8 Week Highlights: Pippin & Chevy's Brittany Pups

 Highlights of 8 weeks with the Magnificent Obsession litter.
A musical video - enjoy!

"The Prayer"

I pray you'll be our eyes

And watch us where we go

And help us to be wise

In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer

As we go our way

Lead us to a place

Guide us with your grace

To a place where we'll be safe

I pray we'll find your light

And hold it in our hearts

When stars go out each night

Remind us where you are

Let this be our prayer

When shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place

Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe

We ask that life be kind

And watch us from above

We hope each soul will find

Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer

Just like every child

Needs to find a place

Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe

Need to find a place

Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe.

As recorded by Celtic Woman on their CD "The Journey"

Gathering Thoughts....

I'm gathering thoughts, pondering, thinking about all kinds of things which I want to share with our ATB blog readers.  How in the world can I condense it all?  So many experiences of great and minor significance and my heart is full, free and flowing with creative writing intent.  I'm loving the weather in July so far - it's even turning me into a morning person, someone who brings coffee out to the patio before the sun rises above the tree tops - while it's still cool and John finishes up his morning chores.

Two of Pippins pups are enjoying their new homes, family and lives. They are loved and owned by people who have wanted them. Great and such wonderful people!!!  Pictures to follow.  We have Mopar and Tank available although a gentleman from the Cape has expressed interest in Mopar. Tank will probably remain here for some informal field training with Hemi - and maybe Mopar will too.  Thistle will leave on Sunday to become part of Julie, Sassy, and Bullet's family. Bullet will be here for the summer. 

This isn't the blog I planned to write - this is just a glimpse of highlights, but as I type the paragraphs become longer don't they?!  It's a very busy time for so many of us.  It's a great time for the most part.

I will gather my thoughts and plan to find a sensible time to sit, write, and share. I have lots of photos and I have two videos I have not edited!  In the meantime, I'm reading my own preparation for a new puppy information as if for the first time.  Which is as it should be.

Take care and God bless... tired I am I am but thank you for your interest...as always !  I'm taking July/August "off" in as much as is possible - but that sure doesn't mean things are quiet here by any means - well all except for those nice cool summer mornings... it is quiet then. Peaceful.  Maybe I can be a morning person in the summer, for a few days each week.  John likes it quite well!  That is what matters.  G'night!

Happy Independence Day - July 4th 2011

AMERICA! - One Nation Under God

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave..." 

My country, 'tis of Thee,

Sweet Land of Liberty

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From every mountain side

Let Freedom ring.

My native country, thee,

Land of the noble free,

Thy name I love;

I love thy rocks and rills,

Thy woods and templed hills,

My heart with rapture thrills

Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

And ring from all the trees

Sweet Freedom's song;

Let mortal tongues awake;

Let all that breathe partake;

Let rocks their silence break,

The sound prolong.

Our fathers' God to Thee,

Author of Liberty,

To thee we sing,

Long may our land be bright

With Freedom's holy light,

Protect us by thy might

Great God, our King.

Our glorious Land to-day,

'Neath Education's sway,

Soars upward still.

Its hills of learning fair,

Whose bounties all may share,

Behold them everywhere

On vale and hill!

Thy safeguard, Liberty,

The school shall ever be,

Our Nation's pride!

No tyrant hand shall smite,

While with encircling might

All here are taught the Right

With Truth allied.

Beneath Heaven's gracious will

The stars of progress still

Our course do sway;

In unity sublime

To broader heights we climb,

Triumphant over Time,

God speeds our way!

Grand birthright of our sires,

Our altars and our fires

Keep we still pure!

Our starry flag unfurled,

The hope of all the world,

In peace and light impearled,

God hold secure!

John and I, and the entire ATB crew here wish you and yours a safe, fun, and happy 4th of July!

ATB: Lazy, Hazy, Crazy, Days of Summer

Pippin & Chevy's "Magnificent Obsession" Litter - 7 weeks old
(Don't forget to turn the playlist volume down to the right!)

Well, I don't know about lazy days of summer but surely I can relate to hazy and crazy days! Actually, when I came up with the title for this blog (the first one in over a week) my thoughts immediately flashed back to when I was a child and that song came out.  Very popular through the summer of 1963, my dad and I use to sing it together.  I use to giggle about the lyrics in some of the verses thinking that I was really saying something 'naughty'.  Believe it or not, John and I still have the original 45 record itself with the yellow and orange Capital Records label.  When we were babysitting a couple of months ago at our other house the grandkids thought it was cool when 'grampa' took out an old fashioned record player and went through our collection of vinyl!  Okay - so now that I've totally dated myself...

Update on Pippin & Chevy Pups - Availability
WOW.  Can you really even believe that tomorrow is the last day of June 2011?  As John says, we are heading back in the other direction now as daylight hours begin to shorten.  Even so, I sure can't say I don't know where the time has gone because I know exactly where it's gone in this situation.  The day that I prophesied about 6 months ago has arrived as I head down our walkway and stop long enough to enjoy the Sweet Williams, Peonies, and other perennials.  I distinctly remember visualizing 'this' day as I carefully made my way across the slippery, snow covered driveway leading to the warmth and comfort of what was first known as Treasure's house.  It's been a very busy, happy, and joyful place for over 6 months where friends and family have come and gone, visiting with puppies that soon were to begin the first day of the rest of their lives.  This special corner of the ATB world holds many wonderful memories for a lot of us.  It was where some who read this blog first saw what was to become their brand new Brittany puppy.  It's a place that has seen tears and heard laughter.  And soon, very soon the beautiful puppies of Pippin and Chevy, the "Magnificent Obsession" litter will also leave and begin the first day of the rest of their lives.

We have met with several soon to be new puppy owners and enjoyed getting to know folks who have been waiting with us through several litters of pups over the past year or so.  I am always certain of the level of interest someone demonstrates by the number of times they come to visit, how long they remain on our waiting list, and sometimes - how far they are willing to travel to come and meet us.  Time and time again John reminds me that he thinks I sometimes make it very difficult for someone to add one of our Brittany pups to their family. Well, I don't do that intentionally but I figure that just as surely as someone is hopefully doing their homework about us - that it's even more important for us to do ours in regards to those who are seriously interested in one of our Brittanys.  I have really done things very differently this time with Pippin and Chevy's pups in announcing availability, puppy reservations, and breeder's choice selections. I shared with those on our waiting list that we would wait until pups were 7 weeks old to make decisions and this is what we've done.  I do believe that Mopar and Tank will be available but we have not met with anyone in regards to these two particular pups although there are several very interested parties. It is extremely important that these two boys will be with families who enjoy bird hunting and if possible, I would prefer them to remain in New England, preferably Maine or New Hampshire. We do not have any further plans for our 2011 breeding program and we have a waiting list for next year. 

Central Maine Brittany Club Dog Show
Last weekend CMBC's annual dog show was held in Cumberland Maine. We had 36 Brittany entries on Saturday and 27 on Sunday.  John and I headed to the grounds Friday evening where, in the rain, we set up the clubs big tent and our own smaller tent in preparation for a grooming/hospitality area for Brittany exhibitors.  It was adjacent to the ring so it was conveinent - too bad the weather didn't cooperate!  I took a lot of pictures which are uploaded onto ATB's Facebook page.  Overall it was a really great weekend and certainly there was enough food to last the entire 2 days.  Entries were from many places including Colorado, New Jersey, New York and of course New England.  I showed Treasure in Bred By Exhibitor classes on Sunday. She looked beautiful and I feel I handled her well. I will say I did not care for the judge one iota. She did not give anyone time to set their dog up when entering the ring - she just looked at the dog and then waved you on to gait, then a quick down and back. Standing ringside it was easy to see she was too busy to even follow the gait of a dog around the entire ring.  This wasn't about Treasure not winning - it was about a judge who is rude to all those in the ring. Not only was she 10 minutes late (we were first on after a one hour break for all judges to take lunch) but she judged all 27 Brittanys within 30 minutes.  Just think about those figures.  I figure people who pay the entry fees, then the expense of traveling and lodging etc. are most certainly worth the time and attention of the judge!  I know I'll never enter under her again, and there are others who felt the same.  Unless you can walk into a ring and your dog sets itself up within a fraction of a second - forget about it! Okay... done venting.  The specialty was great - loved the judges for both sweeps and regular classes.  I'm working on the finishing touches for the official show report for the American Brittany Club. An added highlight for me was seeing Moxie and her young owner/handler there. She's not old enough to show yet but is attending handling classes taught by Penny (who handles Moxie's big brother True!). Moxie is coming into her own very nicely.

We've enjoyed the grandkids more this month than we have in quite awhile.  Their visits have been more frequent and in fact our oldest grandson had a sleepover here the other night. He woke up the next morning all ready to go fishing with grampa!  All 7 of them have interacted with the pups and I think that's so important.

As I watch the digital clock on the bottom of the monitor I see it is 11:59 P.M.  Yikes! There's a lot more to share but tomorrow is a busy day with vet checks for Pippin's babies and getting ready for the holiday weekend. Speaking of which - be sensitive to the needs of your dog(s) if there are fireworks nearby.  Regardless of the age and if the dog is trained to the gun - fireworks exploding have the potential to frighten any dog. 

Falling asleep...Take care and God bless - John, Ann and ATB

ATB: Magnificent Obsession - Brittany Puppies 5 & 6 weeks old

The beautiful Brittany puppies of Multi Best In Show Grand Champion Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me & our J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton. We are very pleased with the development of these puppies. They are well balanced, structurally sound, animated, fun, outgoing, confident, of good temperament and a delight to behold! I took the video footage 1 week ago but was not pleased with it at that time. Since then, our dear friend Dawn Hill came up for the day with Miss Bailey and spent time with the new Brittany pups as we were saying goodbye to Ruby Rose. She brought her camera and I took still photos while she posed each puppy. I decided to bridge the video with those pictures taken of the pups who turn 6 weeks old today!! Song in the background is from Jim Brickman's CD "Simple Things".

This litter is aptly named 'the Magnificent Obsession' litter. It is only recently that we have formally been using litter names but John has always nicknamed pups as soon as they were born to better identify them. These new Brittany puppies were no exception and John came up with names related to the auto industry sort of, because the pups father is "Chevy"! I did not come up with an actual litter name until recently. It is likely one of the pups will have a permanent residence here and will probably be named J & A's Magnificent Obsession, and actually ALL of these pups are magnificent - thus the litter name.

The entire litter IS magnificent. Our feedback has been extremely positive. I am pleased that the 3 pups I reserved and identified as breeders choice have also been the 'pick' of Chevy's co-owner as well as breeders of Brittanys and other breeds, Dawn, and a potential co-own to be of one of the girls. We are waiting to confirm placement of the 3rd pick pup, have a deposit on pup #4 from a lovely Maine family (hunting), and working with interested parties (also hunting) regarding pups #5 & #6. Those of you familiar with ATB know this is a different process we are following. We'll be sending out our email updates shortly.

Once again, we're very appreciative of the opportunity to bring such exceptional lines into our program. It's been very exciting to meet and exceed the goals we set for ourself in past years as evidenced in NAVHDA titled Brittanys, significant field trial amateur and open derby placements, 5 AKC hunting test titles, and by the feedback of wonderful families who daily share their lives with a Brittany we bred. We are now especially excited to take yet another step towards the betterment of our program as well as the breed as a whole while keeping our own life simple and enjoying ALL of ATB ourselves on a daily basis. I'm thankful that John and I both can share this all together with our crew of Brittanys and looking forward to enjoying them all now more than ever. I'm also especially grateful to so many of you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and for loving our Brittanys! Take care and God Bless you always, John, Ann and ATB

ATB: Magnificent Obsession.

Welcome to the First Day of the Rest of your Lives Mega Litter!!! xxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Tonight I'm not sure whether this is a beginning, an ending, an in-betweening or what tonight! It is the beginning of summer - that much I can say for sure. And what a glorious evening it is.  I hear the crickets outside my window, something I love to hear.  The sky is not fully darkened and there is still the faintness of the sunrise setting now somewhere in the west. The pups are settled and tucked in for the night. There is the hint of a calm assurance, a sense of contentment among ALL things Brittany.  The last few nights we have been lulled to sleep by the sound of Miss Ruby Rose as she was introduced to sleeping in a crate.  She actually did quite well over the past 72 hours.  We clocked her 'vocalizing' (don't you love that word?!!) at 30 minutes into it.  Then she began to taper off, slowly but surely.  She slept from 11 pm through to 5:30 a.m. and no - I wasn't working the morning shift, not at all. But once John brought her back into the house he tossed her onto our bed and she very happily cuddled with me as I was surrounded by Molly, Treasure and Pippin. Tonight Miss Ruby Rose is sleeping in her new home with her new owners, just like the rest of the Mega litter are all doing.  And yes. I do miss each and every precious little one. 

It was an awesome day here beginning to end, in fact it was an absolutely wonderful weekend.  From 9 a.m. throught 4:30 p.m Saturday our home was full of friends and family and of course - Brittanys !  Our daughter and her three children were up for the day as her oldest son wanted to fish with grampa down in the pond and fish they did - 2 Brook trout! It was Callums 'summer dream' as depicted in a picture he drew.  And it came true!  Maryann was busy in the kitchen most of the afternoon cooking up a storm for us!  I love it when I have a chance to introduce them all - I think we have the best kids and grandchildren in the world!  After all the pups went home - our son and his family all stopped by briefly.  The last weekend of Spring 2011 was simply enjoyable for everyone for so many reasons, but especially so for those waiting arms that we gently placed a beautiful Brittany puppy in.  Today, Monday - was an extension of this weekend of friends and family as not only Ruby's new owners were here but so was Dawn. And Dawn brought Miss Bailey 'home' to visit us here as well as have a chance to meet Pippin's pups and help me get some photos taken of them.  She also brought puppy toys for all the babies!  Speaking of bringing things, Marilyn brought lunch for all of us - home made pizza, a beautiful tossed salad, cupcakes for dessert and she even brought a gallon of a secret family recipe for mint ice tea!  Marilyn and Roger also came bearing gifts - and we thank you for everything.  In fact, we thank all of you who have opened your heart and homes to our Brittanys - whether now, in the past, or in the future.

And speaking of the future.  I have tried very hard not to take away from either litter and over emphasize one over the other.  It was appropriate that Dawn come and look at Pippin's pups today just at the same time as Molly and Scooby's last puppy left for her new home.  Would I have timed things differently, and opted just for one litter?  I don't know the answer.  I suppose if I had not the experience behind me, behind us - and if we did not know what to expect from at least one of our 'girls'... we probably would not have had more than one.  But there are people waiting even now for pups well into the future, which is indeed very humbling.  So tonight I think of this journey with Pippin and Chevy's pups, a very new journey for us which is described in far greater detail on Pippins page.  I think of how I am now in a position to decide about puppies myself.  Is the timing right?  If so, which pup? Male or female? Should I wait and see what happens with these pups? But if I wait - what if what if what if?  I toss my pillows on the floor on top of a blanket and sit right down in the middle of the puppies just like usual.  I swear these pups know I'm looking at them with very objective eyes - with eyes that must see clearly and not suffer from kennel blindness.  Thanks to Dawns help and her opinion based on knowledge and experience as well as that of the co-owners/breeders of Chevy I will be able to see clearly.  In a few more days, other friends will weigh in after visiting the pups here in person.  And so I will begin to move from the transition of this past weekend into what truly can only be described as a paradigm shift - a shift into a truly magnificent new 'place' to be.  I've got my marching orders... I'm listening... I'm watching... I'm trusting... and I'll be praying.  John's leaving this one entirely up to me and I love that he is so okay with whatever decision I make.  In the end it will be his opinion that is valued more highly than any other for this is a road we enjoy traveling together.

I had wanted to share a lot more about the title of this post.  But suffice to say this is enough for one night.  It will continue to all come together and of this I have no doubt.  And there still is little time for catching my breath as now the club dog show sits there on the horizon - just a few days away! The need is strong to block out the months of July and August... it is stronger still to remember NONE of this is all about me but it is about ALL things Brittany.  The simple pleasure of a muddy wet dog jumping up to greet me after he/she has been frog hunting is one I long for, the driveby looks of another who has no time to say hello/goodbye as they're on a mission only God knows what for, tossing a blanket on the ground to lay down and look up to the sky as the whirrrring of running dogs passes my head, the checking in of a pupster who's gone out of sight only briefly - and on and on and on.  This is where I want to be and what I want to be doing in the weeks to come.  Does a puppy fit into the scenery? I'm thinking it does.  For all the right reasons. I know I'm not the only one with a uncertainty - there are a few others pondering similar questions, and those who are waiting to hear from me about it.

I"m not making sense and I just tipped my head down and snapped my neck as I'm writing... I think I better call it a day before it is tomorrow's yesterday!  Here is the best way I have to explain how I'm feeling about this year and so many of 'you' which is found in Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you..."  And that's the truth and I'm stickin' to it!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany (No spell check too tired!)

ATB: You'll Be In My Heart, Always

June 18th, 2011

The First Day of the Rest of Their Lives

Sire: J & A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton

Dam: KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose

Scooby & Molly Pups: Almost Time to Leave

Never can say goodbye... no, indeed - we won't and we don't!  Actually it's really all about saying HELLO!  Hello, to (all together now) "THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!"  From Saturday morning through Monday afternoon each of Scooby and Molly's beautiful Brittany pupsters will begin the wonderful adventure of their new life with some very special people who we have been handpicked just for them!  Volhardts Puppy Aptitude Tests (P.A.T.) confirmed for us the level of social dominance, sound and touch sensitivity, sight sensitivy, retrieving ability, observation of initial birdiness, all inherent within each pup.  In a similar way, each and every interaction we've had with our new puppy owners confirmed for us compatability not only with this amazing breed, but the pup(s) most suited for them. When a breeder "KNOWS" not only the parents, but the grandparents and great grandparents of their puppies personally AND when the breeder has spent hours observing and interacting with each pup the P.A.T. serves as a confirmation of what they already know to be true! I would like to see more breeders learn about Volhardt's P.A.T. testing. 

The very first time I ever heard of it or saw it was when the breeders of Wish had pick pup of the same litter that Treasure was from 5 years ago (TREASURE!!! OH NO HUGE BRAIN CRAMP... Rabbit trail.... running in the direction of the fact that IT IS TREASURE's 5th  BIRTHDAY TODAY.. well, by the time I've finished writing - it will hav been yesterday 'cuz it is 11:58 pm!!!!  What a great dog owner I am, to forget one of my best girls birthday...ssshhhh don't tell...)  Err...um yes indeed as I was saying, Phil and Sherry had pick pup male from Treasure's litter. Their whole family came over one Sunday afternoon and did all kinds of really cool things.  As strangers to the litter, they waited for the pups to wake up and see their reactions to strangers. I can remember how calm and mellow they all were and Phil joking and saying "are you sure these are Brittanys?"  Because it was a warm summer day we did the test outdoors.  As they are NAVHDA breeders/trainers it was important to know the reaction of the pups to water including in the pool and also with a squirt gun! 

Okay so I'm rambling and now it's after midnight, I haven't even checked out the new photos of Morgens beautiful litter that Dawn wrote and told me she'd posted! I have all our AKC paperwork filled out, contracts copied, have distributed the information helpful for the first few weeks home, everyone has given me their vet appointment dates and schedules for puppy training.  Very exciting!!  Looking forward to seeing everyone again.  Friday will be one busy day as it's almost time for the pupsters to leave us.  And tomorrow will be one very fun-filled day for the pups as they have their 4th and final interaction with birds.

I need to get to bed... take care and God bless - John, Ann & ATB ( no spellcheck tonight, doin' it tomorrow!)

A Day In the Life & Other Musings

Beautiful Gift Basket of Ohio Specialties Included Treats for the Crew!

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Just coming away from spending several delightful hours with puppies.  As you may imagine right now is extremely busy and the 'must do' list seems never ending as new things are added frequently. Even so, you will rarely if ever find me complaining although it's absolutely true John and I both find ourselves exhausted at the end of some very long day. The need for human interaction is the greatest it has ever been for Molly and Scooby's pups right now.  Pippin's pups are transitioning and coming into their own.  This all translates to spending hours with the pups, coming up with new and innovative ways to stimulate their curiosity and lay foundations for learning and for training.  Equally as important of course is making sure where ever they happen to be hanging out at the moment is clean and sanitary.  This is not as easy a task as one may think.  Although some pups do get the hang 'somewhat' of going to the bathroom in one certain area - not all of them do.  Just when we thought the Mega litter understood the whole concept, we found all of the pups sound asleep, cuddled up sweetly close to each other - in the middle of the frame with the shavings! Sweet indeed! I discovered yesterday they also had also pooped on top of a pile of their toys. Nice. The scene is repeated several times a day and puppy laundry supersedes people laundry - this fact was proven much to my embarrassment yesterday when Maggie wandered into our laundry room while Deb and John were here and climbed on top of my ever growing Mt. Everest of laundry and dragged my Woolwich shirt and Jacks blanket across the den floor.  Thanks Maggie.  Frequent baths in the sink or frequent touch ups with "Bath in A Bottle" are the order of the day for the older pups whose 3 square meals a day means in one end and out the other.  I don't know why I apologize for dog poop... maybe because I hate seeing pups with dried feces on them and/or yellow stains on them.  Not to say our puppies do not roll in their own - but I just prefer to keep their living areas as clean as possible. On the rare occasions when BOTH John and I need to be away payback is truly - a bitch (word for female dogs).

So, it's been rainy and the lawn hadn't been mowed, and the land mines courtesy of ATB enjoying our fully fenced in property had not been removed - or in other words 'no scoop poop for you.'  I have been to places where dogs are raised and had to dodge multiple piles of land mines - unacceptable and no excuse.  Please scoop poop on a regular basis.  We may miss a few but it's not intentional.  The most difficult part is in the spring after the snow has melted. Sure we try to get out and pick them up but when there is about 3 feet of snow it's a little difficult.  And don't ask me about yellow grass.  I use to think if what covered the yard was at least all green we were good. Not so much anymore.

Being retired means kicking back. Well to me that means I get to wear t-shirts and sweatpants (do they still call them that) or other, ahem..'comfortable' clothing. I get to wear them morning to night. Better yet, I get to wear my comfortable pajamas all day if I want.  Thank goodness for trips to the vets, dog events, group meetings and a steady flow of people interested in meeting the ATB crew - I actually will wear earrings, makeup, and dress 'up' a little. Yes, when you come to visit - I'm dressed up  - believe it or not LOL!  Gotta love it.  Seriously though, what good does it do to put something nice on if all I am going to do all day is hang with the dogs (and John too of course).  I'm going to get paw prints on me when at least two of the crew visit me up close and personal and it will be much worse than that if we're all down to the pond together.  Tromping in the woods, sitting at the pond, playing in the yard - it's all about dogs. Don't get me wrong - I do have a wardrobe of very nice suits, slack sets, and dressy clothes.  Not left over from my administrative assistant days at USNH. (Are you kidding me? They all shrunk years ago.)  Nope. My dressy and formal wardrobe is reserved exclusively for showing our dogs.

Speaking of a formal wardrobe. When I was working (a gazillion centuries ago) I enjoyed color coordinating my clothing based on my hair color and skin tone. My 'season' was cool winter so the jewel colors were what I was supposed to wear.  And I LOVE purple, royal blue, deep teal.  But those colors do not work when showing our dogs, not at all.  Now I have to select colors based on what good looks in the background of whatever dog I am showing.  When I first began showing I scoured the free magazines distributed at the dog shows to see what colors the professional handlers wore while posing with dogs in similar colors to ours.  And just imagine - I really should not wear the same color with Treasure as I would wear with Pippin or True.  Yup.  And most of the time that means I have to wear formal outfits that are of the warm summer color palette.  Sigh. 

TRUE BECOMING A TEEN AGER??
Puberty for male dogs?  Maybe.  7 years is equal to a humans 1 year so they say and True will be 2 year old this fall.  I think that True is coming into his own as he's tried to challenge his uncle Scooby lately, something that is not tolerated here.  The boys all get along together very well. They train and hunt together and often are at events with each other and with other boys. Each of them sufficiently understands the correct way to communicate with another dog and recognizes the signs of proper greeting and reaction. And John and I have very definite guidelines about what is acceptable - something our boys especially understand. 

So this reminds me that we place a lot of importance on our new puppy owners to attend basic puppy classes.  It's an important part of socialization.  As dog owners and leaders in the family we do need to be able to recognize and/or learn what is typical when one dog meets another dog.  If you are respected in your family (pack) by your dog, a sharp and quick, suitable correction for behavior you will absolutely not tolerate is needed.  Never let a puppy learn that it is acceptable to do something you do not want them to do when they are an adult. It's a lot easy to teach them right from wrong when they are kids. Just like teenagers. If parents do not correct and discipline their children when they are toddlers, that child will be 10X likely to really have problems when older.  Number one rule in every house with a dog - humans will be respected and obeyed. Dogs are not the leader/boss of the humans. If you let that happen it will be an unfortunate situation for the entire family. Don't set your puppy up to fail - set them up to succeed.  Take a lesson from how momma dog corrects an older pup. It doesn't mean to walk around and be a bully or be mean to pup - but it does mean to give them the guidelines they are looking to you for.  When your pup slows down long enough and sits down to look into your face - they are hungry to be taught something.  There is a window of opportunity awaiting every new puppy owner while their little brains are like sponges, ready to soak up as much as you can possible teach them.  The affection is a given and each pup will show it in their own way.  They are not little cuddly toys to baby and fondle. Brittany pups are highly intelligent and need jobs.  Fun jobs that don't seem like work!  You've seen our recommended reading in the right column including those we request new puppy owners read and keep on hand. Here is a link with another great list of books on dog training, some of which we have listed as well RECOMMENDED READING LIST. Be sure to check it out. There is one book I have that Tenzing's owner, Helen gave as a gift to me. I have loaned it out and cannot for the life of me remember the title but when I do I'll be sure to add it to our list here.  By the way young Tenzing has been in training since a pup for Agility trials - I'm looking forward to when he one day participates in one!

UNSUCCESSFUL PHOTO SHOOT
I tried to take some decent photos and some video of posing Pippin and Chevy's pups.  It came out more like how NOT to take picture and video posing 5 week old pups.  Maybe I'll put it together anyway. I will say I'm getting much closer to determining which pup will remain here as J & A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton "Magnum".  We are also getting closer to determining where the rest of litter will go and appreciate the interest that there is in them. Thank you for your patience in waiting with us and those who have contacted us will hear from us again soon.  It's all very exciting of course.  The big pups interact with close supervision with the little ones.  They play very nicely at first but then the older babies try to strut their stuff.  This encourages their "playmates" to also strut their stuff with pint size challenges, which doesn't quite work out to their benefit and up and out the big pups go.

BLESSING FROM OHIO
I don't want to leave out the wonderful visit we had yesterday with Maggie's new owners who came to us all the way from Ohio. They came bearing a beautiful gift basket filled to overflowing with very special items that came from Ohio itself.  There were cheeses and wine made from the Amish there.  Very special chocolates, snacks, information about Ohio, and so many other things.  They even brought dog treats that are named Scooby Doo treats!!!!   And Maggie was her absolutely delightful, outgoing, personable self.  I was so proud of her as I showed how well she has grasped the concept of clicker training. Maggie put on a show and even offered laying down as a behavior for a click and a treat.  Training a young pup to lay down on it's own is no easy feat - especially a 7 week old pup. I'm happy that her new family is getting a chance to unwind and enjoy some R&R in nearby New Hampshire.  We will see them again this weekend when they return to take their sweet little girl home.  We don't ever expect such generosity to be extended to us when people visit and are very humbled and appreciative when it is. I am reminded of so many who have and continue to bless us with their thoughtfulness... and to say thank you just simply doesn't seem adequate.

PUPS TO THE VET
Tomorrow is a big day for Maggie, Ruby (May), Benny, Flower, Blossom, and Veronica as they go for their well puppy exam, health certificate, and first set of puppy shots. Have I mentioned I love our vets at Broadview?  As I've said before, I suppose we could do all of that here ourselves and save some money. But my experience is that our vets are well prepared to send our pups on their way with a clean bill of health without issue.  I feel like it's more ethical and responsible to do this and wouldn't have it any other way. I understand the mindset that fears young pups picking up 'something' at the vets. But the fact of the matter is they can pick something up ANYWHERE even when least expected. 

Need to stop rambling - there is a lively crew of Brittanys in and outside of the house at the moment who would like to spend some time romping pond side.  My pleasure.

Take care and God bless and as always we so appreciate your interest in ATB!  John, Ann and the crew

Final Selection - Molly & Scooby Pups!

Please CLICK on the thumbnail to enlarge the photo above.

 

I'm really pleased to share the results of our recommendations for final selection of Molly & Scooby's pups.  As shared previously on a recent blog about the P.A.T.'s  we have taken the time to get to know each and every pup very well.  Usually the hardest part of week 7 into week 8 is the look on the faces of each pup when I play with them.  The expression in their eyes seems to be saying "Isn't there something more?"  And indeed my sweet little puppies there is SO very much more.  I wish they could understand how much they are already desired and loved by those of you listed above who have been waiting for the first day of the rest of their lives to begin.

John and I love getting to know the families who will welcome our pups into their lives and thus become an extended part of our ATB family here.  Already the threads of wonderful friendships have been woven into our lives.  And I appreciate that each of 'you' have been accepting of our recommendations concerning puppy selections.  I think now you know why we say fall in love with all of them when you come to visit us, and let us know if you have a couple of favorites.  Puppy selection is not always easy depending on the reason for wanting a puppy.  All responsible breeders and responsible new puppy owners understand that there is a lot more to picking out a puppy than the way it looks or appeals. Lifestyles, activities, expectations are what come into play as we consider the personalities and behaviors.  I've shared about all of this often here and will continue to do so as long as we continue with our breeding program. 

This journey is not ending with Molly and Scooby's pups - not at all!  In fact it is just about to begin as each puppy leaves here.  One week from today they will all be with their new owners.  We couldn't be happier and I think the feeling will be mutual for pups and new families alike. We have done our very best from planning this litter of pups, to taking time to find the perfect home for each of them, and to be sure that the most excellent foundation we can provide has been laid for them these past nearly 8 weeks.  And yes, now the responsibility to continue rests in your very capable hands.  Everything we've talked about, shared, all the information, homework and more - all that STUFF that's transpired since our first contact have been to prepare you all for this special day.  You're not going to fail.  Pup won't let you down in your expectations.  You've been waiting for this new addition to your family and you are ready. Otherwise - do you really think we'd let pup go with you?!!???  Just kidding - well, sort of kidding but I like to think we too have done our homework behind the scenes!  And I will confess - the prepared meals, homemade desserts, thoughtful gifts, and extra dog treats for the rest of the crew help too - Just kidding again sort of!!  But seriously it all shows your thoughtfulness and we appreciate that. You're not just getting a dog.  You're entering into a partnership of sorts with us - because we're always ALWAYS going to want to hear from you.  What has been neat too is how Wayne and Barb came to the field trial and hung out with several of our friends.  I like too that Roger and Marilyn not only came to a few dog shows over the past 7 months, but also hooked up with John at the hunt tests and field trials. I'm happy to know that Bruce and Susan have connected with NAVHDA friends Blaine and Patti Carter, and that I learned 2 pups of ours are already enjoying this summers clinic.  I think it's so cool to know that our Jack Dog is a half brother to Candis' precious Maisey who passed away last fall. Not only that that but Doug and Nancy's well loved and missed Brittany was also related to our dogs here through his sire.  There is a connection of like minded faith among several of us which really is awesome, especially with John and Deb coming to us all the way from Ohio. And I could go on.

My only regret is that I cannot stay in touch as frequently and as personally as I would love to do with absolutely EVERYONE! But most of you seem to understand that and it's okay. This is where the ATB Blog and Facebook page really play a big role for me as we can stay in touch that way.

Several of you ask frequently about Pippin and Chevy's pups.  I assure you we're working with potential new owners of their pups and there will be so much more news shared about them in the weeks to come, weeks that are also flying by.  There are at least 2 destined for competitive homes, and this evening we will meet a new family from nearby Windham Maine.  I already feel very good about this visit.  These pups will go home just in time for the 4th of July and then things may slow down a little here in respect to our program.  John and I are literally going to take the month of July and August off and have very little activity (Ha - we'll see!) here.  We need to slow down, catch our breath, and have the time to work together with the dogs - something we really both enjoy so much. I do so enjoy blogging and photography so it's likely this will remain active. 

I will divulge a bit of information about Pippin and Chevy's pups - it is highly likely we will be adding a pup to our program here and if a boy - he will called J & A's Magnificent Obsession - with the call name  "Magnum".   There's quite a story behind my choice of this name!

I hear puppies waking up from a morning nap - time to play!
Take care and God bless and THANK  you a million times over!!!  John, Ann and ATB