Day 54 / Whelping Preparation / Why PURPOSE Driven?

ALL THINGS.... MOLLY plus a little Pippin

Evidence of Life - Day 54
This morning Molly and I rested together for quite awhile before getting up to begin the day.  She slept between John and I last night and was fully stretched out, with her belly exposed.  As I gently rubbed Moll's belly her puppies responded to my touch.  For awhile now there has been  no doubt she is pregnant. But I am always blessed to feel the activity of healthy, unborn puppies underneath my hand. Molly comprehends fully what is occuring and is reacting accordingly.   The collage above of Molly must also include little Pippin who continues to desire to remain close.

When Molly was pregnant with Sassy, Julie crocheted a beautiful afgahn for John and I that matched the puppy blanket she had made for the new puppy she and Jim were anxiously awaiting.  Usually that afgahn is on the back of a couch and often shared with ATB, especially Rosie and Molly. I always love to wrap up in the warmth of it while negotiating for space on the couch. Our new flooring in the den and office is beautiful, and I love it. But for a pregnant momma dog, the missing warmth and softness of wall to wall carpeting plus loss of heat from the woodstove must be noticable. Molly does like to be nearby. 

The wicker dog bed is out in the puppy room so I tossed the afgahn down on the floor directly under my computer table.  Pippin noticed this right away and claimed the newly created space as her own. Typical Pippinator style. I called both Pippin and Molly to me.  Pippin surrendered the space. Molly rightfully took her place with confidence.  I then went back to putting information together for the pointing dog training day coming up, a fun day geared to learning about basic hunting dog training etc. Shortly after this I reached down to pat Miss Molly and by golly there was Pip - cuddled up right next to her. She really has bonded to Molly right now but I'm not sure at all if Pippin is pregnant, if so I think it's just one pup, she's very little!

Whelping Preparation
Starting with the "Whelping Supply" list, I am making sure we have everything on hand.  We keep a well stocked supply of all manner of items relative to dog care, first aid, veterinary items etc. but I pay particular attention when we have pups due.  We really only needed to replenish our cotton balls, alchohol, Pedialyte, and a couple of other things which John picked up today.  All the linen involved is being laundered and disinfected.  I think the only thing I really need is a box of surgical gloves.  We put fresh batteries in the digital ear thermometer which, by the way, I HATE using to take a dogs temperature.  When I compare the digital ear thermometer to the glass veterinary thermometer it is always off by a few degrees. I don't feel it's accurate and no vet I know has ever suggested it over the glass type.  I did order several glass thermometers through Revival Vet Supply at a really good price.  They are difficult to find locally unless you go somewhere like a feed and grain farm store but they may cost more.  The reason I use it though is because Miss Persnickety Molly really does not cooperate with a thermometer in the other end.  She doesn't like having the digital ear one either but it is one or the other so we choose, for your highness, the less invasive of the two. 

John came back from the grocery store with things from our list.  There are now enough ingredients for me to make a large quantity of our "Nursing Mother's Pudding."  A few readers have written to ask for the recipe and I'm sorry I have not yet provided it.  Basically it is a recipe for vanilla pudding made from scratch with extra egg yolks and corn syrup added to replace the sugar.  Yogurt is a staple here for all of our dogs and is added to their diet daily.  Cottage cheese is sometimes added to a nursing mother's diet.  In the past we have routinely supplemented the calcium in our mother's diet however recent studies indicate that is best done shortly before, during, and after whelping.  Otherwise the calcium reserves in the mother are overwhelmed and basically will shut down when they are most needed.. Mom's in whelp need to be able to have forceful contractions and too much calcium in their system is conterproductive. 

Additionally, oxytocin (a naturally produced hormone) works together with the calcium in their body towards a better delivery.  Some breeders will routinely inject their girls with oxytocin (give a pit shot) during labor to speed things along. My experience and understanding indicate this is dangerous to do without a vet on standby. In the event of dystocia (prolonged and dangerous labor) a pups presentation could be complicating the delivery such as blocking the way for other pups yet to come down etc. To indiscriminately administer a pit shot just for the sake of speeding things up could cause the death of some pups and even mom.  Ultimately though, it is beneficial for experienced breeders to obtain a prescription for oxytocin and have on hand.  We've never used this but have relied  instead on the very natural act of the just born pup nursing on it's mother which most of the time is adequate to bring about another contraction.

Empty quart size mason jars are lined up on the counter.  This week I will cook off some natural whole grain wild rice and also boil off some chicken and liver. The boiled meats will be separated from the broth it was cooked in.  The rice will then be added to the broth.  All of this will then be packed into the jars and kept in the refridgerator. Sounds lovely doesn't it!?  This will be fed to Molly as needed and rotated with the nursing mother's pudding. 

In respect to the obvious discomfort Molly Rose is experiencing due to her ever expanding abdomen she will be fed @ 5 small meals a day. To feed her less frequently would be to offer her a larger quantity of food than she can handle comfortably.  It's also easier to regulate her appetite highs and lows if applicable. John and I do not feel any of this is inconvenient.  To considerately care for a mother dog who is approaching her delivery date is to be responsible and accountable to her.  We love Molly. We bred her. She is pregnant because we made that decision for her.  She is more than deserving of the very best of the best we have to give her including all of our love.  In the days ahead all of this will become more relevant and important as we all move, emotionally and physically, into the actual preparation of the arrival of Molly and Scooby's puppies.

Why PURPOSE Driven?
Looking back in the archives I found the October 2010 post which once again refers to the J & A's Brittanys purpose driving breeding program. I was reminded of the reason why we do refer to it as “purpose driven”.

We became aware of the term through the ministry of Reverend Rick Warren .  He is recognized especially for his best selling book entitled “The Purpose Driven Life.” Being familiar with Pastor Ricks teachings I gave the book to our son as a gift several years ago. The book did have a very powerful impact on our son's life who is preparing for full time ministry and may pastor his own church later this year.

I began to use "purpose driven’ frequently when communicating with state legislators and other groups regarding laws of interest to responsible dog owners and breeders. I have often used it in written and public testimony in an attempt to better legally define the purposes of multiple dog owners. Unfortunately, despite the attempts made by many to persuade the legislature to implement this term, we failed in our efforts. A new law was passed in 2009 which defines multiple dog owners by the number of animals owned, how many of them are intact and how many pups are sold. License fees were increased and in some instances, doubled. When John or I refer to our breeding program as ‘purpose driven’ we know the story behind the story.  Literally. To see other breeders use the term is encouraging!  Raising engineering and philosophical standards for all breeders is a good thing.  In the case of indiscriminate emulation I'll just remember that imitation is a form of flattery. What matters is that breeders work together instead of against each other. I fully believe that to every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.  It's a GOD THING, which is aways, a very, very good thing!

As always take care and God bless you. Thank you so much for your interest...
John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

Molly / Announcing ATB's Newest AKC Junior Hunter !!

It's all I've talked about all weekend so it probably comes as no surprise but John and I are very proud to announce our newest AKC Junior Hunter!  Yes indeed, True finished up with style at the Central New England Brittany Club with John handling him. And now, finally, it's time for a little playing in the ring again with True who has physically matured into quite a handsome boy.

I'm also so happy, proud, pleased and thrilled all at the same time because today Bullet got what he deserved - his first set of qualifying scores towards his own JH title. Julie was overjoyed at seeing her boy after being away for a week and the feeling was mutual.  I am especially proud of my wonderful husband who has now handled 2 of our Brittanys to finish their AKC JH title. And it looks like he has his sights on a couple of more including Bullet and then on to the Senior Hunter level.  I am also very happy for Sam and Pam because Sam finished pretty Paris today too.  She has titles now in all the right places and I know they have been anxiously waiting for this day!!! 

Note: For more complete information on AKC's Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds CLICK HERE.

I've been asked for information regarding additional tests coming up in the near future in the New England area and will be putting that information shortly. Another way to find it is by going to the AKC website and doing an EVENT SEARCH and using the drop down menu indicate the type of search. Click on the states you want to search through etc. All the information will be there regarding the club and how to contact them.  Make sure it is a Pointing breed hunt test (Brittanys) and not a test for retrievers or another kind of  hunting dog. 

Good Golly Miss Molly - you are HUGE!
Molly Rose - 12 days to go.  She is huge and uncomfortable but very happy.  This is when I have to really keep an eye on her when she goes outdoors.  Molly likes to find places to 'nest' outdoors and with her being a little on the independent side this could cause problems, especially when she thinks it's fun to get tucked in under the tree branches. Julie presented us with the first crocheted puppy blanket for Molly and Scoobys litter today as well as two gifts for the puppy room.  Love you to pieces Julie, and hope you're feeling much much better. I got to sneak a peak at my Sassy girl today when Bullet was picked up and she had a good flyball weekend.  Molly and Pippin had to stay away from the dogs when they came back from the hunt tests and from flyball; they also could not visit with Julie and her friends.  It's too close to whelping and our 'quarantine' is in effect for the time being.

Enjoyed my phone conversation with Dawn today. She emailed me photos of Morgen to see what I thought.  And after looking at the photos I don't think - I KNOW that Morgen is very very pregnant!  She is due in between Molly and Pippin.  Also very happy for Dawn as she handled Jake (Morgens son) to Winners Dog today for another point towards his championship.  I'm almost as excited about her breeding program as I am about ours! 

Key word tonight: Tired... tired... tired     I am feeling the effects of the extra workload in John's absence that's for sure.  A few years ago I could do it all without issue - that has all changed.   And speaking of tired, the sounds coming from the other room in front of the television indicate I'm not alone in that! I'm supposed to be sending out information about the program for Saturday's Pointing Breed Training Day - well I did get the information sent out to one of the clubs, I think I will have to wait until tomorow to do the rest.

I can never, ever fully express how much it means to me to know so many of you follow this ATB blog on a daily basis.  John and I really appreciate it. I also love seeing the networking that occurs between quite a few of you.  I have the ability to open this up for others to also author blog posts. If it's something you'd like to do, keeping with the overall 'voice' of the blog - just let me know.  Otherwise you are going to have to be stuck with me!  Take care and God Bless you and yours always - John, Ann, and ATB

Sunday A.M. - Quick Note!

Yesterday True earned his 3rd (out of 4) set of qualifying scores towards his title of AKC Junior Hunter. I am very proud of my True puppy and who knows, maybe today will be the day he finishes! If so, he will be our 4th titled AKC Junior Hunter which John and I have bred ourselves (Jack, Roxie, Bailey are all JHs already. Nash needs 1 more set of qualifying scores. Buddy and Piper each need 3 sets.) I'm not exactly sure what True's scores were but I did hear there were 10's involved. Bullet was tested yesterday and John really was happy with him. His scores did not qualify him but that is the beauty of the tests; there is no winning or losing involved, your hunting dog is scored against a written standard. True had a good run in the Open Derby stake but did not place. From most of the reports I have heard everyone had a really good time at the field events and the happy hour at the clubhouse. Although I have yet to see a complete listing of official results from Saturday, congratulations are in order for all those who placed, qualified, and/or won in their respective test or trial. It was neat to hear Marilyn and Roger in the background the first time John called home ! John invited them to walk the course while True was being tested and they had a good time. (Their family, among several others are looking forward to the arrival of Scooby and Molly's pups, due @ the end of next week.) Speaking of Bullet, he has been a perfect house guest here this week but I do know Julie has really missed him and he has missed her. She is ringside at a flyball tournament this weekend while Sassy's flyball team races. Anyhow! I am glad that John is happy with what he saw in True and Bullet yesterday in the field. I can't wait until they are all home again though! ATB is not the same today but usually I am the one heading out for a weekend. The difference is when I return usually John has done something amazingly special in my absence. About the best I can offer upon his return are open arms, a pot of home baked beans, sparkling clean windows, and very happy dogs! Oh... especially Rose who enjoyed quite the romp outside of the fence, down through the woods and back again, across our neighbors side field, and finally walking through the front gate.

Take care and God Bless you and as always, thanks for your ongoing interest in ATB!

John, Ann, and our canine crew

Reflections

PATIENT REFLECTIONS
Having a quiet morning provides me with an opportunity to be still, collect my thoughts, and really focus on this year so far. I will soon discover the best way to balance my time this spring especially in regards to Molly and Pippin. I always listened to other reputable, experienced, and responsible breeders talk about their puppy rooms and thought how wonderful it might be to have a separate area, used exclusively for that purpose. What John created and built last fall truly exceeded my expectations and I know he intends to continue in the garage. I am trusting John for the logistics of the layout in the puppy room. Each time I have asked he implies he has everything under control and I believe him and know it will be perfect. We are experienced with having litters born within close range of each other. It is often intentional, depending upon the time of year. For a long time we did not want to have 'winter' puppies but now I have found it's a delightful time for many reasons. Yet I love having spring and summer pups because they get to experience all the joys of discovering the great outdoors. I have a portacrib which is used just for pups. When the weather is warm enough I will take the pups outside for an airing at a very early age which they love. Speaking of experience, we do have the benefit of Molly's in regards to knowing she is a wonderful mother and somewhat predictable in her special needs, needs which in the beginning she prefers John to take care of. I totally get that. When Molly had her first litter of pups it had been 13 years since we'd had a litter of Brittany pups. I think my nervousness showed. John was working through an outage at Seabrook and away about 70 hours a week. Molly's pups were born in the house. Molly being a first time mother and me trying to make sure everything was right simply added up to stress in both of us. She soon made it known her pups were off base to me for a few days as far as she was concerned. It's not uncommon for a mother dog to react that way. Interestingly enough it was not that way with John and Molly; she's always been daddy's girl anyway. So the benefit of Molly's experience and knowing what to expect is of great value to me. Molly permits me to be present when she's in labor but keeps a guarded eye on me. I learned by reading the book Julie bought for me, "Calming Signals for Dogs," exactly how to respond to her glances. I will not look her in the eye but off to the side, a behavior Molly will mirror. I will also go through the motion of yawning, which very often she will repeat. These behaviors are actually signals a dog will use to first calm themself, and then either other dogs or perhaps humans around them. Of course the human has to be aware of the communication. If you ever observe a dog licking it's lips this too is a calming signal. So, it's something I will do in this situation with Molly. I do routinely practice calming signals with all of our Brittanys. The signals are especially helpful with Molly as I know she wants me to be with her, but on her terms. I respect the terms of a mother dog in labor and I also respect the manner in which they respond after pups are born. One reason I prefer having a separate area for whelping and nursing pups is a mother dog can become easily torn between wanting to stay with her pups and wanting to spend time with her owner. This in itself can be stressful for momma dog. There's plenty of time for momma and pups to enjoy being part of the daily household activities of our home but in the beginning it's important for the emphasis to be on establishing the mother/puppy bond and affording them the privacy to do this under our watchful eye and care.

As our desire to continue on as hobby breeders has grown for all the right reasons, we have continued to build upon and improve the way we manage ATB. Some of this is further shared in this pdf from the Maine Brittany Site . The shed which John built shortly after moving here was first transformed into a small dog house using Mason kennel fencing. With washable surfaces, magnetic dog doors, heat, electricity and access to water it soon became a pleasant place for our dogs as well as for us to hangout. The dogs all have easy indoor/outdoor access and their rooms inside are ample. Some of our ideas for outdoor runs came from other breeders including the use of patio pavers for the outside. In our decisions to add to our Brittany family additions to our dog house continued. A pellet stove was added, a couch, and a t.v. There is no end to John's creativity in this regard. Eventually we used one part of our small shed/dog house just for pups. And this worked out well. Eventually concrete was poured to replace the patio pavers and a tin roof installed over the outdoor runs to provide shelter. Whenever there were pups we provided a half grass/half gravel based, covered puppy pen. ANY type of outdoor pen used for young pups MUST have a covering over it - otherwise hawks can easily swoop down and capture a young pup. Anyway our modifications have been simple but practical and always with the care and well being of our multiple dog family uppermost in our mind. There's a multitude of kennel designs and materials and plenty of books on the subject. For me though, being married to a man who loves to use his hands to create and build based on ideas and thoughts flowing in his head, I enjoy being wonderfully surprised from time to time! You can have the Tajmahal of kennel buildings or you can have the simplicity of 'the dog house'. At one time we connected 2 small chain link kennel kits together with a dog house inside of each. It worked allright but just not for me, and John knew that!

BASIC ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Although I am home most of the time, when away - I want to have a safe place for the dogs to be able to move about, go to the bathroom when they need to, and to be happy. I will crate dogs inside of the house in our absence for short periods of time. I will also crate dogs inside of the house when I am at home. Up until the time Molly came into our home I had no concept of the benefit and humane application of crate training for dogs. Multiple dog owners have an added responsibility to their dogs. They MUST understand the importance of one on one time with each dog that is part of their canine family pack. For me that translates to balance those times of having a houseful of dogs happily running to and fro at the same time between those times of quiet, one on one times of belly rubs, grooming and cuddling up together. Dogs do settle into an heirarchy within a pack but Brittanys are not pack animals. They are dogs who love being involved with their family. But I have experienced the reality of offering our multiple dog family opportunities to develop individually and uniquely. I have learned so much about dog behavior, temperament, personality, adaptability through the interactions here at ATB. I find no benefit in allowing a home to be taken over by dogs entirely and I think that perhaps is where individuals are in danger emotionally in regards to dog ownership. There needs to be balance. And John and I have found this balance can continually be improved upon. Our home is not our kennel. Even so, there is dog hair on the furniture and nose/paw prints on most of the windows and doors. There are bones and toys scattered about and there is a full line of dog dishes in the kitchen. Our Brittany dogs are accepted, loved, and very welcomed in our home all the time.  But having all of them in the house all of the time is not realisitic. Likewise, our kennel/dog house is not our home but we spend time there with our dogs who are kenneled. And indeed there are times when all of the dogs are kenneled at the same time in their individual inside/outside pen and/or sometimes paired up together. When I say 'all for the love of the dog both given and received', I mean ALL for the love of the dog both given and received! 
Take care and God bless and as always, we appreciate your interest in ATB!  John, Ann and our canine crew

Molly DAY 49: Reminiscing

Timberdoodle & Molly Rose

It is quite possible that two weeks from tonight we will be sharing the good news about the arrival of Molly and Scooby's puppies - or close to it.   (I think I just heard the sound of a few heartbeats suddenly grow louder as there seemed to be a sudden brightness as well.)  Brook May's 10th birthday is April 21st.  Will Molly bless this special date as surely as Treasure blessed Nova's 11th birthday?  God only knows! 

Each day Molly is growing more uncomfortable.  She is seeking the solace of the space underneath our bed and in the evenings, she is snuggling up under the covers and keeping John's feet warm.  In just a few days we will begin to take her temperature on a daily basis to establish a base number as her due date approaches.  This is probably the single most reliable sign to determine the approach of labor.  A dog's average temperature is @101.3.   As whelping approaches the temperature fluctuates for a few days between 100 and 101.  The difference may not appear to be very significant from one number to the next but each nth of a degree holds great value to the breeder who is closely monitoring their valuable animal carefully. There are very clinical aspects to whelping a litter, some which I often deliberately avoid blogging about because for me - bringing a healthy new litter of Brittany puppies into the world is at once spiritual and physical all at the same time.  Let it be known, I am about to enter that 'place' with Molly that I go to whenever a much loved Brittany is about to bring new puppies into the world. And as that moment approaches, life at All Things Brittany will indeed reflect the anticipation of what is about to occur.  Life will go on here of course and mostly due to my wonderful husband and helpmate who ALWAYS keeps things running smoothly.  Running smoothly means, among other things, that our entire canine crew gets the full attention, love, care, exercise, and opportunities that keep them well balanced and all that they deserve.  

This journey we are taking together may appear to some to be 'just another litter of puppies'.  Absolutely NOTHING could be further from the truth.  Such a casual approach has no place here in my heart or in our lives.  Banish the thought and realize there are often reasons for me to feel extremely proud as well as protective of All Things Brittany. As I consider these things along with another gazillion random thoughts that flit in and out of my head, I need to remember how important, how special, how planned these puppies are. I am reminded of this through the collage which I created earlier this evening.  I was going to post a lovely photo of Dawn kissing Miss Pippin on the nose at a recent show.  But I thought no, there will be time enough to bring Pippin's anticipated pregnancy alongside the story of Molly & Scoobys puppies.

When Timberdoodle came into our lives we were at the very beginning of re-establishing what we had started back in 1990.  Molly was here to welcome him into our home and we began (again) to be a multiple dog family.  Molly was less than thrilled in the beginning.  When the prima dona HAD to be seen with Timber she made sure to communicate to us that it really was below her dignity to play with a little liver and white male Brittany puppy.  The collage above reveals all including how, when no one was really looking - she actually enjoyed playing with Timberdoodle.  They were very good buds and as he matured and grew into a finely tuned athlete, she and Timber enjoyed each others company. 

Molly matured into a beautiful Brittany in her own right.  She is highly intelligent and beautiful, playful but also somewhat independent and aloof.  Molly's best friend is her daughter Rose.  Molly has grown up with our grandchildren and as all of our Brittanys here, is very kind and gentle to them.  She is a wonderful hunter but very soft and this is important to remember when in the field with her. A stern, raised tone of voice is not going to cut it for this girl - but letting her know how pleased you are with her and she'll give you 100%.  This can make for some battle of wits at times.  Ask any owner of one of Molly's pups and they will tell you the same. 

Scooby is fun loving, happy go lucky and he really is a mommas boy.  Scooby handles so well for me but not so much for John all the time.  I look at Scooby and I see his father in his eyes.  I see his mother Wish in his hunting ability.  I see both of them in his personality.  I look at Scooby and Molly and can only envision what amazingly intelligent, outstanding hunters, and beautiful Brittanys they will produce. The words I use to describe our Brittanys are reflections of the relationship I share with them.  I do hold them up to the AKC Brittany Standard with it's time honored qualifications which are intended to depict a perfectly conformed, structured Brittany dog.  Being breeders who are primarily focused on gun dogs for the walking upland game hunter - it is important to us that the size and structure will support a dog who physically is capable to hunt all day.  But to describe Molly and to describe Scooby as the date of their pups arrival approaches is to describe a family member.  It's just the way it is. 

Right now there are several families preparing their hearts and homes for Scooby and Molly's pups.  I am always amazed at how our lives cross, how life's circumstances and Gods design work together for John and I when we plan for pups. It's not something we can take for granted anymore.  And in itself, I seriously feel there is a story to be told that bypasses all of my comprehension and understanding. 

A person's belief system is often a private and personal part of their life, and I respect that.  I also know I don't need to spiritualize each and every aspect of my own life.  Yet I do not know how to live one day of my life without giving God thanks for it.  I cannot separate the reality of my day to day life with John, our family, friends from the reality of God being in control.  Most of the time - it's just not right out there in a preachy, obvious, religious way. (I hate the term religious...)  But ALL of the time, it's in my heart, my mind, my soul, my thoughts... it's just the way it is.  I am so able to share this information without fear of ridicule - there is such a freedom in being real and transparent.  Although friends who know me best also have the freedom to remind me often that my halo is tarnished and crooked.  And I need to remind them how grateful I am that they can see me at my absolute worst and yet they still love me.  Again, there is a freedom in friendship at this level.  There is no competition, no jealousy, no need to lie or stretch the imagination, no need to impress, no need to manipulate, no need to be someone I'm not. So - let's simply share the joy and anticipation together of these next few weeks and months, shall we?  The puppy cave is about to inhabited again... !

Take care and God bless you and yours always... John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

PS I just updated text on the home page on the Maine Brittany Site and also added a new gun dogs page too.  I do need to fix Stars horn hunting photo, I think that is actually Nash in the picture.  I also need to add Matt's hunting pictures of him and Rudy in New York State.  Reminds me how Rudy flew home in his owners private jet when they picked him up - he's Sassy's full brother. 

Molly & Pippin

If you read yesterday's blog "April News" then the above collage will make sense to you!  I just wanted to catch some very candid poses of Pippin and Molly together as they continue to grow closer with each passing day.  Anyone who really knows the personality of these two girls will understand the signifigance of what is developing.  Does this behavior mean that Pippin is pregnant?  If so, is there some kind of maternal bond of understanding between them?  And if so, just what will the extent of this be?  Molly is a well experienced Brittany mother, one who requires the most utmost respect and dignity (privacy) as her due date approaches.  This will certainly be provided to her.  Pippin on the other hand has no experience at all but as a singleton (a litter of 1) she was always extremely attached to her own mother, Chrissy. It was interesting though that she grew to be quite an independent girl.  Anthropomorphizing is attributing human characteristics to animals and I am not supportive of that particular philosophy in most situations.  But I just can't find a way to describe what's going on between these two.  Maybe it is because Molly and her daughter Rose are not together to the extent they usually are. Perhaps it is due to having a 'house guest' with Bullet visiting.  Maybe it is because of Treasure's indifference to Pippin and Molly which is understandable.  In a nutshell, I really don't know.  But what I do know is Molly and Pippin both are becoming very appreciative of belly rubs, they each are desiring (and deserving!) of extra special times of cuddling and loving of which there is never a shortage here for any of our crew.  Molly, who is usually a very picky eater suddenly wants to eat everything in sight!  She's never been one to attempt to counter surf but this past week I have caught her in the act several times.  Pippin, who is always a chow hound has now for two days in a row left food in her dish.

I found a sweet photograph taken several years ago during the winter when Timber was just a pup.  Molly and Timber were walking outside in the path which John had just made with the snowblower.  Actually, the picture is included in the video "Brittany Inspirations" which is listed on our video page at the Maine Brittany Site.  We bought Timber with the hope that we would eventually breed the two together for a particular purpose we had in mind.  It was not meant to be, however now we have taken that hope one step further as Scooby is the sire of Molly's anticipated pups.  I've mentioned recently that I'm reliving the timeframe of the sadness surrounding Timber's death even as I type.  It's hard.  But so many ATB friends and family are truly carrying me through this with your prayers and encouraging words.  I'm not dwelling on it but there is no way I can anticipate the arrival of these Brittany pups without a deeper meaning enveloping me.  Yet it is not about me at all.  Right now it is all about Molly.

A reader wrote and asked me my plans for Molly when she 'retired' from motherhood and you can read my comments off to the side. Its a good question, one that dog breeders are often asked.  Miss Molly Rose will remain with us for the rest of her life which I hope is a very long long time.  There are times when, for all the right reasons, breeders may choose to place Brittanys they love and/or have bred with a family looking for an older dog.  Some will do that routinely in order to comply with the Maine animal welfare laws which license breeders based on the number of intact animals owned.  Each situation is unique though in its own right.  But as for Molly?  She'll be right here along with her daughter Rose and the rest of our Brittany crew for many years to come.

True, Piper, and Bullet have all been entered in hunt tests this coming weekend.  True has also been entered in a field trial.  I cannot express fully how much this means to me but you can bet this will be further elaborated upon after the weekend.

Well, it is late and John just came through to see when I was coming to bed.  I think that means I am going to bed right now LOL!  I look forward to keeping you updated on the developments here. We'll be sending out a new updated waiting list which I think will put some more smiles on some faces for sure.  I can't believe that we are looking at fall 2012 - but it is awesome and humbling to know you think so highly of our Brittanys that you are willing to wait.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  To all of you who read this and to those who share your lives with us as surely as we share ours with you - take care and God bless until next time - John, Ann and All things Brittany

April News at ATB

Top: Bullet & Julie with his recent Best Gun Dog in Breed win

(Photo courtesy of owner Julie Harris)

Bottom left:  Bailey new AKC Junior Hunter with perfect score of all 10's

(photo courtesy of owner Dawn Hill)

Bottom Right:  Remi pointing wildbirds over in New Hampshire

(Photo courtesy of owner Bob Poulin)

These three 2 1/2 year old J & A's Brittanys above are from the same litter, sired by our Jack and Chrissy. 

Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for sharing your pride and joy with us!

Homecomings, reunions, visits with friends, family times, and awesome Brittany dogs!



We have been so incredibly busy here at ATB !  But it's all a good kind of busy. All of the dogs are enjoying frequent trips afield with John and Sam.   They are esepecially focused on getting ready for upcoming hunt tests and who knows, maybe even a field trial. The important thing is that the dogs are finally getting the amount of exercise they should have on a regular basis. I love tagging along too because where the dogs are worked affords a good view for me to really watch them in action.  This week we have a houseguest as Bullet is here in anticipation of John handling him in his first hunt test.  It's all 'maybe' at this point but so far so good!  We have Miss Piper back from down south and we had such a happy reunion.  She has not grown a lot but has matured beautifuly and is still very bouncy, happy, outgoing and ready to run as far and as fast as her legs will carry her.  It was a very happy reunion when John brought her home yesterday.

The collage above includes a happy Piper and John as well as pictures of all of the owners of Treasure and Gibsons pups.  I had wanted to put them up previously as I attempted to work into the "Happiness Is" theme... but sometimes it is just not possible to keep this blog as up to date as I would like to do.  All of the pups are doing well in their new homes and it's fun to get updates and pictures.  Some of this occurs on our ATB Facebook page which further makes staying in touch a lot of fun for all!  You'll see a few field pictures of Remi (aka as BBB) working on wild birds last week in NH.  Also in the collage are a few photos of Riley and his owner.  Riley is out of Treasure and Gibsons first litter in 2009.  John and I met up with Julie, Pam, and Sam and Riley's owners Tiffany and Denis at the recent Maine Sportsmens Show.  Denis is a taxidermist and some of his award winning work was on display there.  Riley was the perfect ambassador for the breed as he visited and socialized with the hundreds of people who attended the show.  I was very surprised to bump into none other than our son and his children! We all enjoyed watching the Yankee Chapter NAVHDA training demo at the show and our oldest granddaughter was invited to particpate on the stage during the presentation. Blaine and Patti always put on a good show, plus I never tired of hearing compliments from Blaine about our Brittanys LOL!  (Our son had brought antlers up to be 'scored'  officially according to the Boone & Crockett club.  I will have to write about that separately because I would probably not get the information right - suffice to say they scored well.)  We ran into a lot of friends there and saw folks we really only get to visit with once a year at the show.  At the end of the day we relaxed over dinner at a nearby Olive Garden.  Julie had brought Bullet with her so that John and I could bring him home to see if he's ready for a hunting test at the junior level.  I know that was hard for her to release him into our care for a whole bunch of reasons. But we love Bullet and he's enjoying himself.  He did really well his first day out; pictures of that outing are also included in the collage above.  

Molly Rose is quickly approaching her 7th week of pregnancy. Now that just doesn't sound possible, does it?  Here we are waiting to confirm whether or not she is going to have pups and suddenly, the calendar and her appearance say puppies are well on the way!  Molly is simply being Molly, she looks wonderful but it's easy to see she is beginning to feel some discomfort as the pups develop within. I am watching an interesting behavior develop between Molly and Pippin.  (As you may remember, Pippin was bred to Chevy last month.) Whenever Molly has been pregnant she especially has enjoyed lying underneath our end tables.  She does normally like to lay under the coffee table, bed, and rocking chair. But it only when she's been pregnant she seems to prefer the end table.  Pippin on the other hand is unlikely to lay under anything.  But last week she decided that it was time to discover why the end table was so intriguing to Molly and sure enough, I saw her head peaking out and she really did look quite funny! She's a Brittany with real attitude that always shows in her expressions, which are most often a look of utter disgust.  That moment came and went.  Yesterday John and I were sitting in the den and he motioned for me to look at Pippin and Molly.  I slowly moved so that I could see what he was talking about.  Underneath the end table, the two of them were cuddled up next to each other with Molly clearly blocking Pippin in so that only her head could be seen. But it was if Pippin was cuddled up next to Molly. Now THIS is strange and unusual behavior for BOTH of these girls!  John and I laughed to the point where the girls seem to understand they were the subject of our amusement and both came out from under the end table.  If you've visited us here, you know the end tables are small and square, not a lot of room underneath them.  Another interesting behavior in regards to wondering whether or not Pippin is pregnant or not (we are CERTAIN Molly is).  When Pippin's mother Chrissy was pregnant, our other girls always seemed a little overly interested in the particular scent of Chris. In other words, excessive sniffing of her private area. Sure it's common for dogs to sniff out each other, it's a social thing, but when you have a multiple dog family they do not tend to obsess about it. Pippin, like her mother before her, is also now the object of excessive sniffing from the girls.  Time will tell.

I'm really pleased with those who have found their way to ATB and are anticipating a pup from Scooby's first litter and from Molly's last.  It's always so enjoyable to get to know new people, for the timing to be right and for the needs to be met for both the excited new puppy owner to be, and for the anticipated pup as well.  I enjoy spending time emailing, visiting, talking on the phone and sharing all the updates.  Remember, this is the time to be reading the 'Art of Raising Puppies' book and if you're planning to hunt with your pup, also "Tarrant Trains Gundogs"!  Required ATB reading, thank you.

This year is unusual in that our breeding program led us to breed for 3 successive litters.  Although not the norm here, we have experienced this situation in the past.  John was still working full time and we certainly did not have the wonderful new area dedicated to whelping, raising, and socializing Brittany puppies in the best sense of the word.  We have had pups born in the house before and it has worked out well.  Even so, we find it to be not only enjoyable but also practical to extend our home environment to include our very own 'puppy cave'.  Our puppies are included in our daily activities, entertain visitors, and experience normal household living in many ways. They are safe, warm, clean, monitored, handled, and the results speak for themself. 

John and I have decided to call Molly's litter the "Brook" litter.  You see, when you have 7 grandchildren and raise Brittanys chances are good that pups will eventually be born on one of their birthdays. Such as the case when Treasure's pups were born on the birthday of our oldest granddaughter - Nova.  Thus, the "Nova" litter and also one of the pups actually named "Nova." (Thanks Jim and Lori!)  Well believe it or not, Molly's due date is on the birthday of our next to the oldest granddaughter - Brook.  John and Brook were going over 'their'  list of possible nicknames the other day. We are also keeping with a "Scooby Doo" theme so stay tuned - this is going to be interesting!

Speaking of grandchildren I received a very sweet phone call yesterday from our youngest grandaughter. She called to tell me she would like to come up and bake some cookies with me, we have not that together for quite awhile.  I think I shall clear my calendar for what could possibly be more important than baking cookies with my daughters, daughter?  No dog show, no hunt test, no litter of pups, nothing... The big decision will be 'sparkle' cookies, M & M cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or oatmeal?  Maybe...all of them.  As always thank you for your interest!  Take care and God Bless you all,  John, Ann and ATB

Honoring - Naturally !

Jack Honors True's Find - A real "AHA" moment for me!
(Click to see larger image of this quail in between the two boys)

We knew there was one bird to find but we (the people) had no idea where it was. True approached me for a brief meet and greet when suddenly he stopped on a dime in the dirt, so much so that he actually kicked dirt up - it reminded me of a kid sliding into home base at a little league game, no exageration here. I yelled to John that True was on point and at about that moment Jack came up through the other side of brush and he too slammed solid. And I had chills, honest to God, I did. I couldn't see any darn bird, but I knew that there had to be one that these two boys do not mess around. John yelled at me "can you see it?" Well no I couldn't, I didn't have my glasses on so how could I see 'it' -it being the bird. Then I guess he could see it because he said "I see it" it's between them. Between them? Between them where!? Oh! MY!!! YES !! I SEE IT! And then I said "WAIT! Let me get my camera" all the time hoping the dogs wouldn't move so I could capture this Kodak moment in the lives of these two Brittany dogs! So Jack honored True nicely and neither one of them could see this bird but every fiber in their being told them it was there. And I have the picture to prove it.

Having a pair of well-trained dogs hunting together is of great importance for many reasons. The way your dog reacts to another dog on point can be a delicate matter when there are other hunters involved. In a field trial if your dog steals the point of another dog, it's an immedieate pick up, or in other words - you are done for the day! When out with a friend hunting, stealing point may also mean the birds get busted with no one getting into position for a shot at the bird or the birds. Stuff happens. This is a good argument though for not hunting an untrained dog with one that is trained. Anyway - there's moments I'll remember all my life in regards to training and hunting with our Brittanys. This most definitely is going to remain in my top 3 !!

Rose, Scooby, and Treasure were also with us. I'm not much of an assistant trainer these days but I enjoyed watching the dogs and John. I posted a bunch of photos on Facebook of the outing which really was amazing.  John begins by taking out a pair of dogs for a short run around the field to let them stretch their legs.  Then he takes them one by one for birdwork, just keeping it simple and easy with little pressure.  He does like to fire over each dog that points a bird that gets flushed. But it's not worth it to put pressure on them so early in the season, it can have some negative effects on them in the long run.  I appreciate his manner with the dogs, recognizing the unique personality of each one. For instance, Scooby definitely is being goofy.  One day he's on, the next day he's off on another planet but what good does it do to push him? We know what he has and what he is capable of based on our experiences with him in the past. Treasure has really come fully back into her own and John's considering her participation in upcoming AKC Hunt Tests.  On the other hand, Jack isn't likely to get away with ANYTHING that does not measure up to ones expectation of a finished gundog.  True, is at the same level of performance as Uncle Jack, yet due toTrues young age John's expecations of him are not as strong as they are for Jack.  Even so, it is a thing of beauty to watch True and Jack work together, and it simply amazes me.  And here I am counting the days until Jacks daughter Piper returns, looking forward to seeing how much she's grown and holding her in my arms again - for about 2 seconds before she's OFF! 

Despite the fact that the local weather forecast calls for a major noreaster with 12" of snow predicted, I will remain firmly planted and solidly rooted in my belief SPRING HAS SPRUNG! This belief is supported in part due to the arrival of woodcock here at ATB. And speaking of which, I do have a story to tell about the woodcock population 'here'. Now I really have no empiracle evidence to prove that what I am about to say is true other than I'm telling you the truth. And as I weave this little tale it will be clear to those familiar with the nature of this gamebird I do not know much about them, other than my own personal and limited experience.
Every year since we moved here there has been 1 sole woodcock make ATB it's home. It was discovered quite accidently when Molly Rose was a year old. As she has very particular (peculiar?) bathroom habits in the woods one must exercise patience while she finds the most perfect spot for her needs. Usually this involves fallen leaves at the edge of wherever she happens to be. I had seen few woodcock in my life. Okay, I'll be even more transparent - I had NEVER seen woodcock up close and personal, only pheasant and grouse (partridge). I grew up with the ocean just down the street from my house and was more familiar with seabirds. This means I was very familiar with the Sandpiper. So I'm out in the yard waiting for Molly to "go" and suddenly her countenance changed completely as she leaned forward, brought a foot up, and demonstrated a very pretty Molly-esque type point. But on what?! She didn't move as I play-whoaed her and approached from the side and then the front. Suddenly I saw what I thought was a Sandpiper, but only briefly. It took flight and made what I thought was a really cool sound. It was all pretty exciting to both Molly and me and I went up to the house to tell John. Tired from a long day at work, plus the long commute home it was clear he wasn't as excited about it as I was and certainly didn't believe me that a sandpiper would be around here. And that was that. As our canine crew increased slowly but surely in numbers over the following years and my understanding of training bird dogs increased this phenomena would repeat itself every spring, in about the same location but with different dogs. When Timber was here I used to work him in a stand of pine trees in back of our house which have since been thinned out. It was wet and kind of boggy but offered a chance for me to develop some easy paths to walk while letting the dogs 'hunt'. He made the discovery too of this mysterious sandpiper (yes I know my ignorance is now gleaming brightly!). A couple of summers ago, when we cleared even more of our land and put the pond in, the dogs discovered a nesting Sandpiper. I learned to keep the dogs away from these areas because I really did eventually come to believe it was a resident woodcock. So very often the dogs would lock up, facing the neighbors property and I figured out the bird was staying around enough to play with the dogs. Do they do that? I dunno! Our homing pigeons will plague the dogs relentlessly sometimes, landing on the top of the outdoor kennel runs and walking on the tin roof. Well, now that a lot of the snow has melted down back the dogs are loving all the fresh, new scents of springtime. I've been watching them enjoy their longer running periods around our property which are complimented with their recent excursions to do some birdwork in local fields. I have noticed they have been drawn to that particular area where the "Sandpiper" has been discovered in past years. I said as much to John but he politely dismissed my theory. Yesterday, Pippin caught my eye with her very dramatic stance - talk about square. She stood solidly, frozen as a statue but was in an area I could not easily get to. I had my camera though and zoomed in to catch a shot of her. The moment came and went and it was soon time to bring the dogs back up and get them fed and settled. Later on, John came in and said "Guess what Jack just did and what I just saw when I was cleaning out in back of the garage?" So Jack gets the glory for something that I have known all along. That there is 1 woodcock, that comes back here year after year to find a place to nest and hatch a bird or two. This means of course there must be more than 1 of them around. And someday - I will get a picture of my Sandpiper-Woodcock. Actually, the Woodcock is related to the Sandpiper and to the Snipe and they all have similar characteristics. In the end - this is my story and I'm sticking to it.

And that's all she wrote!  Take care and God Bless and oh yes Molly is bigger.  John, Ann and ATB

Roses, Eagles, and Trees - oh my!

J & A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton & KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose

It will be his first and her last - a beginning and an end.  But one which has been anticipated for quite awhile, just waiting for the timing and circumstances to bring these two lines together for purposes known to John and I, and to many of you who are part of our ATB 'family'.   We also knew we would be looking for certain qualities in those who we would hope to get to know better, who would eventually welcome a Molly/Scooby pup into their lives, all for the love of the dog both given and received.  And God is faithful because once again it truly does feel as if it's all been in His hands as this new  journey now begins. as our sweet Molly Rose has shown us by her behavior and her appearance that she is most likely pregnant having been bred to Scooby in the middle of February.

This afternoon I called over to John who was holding Molly in his lap and said 'so what do you think, hon? Are you ready to confirm or not?"  And without hesitation John said "yes."  I'm never totally convinced until I actually feel the movement of pups about a week before the due date which coincides with the birthday of our next to the oldest grandaughter, April 21st.  But I am guessing that this post is making those smiles shine bright in places like Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Northern Maine!  Nothing is certain and there are no guarantees.  Molly is older and Scooby is not proven.  But we have every reason to remain positive and hopeful and so we shall do just that.  This is the sleepy, uneventful time while I watch one day and am certain that there are pups and the next day I doubt there are any at all.  But God does work in mysterious ways and He has worked hard to bring about perfect timing for this litter, indeed making it appear to be 'heaven sent'.  Stick around here long enough, you'll soon become a Believer if you're not already one. And THAT my friends, is a very good thing.

Take care and God bless you always,  John, Ann and All things Brittany!

An 8 Week Old Puppy

Article: An 8 Week Old Puppy

Dave Jones - Author

Caly (pronounced as cal - ee )

"She's only 8 weeks old, pointing and running bigger than you'd expect for the age! How can that be? Just the thought of her developing into a great gun dog is thrilling to me.  She conjures up old memories of what has been and what will be. What can I expect from this wonderful Brittany pup? Love, attention, quiet days afield and fireside memories. Memories of our 'oneness', of old friends, of days that pass too quickly.

A whole world is ahead for the tiny puppy. Imagine how this unguided creature would fair without my careful guidance? I have a huge responsibility that makes normal duties such as her safety and welfare pale in comparison. I shall take her afield and have pleasant memories with her. She will challenge me but I will know that in the end, we will merge...we will become a team. I shall endeavor to properly introduce my young charge with all that is good. I will hold her and comfort her when she becomes sick, injured and old - I know this will happen and I will be there. I will always be there for her. It is my job as her master to be there. I do not take this responsibility lightly.

Many breeders before me have taken this charge and carried it out dutifully. How many countless hours afield have her ancestors spent afield? Not to mention those 2 legged hunters who have logged lifetimes finding the perfect pup, breeding the best to the best.

I try to imagine way back in time, the time of wolves and prey. Wolves, true hunters who pursued game through wit and physical prowess. I marvel at how man harnessed this primal instinct and formed it into such a magnificent animal. We will offer one another mutual kinship. On days when she must remain behind, she will send me off with a wistful look in her eye. When I return home, she will greet me as if I truly am the king of the world. I must be royalty....watch how she worships me and loves me unconditionally. I have many faults but she will not know or care.

My new puppy thinks I am the bird god. I give her an exciting wing to attempt to catch in her early days. Watch the intensity on her face! She races to catch it but misses. Within a few flights of the wing, she instinctively begins to creep ever so slowly towards the twitching wing...then POUNCE, "Darn, missed again!" she must think. Now she slows even more and OH, how beautiful!...She has raised her tiny right front paw and paused in mid-step. Her ears are forward, head up and tail high! Why can't I make it last forever? I don't have my camera and even if I did, the picture wouldn't do justice to the moment.

I take my young prospect afield and make sure there are birds to be found. When no birds are found, she does not blame me. I think she regrets that she has somehow let me down. How can I communicate to her my shortcomings and inability to always take her to where there are birds? This is not 1000 years ago with abundant game, where all one needs is wit and power to catch dinner. We fool our young charge into thinking that we are the ones with wit.

Then, as suddenly as I daydreamed of her skills afield, I think ahead, just briefly, to the day when she will breathe her final breath. God, can we go together? Is there a way that we can at least continue this hunt, this friendship, in the everlasting? Why God, did you create such a magnificent creature that cannot live as long as humans? Am I selfish? I rue the day of her passing. I know I will weep for days, caring only for my own selfish feelings, feelings of having been left behind once again by yet another wonderful dog.

What does a Brittany feel that has lived a full and rewarding life with a devoted master? Are they like some humans who have lived full lives and are ready for the hereafter? I have contemplated what might be their last thoughts and always pray they slip peacefully away with no suffering. I wonder if they think "I have served my master well as he has served me. I would like to hunt just once more in my mind but my body says it's time to go. Thank you master."

"Live today like there's no tomorrow" some say. This is so true when speaking of a companion gun dog. I have books by my fireside that remind me of others great dogs but somehow, no stories compare with my own thoughts of what was and will be....I pale in comparison to real writers for if I were a real writer, I might be able to impart just one ounce of what I feel for my baby, an 8 week old Brittany that is already showing the fires of what will be...

Y'all take care and give your dog a fancy treat for me."

NOTE: Appreciation is extended once again to Dave Jones of Chief's Brittanys for permission to use this original piece written by him years ago with all his rights reserved.