everything and anything. I lay down on the grass and they came and snuggled, licked, bit and woofed! Nothing like getting suffocated by 5 week pups! Almost 6 weeks now - can you believe it???

We are trying to be sure Sherry and also Lili and her family get over for one more puppy visit before they leave. Fun Day wasn't really their 'official' puppy visit so we'll be sure that happens soon.

I am also getting ready for a series of dog shows that are coming up in New England. Pippin is looking absolutely beautiful but I am doing absolutely horrible as far as being able to gait her in the ring. Our friend who is a Jr. Handler may help me out but I so want to be able to show Pippin myself. Not sure if it is the Lyme Disease acting up, arthritis, or what. Of course I just had a birthday - that may explain it. (Nancy - I still haven't been to the doctor about my knee... I know I must find out what's going on with that.) When you're younger - you never really think all the aches and pains people complain about will be your concern one day. Then it creeps up on you... one year at a time. Oh I know a lot of mine is guess what??? WEIGHT! You'd think with all these Brittanys I would burn it all off LOL!

I recently put a post on our other blog about a hunting dog kennel in Philadelphia which was raided by the SPCA there. A reputable breeder and competitive dog owner with Bassett Hounds had her animal seized. There are stories coming from every angle and viewpoint. The AKC delegate from the American Bassett Hound club is pleading for people to write letters to the SPCA there. The dog owner has no idea where her beloved animals are. Oh I cannot imagine something like that happening. It makes me physically sick to even think about that. Usually when they do something like that the animals are immediately spayed/neutered and dispersed to rescue groups, shelters, or foster homes. Now mind you - I KNOW there are times when those actions are warranted - there ARE bad dog owners and breeders out there. But I have heard too many nightmare stories about reputable ones - having these things happen. Climbing off my soap box now... me, the advocate for responsible dog ownership and reasonable animal welfare laws while opposing the onslaught of the animal rights agenda.

I have new pictures to upload... I am waiting for some more to come from Fun Day too. A few have been posted on Facebook, where I am addicted to Farmville. Recently I became Facebook friends with Tammy and Stephanie there!

Last but not least and I should have mentioned this before. Please remember the Poulin family in your prayers. Zina's dad had a serious stroke two weeks ago. I have not heard a recent update but I know it was weighing heavy on her heart last weekend. John and I have lived the reality of a parent with a stroke and do understand. Just take a minute to remember them all if you would... Bob, Zina, Madison, and Garret. Thanks!

Take care and God Bless you all, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

A Good Time Was Had By All

I am experiencing exhaustion of the most rewarding kind! A very full weekend spent with family, friends, and Brittanys can only mean one thing - FUN! It came in many varieties, beginning with Central Maine Brittany Club's annual Summer Field and Fun Day on Saturday. Our daughter Maryann loaned me her camera to take pictures and when I get them from her we will be sure to share them here. I did get some really great ones already from "Crystals mom", Julie B. which I really enjoyed because they featured her children - sporting the sweetest Brittany t-shirts I've ever seen. It takes a lot of work, months of planning, and a lot of time to put on an event like this and we know there are always things we could do better or differently. We did miss having 'free' raffle items this year - the companies that usually support us needed a little more time s0 we'll plan accordingly next year. Even so, 20 assorted raffle items were contributed by club members and friends and those who won them were very happy! OMG the FOOD!!! The club tent covered 3 table lengths of salads, desserts, hot/cold meals including beans, ribs, corn on the cob, hotdogs, and hamburgs. I think next time each dish should be accompanied by a recipe card.

There was a unique grooming challenge presented with a beautiful Brittany who had grown a very very long for some strange reason!!!! I'd say at least 3 inches worth of growth. (NO! not one of ours!) Well, John persuaded our daughter to help "Bradys" owners out by giving him a summer field clip but the task proved to be too much for even her so Julie, Pam, and I joined her efforts. With a garage full of onlooking Brittany owners, asking questions we did our very best to make Brady look like the handsome Brittany he was underneath. Our pups sire, a very handsome Ch Gibson was a model for others to see what a show groom should look like. I think our daughter has been hired by Brady's owners to keep him groomed from now on - they were so appreciative. We had hoped to have a professional groomer here for the day but due to back issues could not make it. This disappointed several owners who had come with freshly bathed Brits all hoping to learn how to properly groom them. Hopefully though the questions they asked and the answers they received were helpful!

Bob Paucek and Frank Pride both were on hand to offer gundog training tips etc. Bob offered a talk on what training tools should be on hand using our equipment as demos. There was a pigeon in a nearby crate which caught the attention of the Brittanys. Zeb, who is not used for hunting - proved to be true to his genetics when he froze and help a point over the pigeon for what seemed like an eternity.

One highlight of the day was the succesful results of the AKC CAnine Good Citizens testing! Although each owner who had their dog evaluated and tested was skeptical at first in the end they were overjoyed when their dogs passed to recieve their CGC title! We had a 100% success rate of ALL Brittanys tested - and there were 6 of them! And we're very proud to say that 5 of those dogs were from our 'line'. Karen Norteman of the Bearded Collie Club of Maine was the official Evaluator and she did an excellent job of putting owners and dogs at ease.

A lot of children attended this years Fun Day. Because of this we are going to do more for and with them next year. We want to encourage the future dog owners of America in every way possible. Folks came from Rhode Island, CT, MA, NH, and of course Maine. I could not put into words how happy my heart was to see so many friends who have our Brittanys bring them here to enjoy the day. When pups are very young - I always breathe gently upon their little faces. This imprints my 'scent' upon them at a real early age. Have ALWAYS done this. Whenever I am blessed to be with them again as adults, I carefully approach them, let them sniff my hand etc., and when I believe they will accept my presence much closer than that, I will kneel down and slowly reach for their head. Once this is accepted I'll hold their head gently, and see if they will accept my gaze or if that makes them uncomfortable. Usually they are just fine. At that point, in that second of time - I'll gently blow upon their face, muzzle, and nose as when they were very young. Most of the time I am rewarded with a flash of recognition in their eyes quickly followed by an affectionate kiss. I respect their boundaries and do not push myself on the pups who return here to visit. I know that we gave them a good start - and their homecomings are always cause for great joy.

I do want to give a shout out to Steve and Stephanie too. Although not club members, they wanted to donate to the clubs raffle and brought a couple of items. Steph actually won her own item which was a basket full of puppy toys and treats! (She makes up the most amazing gift baskets and really enjoys giving them.) She evidently had a plan in mind because Stephanie turned to Lili with the basket and presented to her on behalf of their new little puppy - MOXIE - (aka Martha!). That was very nice of you Stephanie.

I could do shout outs for everyone.... I do have another. This is for Gwenn and Gary. Thank you for all you have done for Toffee... it was so wonderful to have all three of you here. Time and distance cannot take away from something so special and so meant to be. AND!!!! You have NOTHING to worry about by way of competition with Maine cooks!

Speaking of Martha/Moxie and George/Shiloh.... They were both introduced to and held by their new owners - albeit a brief visit - it was very special. We were happy to see the big smiles on everyone faces, and I think that Sherry's was the biggest though. Pups are 5 weeks old and each day we see such amazing changes. 13 year old Madison Poulin responsibly arranged a puppy circle with several of the children later in the day. THe kids all sat on the grass with their feet touching while the pups explored and moved from one person to the next. This is actually a recognized socialization skill for young pups. Prior to that we had them out in an enclosed X-pen for a brief time for people to see and pet, and for the pups to experience yet another new thing.

John and I were greatly blessed for our daughter, son in law and 3 children attending with Boomer. The kids seem to really enjoy themselves, especially the baby! A highlight for me was a special presentation from my grandson of a beautiful flower!!! I so hope our grandchildren will one day enjoy the experience of responsible dog ownership themselves, and want to try and learn to do as much as possible with their animals. The heritage is there for sure.

I'm leaving a lot out - but not intentionally. I'm just very exhausted still - not just from Fun Day but because I did not get to bed until @ midnight Saturday, and turned around to get up Sunday morning at 5 a.m. to travel nearly 3 hours to Keene NH to attend a dog show with a 9:30 am ringtime. Julie and I showed Bullet and Pippin - both pups took a reserve win. A small show but very nice and relaxing. We took the opportunity to enjoy ourselves and relax there for the day. I was THRILLED to see Shania there and even happier when she showed Pippin on my behalf! She did a wonderful job.

So this is bits and pieces and I'm leaving so much out but all in all - it really was a great time, and we are so appreciative of everyone who takes an interest in the Brittany, the club, and in our lives. Brittanys are a way of forever having 'friendship security' because they bring people together who otherwise never would have met, and provide for very special friendships to develop over time through our own dogs and through those of the club members. We know it is ultimately all about God's plans and purposes for all our lives.... Lisa, Gunnar, Lola, Dakota, Toffee, Nash, Remi, Bullet, Sassy, Daisy, Boomer, Crystal, Morgan, Whylee, Tilly, Zeb, Gibson, Paris, Durgin, Woody, Barley, Hunter, Daisy, Brady, Zak and special guest Dinah-Mo as well as those who I am forgetting - all made this a wonderful CMBC summer fun day. We also had two new families join the club!

I am already looking forward to planning for our next Summer Field and Fun Day!

Take care and God Bless, and thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany.
Ann, John and our well loved canine crew

As The Saying Goes...

No time to say hello goodbye I'm late! I'm late! I'm late! We will update the blog earlier next week. Getting ready for the 5th Annual Central Maine Brittany Club day, confirming RSVPS, and looking forward to a wonderful weekend. Will share a full report on Monday and BTW, "Sir Cooper if you are free this weekend - we'd love to have you."