Weaning and Puppy Bedtime Prayers

The pups are changing quite significantly as you can see!  Weaning is underway and today was the third day in a row that they enjoyed themselves trying to slurp a mixture of warm Esbilac and Gerber Baby Rice Cereal.  They actually are doing quite well. Day One consisted of holding each puppy in my lap, dipping my fingers into the mixture, and offering to pup.  Once the puppy showed an interest I gently held her steady in front of the puppy saucer pan and dipped her head down slightly.  As several hours had passed intentionally since nursing from Treasure, they were quite eager to try this.  That first time out some were interested, and others could care less but all enjoyed lapping each others faces.  Yesterday they were more certain of what was going on and most pups approached the pan with litte hesitation.  They would lap some and then go off an play a few minutes, to return back to the pan.  Today John wanted to see how they were doing and he couldn't believe they were doing so well!  Treasure was enjoying time up in the people house with her brother Jack, otherwise Momma Dog would have been right in the middle of everything.  When the pups had finished eating, we brought her back to her babies and she was happy to clean the plate for them.  They had all crawled over to Treasures' bed and blanket and curled up together.  Of course when Momma's scent was picked up they quickly responded.  Having been somewhat satisfied from the cereal though they were not as frantic and demanding.  Treasure is so patient as she takes each pup individually and lovingly cleans and cares for them.  I enjoyed seeing her just kicking back with all 11 pups, only a couple were nursing and the others were content to simply be by her side.  And of course, being that we so deeply believe in the Power of Prayer, it is not a surprise that Treasures pups would also be faithful to say their bedtime prayers too!!! Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and ATB

From OUTSIDE of the Whelping Box - 3 weeks old

Indeed! 3 weeks old and hardly time to keep the blog updated - life is very busy here, but that is a good thing! (Lori, as Nancy will sometimes do - thoughtfully reminded me I needed to catch up here so I'll do my best).

Well, the most notable accomplishment is that early Saturday evening, all 11 pups scaled the side of the whelping box, escaped into their mother's small rest area, and eventually most of them also ventured out of the pen itself - much to Treasure's chagrin!  She took it all in stride however, simply rolled over and they all made their way over to Momma who happily fed her sweet little babies.  This of course meant moving up the transitioning from whelping 'box' to puppy pen!  While pictures will soon be following to mark their 3rd week growth, suffice to say we are spending the morning (we as in John) doing some construction work! Just went down and saw what John has done, it is very nice - he's of course added another board to the top of the sides of the whelping box to contain the puppies until the next escape is possible, opened up the entire pen where Treasure is giving her even more room to herself, and preparing for when the pups will need a safe, contained area to play an explore.  For the time being I will use shredded paper now in the whelping box, along with the indoor/outdoor carpet which we change regulary, and eventually the entire inside puppy pen will be filled with shavings.  This pen will open into the outdoor pen when it is appropriate, and we'll add the balls, culverts, and other fun things that all Brittany pups enjoy.  As they get older, they will spend more time in the house, in an exercise pen set up in the kitchen.  Today there are a few pups who are protesting loudly about the new changes - they are so aware of their surroundings now and notice when someone comes in the room where they are.  Treasure spent about an hour up in the house with me but could hear the pups over the intercom.  She let me know when it was time for her return. She's such a great mom.

The pups have had a few visitors recently and responded very well.  All of our grandchildren have had supervised visits with the puppies, something enjoyed by all! Pam and Sam had the pleasure of meeting Gibsons pups on Friday and are as much in love with them as we are.  They are very pleased with the entire litter.  Saturday we met "Sarah", who came with some of her family from Canada. What a nice time we had together. She and her husband will be one of the new puppy owners.  As the pups continue to get older more visits will be upcoming and we just can't wait.

Today I will deworm the pups for the first time and on Monday or Tuesday they will be introduced to Gerber Rice Cereal as we begin the weaning process.  This litter of pups is advanced by about 1 week in their development all the way around so we have our work cut out for us - but it is all a labor of love.

The pups are all now quite recognizable as Brittany puppies, they do stand and sit quite intentionally and their movements are much more confident and sure.  Daily we increase the amount of handling they are getting. The other day we gave them their first sponge bath as they do tend to get poop on them for obvious reasons and I hate to have smelly, soiled puppies.  They didn't seem to mind the experience too much, and we also cleaned their ears and trimmed their nails again. They have had nails clipped 3 times now, and getting use to the experience.  We are mindful of Treasures tummy and the eagerness in which her babies nurse.  Soon little teeth will emerge, and she will be less tolerant of their nursing as weaning progressing. One thing I noticed last week which was in my opinion very early is that some of the pups would actually try to nurse from her while standing up. You see this in older pups but not so much with younger ones at 2 weeks old. 

I'm trying to keep tabs on which pup does what and when because that's all important to us as the breeder in the overall scheme of things.  What is interesting is this litter is fairly consistent in their development. There are a couple of leaders - but what they do one day, the others will do the next and vice versa.  I am mesmerized in watching their development.

And sweet beautiful Treasure is doing just great! Could not ask for a better first time mother.  There will be some more pictures soon, I have so many and just need to go through them to see which ones to post.  We have received several awesome hunting photos from other owners of J & A's Brittanys most notably the recent ones from Bailey's first hunting trip (Jack/Chris pup) and also the ones from Woody (Molly/Smoke pup).  Our Brittanys with hunting families are all enjoying the season and having great success - and that's the way we like it!

Well, I've taken long enough to write this and must run back to the kennel.  Look forward to more updates and if you're on Facebook I'll send pictures there too.  Just use our email address to look me up there, it's a lot easier. Take care and God Bless, Happy November!  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

And Who Do We Have Here?

Can it be? Yes! Yes!  It is!   SHILOH! (George) at 4 months old!

Sire: CH. Gibson JH CGC

Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon a Star

Just a brief intermission... Yesterday John had some rototilling to do nearby, and just so happened that it was next door to where Shiloh lives.  When he drove by with the tractor etc. loaded he noticed Shiloh out in the yard with one of his new owners.  On the way back he stopped and paid a brief visit.  John said Shiloh is doing really well, that he's a nice looking boy at 4 months old - today!   Sherry had sent this picture to us last week so thought I'd share it here on the blog.  Shiloh was very happy to see John and vice versa.  Good reports all the way around and oh yes - John's work was with one of our vets (also the vet Sherry uses), who happened to mention how nice she thought Shiloh was as well!  Moxie (Martha) is doing great too, Lili and her family provide frequent updates as well.  It's a small world too with Moxie because she's actually attending puppy classes taught by one of our neighbors who is an outstanding dog trainer.  It always means so much to John and I when we get pictures, emails, and updates about our Brittanys. What is especially nice about seeing Shiloh and Moxie photographs is their mother is Treasures mother, and their father is the father of Treasure's litter!  Speaking of which - on with the puppy update!

We can hardly believe that our puppies are already over 2 weeks old.  Every single day there are changes, from one morning to the next.  If you are one of those following along with the development of Anka's pups in the book "Art of Raising a Puppy" you'll notice we've gone from Chapter 3 (The Neonatal Period: 1- 13 Days) into Chapter 4 (The Light Shines in the Darkness, Transitional Period: 13 - 20 days). 

Over a period of about 48 hours the eyes of each puppy has opened.  And now many sensory capacities begin to function.  The eyes looked like little slits that widened more and more each day, until finally the eye itself is seen.  They cannot see very much, but can make out the shadow of Treasure or me, when I get down on the floor and lean over the whelping box  I have actually been 'woofed' at by a very wobbly puppy who was sitting up of all things!  They are not crawling - these pups are walking.  With the records we keep I can look back and see how they compare to other pups before and they started to walk on Day 11 - which is the earliest we've ever seen that. The pups are not yet interested in much human interaction although each time they are handled and cuddling they become increasingly more responsive to my touch. This is definitely a transitional period.  Sensory changes and physical abilities develop rather quickly during this time frame heading into the 3rd week of life.  The greatest change in my opinion occurs from 3 - 4 weeks when, at that time, pups are aware of everything around them and socializing takes on a greater meaning and becomes of the utmost importance.   We constantly have music playing in the dog house - with or without pups.  Our Brittanys enjoy the likes of Jim Brickman, Celtic Woman, Enya, and piano solos.  As the hearing of puppies develop, we do not want them to have a rude awakening and are very sensitive to the noises surrounding them.  As time goes on however we intentionally begin to expose them to more sounds and louder deliberate noise - afterall, this is a sporting breed and those who will become bird dogs must be accustomed (in time) to the sound of gunfire.  One time honored way of doing this is to make loud clanging noises while they are eating, and eventually fire a cap gun when they are eating.  This is one way they will associate a positive experience with loud noise.  And it's hard to believe but these experiences are really not that far off!   I plan to take steps towards weaning at 3 weeks, or in other words - this next weekend.  I do it the same way my parents did with Boston Terriers back in the 60's - with Gerber baby cereal!  I will make a 'gruel' using Esbilac, warm water, and the cereal and take each pup into my lap, and get them to lick a bit of the watery substance... nothing major, just an easy introduction.  As time goes on, the consistency will become thicker and shortly after that, the cereal will be replaced by moistened puppy food. We use the large size puppy saucer feeding pans.  I love messy puppy faces almost as I love messy baby faces when they are learning to eat solid food and take lots of pictures! (Who me? Take pictures?!) As time goes on, we will begin to feed the pups separately so that we have a good idea of their individual appetites, also it helps us see if there are any problems with snarly little babies when they are eating - NOT ALLOWED!

I'm jumping ahead I know... but who knows how often I'll be able to keep this blog up in the days to come!

We are looking forward to upcoming visits with those who have given us deposits on a puppy and so far everything is looking good for those who have been waiting... and many have been waiting a long time for Treasure's pups!   Availability is good for those who sent deposits in early as well as those who have been with us for awhile.  I'll be sending an updated email to those who are on these lists so you'll see where you stand as far as the selection process.  There are some of you who have not made up your mind yet and that's understandable.  We're never in a hurry to 'sell' a puppy just for the sake of it.  Our process includes being just as selective about hand picking our pups new owners, as we hope their new owners are about selecting a responsible breeder and puppy. There will be a nice selection of pups available and we are still going to accept serious inquires about this litter but always discourage random 'internet shopping'.  That's not what it's about and believe me, John and I can tell the difference!!  We are not a breeding kennel - and you'll never find us acting as if we were. To repeat an often used phrase which goes along with our philosophy - it is all about the love of the dog, both given and received.  In the meantime - enjoy these fleeting October days, take care and God Bless you and yours,

John, Ann and All things Brittany! 

Please take a minute and listen to this brief excerpt from the audio version of The Art of Raising A Puppy, by the Monks of New Skete. HighBridge Audio - The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete -: "This book is an essential source of wisdom, information, and inspiration for anyone who has a puppy or is considering bringing one home." It is also required reading for anyone bringing home one of our pups ;o) !! 

12 Day Old Puppies

All 11 pups and mom are doing fantastic.  Many of the puppies are attempting to use their little wobby legs to support their body and actually taking real steps at just 12 days old.  Those who are successful seem totally bewildered as they move so awkwardly and not in control of their own movement.  Sometimes they just take a nosedive into the pile of their littermates.  Other times they just go around in a circle and still there are a couple that are will navigate around the perimeter of the whelping box.  I have added their mother's puppy blanket which is all part of their neo natal experience of a different texture, different scent.  Treasure is now enjoying more extended periods of playing and exercising in the yard.  She has not attempted her 22 second lap around the house yet but she's had some fun running with Pippin who adores Treasure.  I'm watching the development of the little puppy eyes as I know soon they will show signs of opening.  We have started to lower the temperature of the whelping box area ever so slightly and leaving the pellet stove off.  The pups are strong and thriving and can handle the temps below 90 now. The location of where the puppies lay in the whelping box itself is the best indicator of their comfort level of heat and we adjust the above heat lamp accordingly. Treasure is in such excellent condition in ever sense of the word.  I love spending time just sitting with her and watching the pups.  I get mesmerized.  I take them out one by one under Treasures watchful, trusting eye and hold them closely.  Sometimes they will fall asleep in my hands or on my lap while I gently pet them.  And of course - there is that sweet puppy breath all newborn pups have!  I find that my day is full from morning to night; there are the usual chores to be done. I don't believe the "obligatory" interaction that occurs when doing the chores should count as time spent with each animal so I still work in long, quality periods of interacting with our crew here one on one, two by two, and/or altogether now everybody! For one thing, if I don't have that time with them - I feel the loss.  These Brittanys enrich our lives so much and are such an important part of all we do.  They don't ask a lot of us but they do give so much.  Right now the care and feeding of the pups is pretty much Treasure's responsibility other than our watchful eyes, weighing, etc.  In about a week and a half that is all going to change.  This is a very special time in their development and I'm enjoying every minute of it.  I know that raising 11 puppies to be the very best that they can be for those who await them is going to take every waking hour.  But all too soon - they will be gone.  I am looking forward to when they are about 5/6 weeks old and John and I introduce them to birds! Oh there really is a lot I'm looking forward to.  Their first time out on the grass, our first trek down into the woods, running across the yard, teaching them to come when I say "puppy! puppy! puppy!".  So many things... all for the love of the dog, both given and received.  I'm tired and writing fast and still dealing with the FUNK that surrounds the feeling of not quite coming down with something but also the Lyme Disease flare ups, especially as the weather changes. But I have some great pictures I'm going to get loaded over onto this blog from Picassa.  And a couple of videos but probably won't get that done tonight.  It's going to be an early night!  Have a great weekend, and take care and God Bless!  If you're on Facebook, we are too and have some great photos there.  (I'm hooked on playing Farmville and the Cafe...)  Take care and God Bless you and yours, John, Ann and ATB

To Julie, Love Treasure

Dear Aunt Julie,  I just want to tell you how much I appreciate the beautiful puppy blankets that you have already crocheted for my litter of Brittany pups.  I thought you would like to see a picture of me making sure that they have lots of my scent on them.  Ann let me borrow some of the blankets you made for her and Pippin for this picture but we all share here.  I really like the purple and blue one that you let me keep earlier this year when I was very sad.  You don't have to hurry or anything for others.  We just wanted you to know what a special friend you are to All Things Brittany and how much we all love you here and can't wait to see you again.   It's so nice to know each of my babies will take one of these crocheted blankets home with them when they begin the first day of the rest of their lives in about 7 weeks.  Lots of love and kisses from Treasure (give my nephew Bullet and my sister Sassy my love too, and of course Uncle Jim!) 

Frost on the Pumpkin? No! It's SNOW!

I woke up to let Jack and Pippin out in the middle of the night and to check on Treasure, pups and the others to find a full blown snowstorm occuring!!! UNBELIEVEABLE!  The forecast was for a Nor'easter, but we figured it was to be just rain!  Fortunately the temps were not cold enough for the snow to amount to much of anything but it was a slippery trek to the dog house needless to say.  Later on when the sun came up we let the dogs out for some fun in the crust of snow and took a few pictures, a sampling of which are here.  Treasure rolled and rolled on the snow, propelling herself much like the way I've observed otters move across a lake of ice during the winter.  She was thoroughly enjoying herself for sure.  The whelping box of course is heated by the overhead infrared lamp and the pellet stove keeps the air warm as well - so she obviously appreciated the refreshing cooler air and ground!  ALL things Brittany and I mean ALL of them had so much fun this morning - I kind of which there had been more snow for them to enjoy - err... maybe NOT... I am experiencing a bug, virus, or whatever... but the time spend with the crew always manages to make me feel just fine for a little while.  The sun has already melted the snow from the front yard so it will soon be forgotten.  It is, of course a preview of what is soon to come.  I don't remember October being this chilly though - usually it is much warmer.  Global warming? Nah... can't convince this native New Englander of such a thing.

Smiling smiling smiling because it continues to amaze me how absolutely wonderful Treasure and Gibsons puppies are doing. I would like to say I had no concerns about losing a pup during the first week - but there is ALWAYS that concern, especially during the first 24, 36, 72 hours and then the first week.  Absolutely anything is possible despite the very best care and health of all the animals.  We have a 100% survival after the first week. Every single puppy has shown a steady and consistent weight gain.  I look for the birth weight of a puppy to double by the age of 10 days.  The majority of these pups have doubled their birth weight.  The average weight of the litter now is 9.6 oz.  Several are over a pound. We're very pleased. They have had their first 'pedicure'.   Even at this young age their toenails grow rapidly and it's better for Treasure to keep them short and avoid getting scratched while they nurse. The intensity of their nursing increases daily.

We are now well into the first phase of the puppies early neurological stimulation development.  I wrote about this in great detail in the July 2, 2009 post about the pups Wish (Treasure's mother) and Gibson had.  It's very interesting.  Part of the reason for one of the exercises (touching the pads with a Q-tip, is to get the pups used to having their feet handled - this makes it a lot easier for future toe-nail cutting.  Speaking of which - it's good to get in the habit of cutting a dogs nails once a week from the time they come home.  This way the quick does not have a chance to grow into the nail very much, and the risk of bleeding is reduced.  Dogs toe nails should never be allowed to grow very long.  Pups especially have razor sharp toenails, not fun when there are young children involved who just want to love on a puppy - they can get very seriously scratched - just ask my young grandchildren. It's hard enough dealing with mouthing, teething little puppies who must be taught that the human body, fingers, hands etc. are off limits for their teeth.  Speaking of this, stocking up on a good supply of Kongs, and Nylabones will get any responsible dog owner through those rough places of teaching pup NO BITE!  We advise AGAINST ANY kind of rawhide bone, we have had dogs choke from small pieces that break off and worse - the rawhide gets balled up, gummy, ooey and gooey and sometimes can cause blockage.  Rawhide in any shape or form, in anything is bad news and as far as I'm concerned off limits - that's just my personal opinion.   Pig ears, Bully Sticks, Hooves if  prepared in a sanitary facility are treats that we will occassionally offer with supervison.   Personally, we prefer to go to our local butchers frequently and buy a box of bones for @ $5.00.  No need to worry about a dogs teeth when they are chewing on a fresh bone. John cuts the bones up into manageable sizes and let the dogs go at it.  Up until recently, we actually had what was left of Molly's first bone and she is 6 years old.  Kinda cool.  I know there are greenies and tooth brushes and all that - but I'm old school in some aspects - give the dog a bone for white teeth and healthy gums. 

Well I must take some new pictures today of Dottie, J.R., Lily, Cone, Patches, Trish, Sweet Pea, Arnold, Digger, Bert, and Smokey.  These are all the nicknames that John came up with to help us easily identify each puppy and monitor their development. We'll match them up with their names soon.  Also for those who are getting puppies from this litter, we will put together a reminder of our puppy selection process.  As I just say it's better to fall in love with all of these puppies - there will be no disappointment and we work hard to honor the preferences of each person who has an interest in a pup.  The testing and evaluating play a big role in helping us decide which puppy goes where.  It's so important to us.  It is not possible to look at a newborn puppy and say that's the one we want.  There are so many unknowns. Believe me, we experience this all the time ourselves! There won't be a big variance in these pups - we are confident about the disposition and hunting ability; there may be some variations in size/conformation. Each one is going to be absolutely spectacular and wonderful... but we know there are always those that stand out more than others. As breeders working closely with the stud dog owners, the selections will be very deliberate and no one will be disappointed!

In the weeks to come we'll schedule visits with the pups.  The first early visits will, out of concern for mother and pups, be limited to those who have provided a deposit and indicated their serious interest to a pup from this litter. When the pups are old enough to go home, we will schedule another round of visits.  John and I will be sending information out explaining this as times goes on.

That's about it for my energy spurt.  Jack and John are off together and I'm looking at laying back down. Even with the woodfire going, I'm feeling chills... YUCK.  This too shall pass though! Take care and God Bless,  John, Ann and our entire Brittany crew!

Brittany Pups - 1 week old

I snapped this photo on the way down to the 'dog house'.  They had already heard the sliding door open on the back deck and came out to see if I was headed their way or not.  Once they knew I was coming a chorus broke out (not sure the neighbors consider it a delightful melody or not though).  Left to right is Molly, laying on a cot pouting like the princess she is - Rosie, her daughter and the official scout for All Thing Brittany and loves the 'corner office' - Scooby, hidden behind a post but sitting stoically knowing if he doesn't move or make a sound he has a good chance of being first in line for a run - Wish, at the front (Treasure, Scooby, and Jacks mother) just about to emit a joyful yip to see me - Pippin, perched on her cot watching every move I make before deciding if it is worth it to put on a show for me - and Miss Treasure in the next run, guarding the entrance to the inside of the dog house by her door where the pups are. A wall separates the area where the pellet stove, t.v., couch, and Treasure's area is.  We've doubled up the rest of the crew so that Treasure is the only dog in that part of the dog house.  She is not shut in and can roam throughout the dog house freely but she has no direct contact with the others and they cannot see her unless she makes the decision!  The green ball suspended in her pen is for when the puppies are older; we lower and they love to play with it; there's also a Y shaped place of plastic culvert for them to all play in too. Our puppy yard to the far right has been revamped and probably won't be used this fall until we put the finishing touches on it.  Don't know if you can see the TV Satellite perched on the dog house - hey Snoopy, you've got nothing on the Brittanys LOL!  And that's  basically the grand tour.

One week old today and all 11 pups are doing exceptionally well and so is mom.  For those of you following our required reading for anyong getting one of our Brittanys which includes The Monks of New Skete Art of Raising a Puppy - you will find the first chapters in the book especially fascinating as you read these blogs, look at the pictures and follow the development of Anka's litter of German Shepherd puppies. 

Later today we hope to get some 1 week old pictures and should have a complete update.   I have to confess to battling something physical today - maybe just the aches and pains of cold weather, or a flare up of the darn Lyme Disease that plauges me from time to time.  John has suggested I spend the day kicked back on the couch - IN THE HOUSE!!!!   I'd much rather be on the cot nearby all the canine crew... but I guess I must draw the line today...Little Pippin and JackDog will keep me company. Pippin being an incredible cuddle bug and senses I don't feel too great.  Her mother Chrissy always would press up close to me when I had a migraine, I think Pippin is that way too. I want to be rested for when Pam and Sam visit the babies later as well. 

Take care and God Bless - John, Ann and All Things Brittanys

Previous VIDEO OF PUPS CLICK HERE

From the Whelping Box

Just a quick note! Beautiful day today. All 11 pups are doing great and Treasure is such a wonderful mother.  She's enjoying regular times of exercise but is always in a hurry to return to her pups.   I'm noticing things on the puppies like their little ears - they no longer look like they are made out of rubber as they did when they were born; now they have hair growing on them and the ear flaps are distinguishable.  Their eyes have formed slits that are clearer - they don't look like bulging alien eyes any longer.  The little peach fuzz is growing on their muzzles and around their mouths.  And they are so kissable!  I watch Treasure with them, she really has established a feeding routine with them and has a particular way she likes to manage her pups.  Some will fall asleep and kind of roll off of her, others will crawl back to the heat source under the heat lamp and a few will remain nursing while they snooze, that is until she decides to stand up and take a break.  When she does leave the box some wildly protest with screams - but she surveys her family, checks to make sure they are all clean and taken care of.  If there is one pup that continues to protest, Treasure will gently draw that one pup to herself, spend a little time with it and then try to leave again.  She knows them well.  The puppies weight is excellent, they all are steadily gaining, strong, thriving, and just perfect.  And Treasure is one proud momma.  A short note, take care and God Bless you from John, Ann and ATB

PS If you missed the youtube video it will be found on the post just prior to this one.

4 Days Old

The top picture is of all the handsome little boys, and the bottom picture is of all the sweet little girls.  I'm just finishing up our first video of the new babies so that should be on YouTube before I call it a day which will probably mean it's tomorrow already.  The days are long and the nights too short but experience tells me that the 8 weeks after pups are born pass all too quickly so we will enjoy this time, sleep deprived or not!

Treasure continues to do very well.  She has settled into a routine and so have we.  I like that she chooses to remain nursing her pups when I approach her rather than greet me with great exuberance.  She's really a calm mother compared to some.  Her appetite is great and she continues to eat well, so important for her and for her babies.  She's happy to run around the yard for a few minutes, but always races back to where her pups are safely waiting for her return.  Today she was a little more antsy than usual, and kept trying to find dark places to lay down again, as she did when she was going into labor.  But she kept going back to check where the pups where and would nurse and lick them before going back to the dark places again.  I love to watch her interact with the pups, they do the most amazing things together. To the untrained eye it would look as if all the pups do at this age is eat and sleep and eliminate.  Well basically that is true of course, but to sit and study their movements quietly is to understand they are active all the time, even when they appear to be sound asleep.   They change position, crawl around, shift, and seek out their mother and each other.  Technically they are not intellectually aware of their surroundings but they do learn to navigate around the whelping box, determine when to move closer to their heat source or away from it, and they sure know whem momma has stepped back into the box with them!  We're happy with the consistent weight gain of each of the pups.  The smallest one actually gained the most in the past 24 hours - we were so encouraged about that!  They are also beginning to 'snuggle' up to my hand when I rest it on the floor of the whelping box.  Some muzzle right into it and I gently caress their teeny bodies.  All of this is to prepare them to be handled by humans as they grow older of course.  I actually slept in the house last night although did make several trips down to check on Treasure and pups.  The cot that John brought down for me is actually very comfortable along with the pellet stove running.  I like the quietness of being with Treasure and the pups and the other dogs are nearby in the other part as well.  The heat lamp and the pellets burning give a warm glow and makes for a very restful environment.  John and I have had some good jokes about me coming up from the dog house in the morning in the early hours of dawn! Well, it is hard to believe October is half over and another weekend is upon us.  This will be a special one - Pam and Sam are going to come and meet Gibby and Treasure's pups!  I can't wait.

Take care and God Bless - and as always - thank you so much for your interest in our little corner of the world here at All Things Brittany!  John, Ann, Treasure, pups and our wonderful canine crew

72 Hours Update

Treasure is doing wonderful, she has plenty of milk, has turned into a chow hound, and is back to her playful self.  She's enjoying several romps around the yard throughout the day.  I am going to intentionally distance myself from her for a brief time in hopes of helping shape her behavior and keep her priorities upon her pups.  Emotionally and psychologically Treasure is vulnerable right now and as she is especially attached to me it's important she does not become moreso.  I have seen mothers completely overlook their pups in favor of spending time with their favorite 'human'.  On the other hand, even as I type I have one eye on the monitor where I can see and hear Treasure with her pups.  Any extended puppy cry or yelp will bring me running as well as when I know Treasure is ready for a break.  I have spent most days and several nights in the dog house now for almost a week but I would not have it any other way.  And there is something to be said to wake up right in the middle of the happy energy and joy of All Things Brittany as they rise to greet the day right along with me!  Gotta love it! John and I take turns spending extended periods of time and he has now nicknamed all the pups.  Speaking of pups!!!

At 72 hours they are all thriving, nursing, active, healthy and each puppy has gained weight.   Our vet appointment yesterday went extremely well.  Pups' dewclaws were removed and tails docked with John in attendance. Treasure and her 11 pups were each examined and our vet was very impressed and spoke highly of all.  We are blessed to work with several vets in the area who know us quite well.  We were told that the two littlest pups were just a bit dehydrated (wrinkly skin) and advised us to personally oversee their nursing times so they don't get pushed aside.  We've been sure to put them upon the 'preferred nipples' and let them nurse by themselves before the rest of the pups approach mom.  Already there are distinct personalities and characteristics beginning to emerge. We know who the piggies are and in fact one is nicknamed "Arnold" (Remember Green Acres, and Arnold the pig?!)   John did really well nicknaming the pups and this will make it easier for all concerned as we monitor their development.

I do have many pictures and a couple of brief videos.  Remember the quality will not be great, the pups are under an infra - red heat lamp and sometimes the pictures reflect that, other times it does not.  Honestly though I barely have enough time to sit and type these blogs never mind do photos and videos. But they will come.  I hope to get a Picassa slide show going with all the pictures here at once!

I hope that Pam and Sam are free this weekend to come for Treasure to introduce them to Gibsons pups. They are just as proud and happy as we are.  John and I believe that Gibson was a perfect choice and it was a no brainer after seeing what he produced previously with Treasures mother.  I was a little concerned of the numbers of pups this time - in a different way!  We are not a "Maine Breeding Kennel", which is defined by number of pups born/sold in a calendar year.  The cut off is 16!  We are licensed as a municipal kennel, inspected and held to strict and ethical standards but our primary purpose is not breeding, it is hunting, competitive field sports, and showing with dogs that we love spending our lives with as family companions extrodinaire!

Treasures weight is down understandably.  But she is lean, fit, muscular, and strong.  I believe that is why she had such an easy time of whelping.  I don't know if I mentioned it before - she had 3 breech deliveries, completely unassisted - things happened so fast with her we didn't even know it until after the fact. Treasure has puppy food in front of her 24/7 which is supplemented 4 times a day with a variety of combination foods that we prepare for her including:

• Nursing Mother's Pudding (a recipe similar to the rich cream filling for cream puffs)
• Yogurt
• Salmon oil
• Natural Brown Rice
• Boiled Chicken
• Chicken Broth

We have been fortunate to find whole chickens on sale so we boil them, pull the meat off, strain and save the broth.

For those of you who are getting a puppy, interested in one, or who just would like to follow the pups development this is where one of J & A's Brittanys "required reading" books comes in handy.  The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete have several chapters devoted to explaining each phase of neo natal puppy growth. In an early post on July 2, 2009 we covered other aspects of pup development and the stimulation which we have already begun  which you may enjoy looking at by clicking here: Pups Early Neurological Stimulation . Each of Treasure and Gibbys pups have their own development page with their picture attached, including any identifying marks, their nicknames, weights, and other important notations.  We are interested about all strengths, weaknesses, development of size, rate of growth etc. in all our Brittanys.

Okay, this is about all I'm going to be able to get in.  Another planet is being heard from!  Take care and God Bless, John, Ann, Treasure, pups and All Things Brittany.