There's a New Bird Dog In Town

J&A's BIRCH SPRING BREAKING NEW GROUND - "TOPH"

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

Dam: CH Birch Spring PC Luna Eclipse JH, NA II "LUNA"

Breeders: Phil & Sherri Thayer   Owners: Maryann Day & John Short Sr.

 

UPDATE:  This amazing pup at 6 months old and within a two week period with our daughter handling earned a NAVHDA Prize 1 title, earned her AKC Junior Hunter title in 2 weekends, and a 2nd place Amateur Derby field trial win!  She will have her show debut in the spring of 2016. 

 

J&A's Brittanys is proud to introduce the latest Brittany to the ATB family of close working gundogs as part of "TEAM AVATAR".  "Toph" has come home to join "Zuko".  At 7 weeks old we visited Toph and she was retrieving a frozen gamebird used for bird dog training. Just for fun! Then today today at 8 weeks of age she had her first experience in the field with live birds. Also, just for fun! We get excited when we see such strong natural instincts at such a young age!  

An 8 Week Old Pup

Author:  Dave Jones (Thanks, Dave...)

Caly (pronounced as cal - ee )

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

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

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

ATB: The Best is Yet To Come

The first quarter quarter of the new year 2015 is upon us.  It's March 2 and spring is just around the corner. This coming weekend the clocks will be set ahead and we've already gained over two hours of daylight since the last time I wrote in this blog.

Thistle continues to improve.  Regularly she has blood work and tests done that monitor her all important liver values.  We are all thankful for this and will never forget how close we came to losing our precious GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH in the fall of 2014.  Her mother Pippin (CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton) has recovered completely from her emergency C-Section in October, her 3 beautiful pups sired by Wilson (CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 107 Prize 1) are all in their loving homes with well experienced bird hunting families.

ATB: Breeder Referrals

BREEDER REFERRALS

The point of this blog post is to point to a new page on our website. Although we are not planning another litter of Brittany pups until sometime in 2016 we are proud that the stud services of several of our boys have been requested. Recently, the referrals I have provided for other Brittany breeders have proved quite successful for all concerned and this will make it even more expedient. While we do have a waiting list for 2016 we realize not everyone wants to wait that long and that timing is everything.  We have enjoyed several conversations recently with folks who are interested in our breeding program and are happy to share the information here for them as well as others. 

J&A's Brittanys Breeder Referral Information

Thinking About ALL THINGS....

Pip-pip-pip-pip-PIPPIN!!!

On December 1st Wilson & Pippin's 3 beautiful puppies turned 8 weeks old and were more than ready to begin the first day of the rest of their life with the families who have been anxiously waiting. Eleta was the first to leave, followed by Bella (Kiba) and then Brooke (Amie).

Our friend, Dr. John Flood DVM of Island Veterinary Services made a house call a few days earlier for the well puppy examination and health certification process required by the State of Maine. Sometimes our kitchen is turned into a temporary animal hospital which is quite convenient.  (As breeders we're truly blessed with the support of many animal medical professionals including Dr. Amanda Rizner DVM as well as the staff at Broadview Animal Hospital. You may not realize it but not all veterinarians are breeder friendly!) We practice a very conservative vaccination schedule which our vets respect.  Each puppy passed their health exam with flying colors and a hearty thumbs up from Dr. Flood.  He and his wife Patti share their life with "Mojo" littermate to Wilson, the pups sire.  There is also a vet in Connecticut with a specialty in sporting dogs who owns one of our Brittanys too!

A favorite secular quote of mine is from Helen Keller who said: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."  2014 has, for me, been a year to experience the full spectrum of emotions, especially in regards to the Brittanys we have been and continue to be responsible for bringing into the world.  I have both felt and seen unbelievably beautiful things this year!  I have also experienced things which are anything but beautiful. Some of those things have been shared here in blogs over the past 12 months. Often I have spoken open and candidly about things with family and friends.  Sometimes, I allude to things on Facebook, a place considered by some to be shallow and superficial.

I arrived at "ALL THINGS BRITTANY" as our own nickname quite simply. It comes from the beautiful hymn written by Cecil Alexander in 1848. James Herriot used the words in this hymn for the title of his books surrounding a veterinarian practice in 1930 in England, which later on became a television series.  I simply took the liberty to change things around a little bit by saying:

All Things Bright and Beautiful

All Creatures Great and Small

ALL THINGS BRITTANY

The Lord God, loves them all!!

I do believe it was our friend Stephanie S. who began to refer to us as ATB, and that also has stuck!

As far as "things" go, my choice is to think on those things that are "true, noble, right, pure, lovable and lovely, admirable and honorable, kind and winsome and gracious, and if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise." My choice is to "think on and weigh and take account of these things, to fix my mind on them"! (Philippians 4:8 Amplified Bible)

Recently we've also seen All THINGS Hoped For (Hebrews 11) as well as All THINGS are Possible, Only Believe (Mark 9:23), and Desire of the Heart (Psalm 37:4).  While we're having a mini-Bible study here our foundational message for ATB is Matthew 6:20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Treasure's name is derived from that Scripture.  Hemi was named from and for the "Magnificent Obsession" litter with Chevy and Pippin and that comes from a great song by Stephen Curtis Chapman of the same name. (Check out the lyrics, it will make sense.) Amen and amen!

God blessed me mightily in the final days before the 3 "Desire of the Heart"puppies left.  I saw beautiful 'things' which were indeed felt with my heart and seen with my eyes. I wish I had photographs of them all but to be honest I didn't take a lot of pictures the last week. The puppy cam streamed live though for 8 weeks and the puppy families saw a more private and intimate side including the midnight zoomies and paper shredding activity!!

The night before Eleta went home, I watched as Pippin gently enticed her over to the corner away from her littermates.  Ellie was not one to roll over submissively without persuasion but she immediately showed her little pink belly to her mother. Pippin lay her paw upon her daughters tummy, holding her down while 'talking' to her.  She leaned down and kissed Ellie who was obviously delighted and began licking Pippin back. Pip then lay on the floor and let Ellie climb all over her.

Every family brings one or two t-shirts with them on the day they visit. It's a t-shirt they've slept in, sealed in a plastic bag, and labeled with their name. On the night before a puppy goes home "their" blanket made by Aunt Julie and full of momma and littermates scent is taken from them and replaced with 'their' new owners t-shirt.  The blanket then sealed in the bag.  (They are washed gently throughout the 8 weeks by the way because yes, puppies will be pups!)

In a large litter the t-shirt introduction can be tricky! It was just fun to watch Ellie, Kiba, and Amie though. The first t-shirt was Ellies.  I lay it down in the middle of their sleeping area and watched as they sniffed, rolled, and delighted themselves with this new fabulous 'thing'!  

The next evening, Amie and Kiba were the only two here and both were going home the following morning. Like before, I removed the blankets and replaced them with "their" t-shirts.  It was interesting and very cool because each one was drawn to one particular t-shirt, and it was the one with their new owner's scent. That night when they cuddled up to sleep it was not next to each other, it was with the t-shirt that had their respective owner's scent on it. Also, by this time the girls were asking to go out to go to the bathroom, walking nicely on a leash, climbing up and down stairs, desensitized to loud noises, and taking naps in a crate. 

Each puppy had their own one on one time with Pippin.  It's not something we make happen. It simply happens.  I have seen this many times through the years. Long after weaning has been completed the dam may allow a pup to snack ever so briefly, right up until they go home.  But there are other times the interaction between pup and mother is simply that of pure love. They understand each other, they know each other, they love each other.  Never is this as obvious to me as it is on the day the pups go home and I watch as they enjoy an extended time of play with their mother.

Pippin & Kiba share a moment

I am a firm believer that mom's should have daily interaction with their pups right up until the time they go. The dam teaches her pups so much about respect, bite inhibition, and simply being a dog that I could never teach them.  We are a team for 8 weeks. Speaking about bite inhibition, our puppy packet includes excellent information on what is 'normal' regarding puppy biting as well as advice on the best way to handle dogs approaching your pup when other owners are not aware of the proper etiquette between two dogs. 

Amie and Kiba getting serious!

Because we strive for 100% upland game hunting families we always nurture the strong inherent basic instincts at an early age and are confident of the impact this has for the future. It was great this year because Brooke's family brought some frozen grouse wings to us which they had saved from their fall bird hunting season. Usually I'll toss a wing or two in with the pups when they are steady on their feet. It is a riot to see the reactions and pretty easy to confirm the depth of prey drive and even retrieving instincts.  These pups were outdoors with a wing on a pole as well but frankly they were more interest in the adventure of pouncing on leaves and the effects of the wind. When they finally figured it out it was amazing though. Pointing and honoring instincts showed up briefly. Then, on the day they went home however John got very serious with puppy retrieves in an enclosed area. They did not disappoint! Our personal expectations for our pups as bird dogs are very high and with good reason. While never straying from our breeding goals we have improved from one generation to the next.  I love the consistency that is right here from great-great grand dam Wish down to her great-great grand pups.  It's humbling to me when I realize we have now bred 4 generations of our own Brittanys.  Within the past 12 months we have seen the arrival of perhaps our strongest natural instinct Brittanys yet, including those precious 3 who just left. 

Although we are not planning to breed again until some time in 2016, several stud services with our boys are on the horizon for 2015. And as for the 2016 plans, a waiting list does exist. In the meantime I'm looking forward to getting ready to train Holly for her NAVHDA UT title, being in the field with John much more than I've been able to in the past, working with my daughter and granddaughter, seeing Zuko and Quincy in the ring together, and spending as much time as I can with our seniors in the coming year.  That's just for starters.

Christmas is just around the corner.  John and I wish you and yours a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ!  To those faithful ATB followers, friends, and family - thank you for making it real for us in so many ways.  God bless you always!!!! Much love, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

T'was the Week of Thanksgiving

J&A's DESIRE OF THE HEART - ELETA (Ellie)

BELLA (Kiba)

J&A's RUFF PLAY - BROOK - (Amie)

REFLECTION Time goes by. We all know that is true. I feel in regards to time that a dog breeders calendar truly is perpetual.  Planning a litter often begins years in advance.  Looking at pedigrees, observing dogs in person, considering what your own purpose is for breeding in the first place, and what you may hope to achieve by bringing two particular animals together in the first place.  You work closely with those whose opinions and experiences you trust.  You observe others from a distance to see what may or may not have worked for them. You consider health, temperament, function, conformation, and much much more.  Sometimes you feel as if you are living in a glass house while other times you are certain you are invisible.  Unsolicited opinions cover a full spectrum which includes criticism as well as support and encouragement.  You follow your heart, but you also follow your head.  You look not only at the beautiful dogs in front of you, but you look behind you for several generations. You look ahead of you in anticipation of what the future may bring.  An estrus season comes.  The intended is brought to your girl.  You wait, hope, and pray during 9 very long weeks.  There are no guarantees. Ever.  The majority of time there are no complications.  Years and years go by without an issue. Sometimes it seems the more you learn and the more you know, the more you realize the very real risks that are involved.

One week from today three very special pups will leave our care and begin the first day of the rest of their lives with their new families.  Kiba's new name will be Bella.  Amie will be called Brook.  Eleta will keep her name and be Ellie.  They are the three survivors of a litter of 8 girls born to Wilson & Pippin.  And they are beautiful, intelligent, fun, happy, and very very sweet!

Thistle being loved on by her son Quincy and his sire, Bullet.  

THISTLE UPDATE  Thank you for those who have continued to pray for Thistle's well being.  It has now been over 4 weeks since Thistles emergency surgery. Since then she has been on heavy duty medications and her blood work and liver values have been monitored closely.  In the hands of the medical time in Hermon, Maine and Rochester, NH the finest of animal medical professionals are involved in her healing and recovery.  She's not out of the woods yet but her spunkiness and love of life have returned.  Thistle is more like herself and there has been improvement. Julie has dedicated herself to the care and well being of  Thistle and I know it's been an exhausting time for her.  We hope you will continue to pray for Thistle and for Julie. There are still questions which need to be answered. Above all, we keep our eyes fixed on all things above, upon the Lord, for He is our ever present help in times of trouble.  In ALL THINGS.

We're getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here. Most of our family will be here and I'm looking forward to the traditional family meal.  Basically the menu is the same one that was passed on from John's grandparents, to his parents, and to us.  Through the years we have tried to enhance and add a couple of new offerings but in the long run we always return to what is tried and true.  The gravy that is only made on Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as the special way of making stuffing.  We have a lot to be thankful for this year! We wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving as well, and may God bless you as you gather around the table.  John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: 4 Weeks Old Already

ELETA - Chosen One

KIBA - Protected One

AMIE - Beloved One

"We just want to say that we are looking forward to meeting our new families this week when they come to visit us for the first time!  Every day we're doing something new and adventurous.  The other night all 3 of us climbed up, over, out, and down onto the floor on the other side of our whelping box.  Our momma Pippin was not sure what to do about that but she doesn't seem to mind having us out with her. She can still get away from us if she wanted to but I don't know why she would want to do that.  Mostly we all hang out on her blankets, snuggling and playing.  We figured out that the special pads down on the floor in the corners are our 'bathrooms'.   We hope that there is going to be some more warmer weather before we go home in just a few more weeks. Ann said she can't wait to get us outdoors because there's just 3 of us and she thinks she can keep up with us.  She also said she's going to let us play with some of the frozen gamebird wings from those that John has shot this year.  That will be fun.  During the day we have a bunch of different activities when we are not sleeping. They don't last very long but we are sure getting a chance to learn about all the sights, scents, sounds, and more all around us.  We have been introduced to our first solid food. It was actually a little bit of cooked chicken which Ann used when she TRIED to pose us for a 'stacked' photo. She said "PHOOEY" to that though and decided to wait until we're a little bit older.  These pictures though are some of the ones that she took tonight. We think we are pretty cute, don't you?  All three of us are going to go to hunting families which is always John & Ann's choice and we are happy about that! One of us is also going somewhere where we might be shown if everything works out.  But above all, they say it's our nose that is the most important of all, whatever THAT means!  We are four weeks old today and in five weeks we'll begin the first day of the rest of our lives.  Time is flying by and we also have heard that our dad Wilson's human mom is going to come visit us and we really can't wait!! As they always say, take care and God bless you always - Kiba, Eleta, and Amie xoxoxo"

ATB Video: 3 1/2 Weeks Wilson & Pippin's Girls

Before we know it Eleta, Amie, and Kiba will be living the first day of the rest of their lives with their family and John and I will be waving goodbye as the car pulls out of the driveway!

THISTLE We received an update on Thistle today from Dr. Estel. The current plan is to stay the course. There has been a histiopathological exam involving the surgical specimen of the liver and the biopsy of the uterus and ovaries.  The thing to take away from the results is that there is no cancer.  There will be additional consultations on Monday.  From all that Julie has shared Thistle is doing great and has been more like herself. She had a day or two of increased activity which was so good to know. The prescribed medication she's been taking is having a positive effect on her body.  Praise God and also thank you to so many caring individuals who have reached out to us this past month a month where we truly have learned:

"'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops

What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

CHRISSY Today when I approached the puppies in the whelping box they greeted me with little woofs!  I responded back happily by making funny noises and exaggerated motions.  Three beautiful little Brittany puppies ran to the edge of the box and each one tried to climb up onto the pig rail. As I watched them with amusement it seemed as if they have a bit of a competitive spirit within them, a realization that made me think of their beautiful grandmother Chrissy who was extremely animated and spunky.  Pippin and also Thistle the Pistol take after Chris that way.  The daughter of DC/AFC Masked Shoshoni War Chief JH Chrissy just passed on to the "Rainbow Bridge" after a brief illness.  She would have turned 13 years old in another week. Our deepest sympathies, love and prayers to the lovely couple who she shared her life with following motherhood and from teaching me how fun showing can be with a Brittany who enjoys it! 

DESIRES OF THE HEART Speaking of all things repeated, I cannot tell you how many times I have sat in the darkened area just on the other side of the whelping area and watched with awe as the new family bonds with their dam.  I have witnessed sights which one could nearly refer to as reverent.  Tonight was no exception.  Pippin and I had taken a bit of a walk together out in the yard earlier. Upon returning I refreshed her pail of water and filled her food dish.  It was time to get her settled  and make sure the pups were all set.   I turned the overhead lights out and switched on the little night light leaving the soft instrumental music playing.  The light from the overhead infrared heat lamp cast a light pink glow upon the three pups while the surrounding area was in darkness.  That's where I sat, in the darkness finding myself mesmerized by that precious sight.  The pups could not see me on the other side so of course they were unaware they had a captive audience. 

Pippin jumped up into my lap and together we watched Eleta, Kiba, and Amie each approach the side of the box.  Each one simultaneously lifted one little leg onto the rail and then the other bringing their little bobble head up higher than the edge.  I wondered what it looked like to them!  It was if they were sizing the situation up before making the one brave move which would launch them up, over, and down onto the other side of the world as they know it up to now. I whispered to Pippin 'uh oh Pip! Soon they will be invading your space!'  Her response believe it of not was to jump down off my lap and move closer to where they were. Pippins appearance quickly diverted the attention of the pups from their great escape to her own powerful presence.  I thought to myself how clever she was to perceive the situation and to then intervene as she did.   After gently bopping the bobble heads down from the rail Pip nonchalantly stepped up, over and into where they were and offered them their dinner. When it is meal time they turn into little piggies slurping and suckling away at their mother. Tonight Pippin fed them their late night supper while standing, causing the pups to stand as well.  If I had not felt the teeth inside their mouths earlier I would now have understood this move on Pippin's part!

I think the greatest changes appear right now from 3 weeks to 4 weeks.  I see differences in the pups from morning to night sometimes. They look at me with intent and purpose. They respond to my voice and to my movements.  When I hold them they stretch their heads forward to kiss my nose.  And the puppy breath! The all intoxicating puppy breath!  Ahhhhhhhh......

I'm fighting the overwhelming urge to fall asleep.  A few seconds ago I drifted off briefly to awaken to several lines of m's typed across the page. Pippin and her pups can be observed throughout the night and into the next day through the live stream video.   I can roll over into the awaiting paws of Treasure and her hot shot daughter Holly Beth.  And I can lift a pray to God, thanking Him yet again for His faithfulness to watch over and protect all that concerns us.  I will write more again soon about the puppies and their development and thank you as always for your interest in ATB.  Take care and God bless you always.

BLESSINGS

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Writer(s): Laura Mixon Story, Liz Story
Copyright: Story Duke Music, Laura Stories, New Spring Publishing Inc., Warner-tamerlane Publishing Corp.

As The Seasons Change

“Gotta have faith in the way that He moves

As the seasons change... Baby, by now 

we've been through it all...”

(Seasons Change by Jagged Edge)

I've been thinking a lot about comments often spoken regarding dog breeding. Maybe some of these have become nothing more than a cliché to some; “Breeding is not for the faint of heart; if you are a breeder long enough you'll see everything; when you make a decision to breed your girl, ask if the pups are worth losing the life of the mother, etc.” Kinda of like medical jargon. You hear the dreaded word pyo and although you may have never experienced in 24 years of breeding, you know that it's out there. You know there is open and there is closed. You know that open is the lesser of two evils. And then one day without warning you hear the word mentioned in a long distance phone call from a dear friend . Within hours you not only learn the difference between pyo and cystic endometrial hyperplasia but you suddenly live the reality of the diagnose of the latter, the treatment, and the aftermath of living in a temporal and sometimes surreal world.

There are times breeders, dog owners, and anyone who loves their pets will need to completely trust the professionals while also trusting heart, gut, and above God with a true life and death decision. John and I have experienced this reality as most breeders and dog owners have. Today I am once again trying to make sense of a situation that is beyond comprehension.

Julie had been saying for days that our beautiful little Brittany girl Thistle's eating pattern was off and that she was not acting like herself. Look up any major medical emergency and you will see that not eating is one of the major symptoms something could be wrong but with Brittanys they can be so fussy sometimes it is easy to discount the serious potential that is lurking behind lack of appetite.

Julie took the initiative and managed to squeak Thistle into her vets office during a routine visit for another canine family member. Among other things blood work showed elevated iron values, an ultrasound showed something questionable, the dreaded “P” word was dropped and suddenly plans were made for a 3 hour drive south for a consult and second opinion with Dr. Jennifer Estle DVM, reproductive specialist at Broadview Animal Hospital.  We all met at the hospital and clearly Thistle was not herself. Following a brief consultation Thistle was admitted, whisked away and prepped.

First order of business was shaving a patch of hair on a front leg to prepare a port for IV fluid administration and all necessary medications.  The records from Thistle's primary vet were sent down and previous blood panels and the details of the previous days visit there  helped confirm 'something' was going on.  This was all extremely helpful for Dr. Estele and the Broadview team for the necessary second opinion we all were seeking.

As a breeder you also may be dealing with a situation that involves a well loved and valuable breeding animal or perhaps one that will become a part of your program in the future if all goes well. For me, the relationship of beloved pet and constant companion always comes first and foremost. If that same animal ends up being the best your breeding program has ever produced, if they win accolades, awards, and recognition which you never dreamed possible resulting in plans for a future extraordinary 'pairing do you put these considerations above their health and well being? Absolutely not. I would be a damn liar to say those things don't matter but they do not matter enough. Ever. And not at all Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Within 48 hours, a second ultrasound, additional tests and x-rays the “something questionable” resulted in a decision for an oviohysterectomy on Thistle who is officially known as GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH. She is a girl deeply loved, beyond belief or description. A girl who superseded our greatest expectations in a remarkably brief amount of time regarding her impact upon the Brittany world. But more importantly, her impact has been tremendously healing for the grieving heart of a dear friend whose soul mate now resides with God.

Uncertainty. We've all been faced with it for any number of reasons. But uncertainty leads to doubt and second guessing. There was no room for that nor vain imaginations leading to the worst that could happen. And the worst COULD happen based on what was being discovered.  There was only be room for complete faith in God because even in the most difficult storms, and the most heart wrenching of situations He's in control. We stayed in a private corner of Broadviews expansive lobby and began our vigil by reaching for each other's hands and praying for Thistle. In fact my way of coping was to write. I had brought my laptop with me to be able to keep a long distance eye on Pippin and her pups at home.  Most of this post was written while Julie, John and I were anxiously waiting for news of the outcome of Thistle's surgery.

Just as surely as the opening comments of this blog are not to be taken lightly by a breeder, neither should the promises of God be taken lightly. By anyone. But especially for those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ. Which we do and many of the ATB family as well. I call Him my Savior, my friend, my Lord, my comforter, my redeemer, my healer. I trust Him. Even when absolutely nothing makes sense. Like now.

For where the medical emergency brought with it such a depth of uncertainly, it is within the safety of the harbor of the love of God and faith in Jesus that the certainty is found. He sees the beginning to the end. He's been here and He brings to the light those things which have been hidden. The unknown that was taking place within Thistle, our precious beloved Brittany girl had been brought into the light and into the Light. Her life was saved in the most expeditious manner possible. And with the decision to save her was the no-brainier decision to perform the oviohysterectomy. At first cut it appeared that her ovaries were perfectly healthy. As they were removed however the uterus revealed cysts of pus. There was also scarring scene at the site where the placentas previously were adhered from her first litter of pups back in March. Experienced surgeons on the team were perplexed for what they were seeing had not been seen before! Thistle's first heat since whelping ended the last week of August.  Although the timing was medically perfect for pyo it was not attributed to that. Thistles uterus and two biopsies from her liver were prepared to be sent to the pathology experts.

There were other complications which are still being resolved and we have additional results to await but every reason to remain positive. There shall be no roots growing here of doubt, unbelief, or fear. Only the fruit of the Spirit which bring and speak life even in the darkest of nights or the brightest of mornings.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday are all a blur.  But today is a bright Sunday morning because Thistle is finally back home.  She is once again with Julie and recovering from her spay due to complications related to CEH (cystic endometrial hyperplasia NOT Pyo).  Thistle's liver values have been slowly dropping back down.  Speculation includes the possibility of having eaten poisonous mushrooms at some point, or even the possibility of a rodent treated with arsenic.  Thistle's appetite and spunk have been slowly returning following 3 days and nights of intensive care at Broadview.  (Can you even imagine a non-spunky Thistle the Pistol?)

Before anyone says 'what a shame' to have to spay such a valuable breeding animal it should be said that Thistle and any of our dogs are first and foremost valuable because of 'who' they are. From couch potato to accolades galore, champion of our heart or champion of an official record there is no measuring stick that compares the value of greatest to least. Not in my book anyway. Our medical team consists of several wonderful vets and not all are at the same facility but they do all know each other in one way or another. And those who were personally and professionally involved did not make the decision lightly but we made it without hesitation. 

Breeding is not for the faint of heart.

If you are a breeder long enough you'll see everything.

When you make a decision to breed your girl, ask if the pups are worth losing the life of the mother.

And sometimes quite honestly, being a breeder absolutely sucks.  But even as I wrote those words, I glance over my left shoulder to see the evidence of life, the proof that it must and will go on, another miracle as seen in the brief video below.. Our path may take a turn and changes bring us in a new direction.  Our plans, hopes, and dreams may take on a different shape. And that is as it should be.  No matter how deep pain or doubt is, and regardless of what struggles bring us to our knees, we know All Things Are Possible, Only Believe. And that's most definitely not a cliché. (It is a Promise with a capital "P", it is God's written Word and found in the book of Mark, in chapter 9 verse 23.) "All Things Brittany" is included within that promise.  Hope, faith, and love these three but the greatest these is love.  And Thistle is greatly loved!!!

Pippin, Eleta, Amie, and Kiba are all doing great.  Eyes open, moving here there and everywhere, they are three weeks old tomorrow morning at 3 am.  Desires of the Heart, bringing comfort to mine. Just like their big sister Thistle has brought and will continue to do for all who love her.

UPDATE Tuesday October 28: If you got this far we would ask you to please continue to pray for Thistle as we await the pathology results of her uterus and a biopsy of her liver. She is doing better but not out of the woods yet. Additional bloodwork from Monday reveals we remain cautious. We greatly appreciate those who have taken time to reach out and say they care.

UPDATE Wednesday October 29:  From Julie - We have a playful Thistle who was enthusiastic about breakfast this morning. God be praised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

UPDATE Friday October 31: Julie called and todays blood tests show good white blood cell numbers, liver values do continue to drop but would still like them to be lower.  Awaiting pathology results.  Thistle is rebounding and very playful, animated than ever!  Can't keep a good girl down.  Our Thistle the Pistol is baaaaaaaaaack!!

THISTLE THANKSGIVING UPDATE  Thank you for those who have continued to pray for Thistle's well being.  It has now been over 4 weeks since Thistles emergency surgery. Since then she has been on heavy duty medications and her blood work and liver values have been monitored closely.  In the hands of the medical time in Hermon, Maine and Rochester, NH the finest of animal medical professionals are involved in her healing and recovery.  She's not out of the woods yet but her spunkiness and love of life have returned.  Thistle is more like herself and there has been improvement. Julie has dedicated herself to the care and well being of  Thistle and I know it's been an exhausting time for her.  We hope you will continue to pray for Thistle and for Julie. There are still questions which need to be answered. Above all, we keep our eyes fixed on all things above, upon the Lord, for He is our ever present help in times of trouble.  In ALL THINGS.

UPDATE - 2 YEARS LATER - October 27, 2016 -  Thistle continues to be monitored on a regular basis for abnormal liver values.  Thanks to Julie's diligence and outstanding care, everything has leveled out to a certain point leaving many to believe that Thistle's normal is a 'new normal'.  The greatest suspicion of all has been that somehow this all resulted from a tick borne disease however there is nothing to substantiate that suspicion completely. Thistle is on medication and a special diet now, she's vibrant spunky, active, hunts and participates in flyball.  Love you Thistle and we thank God for each day of your spectacular life! 

Video: Pippin and puppy, October 2014

ATB: The First Nine Days

COMMUNICATION A few times in the past few days I have tried to sit down to compose a blog post but it hasn't happened.  Instead, I have fallen asleep no matter what time of day it's been.  I've also tried to follow conversations on Facebook privately or publicly without any success. My e-mail correspondence is way behind as well. As far as the telephone, well that is a non-issue because I do not do telephone calls. That's John's department and he's getting pretty good at texting too, God love him.

I've wanted to share each and every moment of these past 9 days that have been spent with Pippin and her little family of three. I just find it hard to put it all into writing.  I have taken many photographs though and shared them with Wilson's owners and those who are waiting for their puppy. A lot of pictures are posted on Facebook and a few here on this blog. Usually I am much more adept at writing for "All Things Brittany."  I'm going to chalk it up to exhaustion which has come at me from many levels not the least of which is the ongoing recovery process from my total knee replacement surgery in the spring. Having said that, this is my sincere effort to bring you up to date.

PUPPY NAMES   Eleta, Kiba, and Amie's litter nicknames were carefully researched.  Kira (Wilson's owner) and Julie (Bullet's owner) offered suggestions.  These three precious survivors of the litter of eight ARE the "Desires of the Heart" litter and they are chosen, beloved, and protected. 

PRECIOUS & FEW  (are the moments we two can share). Either John or I slept on the cot in the 'puppy cave' every night last week. We referred to the turns we were taking as shifts.  I'd have the day shift, he'd have the night shift or vice versa.  Although October is always an extremely busy month here for all the right reasons, we are well prepared to manage a normal whelping and raising of a litter at this time.  Even so it seemed our own well laid plans would work against us this month and suddenly here it is mid-October which is our favorite month of the entire year. Time has stood still for us this month because Pippin's needs and those of her puppies have not only required, but demanded our utmost attention regardless of previous commitments to family, friends, clubs, and others.  As difficult as it is to "say no" it is equally and absolutely impossible to be spontaneous.  I am thankful for those who respect and understand how precious each moment of each day is to us right now and the depth of our dedication to Pippin and her puppies.

PUPPY CAM  The private live-stream of the puppies has been enjoyed by those who can view it. It is an intimate and beautiful glimpse into the near reverent environment where Kiba, Eleta, and Amie live in their neo-natal stage with their beautiful momma, Pippin. She had to go back to the vets one day because a stitch was coming out but it was taken care of with (of all things) superglue and laser. We have finished up with her antibiotics and pain relief medication. Her appetite has returned and she enjoys all the pampering and spoiling we are giving her.  The pups move around the whelping box effortlessly and are extremely strong and agile.  I like to see their birth weight double by 10 days of age and they have reached that goal.  I've already trimmed their toenails and this will be done every 3rd day. Doing this gets them use to it plus it also saves Pip's tummy from getting scratched up.  Her puppies little rubbery ears have now developed into hairy little flaps which soon will be capable of detecting sound.  The muzzles which were pink and fleshy now have fuzzy puppy hair on them. They look less like aliens and more like puppy dogs.

PUPPY BREATH / NEONATAL PERIOD  I love puppy breath and am always anxious for my first 'hit' of it.  It is an intoxicating and addictive scent which many, many breeders wish could be somehow preserved! The sweet breath of a little puppy defines description.  My interaction with these little puppies right now is deliberate and intentional.  When I pick a puppy up, roll her over onto her back, or gently rub her muzzle it is to observe her response. Our interaction with the pups will have a profound effect upon their development at this point in time and will increase daily. I also check under the little nubby tail to be sure Pippin is keeping her pups clean and she sure is! The first few days however before their tails were docked that was not the case and several times a day little bums were bathed in warm water.  Pippins licking serves to stimulate the pups to eliminate something they are not able to do on their own for awhile longer.

I expect that eyes will begin to open by this weekend.  That signifies the end of the neo-natal development period, lasting up to 2 weeks, and the period in which the puppy can only respond to smells, being touched, and being warm.  They cannot eliminate on their own yet nor can they control body temperature. We keep Wilson & Pippin's pups warm through the use of an overhead brooding type heat lamp, an Eden Pure infrared heater, and of course through the warmth of their beautiful momma.  At first the pups seem to be indifferent to the presence of each other other than climbing up and over or bumping into their sisters.  As this period draws to an end there will be a more deliberate seeking out of each other and greater interaction among them.  During this entire period the amazing relationship between the pups and their mother has been developing, primarily through the licking, pawing, grooming of Pippin.  She's also marking them with her scent as well as grooming/licking at herself so they are identified with her.

SWIMMING  Speaking of their beautiful momma she had a bit of a spontaneous moment of her own this morning.  The weather here in Maine has been absolutely gorgeous and today was no exception.  Daily, Pippin and I are getting out together for strolls around the yard, perhaps a game of fetch, or just sitting together watching the leaves fall.  John was pulling some logs out on the tractor and I waved to him just in time to see Pippin running down to the pond.  We looked at each other hopelessly knowing full well our efforts to dissuade her would prove to be futile as the Pippinator was definitely feeling better!!  Sure enough, she disappeared from sight down over the bank but just as quickly emerged on the other side and, never missing a beat, ran back to where we were watching her. Pippin had indeed taken a polar dive into the pond and was soaking, wringing wet.  I took her back into the puppy cave and closed off entry to her pups.  Reaching for a towel to cover the grooming table I persuaded her to climb up onto it. With one hand on Pippin and the other on the blow dryer I quickly was able to clean, dry, and brush her within a couple of minutes. Her stitches are nearly closed up now but I still wanted to be sure her underside was completely warm and dry.  Not quite a spa day but Pippin obviously was quite pleased with the whole episode.

ROSES, PUPPY BLANKETS, & NOTES  A week ago tomorrow (Thursday) two special deliveries arrived here at ATB.  "Wilson" sent Pippin and their daughters a lovely floral arrangement of a dozen long stemmed roses.  There were 8 pink roses for each of their daughters and 4 red roses for Pippin. The pink roses arrived at the florist by special order that day as they did not have any there. I think Wilson is quite a special 'guy' and his owners, Pete & Kira, are very special too.  It is a week later and the roses are all still looking as fresh as the day they were delivered. I have taken special care of them, trimming the stems, changing the water, and gently removing any petals that need it. Those petals which I've removed I am trying to dry and save. The other delivery that day was from "Aunt Julie" who mailed her beautiful crocheted puppy blankets down for the pups. Each puppy blanket is created with a whole lot of love and for several years now she has made one for every puppy to take to it's new home. The next day a lovely and meaningful letter of love and sympathy arrived in the mail from "Deb" in Rhode Island. She has three beautiful Brittanys, the youngest one is "Pearl" and she is Wilson's full sister and littermate.  My friendship with Deb began right her on this blog as a matter of fact, and it was God who connected us without a doubt.

Actually God does a very good job of connecting many of the wonderful ATB families.  It's not a requirement that we share a "like minded faith" but many times we do and I think it's quite awesome.

MARYANN & ZUKO  With all that happened last weekend a very significant announcement is missing.  It is worthy of it's own post as we announce our newest AKC Junior Hunter.  I'll take care of that soon, I promise.

Well there is a debate on television for the gubernatorial candidates for the state of Maine.  I'm going to watch it. My candidate is a lively one to say the least!  Thank you for your love, support, encouragement, and your prayers for John and me, and of course for Pippin and her 3 daughters and the rest of the our canine crew.  

ATB Video: Happy 5th Birthday to True !!

Happy 5th Birthday True & Siblings !!

In honor of True's birthday (Treasure and Gibson) who was born on October 11, 2009 it's time to share this amazing video again.  It's grainy because I had a very low end point and shoot digital camera which had been well used. Even so I was very happy to have that camera in my pocket to capture this most amazing scene! It was just an ordinary outing for these 6 week old puppies born at the beginning of Maine's bird hunting season.  John had dressed out a couple of pheasants and set the feathers aside.  Treasure disappeared for a few moments evidently tracking the scent wafting through the air which she knew would lead to birds.  What happened next was a very strong and primal display of natural ability and instincts, the like of which I have never seen before.  (Treasure is now the grandmother of several litters including the "Desire of the Heart" puppies of Wilson and Pippin and we look forward to having them out and about later this fall too!)