Molly & Scooby's Pups - 6 weeks old!

And as promised earlier - here is the video of Molly and Scooby's pups outdoors this morning! Remember to pause the Playlist to the right - there is background music to this video - hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoy all the pups! (Once again, I've selected something from my favorite piano soloist, Jim Brickman, for background music - it's Zippity DooDah from his Disney Collection!)

Pippin & Chevy Pups: A 3 week old Glimpse

These were taken almost a week ago on 5/31/11. Just a few candids of Pippin and Chevy's pups at 3 weeks old. They have changed an awful lot in the past few days. We are going to introduce them to cereal this week and begin the weaning process. Pippin continues to be an outstanding mother. I'm trying to catch up with blog posts and photos this beautiful Sunday afternoon. The older pups were outdoors this morning for a couple of hours in the x-pen which was set up in the screen house I use at dog shows. Currently I'm creating a clip with pictures from that. John and I had a picnic lunch pondside this afternoon while all of ATB enjoyed a good time in the water. Sorry so brief... to be continued!!!!

June, already?

John's grandmother always had a unique way of looking at life. "Gramie John" was only a part of mine for a few years but I still remember things she said.  At the age of 80 something, she watched time pass by based upon what was planned for the future.  If it was January, perhaps it was a March birthday that she looked forward to.  If it was March, it could have been a planned trip down to John's parents home for the summer. If it was summer, maybe we would be looking forward to digging potatoes later in the growing season.  If it was fall, perhaps a visit from relatives to look forward to. And so on and so forth. 

Although I am a firm believer in living in the moment, enjoying it for all it's worth I also like to look ahead and see what is planned.  Sometimes watching the calendar makes time pass very quickly. Other times it causes things to drag on.  In my eyes, 2011 is passing very quickly!  Occupied (Pre-occupied?) with our 2011 purpose driven breeding program  since fall of 2010 my recent past has been defined by Brittany estrus cycles. (I wrote more about this definition in our April 12 blog.) Yesterday I turned the page over in our wall calendar to gaze upon the month of June and took a peek at July as well.  By the way and speaking of dates on calendars - usually the VERY FIRST dates to be written on a brand new calendar are the birthdates of our entire family. 

What I am seeing is the last of planned/scheduled visits with those new families who will become friends through the mutual love of our Brittanys and also very often through the love of God.  Some folks we have met several times, and some for the first time. There are those who may already have a Brittany pup from us, or from breeder friends.  Usually by the time we open our gated driveway to a potential new puppy owner, our heart has already opened to them as an individual.  John jokes frequently about 'my' methods for determining for sure whether a family is a perfect fit for our pups.  He likes to say he probably couldn't meet my criteria - but we all know that's simply not true for he more than meets my criteria as best friend, soulmate, love of a lifetime and husband going on 37 years together. I do respect what John is getting at and I respect that other people understand too.

While it is true that we did lose touch with the folks who bought pups from our first litter of Brittany pups back in 1990, we can still go to Greenville, Maine and the Moosehead Lake area and hear stories about Hunter's brother "Brit" - the pup that our son really did want to keep.  He was an amazing hunting partner for his owner, just like Hunter and his parents Cricket and Freckles were for us.  Flashing back in time, 1990 - John jr. a freshman in high school, Maryann in junior high, me working nights as a manager in a fabric store, and John at the power plant.  We did not have the time, opportunity, or resources to further pursue our desire concerning Brittanys but we always knew one day we would re-establish the program we started back then.  Flash forward to today - we are doing just that!

This month and into July our 2011 breeding program winds down.  One by one, a happy little Brittany puppy will run to greet their new owners as they come up the walkway.  The new owners will take their pups leash and the first day of the rest of their life will officially begin.  Our goodbyes are usually said long before the actual departure. It's better that way and it's why we like to have the new collar and leash on the pup.  There is something very significant about a new leash in the hands of a new owner.  Pup immediately seems to recognize the change in 'leadership'.  It is a good thing.  In most instances we prefer that every puppy enjoys it's own special time of hello and goodbye.  John and I have tried group puppy take homes and while it's kind of fun it can be hectic.  The take home visits are perhaps the briefest of all visits, but everyone will have been anticipating this for some time, we are all prepared and besides, it simply opens the door for a new friendship to continue and span the lifetime of the dog, if not longer.  As a breeder, we are there for all the stages of life of the dog and their owner.  Even for those dogs who did not originate here. It is always 'all for the love of the dog both given and received.'

So those of you who know me, realize this blog is maybe a little bit more about or for 'me'... yup.  I'm geting ready - again.  For that first day of the rest of their little lives to begin with several of 'you'.  You know the brave answers I give when asked 'is it hard to let go, to say goodbye'.   You also know what is going on when I turn my back and head back into the house as John watches to be sure the gate opens and closes safely.  And you also know just how much love, time, attention, devotion is being poured into these little ones each and every day. 

June, already?  Really?  And then... comes July shortly on it's heels.  In between now and then Molly's pups and Pippin's pups will be experiencing the first day of the rest of their lives.  A new day, with a new horizon for our Brittany pups will open up. One full of love and joy, some challenges and a few trials, but above all a lively happy and fun-filled life for these Brittany puppies.  Happy happy joy joy. Indeed!  It won't be quiet here and it won't be lonely.  But it will be - July.  WOW!  July is full of wonderful family, friends, and Brittany activity though.  Dare I peek at August yet?  Well Gramie John would probably advise me to do just that, to have something to look forward to.  But as I look around, count the many blessings in our life I think we're good.  In the meantime, pups are calling, another planet is heard from so until next time....Take care and God bless, John, Ann and ATB

5 week old Brittany Pups - Natural Instincts

Today was a perfect ending to the Memorial Day Weekend for John and I.  The reason?  We simply kicked back and relaxed.  This is no easy feat for John who in fact had started the tractor early in the morning with plans to do some yard work.  Knowing his back was bothering him, plus the fact that he has not slowed down for a couple of weeks (maybe longer) I very kindly but very seriously put my foot down and simply said - nope - you WILL take it easy today!  We worked around together to do the bare minimum of things that needed to get done and then turned our attention fully to the enjoyment of our entire canine crew. And they loved it!  It's been forever since all the crew has run together.  They have not all been here at the same time or there were hormonal issues, pups, etc.  I'm not leaving out Wish though - she'll be back here in the fall. Anyway - that was one of the first orders of the day, to just let mayhem erupt and as it did indeed - Bethovens 5th Symphony (Joyful Joyful) would have been the perfect soundtrack! Joyful joyful is the most perfect way to describe the dogs as they enjoyed several free hours of playing pondside, swimming, 'hunting', lounging, and just hanging out.  John was sharing treats at random times with them and the would all congregate around him waiting for theirs. I was sitting down by the pond when Rosie came running by and jumped in with hers. She dropped it in the water and while it floated for a moment, soon it sank out of sight. She was very perplexed about this and spent quite a few minutes trying to dive under water for it. When that didn't work, she splashed at the surface with her paw as if to draw the waves up under her. I am not sure what Rose thought this would do but it sure was fun to watch!  Today Molly and Pippin rejoined the crew and all went well. Scooby is not quite sure what has changed between Molly and him though, poor fellow.  He approaches her and she turns and growls!

Speaking of Molly and Scooby pups for the past week I have bringing them out onto the grass, one pup at a time.  I like to introduce them to new things in a certain way and have discovered that I gain a clearer perspective of a young pup when taking them outdoors by themselves.  Once I am confident of their reaction the next step is to introduce them to the x-pen - all together.  Then I step back and observe their reaction.  I don't want to take any chances that the behavior, instincts, reactions, etc. of pups this young are shaped because of something I may do, intentionally or not.  It's kind of like taking the startle response just a step further. There are stages in their development where you don't want to startle young pups but then there are perfect times to intentionally do so.  The key is knowing what they have been exposed to, and again - this is like laying the foundation for their training and learning ability in the future - line upon line, precept upon precept.  Breeders do not have to go through all of this and I admit it is very very time consuming but I say if you have the time, and you're aware of these things why not give the pups every opportunity to succeed ? 

We have to be extremely cautious when any young puppy is outdoors.  A hawk flying overhead could easily sweep down upon an unsuspecting puppy so the x-pen is always draped with a sheet over the top, clipped in place. I brought each pup out and placed them in the pen along with a pan of water.  Then John and I sat back and simply observed from a few feet away.  As tempted as I always am to interact and initiate play with pups for the first time when they are outdoors I do not do that.  I believe there is a strong possibility I can actually hinder them in some way during those first few moments of a new and very important experience. Because I am intent on doing everything I can to stir up what is inherent in our pups the reactions I am most interested in are those that are raw in nature, instinctive, and even primal.  By the time we put a litter of pups together outside we have already been doing deliberate socializing and developmental training with them. I know that there is not going to be any freaking out and I know that their comfort zone is going to extend well beyond where I happen to be. 

And today these pups were ready to be introduced to a scent that, for the majority of pups, is going to play a major role in the rest of their life - WILD BIRD SCENT!  John and I sat and looked for the cues in our pups... where they smelling the ground?  Where they lifting their head up in the air, picking up scent?  It came as absolutely no surprise when that is exactly what they did.  The little faces on these 5 week old pups were as serious and as intent as any adult Brittany would be.  Even their body language spoke of their excitement. I really don't like to do a lot of stacking and posing of very young pups, not at least until I've had a chance to see their natural reaction to what they were bred for.  That can tell me a lot about a pups conformation as it pertains to it's purpose plus it's all natural.  I like to see how their natural stance,  how they raise their head in reaction to a scent, see how their tail looks, where they place their little legs in order to stand more erect and straight.  I like to see every muscle and bone react instinctively.  And today, I really really liked what I saw in Molly and Scooby's 5 week old Brittany puppies!

Satisfied that they were ready to put two + two together, I brought out 2 frozen quail wings and simply put them in with the pups to see what happened next.  It was kind of funny because their aunt Treasure was very much aware of what I brought outside.  She seemed to get the pups to one side as if to bribe them to pass one wing through the pen to her!  Anyway, the wings were a big hit and those little faces became even more serious than before!  The strong prey drive that comes down from their grandmother Wish was evident right off in Meg and in Veronica as they were the victors with the quail wings, getting them away from the other 4.  Not to say the rest of the pups were not interested either... I don't know if this is possible but I would go so far as to say they may have even been intoxicated by the scent.  (I saw this happen in the woods with Jack his first hunting season when there was a lot of woodcock around.)  I didn't want the pups to actually eat the wings, or take a chance at choking on feathers so I only let them have it for a few minutes.  But that was enough time for me to know we are definitely in line and on track with our breeding goals for this particular litter of pups. I want to see that consistency from Wish that she has passed on to Treasure and her pups, and Jack and his pups reflected in the pups of Scooby and Molly.  And I am quite certain that is going to be the case here. 

In closing, I also want to share that two of Pippins pups (Tank and Hemi) crawled up and over their whelping box today - and they will be 3 weeks old tomorrow.  Pippin enjoyed a good long afternoon away from her pups for the first time but she is always happy to return to them. I have to wonder if I am just as intoxicated with the love, puppy breath, and mere presence of both Pippins and of Mollys pups, as they (Mollys) were with their introduction to gamebird scent. Maybe so.  Or maybe it's just that John and I had this glorious fun relaxing day together.  Oh - and back to John. He did take this day off entirely and is now heard snoring soundly from the couch in the other room.  And I think it's time to call it a day.  Take care and God Bless you always, John and Ann and ATB

It IS a Wonderful World....

Indeed!
(Special thanks to Doug & Nancy for sending us the shadow play on this beautiful song, and to John and Deb for sharing the Louis Armstrong link..)

I Think to Myself It's A Wonderful World !

(Don't forget to pause the Playlist to the right before viewing!)


The way I feel this afternoon reminds me of the Louis Armstrongs version of "It's a Wonderful World."  Really.  I could just break out in song... I see leaves of green, skies of blue.... you get the picture I am sure.  I was going to write and say 'it's been a very busy few days' but the fact of the matter is 'it's been a very busy few months' and then some!  I remember walking down our ice-covered walkway mid-winter and thinking that by the time we met our goals for our 2011 breeding program that summer would be well underway.  That thought still remains. 

I don't like to leave puppies alone for any length of time and I especially do not like to be a long drive away so this weekend John and I commuted back and forth from the Central Maine Brittany club spring field trial.  It was a great time and not because our dogs did anything significant as far as placements go. It was good because Nova and Brook were there all 3 days and were very involved with all the activities, helping out, and mostly because they participated in a little field trial just for youth.  As junior handlers they ran True and Jack in a brace together.  Both dogs had good finds on birds and honoring each other - giving the girls each a chance to walk in, flush, and shoot.  The family that owns "Moxie" (Janny) and "Daizee" were there too and their son and daughter handled dogs in a brace as well. How awesome to see the next generations get involved like this - I am over the top with joy at this.  And it was just great because the club recognized and applauded them for their handling, and they were awarded prizes including a really big, beautiful blue rosette !!!  Another highlight for me was that the soon to be new owners of  "Benny" were there for the Saturday night supper and awards. We enjoyed a great visit and they also took many photos.  Speaking of which, as I type I'm uploading a brief video to YouTube of pictures they took while visiting Benny.  I also found it extremely enjoyable to enjoy bites of time with several of our friends who were there. John came home at night and I went up to sleepover with Brook, Nova, and Julie then returned home in the morning.  It was so nice to be with Steve and Steph too who have joined the Brit club. Both of them worked very hard - and I had time with 'da babies' Nash and Starr.  Pam and Sam were there also and it was one of those times that all of us could be together.  I should probably be writing about the results of the trial, placements etc. but I'm just so blessed by the events of the past few days of time spent with family and friends and dogs that I love.  Our son and his youngest daughter also stopped by to visit but I did miss them, I was back home. He did get to walk the junior handler brace though.  Also Tiffany and Denis came by with Riley (Trues brother) who enjoyed a mobile groom by Pam. 

Pippins pups will soon be climbing up and out over the whelping box.  They are so cute looking at me and just beginning to respond to my movement and voice. Pippin is such a good mother, I'm very pleased.  There is a difficult choice for me in the weeks ahead as I look critically at this litter to determine if I am going to select pick of the litter (male or female) or if my pick will be placed with someone.  It is likely several pups from this litter will be placed and I am certain there will be no puppy selection until they are at least 7 weeks old.  Likewise, Molly and Scooby's pups are coming into their own and highly active, thoroughly enjoying their life to the fullest. The love affair between the "Mega Litter" and me is in full swing at this point.  We have introduced them to several of the new owners to be and the visits have been so enjoyable.  I really like the new families for so many reasons and I'm looking forward to visits from Ohio and also Massachusetts. I met Marilyn and Roger last fall at a dog show at the time we were all waiting for Bailey's pups. The availability/timing was not there so we all stayed in touch, and they came to a couple of more dog shows - eventually driving up here to Maine to meet our crew.  A very very special time indeed. I'm always happy to know how happy one of our pups will make a family, and this too is no exception.  In fact I think several pups from the Mega litter are truly going to be therapeutic and provide healing and offer joy for those who have lost their dog.  Destined to be outstanding bird dogs too - most will have that opportunity. It was awesome too that we discovered one of those Brits at the Rainbow Bridge shared the same sire as our Jack !  We had another nice visit with Doug and Nancy as well.  I just have such a sense of peace and contentment which defies explanation right now.  I am waiting for that Brittanymobile to pull in the driveway any moment. I know there will be three extremely tired 'Shorts' but oh! The joy that will accompany the memory of this weekend. 

Little can compare to the gift of falling asleep two nights in a row with a precious grandchild in your arms.  That was my gift each night; first Brook May and I, and then Nova Marie and I.  Very special times, very sweet conversations, much laughter (ask Julie!), and more love than one could even imagine.

I have to give thanks...for this day, this life, this memory.  For my husband and best friend, for our family, for our friends, for ATB.  Memorial Day.  This weekend we just created some wonderful new memories.  And I think to myself, it's a wonderful world:

I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom, for me and you

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white,  The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky. Are also on the faces, of people going by

I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do

They're really saying, I love you.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more, than I'll never know

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Take care and God bless... much love, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

Memorial Day, Taps & Forget-Me-Nots

Note: This post was written a year ago and first appeared May 31, 2010.  

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer.  Labor Day through today, our neck of the woods is relatively quiet.  All of that will change now.  We are surrounded by a minimum of 13 large lakes and countless ponds.  In the summertime the local population of this rural community triples as summer 'residents' head up to enjoy their beautiful waterfront properties.  Traffic also increases greatly.  Off season, fewer cars pass by our home. John and I have at times counted no more than 4 cars a half an hour.  This is the 3 day holiday weekend families look forward to when they can bring the boat up, open their camps, and enjoy getting out on the lake. This year the weather is absolutely perfect for boating, swimming, barbecues etc.  With the exception of the hazy and smoke filled air that is.  A couple of nights ago I thought I smelled someone's campfire as the breeze coming through the window carried the scent.  This morning I thought surely our neighbors were burning some brush nearby.  When I checked my FaceBook page I learned from my son in law that other people were wondering what was going on as well.  After a quick search I discovered the reason we are experiencing this poor air quality is due to the fires in Northern Quebec.  My eyes and nose are not happy about this at all. Add to that thick layer of pollen dust on my front porch rocking chairs which is evidence of even poorer air quality. This too shall pass.

I celebrated Memorial Day very differently as a child.  It wasn't about cook outs and it wasn't about 3 day weekends.  It did not always fall on a Monday. Memorial Day meant taking a trip to the cemetary with my mother, cleaning debris from the place where my father rests, bringing the plants and geraniums that she had cared for over the winter, and planting them around his headstone. It was about me planting 'Forget Me Not' flowers there.  It was a very serious, somber time.  We checked to be sure that the American Legion had faithfully put an American Flag in the wrought iron holder to honor all the veterans buried there.  My father was one of them.  Memorial Day also always meant driving over to Portsmouth, NH to stand on Richards Avenue and watch the parade go by.  Usually there was some member of our family marching in it.  A few times I proudly marched by while the camera snapped away, taking pictures of me first as a Brownie, then a Girl Scout, and eventually as a member of the Portsmouth Clipper Band.  There was on instant gratification of seeing the photos right away.  The film itself had to be delievered to the camera store, and we had to wait for several days for it to develop.  And waiting for those photos was always exciting to me! I have black and white photos of my brother now deceased, marching in the Drum and Bugle Corp.  And photos of my sisters kids marching thru the years too. In later years, after John and I got married - the tradition continued in his hometown too, when our own children marched in the Memorial Day parades; Brownies, Cub Scouts, Baseball Teams etc. 

Once the Memorial Day parade passed by our family would follow it into the historic, expansive South End cemetary, and find a shady spot under a huge maple tree to stand or sit.  Each group participating in the parade would stand at attention around the small pond in the middle. Flags blowing in the wind, Veterans of Foreign Wars standing proudly, hats removed, and the local clergy delivering a message. The Daughters of the American Revolution stood soberly among the participants. Each person placed their right hand over their heart and the crowd recited in one accord the Pledge of Allegiance. ( Each person.)  Everyone bowed their heads respectfully and prayed the Lord's Prayer in unison without issue. (Everyone.)  One of my most treasured memories of 'celebrating' Memorial Day is in the way this service closed. 

Throughout the expansive cemetary uniformed Buglers stood waiting.  A 21 gun-salute was fired off over the pond.  Placed strategically and discreetly, unless you knew what was about  to happen you would not have noticed them.  At a specific point in the program, the first Bugler standing closest to the officials raised his instrument and began to play the first part of "Taps".   The next Bugler, positioned farther away, picked up where the first one had left off.  And on it went until the closing notes were played way in the distance, echoing on the wind, for all to hear. To write about that here and now, evokes for me the impact and the true meaning of what Memorial Day 'is'. 

For me, the barbecues and the three day weekends to kick off summer never quite had the same effect. Even with growing up on a beach.  I wonder now as I look back if our children understood why it was such a solemn celebration to me.  But in later years our family did use the weekend as an excuse to open the pool up, and invite our friends over for a cookout in the afternoon following the parade. 

Now the task remains each year for John and I to go the gravesites of our parents - none of whom are living. We usually do this together but in reverence and quietness.  Sometimes when I plant the "Forget Me Nots' on my dad's grave I have a real difficult time. It helps to remind me though how short life really is and how important it is not to say meanspirited things to the people you love.  Sometimes you don't get a chance to tell them you didn't mean it.  I think my dad understood the importance of respect and honor between parent and child and intended to get a point across to me about it once.  I was really young and was acting up, being fresh and rude.  I don't know what I said but it must have really been awful.  I do remember what he said back though:  "Ann, I'm your father and it is wrong to speak to me that way. Someday you'll be going to the cemetary to put flowers on my grave."   He made his point because I ran into his arms crying and asking him to forgive me.  Planting "Forget Me Nots" reminds me of many things, including the power of forgiveness.  Take care and God Bless you and yours this Memorial Day 2010.  John, Ann and All Things Brittany

(Remember to 'pause' the PlayList to the right...)

Clicker Training Brittany Pups #2

Here's another brief peek into clicker training the "Mega Litter", a beautiful new litter of Brittany puppies born on April 23, 2011 to our Molly and Scooby.  This is step 2 of training and similar glimpse of step 3 has also been recorded, to be posted soon. My goal in clicker training this litter of Brittany puppies is a simple one and is based on the positive results we saw with Treasure and Gibson's "The Nova Litter".  earlier this year.  I want to be able to approach the pups and have them all remain sitting. This early clicker training is laying the foundation for all future training attempts and is exercising their 'brain'.  This particular method is based upon an article in Pat Hastings book "Another Piece of the Puzzle" called "Clicker Training a Litter" written by Karen Pryor and originally published in the AKC Gazette. 

NEW VIDEO: Chevy & Pippin's 2 Week Old Pups / Life is Good - hectic, but good!

(Pause PlayList to the Right before viewing!)

Chevy & Pippin's Brittany Pups Turn 2 weeks old

Right now timely, consistent and frequent posts has become a huge challenge to me.  Even so, I am always thinking about what I would like to share when I finally have a chance to sit down and blog about All Things Brittany. It's no exception tonight but I find myself torn; what do I write about when so many things are going on at once?  I just want you to know the effort is no less important for me to share about one Brittany over another but of course our priority above all else in regards to ATB is our two beautiful litters of pups!

Visits begin tomorrow and I'd love to get my physical house in order but right now that's not possible. John is getting ready for the Brittany club field trial this weekend and I am trying to catch up from a brief absence this past weekend for a local show.  John took Bullet to Connecticutt on Saturday and he is now finished as an AKC Junior Hunter! WOO HOO!  (Our 5th Brittany from our program to finish!) And True won his first 4 AKC championship points towards his conformation title - including significant placements.  Bullet was not only in the field, but he was in the ring 3 days too - let's talk about dual dogs!  He was in the show for 2 days, then went to finish his JH title, and returned to the ring again. Bullet was Reserve to his cousin True at the show and I was so proud of both of them! And no less signficant is the news that Jersie (Jack/Molly puppy) participated in the NAVHDA Natural Ability Test this weekend also in Connecticut and won a Prize III  - congralations to the Turner family and thank you.   Back at the show, Paris earned another point towards her AKC Grandchampionship title and Pam's mom was there to see too... this was a very special placement as "Select Bitch".  It was good to be able to get away to spend time with them and especially to be with Julie on her birthday. I also enjoyed visiting briefly with the other Brittany exhibitors, catching up with so many of my friends from other dog clubs, classes, the Federation, AWAC, etc. etc. 

Pippin and Chevy's pups are so beautiful (just like Scooby and Molly's pups!).  Eyes are opening, they are walking wobbly drunken sailor steps and becoming aware of life around them.  Molly and Scoob's pups are VERY much aware of life around them and in fact, are making sure they are a lively part of it!  Such a contrast between the quietness of Pips pups - and the exuberance of the older babes.  Yes, John and I are both exhausted but as one of our vets said - we brought it on ourselves and you know what? He was right!

I am uploading a wonderful video of Pippin and Chevy's pups in recognition of their 2nd week of life.  I also hope you enjoy the second very brief glimpse into Moll and Scoob's pups clicker training.  Three days into it, and several of the pups are already sitting when I begin their short session.  I still will provide some specifics for those of you who have asked how to clicker train a litter - when I find time. I would like to have time to call someone who is on my heart, someone who I know is feeling sad about her aging 16 year old Brittany... my heart goes out to you Monica... I sense what's going on and I care very much.  I have another friend who learned that her dad had a stroke today, would you lift her up in prayer too?  There are always needs in people's life aren't there.  Maybe we can't always really be right there but we can let each other know we care, and ask others to pray too. 

Switching gears a little bit I'm very proud to say that I showed Treasure on Friday myself, in the Bred By Exhibitor class.  Only the breeders of the dog can handle in this special class.  It's the class Treasure has all of her points in. I like this class - because for me it's not even about competing.  It's for the joy of taking my beautiful Treasure into the ring, something she enjoys more as time goes on.  I love to have her on the other end of the lead, she shows herself and commands a presence. Imagine my joy - when Treasure not only won Best Bred By Exhibitor in Breed, and also won Winners Bitch (for the points) - then, her son True, won Winners Dog (for the points) and we were in the ring at the same time competing for Best of Winners - which, True won!  I think it is cool to be in the breed ring with well recognized show champions - but on Friday - little could compare to be in the breed ring with mother and son (Treasure and True) both there.  Then on Sunday, the wave of joy hit me again because I was the breeder of the two boys competing for Winners Dog - True and Bullet.  These are very significant moments for me, and I appreciated being able to experience them with some great people and their dogs.  A little added bonus, I enjoyed borrowing 4 month old Moxie puppy, (True's little sister) and visiting with her. She is developing beautifully. I reminded her owners that Moxie's mother (Treasure) won Best in Sweepstakes the very first time I showed her and the next day she won Best Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes.  NOTE: Please forgive me - I forget that this show lingo is a strange language.  Feel free to ask away if there are terms you don't understand.  I'll confess, it has taken time for the word "bitch" to casually roll off my tounge - I have never become completely comfortable referring to my beautiful Brittany girls as bitches - there is such negativity associated with that word - but there are times they do act like one LOL!  Guess I should suck it up!

All of what we are and all that we do is for all of 'you' who are a part of All things Brittany.  My heart is not a competetive heart but I am proud of our Brittanys and their accomplishments.  I am thankful for friends who encourage me though, and help me understand we are making a difference in places we need to be making one, places which are far removed from the ring or the field but most often - in the places of the heart.  Mine is heavy tonight despite all that is going on, for I know there are people close to me that are hurting.  I know I will find my own solace through the love of God, maybe in the quietness of our beautiful puppy room, sitting on the floor, holding them gently in the cradle of my arm.  But I can't take sadness, concern, and worry from another person's life as much as I'd like to.  Even so, I do know the One who can.  He hears the unspoken prayers that rise from my heart of hearts tonight, and you know what? He hears yours too.

Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All things Brittany

Molly & Scooby's 4 week old Pups - Threshold of Change

Left Insert: A short clip of the pups enjoying a solid meal as early steps in clicker training begin.

I am always amazed at the enormous changes which occur in a new litter of Brittany pups precisely between 3 and 4 weeks of age and Molly and Scooby's pups are no exception.  It is when the early transitional and socialization periods blend together. At the beginning of the transitional period, eyes just begin to open, followed by hearing, discovering each other, walking and even beginning to eliminate on their own.  It's when I make note of which puppy climbs out of the whelping box unassisted, the first one to bark, how old a pup is when it comes to me for the first time when I call them to me.  I don't call them by their nickname, but only as 'puppy, puppy, puppy.'  (This reminds me of a really sweet poem written by the owner of Treasure's brother, "Rusty" which I'd love to find again.  I was touched with his words because he wrote about the way I interacted with that litter of pups 5 years ago, how, when they heard my voice while playing outside, they all turned and ran directly to me without hesitation. I think the poem was simply called "Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!"  Anyway... it's a good memory.  Rusty by the way, is the puppy pictured in our ATB Photograph Gallery with the monarch butterfly sitting on his head.  The amazing unedited photo was taken by his owner and is Treasure's full brother.)

At this point in time Molly is beginning to let go of her pups. By that I mean she looks to us more for help in feeding, cleaning, and entertaining them.  This is NOT a problem! Her puppies, now out of the whelping box entirely, are seeking out their own 'potty place' and eliminating on their own. They are old enough to play with toys and we've set a basket full of tugs and chewie things that they can learn to play. It was so cute last night, three of the pups were actually wrangling over a braided fleece tug.  This is a woofie little litter of pups, they love to hear the sound of their own voice and yes - the little a.m. howling thing is still going on.

I often refer to the ever developing love affair between the pups and me and I feel there are various stages of that relationship as well.  They are much more confident now and run gladly to me.  (Because I was out at a dog show yesterday I had to take deliberate steps to be sure there was no possibility of bringing unknown germs etc. home with me.  When going out like that I will disinfect my clogs before leaving and keep them in a bag in the car.  I also bring a change of clothes.  Before arriving home I'll change my show clothes and shoes somewhere.  The shoes will get sprayed with disinfectant and the clothes put in the wash right away.  Call me overprotective but I won't take chances. I don't make a habit of going to public places like that when we do have pups but sometimes it does happen.)  Anyway, last night I really enjoyed a special experience here at home with the pups. I scooched down, bent over, and lovingly murmured to them as they entangled themselves in my arms, lavished puppy kisses and AHHHHHHHHHHH puppy breath upon my face, and tried to push each other out of the way to get closer.  I close my eyes and take it all in because these are the moments you live for when you're a breeder. You know soon these precious ones will be bringing smiles and years of joy and happiness to new families waiting for them.  Families who often wait anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Our very informal weaning process has started and by the time pups go home they will be eating 3 meals of dry puppy food a day. Their first experience went well. As weaning begins so does clicker training.  This will be our second clicker trained litter of Brittany pups! By the time Treasure and Gibson's pups went home they were sitting politely, waiting to be pet when visitors approached. They also offered various behaviors in anticipation for a click and/or treat. The clicker training was continued for some of the pups!  I know it takes awhile to get the 'gist' of clicker training.  I first saw the effects when Tracy Shaw of  the former Diamond Dream Dog Center was teaching me how to handle a very young Treasure. I saw it applied in NAVHDA gun dog training which amazed me.  But the most memorable clicker training experience I witnessed was at a Flyball Tournament with Julie, Sassy and their Flyball MAINiacs team . A trainer was simply clicking/treating for her dogs behavior. Once a behavior was rewarded, her dog continued to offer new ones involving a cooler with a retractable handle.  Within a half hour, this dog had learned to raise the handle up and down, and also nudge the top of the cooler open, and close it again.  Think of this. A half hour. Using a clicker and food treats. I was sold on clicker training.  I used it to train True for the show ring. And even after a full years absence due to field work - True remembered it all.  (In fact True is being shown this weekend and won his first 3 show points Thursday and Friday.  He also went Best of Winners.  The highlight of this all was having his mother Treasure also take Winners Bitch. So gaiting in the ring as breeder of both the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch was QUITE an experience!! I'm sure I will find a way to elaborate further.)  In response to requests for it, I hope to document the clicker training of this litter. 

There truly are not enough hours in these days that are turning into weeks to journal as thoroughly as my heart desires.  I so enjoy writing about All Things Brittany, especially when there are puppies involved.  I love making the videos, collages, slide shows and setting them to music by some of my favorite artists such as Jim Brickman, Amy Grant, Celtic Woman, Enya, and the others. I love creating playlists here to play in the background while you read the posts. Speaking of which, I've made it easier in the sidebar here to access our complete collection of ATB videos by linking directly to our YouTube channel where there about 50 of them!

The pups will get outside this week and visits from new owners, friends, family, neighbors will begin as we enter this stage of primary social relationships with humans.  They will be showered with an abundance of social stimulation from changes in their relationship with Molly, an introduction to Daddy Scooby and other adult dogs, etc.  They have already started to establish the pack hierarchy and little Skiddle is definitely up to playing the alpha of the litter with Miss May May close behind.  Meg and Flower are joined at the hip with their antics, and Blossom and Veronica are like their mother - little prima donas with an agenda of their own.  Very vocal, responsive to sounds and now their approach to new noises is changing.  Initially they exhibited a very normal reaction  - a startle response as a pan dropped to the floor, clapping of hands, other dogs barking etc.  I like to watch quietly and not say a word to see what they do. After that first reaction I watched as one or two  pups tried to locate and approach the sound readily, another pup howled, one of them gravitated towards it's litter mates, and a couple of them simply went and lay down on their blanket. This will all change which we will see in a couple of weeks during their PAT evals. The pups will suddenly emerge as fearless little pups one moment then seek the comfort and security of a stable environment.  It's a balancing act as far as knowing when to further stimulate that environment and when to retreat back to all that is comfortable. Timing is everything and key to it all is identifying the development stage of the pups.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and ATB