Highlights of a Fun Weekend

The Brittany mobile was loaded up with ATB last Friday and on the road to the Maine Bird Dog Club grounds by mid-morning. John towed the 'chuck wagon' (aka trailer loaded with everything but the kitchen sink - no that was probably there too) with his truck and I brought up the rear driving the motor home. Treasure and JackDog rode shotgun with John and I had the rest of the securely crated crew. No protests from the peanut gallery other than an occasional 'woof'. They were happily gnawing away on the quartered beef bones that John had bought at the butchershop before leaving. We stopped along the way at a farmside stand to pick up fresh corn on the cob and vegetables and pulled into the grounds by noon. Our friend Mal was already there so John joined him in setting up the field trial tent and I set up our ATB home away from home (see picture above).

We love our Brittanys!

We are looking forward to the upcoming field trials and hunt tests, and perhaps one more show this fall. John has converted the motor home into a kennel on wheels and it's worked out very nicely for human and canine alike! Instead of sleeping 1 or 2 dogs, we now can accomodate ALL things Brittany with room to spare. Nothing my husband can't do. We're blessed to have friends, family, and neighbors always willing to take care of things at home for outings like this. My goal today is to bake an apple pie, perhaps some whoopie pies and to finish helping John with some of his errands. After that, it will be all about getting our dogs ready for their weekend getaway with us. I can't wait. Although I do scratch my head and wonder at times - what happened to those two week long vacations to Canada, Mooshead Lake, etc.????? Wouldn't have things any other way right though at this point in our life! Take care and God Bless you, John, Ann and ATB

The First Generation

These are pictures that Dawn sent to us this weekend taken of Bailey at 11 months old. She is out of Jack and Chrissy, has several show points and notable placements, and several Field Trial placements in both puppy and derby stakes. I'm really looking forward for the chance to see her work this weekend at the CMBC Fall Field Trial! (Thanks Dawn for such great field photos!) I am also looking forward to seeing several other Brittanys from our program run in this weekends field trial as well.

Labor Day Weekend in Conway, NH

Out of all the locations for a show, this may be at the top of my list for favorites. Nestled in a valley of the White Mountains in North Conway, NH the Carroll County Kennel Club shows speaks peace and relaxation - even if you are parked next to dogs that bark all night ;o). This show is about an hour and a half away from home and a real nice drive with the exception of experiencing brief traffic going from Fryeberg into Conway.

SCHOOL DAYS

Treasure and I headed to Eliot this morning to see Alana get on the school bus for the first time, and I cried... She and Callum were very happy to see me, this is his third day of school and his friend was there! WAs happily surprised myself when David and Maryann invited me out to breakfast. Treasure sat in the car with the windows safely down (cool morning anyway), but managed to trip the car alarm! When we came out of the restaurant my daughter said "Mom, is that your car alarm going off?" SURE ENOUGH! Treasure wasn't quite sure what was going on, but she quickly regained her composure and slept all the way home. Alana looked so beautiful in her new outfit, she was just as proud as could be. Callum was even prouder to be the big brother and to introduce me to his new friend who waited for the bus with them. And of course, he looked quite handsome! This morning lots of memories flooded my mind

September Morn

What a beautiful early September morning! The air is refreshing, and clean - the kind of weather that brings the desire to bake apple pies, open all the windows, air out the house, and maybe do some late summer yard work. Or not! John headed out first thing this morning with Jack to continue with his fall 'tune-up', readying him for the hunting season ahead, a field trial or two and maybe even a Hunt Test for his Senior Hunting title. Me - I'm feeling the effects of a whirlwind August, looking at September in the same light - and setting my sights on October. Our children and their families have been so busy too and now it's back to school already! I had a wonderful conversation with our daughter last night, and John had an equally enjoyable chat with our daughter in law so I feel we are all caught up somewhat.

The Road Less Traveled

The song "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus has taken on a great significance to me, personally. What I write today may sound melancholy, perhaps even with a tone of bitterness but - writing, journaling, sharing and being transparent comes naturally to me. The words "always going to be another mountain, always going to be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm going to have to lose, and it ain't about how fast I get there... " I just FEEL this so strongly today.

It's in retrospect of several situations this past summer, where the true character of some individuals has surfaced - including the flaws in my own. Brought up to always 'root for the underdog' while watching Saturday wrestling matches on TV with my dad - I learned that those who struggle the most to achieve their victories - are often the most appreciative of them. When time and again winning doesn't come easy to the underdogs - they make a choice to either give up, or continue to keep going.

What I have also seen this summer is how easy it is for good, honest people to find themselves manipulated and used, stepped on, mocked, and patronized. It is often easier for bitterness to take route in these situations than it is to walk in forgiveness.

In the world of competitive sports - whether it be national football or the sport of purebred dogs - there are those who have paid their dues over time and by doing so - are deserving of a certain level of respect. Especially those who have years of experience behind them to testify of their individual uphill battle and journey. Those who one day find themselves at the top of their game - still struggle just as hard, however their struggle involves new mountains to overcome. These 'veterans' for the most part are deserving of respect though, especially if they have taken the road less traveled which consists of good ethics and a walk of integrity.

On the other hand - there are some who look at the very real mountains in front of them and do not grasp the importance of their own personal climb. Quickly and intelligently a shortcut is mapped out. Sadly, this perceived 'shortcut' effectively burns many of the original bridges of communication, help, and guidance built upon a reliable and firm foundation of true friendship.

Personally, my own climbing experience is based on keeping the faith that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord, and I do. It keeps me sensitive to the plight of others, and causes me to want to help, to pour into another persons life. But when the other person continues time and again to blatently do things that go against all that we have shared and communicated, behaves in manners that suggest we never even knew each other - it is time for me to walk away. To see someone who appeared interested in nurturing a friendship flaunt behaviors and attitudes in direct contrast to the nature and character presented in the beginning is a mockery and a disrespect of that friendship.

Almost everyone has felt betrayed by a friend or experienced some other negative relationship issue, such as gossip. Proverbs 16:28 says a whisperer (someone who spreads private or embarrassing information) can separate the best of friends. These are some of the "hard issues" in life and require a lot of serious thought, heartfelt prayer to God for help in making the right decisions. At first, the concerns were small and I tried to resolve them by applying Matthew 18:15. I shared my concerns openly to no avail. It is hard to reason with someone who knows everthing. Recently I had to make a decision to simply withdraw and be thankful for friendships in my life that are strong, and can even help carry me through this particular mountain climbing experience. It's not easy, and it hurts. And I accept responsibility as well.

You can pick your friends, but not to pieces.

Thanks for listening... Ann

A Lengthy Catch Up!

So much going on! Hard to keep up but you just wait a little bit longer Sir Cooper, I PROMISE I'll let you know exactly what's up very very soon!

Check out the slideshow just posted here! Thank you so much to Shiloh and Moxies new families for sharing the awesome pictures of their new family and homecoming. These pictures speak a thousand words and it's easy to see the pups are doing very well as are the resident dogs who have welcomed them into their 'domain'.


Today I received another amazing email - which included a copy of Remi's (Chris/Jack '08) official Canine Good Citizen Title from the American Kennel Club. All the Brittanys who earned their CGC titles at CMBC Fun Day should be getting the certificate in the mail (if ordered). The most incredible thing about Remi's title is the fact that 10 (?) year old Garrett Poulin is the one who successfully handled the handsome Remi to his title! I think both Garrett and Madison are exceptional dog handlers. The CGC could easily be challenging to any Brittany and their owners - but consider that Remi also was just 10 months old when he earned the title. Zina and Bob should be proud of the family they are raising and we're very happy one of our special pups is with them.


Speaking of special pups! I don't know how many of our friends are on Facebook but some of you may have already seen a few show photos from the past week. I traveled to Cumberland last Wednesday and returned last night for the "Maine Event" a really nice 4 day cluster of shows. Julie and Bullet joined Pippin and me on Thursday evening. The shows were full of a lot of surprises, ups and downs, highs and lows but the most fabulous thing happened ! J & A's High Caliber Harris Special (Bullet) won his very first AKC show point on Sunday when he first won his class, then went on to win the Winners Dog class ! I was so proud of Julie and Bullet and also really appreciate the other exhibitors who encouraged us all. Another added bonus of our good news here is that J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton (Pippin) won her second AKC show point on a very rainy day in Maine on Thursday. The competition was very good with experienced handlers and breeders and I truly was extremely surprised when the judge put Pippin up for Winners Bitch. My shock and surprise was evident even long after the win on the day Maine was experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Danny. Once again Pippin and I gaited in the ring with Linda and 'Adam' something which I am quite honestly enjoying a lot for all the right reasons. Pippin took Best Opposite Sex to Adam. She also came home with many blues for her classes, a second, and a Reserve win. The numbers competing were low which is usually the case for these shows which are among my favorite. It is at this cluster that Treasure won her first 4 show points in 2007! I will brag that a wonderful and enjoyable all breed judge and his wife asked if Pippin won the breed class. I explained that Adam was one of the country's top Brits and I really hadn't set my sights that high. The gentleman said I should have because he thought Pippin could have won breed, they'd been watching us. I'll tuck that opinion away and treasure it always - what a compliment towards Miss Pippin!


John surprised me with a drop in visit to the show on Friday. Julie, John and I enjoyed a nice lunch together at the Brittanymobile before he left to join our daughter and children for a night at the fair in Acton. Little did we know John would be making yet another trip back when it was discovered all the water in the camper had been used... thus the realization something was leaking. He came and fixed the problem eventually; "my hero". And of course it was just an extra treat to spend some more time with him anyway.


Always enough food at the shows in the Brittanymobile. Whoever happens to be traveling together brings food to share and we try to have enough snacks, meals, beverages etc. At the end of the shows Pam, Julie, and I caught up with each other on everything. Pam had missed entries and also started work again. I was especially happy that she came by on Sunday.


John and I have started our tune up/crash course training to prepare the dogs for the fall; hunting, trials, and tests - hopefully all 3. We went to a nearby field early this morning and the dogs had several good finds. Pippin quartered very nicely and ranged out with confidence - a big improvement since a few weeks ago. We paired her with Treasure - a good choice as Treasure was quick to get her first find. I was out of handling reach though and before I knew it the girl hand delivered the bird - a nice soft mouth. No force training ever on her. (No comments please about retrieves - these dogs are first and foremost hunting dogs and when I shoot a bird, I want my dog to bring me the bird!) Treasure also backed Pippin nicely who held her point while I flushed the bird and fired the blank pistol. (We are licensed to train our dogs year around.) All in all John and I came away extremely pleased with the performance of the girls. Next trip out we will probably bring Rose. I like to put Pippin with the more experienced dogs yet keep her out of Jacks way until she's completely steady to wing and shot like he is. Jack is a finished gundog and performed with perfection; expect nothing less out of him - the breeding behind him is simply stellar.


I had been reading with great interest in the Book of the Brittany - the EIGHTIES - a handsigned copy by Rheta Cartmell. The book details the history of the Hall of Fame Brittanys and why the honor came to be. Early on the American Brittany Club wanted a way to assure breeders when a dog truly had the necessary lines behind them to expect the dog to be competitive in the field, as a hunting dog. When certain Hall of Fame Brittanys appear in a pedigree - it is helpful to breeders and to buyers alike, because a Hall of Fame Brittany has a particular line of breeding behind them. In the pedigree research and database work that I do - there is nothing I enjoy more than typing in just one name on a line early on - and finding that the previous 5, 6, or 7 lines are automatically filling in on their own! No research and little effort for Hall of Fame Brits. Recently we have traced each of our dogs all the way back into 3 or 4 lines of pre-imported Brittanys. I realize a lot of people can do this - but I've experienced it and it does bring great pride and joy to me - no pun intended! Chrissy, Jack, Treasure, Molly - ALL have many many Hall of Fame Brits to their credit. To some people that is of little importance. To me - it is extremely so. And besides - reading Rhetas books, as well as those of Maxwell Riddle and Fred Z. Smith have given me so much insight into the early imports including pictures of many of the dogs in the J & A's Brittany pedigrees. I love seeing the black and white pictures of our dogs ancestors - published in these books and hearing how the ancestors originally came here and when.


For those who have asked: We are currently accepting inquiries for our future breeding program and have been working with some very well qualified individuals. Although nothing is definite at this point in time - we expect that we will either keep or place in competitive homes at least 2 pups from our next anticpated litter. We have received deposits from several hunting families who have expressed an interest in waiting for a pup. This is especially encouraging because we do not advertise our dogs but when they are available, it is usually word of mouth or recommendations that reach us. Many times we have hooked up with people who were out bird hunting and asked someone in the woods - 'hey where did you get that Brittany?" Okay so it's hard to be humble - but it's true - those of you who hunt our dogs are usually are best references! I like the way Bailey's owner said it the best when she "hunted right out of the box"! A complimenet coming from breeders who have raised the Brittany as a gundog for many successful years.


Longwinded tonight eh?! That's because who knows when I'll get a chance to write like this again! Johns snoring in the chair, so I'm taking advantage of that LOL! There is another show for me this weekend and he will be home minding ATB. Then we turn our focus to field trials and maybe a hunt test or two. John was recently elected Vice President of the Maine Bird Dog Club and their field trial is coming right up after the CMBC one. Soon, I plan to take a hiatus from shows for the time being, for "all the right reasons" ;o)

Lots more to share but what I have to say needs to be tempered, so I shall wait until such a thing is possible rather than write something I could regret later! In the meantime, love and God Bless from John, Ann, and All Things Brittany!

DoG & GoD

UPDATE: SHILOH AND MOXIE

Getting ready to head out but do have excellent updates on both Shiloh and Moxie. All is going exceptionally well especially with the introductions to the resident dogs at their new homes. Lili sent the most amazing photos of the actual progression of the friendship and acceptance with Morgan (out of Molly and Jack) and Moxie. Shiloh has been introduced to the lake, slowly and had a good first night with his new family too. The vet commented that Shiloh was in perfect health and condition and would not 'expect anything less with a Short puppy" - this is always a huge compliment of course. I literally have no time to say hello goodbye or to post the photos today but you'll see them soon!!!

RE: J & A's Brittanys and the Telphone
Days begin very early here at ATB and end very late. My first priority for phone calls is children and grandchildren and they understand at times our calls are few and far between. But when we do have an hour or so to devote to a long telephone conversation, that time must go first to them. Part of my day includes administrative work, which is truly not 'work' at all. I get to sit at my computer and read wonderful emails, forwards from YOU, receive pictures, and return the favor by posting on the Blog, Facebook and keeping current on ATB happenings. This is our communication method of choice and I am more apt to respond without hesitation to your email than to a phone message. If I had my druthers, our life would exist without a telephone - cell or otherwise! In fact, we do carry cell phones of course - but we use them rarely, and very few people have our cell phone number! Thanks for understanding. Even when I am in the vacinity of a ringing telephone, I rarely am free to pick it up and most often involved with doing something with one of our dogs - or - John would hope, housework, cooking, laundry (what's that?!) When I get a free minute - I'm honestly not likely to spend it talking on the phone! But I do love to write and correspond via email! Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and our wonderful Britanys