ATB: Stay Tuned

We are all doing well and yes! Treasure and Bullet's pups have arrived - they are beautiful, healthy, vibrant, thriving and strong.  Treasure is also doing fabulous.  Stay tuned!!

Treasure Pregnancy Day 63

Well, clearly Treasure had not ovulated yet 63 Days ago at the time of her 1st "tie" with Bullet back in February.  She is not going to have her puppies early and although they are not yet here, it does not mean she is late.  Although she 'accepted' Bullet early on (not always the case) she had not come into what is called full standing heat yet. As Treasure's heat progressed she did move into full standing heat (estrus).  Typically most stud dog owners will request the bitch in heat be sent to the male. Depending upon the location it is common for them to travel back and forth between home and the stud dog owner. ATB is Bullet's second home and as he stays here often to train with John, Bullet came to Treasure - he is after all, part of the family!

There are actually 4 stages of estrus, or heat. The first stage is proestrus and is when an owner notices the first traces of vaginal bleeding. Males become more interested in the bitch, hormonal changes occur, and this generally lasts 7-9 days and even if she has not yet ovulated (and therefor not fertile yet) she still may mate or be willing to accept.  But not always! Sometimes she will try to rip the face off any male that approaches her this early.  Estrus is the actual time that she is fertile and may get pregnant. She will gladly stand still for the male and very often 'flag' her tail. Sometimes she'll try to show him exactly what it is she would like him to do.  The actual time frame here differs greatly but typically would last an average of 7 days. A vet can administer tests to determine the best time to breed during this stage. Metestrus is the last stage, it is after breeding has occurred, dogs are still attracted to her but she will absolutely refuse any male that comes near her. Her body gets ready for pregnancy - even if she was not mated. Anestrus is the resting stage between heats and it lasts an average of 5-6 months but again they are all different and it can be as brief as 4 months or long as 9 months or more.

Therein lies a brief lesson of the estrus cycle!  Anyway, after Treasure had been bred I calculated her due date(s) based on actual dates she was with Bullet. This resulted in determining pups are due this week which began with Easter.  I really was hoping not on Easter but we were ready.  And I hope before our son in law's naturalization ceremony and celebration later on this week. (He is from England and has completed the process necessary to become an American citizen!) Regardless, our family is very forgiving and understanding about when we have puppies due.

To wrap it all up tonight, Treasure's temperature seems to be stuck just a little above 100.  Everything that's been going on is still going on and every day she's bigger than the day before. And more uncomfortable too.  She startled me today a little bit though. After lying down sleeping soundly she suddenly stood up and arched her back.  This typically is seen during labor when a pup is very close to being born.  But she then lay back down and went right back to sleep and never did it again.  She's still enjoying her walks around the yard and has finally given up any thought of running, or so it seems. Treasure has become the waddler and is content to waddle around the yard.  She continues to enjoy rolling onto her back in the grass - well that is as much as she is capable of doing that. Treasure remains playful to a fault but primarily she continues to sleep and rest.  She has a very good appetite for the most part.  She has food and fresh water available to her at all times. We are also offering her increased protein through liver, eggs, etc.  Tonight she did refuse her yogurt which was strange.  I'm happy to be getting a futon from our daughter which I have slept on at her house before. It's much more comfortable than the cot which is set up so I look forward to that. 

And as I glance at the clock I see in reality that Day 63 is now a thing of the past.  I wonder what today will bring. I'm appreciative that our nearby vet friend/breeder is 'on call' and I touched base with her and her husband earlier as well as another breeder.  It's good to have a circle of support and John and I have several friends who are responsible and experienced breeders.  We all know what it's like to anxiously await the arrival of a litter of much anticipated puppies, what a joyous occasion it is while remaining focused upon the needs and the care of the mother to be. In this case the mother to be will once again be close by my side tonight as we sleep together.  It is where she wants to be. And it is also where I want to be.  John has Hemi, Pippin, and Jack so don't feel bad for him LOL!  Take care and God bless you always - John and Ann Short and ATB

I did take photos today but just too tired to go find the camera tonight.

Treasure's Pregnancy: Day 62

We are just now settling down from a very busy yet enjoyable Easter spent with our family.  As Day 63 of Treasure's pregnancy comes to an end her temperature remained steady at 100 however I have yet to take her final evening reading.  Our home was filled to overflowing with our son and our daughter's family for Easter Dinner and our annual egg hunt.  Grampa overdid himself as is usual regarding the meal itself. I love being a grandma and I also am very happy to be an aunt and a great aunt - Bill, Sarah, and Eli, Tracy and Haley came by later in the day. Treasure enjoyed much attention as one can imagine but everyone was very respectful of her.  Treasure took it all in stride and spent much of the time resting.  I think she's got to pop soon.  But as I've shared here before, we arrive at the due date by counting 63 days from an actual tie.  As Treasure and Bullet did have several over the course of one week the fact of the matter is - we could go on for several days and it would be perfectly normal.  I have my calendar marked with a big line that extends from tomorrow (Monday April 9th through Saturday April 15th). Every pregnancy is different, even in the same animal. I'll admit, I was hoping Treasure would have her puppies earlier than her actual (1st) due date - which is tomorrow.  But I'm glad that this year we were able to spend Easter day itself with our family unlike in 2011 when Molly was at the vet.

I'm really tired tonight, ate way too much ham and strawberry shortcake.  I was treated to a beautiful bouquet of yellow daffodils picked by Alana out of 'my' own flower garden from our prior home - I thought that was so sweet.  And then Brook May baked a delicious cake for dessert and Teri brought some candied yams she'd baked. Teri didn't now ahead of time but we did not have any yams/sweet potatoes which is part of our traditional Easter dinner.

I went to church by myself today while John stayed home with Treasure and also finished cooking dinner. There was an excellent turn out.  This Sunday I sat in the front row instead of participating on the worship team. I had missed practice and felt it wouldn't be fair to the others to just show up.  It was enjoyable to be on the other side of things.  The worship service itself was truly glorious and the messages shared very powerful and meaningful. I still have to pinch myself at times to think I'm attending our sons church, that he is the pastor of. The words in one of today's songs said it best "Jesus, if ever I loved you my Jesus is is now."

This night I am tired but it is with good reason.  In a few minutes we'll call it a day. Treasure is ready to do that as well.  She (and I) appreciate all of the love and support being shown.  I don't know what tonight will bring.  Treasure is much more restless than usual at this late hour of the night.  She continues to come over and ask to go out although she's been several times already.  Her wish is my desire.  God bless you and yours...John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

Treasure Pregnancy: Day 61

As Easter Eve and Day 61 draws to an end we are another day closer to the arrival of Treasure and Bullets puppies but alas! We are also right on schedule and I do suspect at least another 24 hours of waiting because her temperature is neither rising nor falling.  There is nothing unusual and there is nothing wrong in fact, everything is perfectly normal.  The key word which seems to be surfacing a lot in conversations between Maine and New York today has been 'patience' and how it is a virtue.  The saying goes that one should never ever actually pray for this particular virtue because oft times the result is an increase in trials!  So while I do not feel this is a trial of any type, I concede that the John needed to remind me that I do have a tendency to 'jump the gun' when we get to this point of waiting for pups to be born.  And I hate to admit it when he is right about a subtle yet constructive bit of criticism. Such is the fruit of being married for 37 years!
Dear, sweet, beautiful Miss Treasure is doing wonderful all things considered here at all things Brittany.  She is especially cute as she seems to be flirting much more with John whenever he is around her. We had another 'woo woo woo' episode of her singing to him today.  Treasure just about spins her little liver tail and butt completely off for John.  With her rotund abdomen and ever increasingly pointed looking rear she does appear quite comical as she performs her typical antics, antics which are usually demonstrated with such grace and dignity.  Not so much now.  Poor girl!  But her fun loving spirit is not dampened one iota despite her clear and obvious discomfort. When we are together alone in the puppy room she quickly settles into either her whelping box or underneath the cot.  The whelping box is just perfect for her to stretch, dig, and roll around in.  Treasure received a very special gift several weeks ago when Julie replaced her beautiful bedspread with a brand new one, giving her old and well loved spread to Treasure to use.  True friendship understands a gesture such as this which needs no words to interpret the meaning behind it.  (Thistle was named "Sisters of the Heart," Pippin named "Heartfelt Legend" and True named "Keeper of the Stars" for reasons such as friendship as well as faith.)  Suffice to say, Treasure enjoys her bedspread tremendously. In a few more days, she will be sharing it with her new litter of puppies.  Sooner than later.  Just not right now.

EASTER REFLECTION
Tomorrow is Easter morn, the morning in which Christians all around the world will celebrate and rejoice in the Good News that "He Is Risen! He is Risen Indeed".  Each and every day of our life is a reason for all of us to rise, celebrate and rejoice regardless of life's circumstances.  It is easy to rejoice in the glad times but it can be challenging to do so when times are hard.  I think life in general for all people in these times is difficult and hard.  The economy tops the list of concerns, the political climate of the country, the war which we are engaged in overseas where brave young men and women sacrifice their lives for the well being of this great country. And it is a great country. But each one of us in our own personal life has our 'own thing' going on.  No one is exempt from difficulty, disappointments, challenges, heartache, or sickness at some level.  But we only have to look as far as our heart to know there is always a void of some kind there, a void which causes us to ponder 'is there something more' to all of this?  That void is filled when we realize that the One who created us, has always loved us, will always love us and offered an eternal solution through the life, death, and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. Everyone needs a Savior.  And that Savior is Jesus Christ who always stands at the doorway of our hearts - knock, knock, knocking persistently each and every day of our life. That is until we open that door to Him to enter in to our life.  I know a lot of you who follow this blog understand this and live the reality of that decision, just like I do. And I know there are a lot of you who follow this blog who do not 'yet'.  Either way, all of our lives have come together and our paths have crossed for a reason and in some cases, just for a season. Surely this happens all for the love of the dog, both given and received... but also all for the love of God, both given and received.  Our prayer is that your Easter will be blessed with the reality of the greatest love the world has ever known in your heart. 
Happy Resurrection Sunday! John and Ann Short and All Things Brittany

Treasure Pregnancy: Day 60

Friday Night, Day 60:
Treasure is doing very well tonight. There are just a few, new subtle observances from today to add to her behavior of this past week, her 8th week.  Most noticeable is her little waddle.  Boy they talk about pregnant women walking like penguins - it's nothing compared to Treasure!  Her temperature is remaining consistent with the exception of the rise/fall/rise of yesterday.  It's funny that when  I let her out of the house now, she'll walk down the steps then stop and look back to see if I'm going to follow her.  When she realizes I'm not then Treasure will turn around and come back in.  She continues to be very restless. When outdoors I can count on her heading out towards the side of the garage and nosing around in the brush there.  I'm a little embarrassed to say that our Christmas tree is still up against the side of the porch but nevertheless, that's another of her favorite spots to check out.  She also loves to roll on her back a lot, wiggling and squirming as if she is getting some relief doing so. Getting up on all fours though after doing this is a bit difficult for her in her rotund condition. Her puppies continue to grow stronger and are not only easily felt but it is easy to detect where they are as their movements are clearly noticed. Treasure does not have an ounce of fat on her, what you see when you look at her in regards to the weight she has put on is all puppy.  To think I considered her to be wide as early as 4 weeks along.

When she's resting now I can often hear her deep sighs and moans. She will stretch her body and roll or lift her head to look around as if to check out where she is, then lay back down again.  Sometimes there are several successive and spontaneous kicks with her back legs.  Each time we spend more time in the puppy room and it seems she is becoming much more settled while there, even if the other dogs are running outside.  I like that because I know at first all Treasure wanted to do was join them.  I decided to use those opportunities to teach her to offer an alternate behavior to me instead of barking at the door to go join them.  As a result, with very little coaxing, she will come over to where I am sitting and lay on the floor in front of me.  This happened as a result of just a little bit of clicker training to reinforce her "down" command, something she learned at a very young age. (She's the consistent on in this - I'm not so much!) This way Treasure is more focused upon the reward for laying down (or sitting) than the dogs running around outside. And my motivation for this is to help alleviate and diffuse the stress which rises during those runs.

The cot is fixed up comfortably for me in the puppy room with pillows, an afghan and a comforter. Tonight Treasure spent most of her time  there tucked in underneath the cot. That is where she tried to have her puppies in January 2011.  Her whelping box is fixed up comfortably for her plus there is an empty crate with a pad, the large wicker basket, an upholstered chair, and the cot itself. There are several corners she can tuck in behind and enough room to pace back and forth, roll, scratch dig or whatever. I have the newspaper ends (unprinted) on the bottom of her box along with the spread.  She's not yet actually shred any papers but that'll be coming eventually.

The other two times that Treasure had puppies (with Gibson) I believe they arrived on Day 62/Day 63 from the earliest tie. The journal is out in the puppy room and I'm too tired right now to look it up for certain but I'm pretty sure about this. I am of course hoping that will be the case now with the pups she has with Bullet. So for now, we continue with the hurry up and wait phase of the arrival of a beautiful new litter of Brittany puppies.  And I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!  John and I both are looking forward to that phone call to Julie when we share the good news that Bullet is a father for the first time. I hope he is ready to pass out the cigars!

Thanks for following along... you know we appreciate your interest.  Take care and God bless you and  yours always - John, Ann and ATB

It's Friday, But Sunday's Comin'''

A Powerful Message Reflective of this day we call Good Friday

(Pause PlayList to right prior to viewing)

Treasure's Pregnancy: DAY 59

The past 24 hours have been like riding a see saw in extremely slow motion. Treasure is doing just fine. All of the physical behavior and signs are just as they were yesterday yet there is a sense of heightened importance to all that is going on.  We did experience our first noticeable fluctuation in temperature as last night she was 101 and this morning 99.  But this afternoon she was right back at her base average of 100.1.  I did contact those awaiting news of their new pups birth sharing my excitement but it was John who reminded me that I could possibly be jumping the gun.  And he was right of course.   Julie also reminded me there is a full moon tomorrow on April 6.  In reality Treasure is right on time as we come to the end of Day 59. We're looking for the temp drop below 100 that stays there because our experience over the years has been to expect to see whelping begin within 24 hours after that.  It's not a hard and fast rule but it is reliable and the key to understanding the significance of it is the consistent taking/recording of temperatures during the 8th week of gestation.
Several things are increasing concerning Treasure's behavior at this point in time.  This includes her appetite, restlessness, her need for deep sleep, amount of times she's asking to out to eliminate, nesting instincts, and she's pacing and breathing heavy at times.  So to the slow motion see saw I suppose we could also add the sensation of feeling like a yo-yo!?  It's all good though. We spent some time outdoors today just the two of us.  John loaded up the horse trailer with most of the crew and headed out for some spring training. He met up with some friends and their dogs so they all spent the day there. Speaking of which - that's how Pippin spent her 4th birthday! They all returned very happy and very exhausted which is not a problem.  Molly and Rosie, the two old girls stayed home (or as John would say the 3 old girls because he'd be talking about me - yes I love this man) and Treasure of course. 
I am enjoying the time spent in the puppy room with Treasure. I pulled out the oversize wicker dog bed for her and tossed her bedspread in it. She loved that.  So now she has several choices of comfortable spots to lay down out there, including the cot which I have yet to spend the night on. That's coming.  Just not tonight! One of the newer behaviors that has surfaced this evening has been how Treasure will suddenly become extremely attentive and alert, walk around the house as if she's on a mission, going from room to room to return to my side again.  Her pups are very, very active tonight.
I continue to peruse the several years worth of Dog World magazines from the early 60's.  The are so relative for today it astounds me. One contrast I have noticed in the writings of the current era is that people seem to be concerned with being more politically correct, afraid of offending others which is crazy.  The stories in these 50 year old magazines tell it like it is and I love it. There is such a freshness about the life of breeders, exhibitors, judges and the like as portrayed by a multitude of authors from that particular generation. Of course I enjoy the occasional unintended mining of a nugget which surfaces via the discovery of a note or highlighted article my dad commented on. These are priceless to me as I can basically see through the eyes of an adult breeder what he was seeing at the point in history when I actually was but a child at his side. I may have been the child of a breeder and familiar with breeding techniques at a young age, but I'm not going to claim those experiences could possibly qualify me as a lifelong breeder!  I could but I won't.  Even so,  I value appreciate my dad's insights shared through the Dog World magazines, as well as the actual whelping journal of notes he wrote years ago.
Sharing this journey about Treasure & Bullet's anticipated puppies truly has brought about several unexpected joys and blessings.  This includes hearing from several families who shared recent updates about their Brittany, families sharing life with a Brittany (or two!) whose arrival we once waited for together in the same manner in which we now wait for Treasure and Bullets pups on Day 59.  Breeders should always be interested in hearing from their puppy families on several levels.  For us, those updates often begin on the day following the 1st day of the rest of the pups life, and we receive calls, notes, and emails about the first night away from ATB.  I have often joked in the past and said we operate at 24/7 support here and offer tips on how to survive life with a Brittany. After awhile the photos and phone calls are less frequent and that's understandable.  At Christmas time though John and I are always thrilled with the photo greeting cards or Christmas letters that we receive.  As we are primarily breeding for close working gun dogs, we especially look forward to when bird hunting begins and hear all the upland hunting stories and how awesome folks favorite hunting companion did.  We're here and we always will be here to stand with and behind those who do have our Brittany's, come what may.  We took our responsibility seriously then and we take it seriously right now.  What has really touched my heart this week is the gentle reminder that so many of you are right here with us and for that, I thank God and I thank you. Our mutual love of the dog both given and received (in this case the Brittany) often times includes the love of God.  One way or another, we are always in some way connected.

This night we are heading to bed early.  It is a perfectly quiet and peaceful evening. I'm too tired to think about watching any television or doing any reading. It is not even 10 pm but my eyes are heavy.  I am surrounded by sleeping dogs and a snoring husband. God bless each one of you reading this - take care and I'll update again soon.  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

Treasure's Pregnancy: DAY 58

Well here we are again and now it's late Wednesday night on Day 58 from Treasure and Bullet's 1st 'tie'.  Today, Treasure continues to sleep deeply and soundly at random intervals.  Last night she reached such a deep level of sleep I had to watch to see if she was breathing.  Treasure's appetite shows no signs of slowing down but we have to be very careful that she won't over eat by offering her several small meals throughout the day.  It doesn't matter if it's water or food - she just does not have room her puppies are crowding her abdomen. Each day their movement becomes stronger than the day before.  Feeling for and observing the movement of unborn puppies is such a beautiful thing.  Sometimes their movement reminds me of waves upon the ocean, they can be so rhythmic.  Other times it's easy to use my fingers and trace the outline of a little head or even a small leg/foot. At least I THINK that's what I am tracing! One thing for sure is that it is very easy to get lost in the beauty of those precious moments spent with an animal you love and leaving the troubles of the world on the doorstep, at least temporarily. Even so there is an additional sense of wonder this night going outdoors with Treasure in the dark.  There is enough moonlight to accentuate the fluffy white clouds rushing by overhead. It's very breezy but the air is so fresh and clean, almost exhilarating. The kennel crew of ATB has gone to bed, their nightlight is on and they are each sleeping so soundly that they do not pay Treasure or I any mind. (Sometimes at night it's possible to look out and see a head or two poke out through the individual doors then duck back in.  The pellet stove still runs for them during the evening and their warm, clean, dry beds beckon them back in.) I watch Treasure like a hawk when she's outdoors with a flash light at night.  Actually a flashlight would be another item to add to the ATB Whelping Supply list along with a 30' lead. It's too early for me to be very concerned about what it is our girl is actually trying to eliminate when she goes out to relieve herself.  Once contractions begin she'll feel the need more and more but it will be her babies that are causing the sensation as they progress down each side of the uterine horn.  While laboring years ago Treasure's mother Wish went outside to supposedly go to the bathroom - in the dark of night.  She wandered just beyond where the flashlight's beam, squatted briefly, tended to herself, then quickly returned with a beautiful liver and white puppy completely cleaned off, laying it at my feet.  No kidding. 

I shared earlier today with Julie and then again on Facebook how my day started earlier than usual. Although not as early as Johns began - good grief! Hemi decided that 4 a.m. would be a great time to go outdoors and John obliged - I'm not sure how happily.  But I did get up at 6 which is early for me and went out with Treasure.  I was anxious to see if there was any significant change in her body temperature. (There was not.)  I went over and sat down on our front steps with a nice hot cup of coffee. I watched Treasure as she seemed to enjoy stretching her legs and trotting slowly around the yard.  She looks like a rocking horse when she moves quickly. You know she wants to break into a full gallop but there is no way her body will let her do that.  But she tries.  Anyway, Treasure came around me and started acting goofy, something she is doing a lot of lately. I made of her and she ran in back trying to get down in back of where I was sitting and the opening of the step itself.  That's impossible of course. So then she ran to the back of the stairs and began to dig furiously in the dirt and leaves accumulated there. I figured that she needed to get that out of her system and just watched in amusement sipping on my coffee. I told her what a silly girl she was which seemed to make her do it more. When she had things just the way she wanted she lay down in the hole she made and looked up at me through the step with one of those priceless expressions that only dogs can give you. So my day started early however it was on a most enjoyable note! 

The focus of course right now is upon Treasure but God is good and in these times of 'hibernation' in the puppy room which is slowly becoming a puppy cave I am more than aware of the many blessings in my life. It is Holy Week... We shall see what tonight into tomorrow brings.  I've loved hearing from so many of you in email, here, on FB and even by mail :o).  Encouragement means a lot and it is greatly appreciated because it feels like there is amazing and awesome support system out there, a support that includes much prayer.  I know that Treasure in her own way feels it too.  And it is even more wonderful knowing that there are others waiting along with us - because Treasure is carrying something very precious to them too. Take care and God bless you all, you're really special people.  John, Ann, Treasure and ATB

Treasure's Pregnancy: DAY 57

Oh boy our girl Treasure is feeling miserable tonight.  Her temperature is just under 100 now so I'll be watching her closely and taking her temp much more frequently. She decided this afternoon to RUN down to the pond and back which tired her greatly.  She's been moving so much slower and not trying anything crazy so this caught me off guard. By the time she reached the house again Treasure was noticeably out of breath and walking slowly.  Her mind and body are just not connecting but they will soon enough.  Today is Day 57 of Treasure's pregnancy. She's remained very healthy and active for the last 8 weeks and now her body is telling her to slow down and get ready. I'm trying to tell her to do the same but she's not listening.  Her appetite is really good right now but I did notice tonight a couple of times that Treasure was doing those wide, exaggerated and long drawn out yawns that dogs do just before they get sick to their stomach.  She is asking to go out much more frequently than even yesterday. This will increase.  Treasure is panting a lot, stretching, and sometimes moaning.  She is extremely restless and it is only at night that she completely settles in a deep restorative sleep.  Just today she has become much more needy in that she must be near me. That's not unusual for her but it's happening in a different way.  A key indication that Stage One labor has actually begun will be when her temperature remains below 100. This is why I will monitor it every 6 hours from now on if possible because it was 99.9 earlier. I do expect it to rise again though.  She'll begin voluntary contractions and/or pushing down more when she feels the need to 'eliminate'. That's because of the pressure of her pups upon her bladder etc.  Eventually that will all change into involuntary contractions. Next behavior I'll be looking for too - is when she begins to dig frantically. She has already been demonstrating nesting instincts and a little scratching of her bedding etc. But the frantic digging becomes almost neurotic in nature usually just before she delivers her first pup. We're now heading into Day 58, her mother Wish often whelped on Day 60.  I'm not going to try to guess how much longer for Treasure but suffice to say - puppies cometh!  Stay tuned...and thank you for your support and interest.  God bless you and yours, John, Ann and ATB    P.S. Please keep our beautiful sweet girl in your prayers, asking God to watch over and protect her, that her delivery is easy and quick, without any complications, resulting in a healthy vibrant litter of Brittany puppies.  Thanks!

Treasure's Pregnancy: DAY 56

I was trying to decide if I wanted to write anything down tonight to share here on the blog. Just finished watching a really stupid, heavy, dumb movie which left me frustrated at myself for wasting all that time. I should have turned it off in the middle.  So now it's almost 10 pm and Day 56 is winding down.  Treasure's temperature is remaining consistent.  I will take it again before calling it a day.  Physically her body continues to undergo changes.  Looking at her sitting back end to, there is a definite cone like shape to her hips.  Her body is shifting and flexing to prepare the way for the contractions which will come eventually.  At the appointed time, Treasure herself will begin to push voluntarily.  As her actual labor advances however, it is her own body and hormones that will determine the contractions.  We have a ways to go though before we get to that point though.  I'm watching her canine vulva area - it is beginning to enlarge again slightly.  There is also a very light and clear non-descript discharge which amounts to nothing unless one is looking for it.  When petting Treasure, it is easy to 'feel' her spine and her hip because the weight of her precious load effects her entire skeletal form. She's healthy and in great shape with strong well exercised muscles. Treasure continues to grow more restless.  Hemi seems to be her constant companion, at least the one she tolerates the most but then you have no choice with Hemi - he is just a sweet and gentle loving puppy.  Pippin too wants to be near Treasure. In fact as I type Treasure and Pippin are lying down together, Pippin tucked up close to her friends.  Treasure seems to look forward to the increasingly frequent jaunts the two of us make out to the puppy room.  Today she pulled one of her typical stunts.  As you may know, she's quite adept not only at counter surfing when your back is turned, but also extending one of those beautiful long graceful arms across to drag a much desired item to her mouth! This morning I was doing some cooking for her in consideration of the next week or so.  I had boiled a 1 pound package of liver (the only way to do this for a dog without stinking the whole house up is to simply drop a sealed plastic bag of liver into boiling water).  The liver was well cooled and separated into a container ready to put in the fridge.  I no longer turned my back to reach for a pot holder and I heard the container crash to the floor. Sure enough there she was with the entire amount of liver dangling from her mouth!  I said "Treasure! Give!" and reached my hand out as is to retrieve a bird and sure enough - the rest of the liver was plopped into my hand... although she managed to gulp down about half of it first.  It was hers anyway but I hadn't planned to disperse of it so quickly and in such a large quantity. Brat. I'm not quite ready to give up the comforts of my bed over the cot yet so Treasure and I have opted to share the guest room until we move out together.  Actually, the cot is very comfortable, more so than the love seat which I use to sleep on in the dog house.  Having the puppy room to retreat to is very much when a young child has their own tree fort to escape to.  I know John feels that way too - when he's missing in action from around the house or yard, I know to look in there.  Anyway!  I did spend some time this morning updating the waiting list again and I have to say things are coming together very nicely. We're still accepting serious inquiries though! I'm calling it a day, John did that about an hour or so already!  I'm really enjoying getting to know several of our soon to be new owners.. it is so fun to wait together for Treasure and Bullet's pups.  In the meantime, sleep is a requirement so that'll be all for tonight I guess. In the meantime thanks so much for the notes of encouragement and support, all the prayers and of course for the ongoing interest you have in our canine Brittany crew.  John and I feel so blessed, we really do.  Are you reading in  your "Art of Raising A Puppy" book?  If so - you know that Treasure is just about where the story begins with Anika walking in the woods and being restless.  Hope you enjoy following along with us.  Take care and God bless - John, Ann and all of All things Brittany!