ATB: Interim Reflections

INTERIM DEFINED: In the meantime, meanwhile, respite.  

An interval of time between one event, process, or period and another,   A usually short interval of rest or relief. A pause.

Each morning brings with it the promise of a new day in which to live each moment to the fullest. Some days the mind is so full of plans, hopes, and ideas that even the most sluggish person is motivated to roll out of bed with great anticipation for what lies ahead. One foot in front of the other, making a path first to the bathroom and then turning towards the kitchen to make that all important cup of morning coffee! Surely many songs have been written about this. For some strange reason the first two that come to mine are  Eleanor Rigby and then Mrs. Robinson.  Hmmm.... But I am sure when McCartney/Lennon or Simon/Garfunkel penned such lyrics it was without the benefit of a lively canine crew of fun loving Brittany dogs insisting the morning belonged to them.  And thus the day truly begins.

RE:  FAITH I would love to say I am so very disciplined that faithfully and religiously I reach for my beloved Bible early each morning and take the time to pray.  But I'm not. Prayer is communion with God and I am so thankful that His ability to communicate with me is not dependent upon my scattered times of devotion.  I am thankful for the many times over many years 'we' have spent together.  Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has profoundly and powerfully made an everlasting effect upon my life, spirit, heart, mind, soul, and physical being.  I love and know Him well in Whom I believe, and He loves and knows me even more. I have learned to be content in my most simple belief of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit which has resulted in a powerful, deep and abiding faith. 

RE:  TKR Lately, it seems to me I'm actually a bit of a space case.  The recovery from total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is partly to blame or so I've been told.  It's a very difficult and challenging process to understand effecting most every aspect of my life. I'm making progress, don't get me wrong but there is still a very long way to go.  I am concerned my flexion (degree of bend to my knee) and extension (degree of straightness to the entire leg) is not better.  A new knee has meant learning to walk all over again, to regain balance and strength.  A new knee has meant hoping and praying my body would accept the prosthetic device which is intended to help me regain the joy of being an active participant in my own life. 

RE:  SEASONS I've always put a lot of emphasis on knowing which season of life a person finds them in. Years ago I was quite active in women's ministries at my church as well as with an international group.  One of the things which I tried to convey to those very special ladies who God brought into my life was to recognize where she might be in a particular season.  Perhaps she was in the springtime of her marriage. She could possibly be in the summer of her career.  Maybe fall was approaching as children grew up and moved away from home.  Or a season of winter where she was called to take a step back from all that was familiar to await a new spring.  There are many, many seasons to a woman's life and it is not easy to perceive where one begins and another ends for the seasons of the spirit are not as predictable as the seasons of nature. 

So, despite the fact that it's in the high 80's this late August morning I sense for me this has been a winter season, an interim and a pause with spring right around the corner.  Just like crocus' burst forth through the winter snow and robins return so do I see signs of renewal in my own life which are full of hope and promise.  There have been more good days lately for me, more days of increased activity and ability to do things that I have struggled with.

RE: CHANGE  I'm looking around me and see a lot of changes taking place .  Some changes are welcome others not so much. Changes sometimes mean a need to accept things that may be difficult. Otherwise you stay bogged down with things you can do nothing about.  On the other hand,  it's better to focus on those things that are positive and I see a lot of positive things which make my heart happy and put a smile on my face.

RE:  FACEBOOK I don't have a particular reason for writing all of this other than I simply FELT like it.  That's saying a lot.   I'm very tired of the little sound bytes that compose the Facebook 'live feed'.   I appreciate that the majority of those on my 'friends' list are people who I actually do know personally outside of social media.  It never ceases to amaze me how easily people become self appointed experts when given a platform to do so.  If they are convincing enough it's not too long before many minions begin to feed the machine.  Then there are those who feel justified in being outwardly critical or offering unsolicited opinions. In many ways Facebook reminds me of the cliques of Junior High days. There are loyalties and alliances formed in social media similar to when a group of snotty students snickered when someone not up to their standards or who ignored 'their' rules of acceptance walked by in the hall.

RE:  J&A's BRITTANYS   Here is where things look especially bright to me.  We have achieved more than I ever thought possible as breeders resulting in an amazing line of close working gundogs.  We've been true to our purpose driven program. Our goals were based on what we believe to be true. And our life is rich with love and friendship, with those who support and encourage us.  We are without much hype other than sharing what has been proven to be true. Quick to thank God for His amazing and mysterious ways especially how He brings people together. And for those times when doubt assails me the genuine friends help me cast them away. We recognize a need to frequently evaluate what our future goals should be, can we meet them, and if so how?  This is a lot of work.  But I am thankful for what I see in regards to what is yet to come.  We understand that faith is the evidence of things not yet seen, of all things hoped. We have lived the reality to only believe all things are possible.  We await the desires of the heart.  And of course the dogs!!!  Love them, each one of them in their wonderful, quirky, funny, intelligent, playful, charming, sometimes annoying but always marvelous ways because after all, this place called ATB is "all for the love of the dogs, both given and received."

Courage, dear heart... C.S. Lewis

ATB: Fall Field Events for Your Brittany

Tis the season for yardwork, field training, birdwork and more if you are heading into the woods this fall with your Brittany.  No matter the age (yours or theirs) this is the season where the real fun begins for those who love the great outdoors.  Of course not everyone has the same passion for bird hunting or working with your dog in field events towards titles and awards.  But for those who do not it's still a great time of year to enjoy your dog, to get out there and be active, and simply have some fun. Last year John and I enjoyed hooking up with many of the ATB family at a couple of local New England AKC Hunt tests as the photo above shows.  Those new to hunt testing had a lot of fun as their dogs received impressive qualifying scores. A few of them finished their respective titles.  We had a great time each time we went to one of the tests. 

Does this appeal to you?  If so the following information will be helpful:

AKC EVENT CALENDAR LINK  To find out where there will hunt tests, field trials, and other events. Be sure to look at the tests for your respective breed such as POINTING tests and trials for Brittany dogs. Not Retriever etc. Your dog must be 6 months old on day of event and registered with the American Kennel Club. All information is included on each premium for a specific event.  Usually (not always) a hunt test weekend consists of Saturday and Sunday. Some Pointing breed clubs offer double headers with 4 instead of 2 tests held over a weekend. We typically test at Sharpes Farm in Hopkinton NH where several clubs hold their respective events. . Even if you have a well trained bird dog, we would suggest you initially sign up for a JUNIOR HUNTER test just to get use how a hunt test is run.  (As for field trials there are several grounds throughout New England and various trials offered by different clubs for your consideration.  If there are enough entries most clubs will offer puppy 'stakes' at their field trial for those new to the sport to have a little fun and see what it's all about.)

AKC POINTING BREED HUNT TESTS INFORMATION

AKC POINTING BREED FIELD TRIAL INFORMATION

NAVHDA EVENT CALENDAR  For testing the versatile hunting dog. Several J&A's Brittanys have done well in NAVHDA testing.  We just joined NAVHDA ourselves and will soon be testing for the first time in Natural Ability. 

TESTING YOUR DOG INFORMATION (NAVHDA)

If you find an event you are interested in all you have to do is call is call that event secretary for a premium (entry form) to be sent to you.

Also, Central Maine Brittany Club where both John and I are officers will not be holding their annual fall field trial. They will however be having a "Fun & Instructional Field Trial" on September 6th at the bird dog grounds where the trial is typically held.  Truly a unique opportunity to anyone who just doesn't 'get' field trials and would like to participate in a mock trial while being taught at the same time.  Entries for this will close September 3. Contact Gary Anderson, CMBC Field Trial VP for more information.

REALLY really look forward to meeting up with some of the ATB family of close working gundogs again this fall.  We have a couple of our own crew to finish as Junior Hunters, two who are very close to their Senior Hunter title, one who is testing as a Master dog and a couple of pup pups who are quite impressive under a year old! 

I'm not sure whether or not I will actually be in the field handling a dog that is being tested.  I only recently took hold of the checkcord to hold/heel Holly Beth during a field demo.  I also heeled her on leash across a field back to the truck. I shall not despise small beginnings for there was no limp and no pain.

Take care and God bless you as always - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

J&A's Brittanys Breeding Announcement

CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 107 Prize I (WILSON) PennHip #911364 2/7/14 DIL:.46 DIR:.45 70th Percentile
Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special, SH (BULLET)
OFA BS-15198F24M
Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton (TREASURE)
OFA BS-14351G25F
Owners: Pete Sipperly and Kira Lajeunesse
Breeders: John and Ann Short
CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton (PIPPIN) OFA BS-15089E26F
Sire: CH Hills Blazen' Jac JH (JAC)
OFA BS-13863G25M
Dam: KJ Requet's Bouncin' Crysta (CHRISSY)
OFA BS-13504E60F
Owners/breeders: John and Ann Short

We are very pleased to announce the breeding between Wilson and Pippin. To bring these two outstanding Brittanys together is to continue to develop and improve upon a program which began in 1990 of close working gundogs for the walking upland game hunter. We are the proud breeders of both of these beautiful animals. They are outstanding bird dogs with wonderful personalities and both conform to the AKC breed standard for Brittanys.

THE SIRE:

Wilson is from our third generation breeding of J&A's Brittanys close working gundogs and we are the proud breeders of his parents as well as grandparents. He is a striking white and liver Brittany dog that is deeply loved as a house pet. He is well trained and has proven himself to be an impressive versatile hunting dog possessing a high degree of intelligence. He is also extremely stylish, has a great nose and as a pup easily found his birds. Already quite impressive by the age of 2 Wilson is now steady to wing, shot and fall remaining staunch until commanded to retrieve. Also as a young dog he earned a North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) NA 107 Prize I title as well as his American Kennel Club (AKC) Junior Hunter title.  His owners are currently and actively training Wilson for the NAVHDA Utility title and he also will be tested at the AKC Senior Hunter level.

As well as his outstanding hunting abilities Wilson accomplished much success in the ring.  A finished show champion Wilson won his first major at 14 months old. At 16 months he won his second major at the North Jersey Brittany Club Specialty Show.  Wilson won his third major at the Northern New England Brittany Club Supported Entry thus finishing his AKC Championship title with a total of 3 major wins by the age of 19 months old!

THE DAM:

Pippin is orange and white and was the very first AKC Champion of our own, that lives here and also who we bred. (Wilsons sire Bullet was our first champion!) A beautiful spunky, animated girl Pippin once again reminds us that we met a breeding goal of improving conformation in an already established bird dog hunting program. She was born a singleton, the only puppy in a litter of one. From the moment Pippin arrived it was clear she is one in a million. She's lively, fun-loving, and embodies the true nature of the Brittany as she exudes love and affection. Pippin won a 5 point major in 2010 at the Southern New England Brittany Club Specialty held during the American Brittany Club Summer Specialty Show in West Springfield, MA.  In September 2012 she  won her 2^nd major at the Northern New England Brittany Club Supported entry show and finished shortly afterwards.

PIPPINs PROGENY:

In 2011 Pippin was bred to GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me who was the #1 Brittany in the country for 2009. She and Chevy had a beautiful litter of 6 which included our Hemi and Thistle. Both finished as AKC Junior Hunters, Hemi and Thistle went on to finish their championship titles at very young ages. Thistle finished her Grand Championship title at the same time Wilson finished his bench title. ( Both Hemi and Thistle have joined our breeding program and have already produced beautiful pups to carry on.) This will be Pippin's second and most likely her final litter.

In addition to the recognized J&A's Brittany dogs surrounding this breeding there are other notable dogs in the immediate background including GCH Tonan-Hopes RU-Kiddin Me, DC/FC Masked Shoshini War Chief JH, NAFC/AFC/FC Aux Arc Mark HOF, NAFC/DC/AFC/ Renegades Kansas Kid HOF. At last count there were at least 11 dual champions behind them.

HYPOTHETICAL FOR NOW - UPDATE: ULTRASOUND CONFIRMED PREGNANCY!!
At this point all is hypothetical however believing all is well Pippin's due date is mid October 2014. Several puppy reservations for this litter were already confirmed well in advance of the breeding but we will still accept serious inquiries in anticipation of puppy availability. (Our next planned breeding will be summer of 2015.) Once breeding has occurred deposits are requested which are refundable should there be no pups available. A deposit indicates your commitment to work with us.

All official documentation including certified pedigrees, health reports and certifications, guarantees, photos, AKC registration papers etc. will be provided. We are happy to provide references from a variety of sources.

We give preference to experienced and/or active Brittany bird hunting families. Additionally, we anticipate show and field trial prospects for those with an interest in competetive venues. We do desire pups from this litter be hunt tested via AKC and/or NAVHDA. No matter what home a puppy is in, it will first and foremost be a well loved family pet.

Please contact us via our website at www.mainebrittanysitejas.com

As always take care and God bless you and yours.  John, Ann, and our canine crew.

WILSON - AKC SHOW CHAMPION !

CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 107 Prize I - "WILSON"

SIRE: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH, CGC - "BULLET"

DAM: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton - "TREASURE"

(NOTE: This post was written in November 2013 but just surfaced as a non-published draft!)

Please join us in congratulating Kira Lajeunesse and Pete Sipperly on their new AKC CHAMPION. Saturday, November 23 2014 at the Central New England Supported Entry in West Springfield, MA. 19 month old Wilson finished his championship with a 4 point major and by going Best of Winners. As his breeders we are especially appreciative of the multitude of help, support, encouragement, training, and assistance which is behind this great accomplishment.  It has been a labor of love and great joy to arrive at this moment.  

Our FIFTH show champion, Wilson is the son of Bullet and Treasure, 1 of 11 beautiful puppies born April 12, 2012.  This litter is the result of our very first line breeding on our own developing line of close working gundogs and marks the beginning of our third generation.  We are extremely proud breeders and Wilson has exceeded our greatest expectations, hopes, and dreams.

Wilson was entered in his first show when just 4 months old and won 3rd place in the Brittany Puppy class. His brother and littermate, "BOLTIE" won first place and Best Brittany Puppy. He has always stood out, striking in appearance and graceful in his stride. He finished his AKC Championship title with 3 major wins!!

Wilson is an outstanding bird dog in his own right.  He finished his North American Versatile Hunting Dog Natural Ability title with an outstanding Prize 1, 107 NA as a young pup and likewise easily earned his AKC Junior Hunter title.  He will continue to train towards a NAVHDA Utility title and an AKC Senior Hunter title.  Above all he is well loved and enjoyed by Pete & Kira and is a gorgeous, happy, striking, fun loving and affectionate Brittany boy who will join our breeding program in 2014.

Credit needs to be given to Wilson's owners for believing in him, giving him the opportunity to be trained for both field and ring, and never settling for second best. I believe that confidence is transmitted right down the lead to the dog and in this situation it truly shows.  Wilson has been shown to his championship by Kira Lajeunesse, Douglas Tighe, Christine Walker, and Joyce Coccia.

Wilson, like his parents is primarily from hunting lines which only goes to prove once and for all indeed all things are possible. He is third generation for show and field, with his father Bullet being our first show champion and our first senior hunter.  His mother Treasure has retired from the show ring but not before quickly earning all her minor show points within the first year of showing, all of them in bred by exhibitor.  Treasure has likewise produced many proven bird dogs and otherwise titled Brittanys and consequently the pairing with her and Bullet was a very wise decision.  Wilson's grandmother Chrissy is show pointed and was the first dog I took into the ring. Working within our own lines we are confident of the health history behind each animal, more than aware of sound mind and at our own discretion determine which line will continue to grow stronger.  It is much safer and wiser to work with animals that we know personally. We find it a very sad state of affairs in  lines where little to no bird hunting ability exists with the missing link being an absence of natural ability which gets weaker and weaker with each generation.

Congratulations Pete, Kira, and Wilson!!   Love you guys, John & Ann

ATB VIDEO: Holly & Zuko with Birds

It's been 3 months since my total knee replacement surgery.  Needless to say spending time in the field with our Brittany dogs has been few and far between.  I have been gone down to try to ride the 4-wheeler and found I could do that briefly.  I will admit to having a true fear of falling so as much as I gave it my best shot and enjoyed the opportunity.  Fear has been my biggest hurdle as a matter of fact throughout this recovery which still has a long, long way to go.  (The flexion in my knee needs to be much better and there's times of pure frustration.  Physical therapy continues to be challenging but I will keep pushing through and doing the best I can. The debilitating pain of severe osteoarthritis is gone and my gait has improved, there is no longer a bow to my leg.)  A few weeks ago with our good friend Julie was down, she took her camera down to the field and captured some great photos of my puppy, "Holly Beth".  I loved the glimpses but it was not the same as seeing her live in action. Yesterday our daughter brought her 3 kids up and her own puppy "Zuko" up for some time in the field.  It meant a lot to me that the timing was just right for me to go with them. Although she had already been out and found her birds, John brought Miss Holly back out so that I could see for myself how well she's doing. Of course she was less than stellar when it came to being steady at the flush but she did return quickly to John.  Holly will stand once the bird flushes and the gun is shot, she just didn't do it for me to see!  Plans are to test her this fall in both AKC and NAVHDA hunt tests and I'm very pleased with how well she's been doing under John's very capable hand.  She's 7 months old now.  Also I am so pleased with 4 month old Zuko, a new puppy that I co-own with my granddaughter and who is a very special pup bringing healing to that hurting family after the devastating loss of Boomer to cancer. I love that our daughter has taken such a keen interest in learning about gundog training too.   For such a young pup Zuko is doing very well but as Julie said it would be a fluke if he wasn't because of the great breeding behind him. Anyway, wanted to share this glimpse of an informal and fun morning in the field. The use of a cane is still required for me on uneven ground but next year at this time I anticipate being fully involved, something that will make me very happy.  For the time being, it truly is one day at a time. And I put my complete trust and faith in the Lord, knowing perhaps He would have me learn to be patient in the healing journey.

 

Thanks for your interest in our canine crew, and as always take care and God bless! John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

 

ATB: Just for Fun - Field Trial Placements

	The J&A's Brittanys mission statement found on the home page of our website includes these words: "...Brittany family bird dogs with a proven hunting heritage that measures up to the breed standard regarding health, appearance, movement, and temperament."   We are not actively involved with the sport of field trialing but still wanted to acknowledge dogs associated with our breeding program who have earned placements. We understand the importance of "proving a breeding program" in regards to health, temperament, hunting ability, measuring up to the breed standard, and more. We have a page on our website for anyone interested in our titled dogs.  (Several of our crew are dual pointed, having points in both show and field, but we're not going to camp there.) We have proven to produce the kind of dog we want to produce. Over and over again. But it's not in what we say it is in what those who share their lives with our dogs have to say.  Here is a link to some of those testimonials. There are times we will enter a field trial to support our club or encourage a new puppy owner to have some fun and make up their own mind about trialing.  We are all about being true to "old time Brittany grouse bloodlines." Our close working gundogs should remind someone of when their grandpa took them out bird hunting with a Brittany. Anything else an owner might desire to do with their dog is greatly appreciated and is like frosting on the cake, an added benefit to an already obtained outcome! There is a link immediately following the dogs name to an exceptional data base.  NAVHDA also has a very impressive data base as well with all of their titled dogs.  Birch Spring J&A Spirit Rising - Brittany - P Thayer/S Thayer http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=7669 Sire: Pride & Joy's White Smoke Dam: Birch Spring Wish Upon A Star (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH - Brittany - J Harris/J Short http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=53305 Sire: J&As Apple Jack of Acton JH Dam: KJ Requet's Bouncin Crysta Currently pursuing his Master Hunter title. (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	J&A's High Flying' Girl Of Acton - Brittany - J Short/A Short http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=53303 Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH Dam: Chloe Several legs towards her AKC JH title. (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	J&A's Hole In One - Brittany - T Drottar/K Drottar http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=61478 Sire: GCH Tonan-Hopes RU Kiddin Me Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	J&A's Intrepid Benedict Of Deer Cove - Brittany - W Richards/B Richards http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=61920 Legs towards AKC Junior Hunter title Sire: J&A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton Dam: KJ's Ramblin Molly Rose (Breeders: John & Ann Short) Jasmines Belladonna JH - Brittany - J Rollins/L Rollins  (Jack/Jasmine - Zuk Breeders) http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=61479 "Bella" This girl has several very significant field trial placements! Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH Dam: Belknaps Reason to Believe JH (Breeders: Tom & Kim Zuk, Cynthia Wright)
	J&A's Keeper Of The Stars Of Acton JH - Brittany - A Short/J Short http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=57268 True also won the NNEBC Championship Members Trial in 2012 and has American Field placements. Sire: CH Gibson JH Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession Of Acton JH - Brittany - J Short/A Short http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=61919 Hemi also won the NNEBC Derby Dog Members Field Trial in 2012 and has an American Field placement. When ready, Hemi will test at the senior level. He has one leg towards Junior Advanced. He also has points towards his AKC Grand Championship title. Sire: GCH Tonan Hopes RU Kiddin Me Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	J&A's Sassafras Rose Harris - Brittany - J Harris/J Harris http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=7767 Sassy is a big running girl, and she is also a Flyball Dog Onyx Champion. Sire: Pride & Joy's White Smoke Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	GCH J&A's Sisters Of The Heart JH- Brittany - J Harris/A Short http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=61480 Not much Thistle can't do. Sire: GCH Tonan Hopes RU Kiddin Me Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton (Breeders: John & Ann Short)
	J&A's Timberdoodle Of Acton - Brittany - J Short/A Short http://www.remekvizslas.net/dog.php4?id=6161 My first trial. It felt like a gold medal. Sire: FC/AFC Coos Rylee Dam: Birch Spring Wish Upon A Star (Breeders: John & Ann Short)

ATB ANNOUNCEMENT: Ruby NEW Junior Hunter!!

J&A's Rubies Are Heaven Scent JH

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

Dam: KJ's Ramblin' Molly Rose

Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owners: Roger & Marilyn G.

D.O.B.:  April 23, 2011

 

 

We are so proud to announce that the lovely, intelligent, and beautiful RUBY recently met all requirements for the AKC Junior Hunter title!  Affectionately referred to as "Scooby's Ruby" or "Ruby Rose" she was handled to her JH title recently by her owner, Roger G. at a hunt test in Connecticut.  Last year in 2013 Ruby's owners wanted to surprise me by preparing her for her testing and actually didn't tell me anything about it until AFTER she had won her very first qualifying scores! I love surprises like that and was very very proud and happy when hearing of the news.  It was really a joy last fall too when Ruby, Marilyn, and Roger made the trip up to a hunt test in New Hampshire where we were also testing some of our dogs. As a matter of fact it was like an ATB family reunion that gorgeous fall day when we had many Brittany dogs there testing from our program.  Not only was it a reunion of dogs, but it was also awesome to see new friendships develop among the ATB family. All that were there received qualifying scores at their respective testing level, several Junior Hunters finished and it was a great celebration when BULLET finished his SENIOR TITLE!   The Brittany club that John and I belong to recently had a pointing dog training day here in Maine.  Roger & Marilyn brought Ruby up to it in preparation of her next hunt test which was scheduled for the next day.  It proved to be quite beneficial for Miss Ruby whose qualifying scores earned her a final leg towards her AKC Junior Hunter title! As a side note, Miss Ruby is also now a 'big sister' to 3 1/2 month old "Ammo" (Bullet/Thistle).  Congratulations Roger, Marilyn, and of course Miss Ruby - we are so very very proud of you all  - keep up the good work!

As always, God bless you and yours.  John, Ann & All Things Brittany

ATB: J&A's Brittanys Next Generation

Our beautiful 8 year old granddaughter presented our 6 month old puppy "HOLLY BETH" officially recognized as J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton at the Central Maine Brittany Club 2014 Specialty Show.  They received a beautiful first place big blue rosette from the 6-9 month Puppy Bitch class.

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH ("HEMI")

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton ("TREASURE"

Love is....

A beautiful team as handling came naturally for their show debut!

"Aunt Julie", dear friend and mentor.

ATB Video: Swimming Reflections

 

 

Today makes 8 weeks since I underwent total knee replacement.  Today also was the first time I walked down to the ATB pond by myself since surgery.  John was mowing the yard on the tractor and I know he kept a close eye on me.  Holly came down with me and this was also the first time she and I have been outdoors together without any other dogs around. She turns 6 months old in two days. Today was a personal and physical victory for me.  It was also a victorious day for Miss Holly!

 

Winter in Maine seemed to go on endlessly this year.  Long after the calendar said it was over we still had a lot of ice in the pond and a couple of feet of snow. As for me, pre-surgery I could hardly walk across the kitchen floor let alone go out and play with the dogs. And post-surgery I haven't been able to walk outdoors on uneven ground unassisted and required first the walker, and then the use of the cane.

 

Before Julie brought Holly Beth home to stay with her during my TKR surgery and early recovery, she had discovered the ATB pond which still had ice. Holly being so curious and who loves to investigate new things jumped onto a piece of ice. I didn't know any of this was going on but I did hear John begin to yell for her and shortly after that she came running around the corner ninety miles an hour and soaking ringing wet!  Into the house she came and I dried her off quickly. I called out to John and asked what had happened.  Evidently as quickly as Holly jumped onto the ice, she jumped off of it into the frigid pond water. She tried to climb back up onto the ice to no avail so turned and headed for shore then beat feet for the house. 

 

Ever since then Holly would run around the pond with the other dogs but never actually went in.  While she was at Julies I felt hopeful because she enjoyed the small kiddie pool there with Bullet and Sassy.  When Holly came home to visit over the next month she still would run down to the pond here but not go in.  I really was concerned the earlier episode had shaped her behavior in a negative way. Since our interest is piqued in regards to seeing how Holly might do in a test for a Natural Ability title with North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) her ability to swim takes on a bit of importance.  My ability to walk however also takes on a bit of importance to regarding our own hopes, desires, and dreams for the future. (That just reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 which says " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)

 

The future.  Lately my plans for the future have been focused on improving the bend in my knee, being able to walk without an limp, getting through the day with the least amount of pain medication possible, and becoming independent again in my day to day living.  I have missed interacting with my ATB crew here. There's only a few dogs who have been able to be around me because some of them are just way too rambunctious and unpredictable to take a risk of getting jumped on. My interaction with them has been minimal.  Physically I'm really doing better every single day and becoming more active. Pushing through my physical therapy exercises and going to rehab a few times a week.  Our life here has pretty much been dictated by my knee. Today that all changed.

 

I asked John what would be the easiest way for me to get down to the pond the other day.  When he was out mowing the yard today I decided it was time to head down back. Just like that, I grabbed my cane, slipped my shoes on, called Holly to my side, opened the door and down the steps I went. I headed to the kennel and took my time visiting with each of my beloved canine crew. Oh that I could open all the doors for each one to come run with me!  Not yet, but someday in the future.

 

The cane was used more for a navigational tool as I moved through the tall grass on the uneven ground.  Holly was psyched to have me down there and I was psyched just to think I was even doing this!  I knew John was keeping an eye on me as he continued to mow. I sat on the picnic table, closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun on my face and heart the splashing of Holly running from side to side.  What happened next is pretty much captured in the above video so I won't belabor the fact that Holly obviously was also living her life in the moment.

 

I walked around the pond once, slowly and carefully. John yelled to me be careful I don't fall in! I like to think he was happy to see me making my way from one side to the other. Holly was feeling more and more confident herself.  I looked for a stick to throw and could only find an old pine cone for her. I was surprised when she went out over her head and retrieved it to my hand!!  By the end of my second trek around the pond John had joined me and we watched in amazement as Holly went from uncertain to confident regarding the water.  And I went from being uncertain to confident regarding my new knee.

 

A day of progress, of personal victories, and a sense of understanding shared.  A day that was needed. A day which I'll never forget. A day to reflect. 

 

Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They will mount up on wings as eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 30:31  (And maybe dogs will swim and not be afraid.)

 

As always take care and God bless.  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

In Memory of Memorial Day

Note: This post 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...

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 (2014).  John, Ann and All Things Brittany