ATB: Dog Training Recap

Breeding Better Bird Dogs - Two Pheasants and a Turkey

It's the end of October already! How quickly the seemingly long hot summer transitioned into brisk autumn days where leaves go through glorious stages of change, to eventually cascade from branches
and lie scattered on the ground, reminding me of a quilt of many colors. And this, THIS is the time of year the dogs live for. From Holly Beth, almost three,  to Molly and Wish who both turn 14 on their next birthday, all things Brittany enjoys this time of year most of all. Most everything we do all year long leads up to the joy and anticipation of the moments that October ushers in.

Bird Hunting 2016. Scooby, Maryann, John.

Beginning in the spring and continuing right up to opening day most mornings John leaves the house very early and heads out to run and train dogs.  They all get to go but not all at the same time.  It's a lot of work but it's also a lot of fun. We have great friends who regularly meet up with their dogs too. On any given morning over the course of several months our Brittanys are regulary run with not only other Brittanys (including French Brittanys) but also English Setters and Pointers. Occasionally a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Vizsla, German Shorthair Pointer, Gordon Setter and a Munsterlander have joined them.

Although he's not a professional dog trainer John is often contacted for advice and tips on training a close working gun dog for the walking upland bird hunter. He's always happy to take the time to offer suggestions over the phone.  He might suggest  bringing their dog to the field so he can informally evaluate them.  John does not train dogs for competitive field events although sometimes our own Brittanys or those from our program will participate in them, usually resulting in a placement.  We do enjoy introducing people to AKC hunt tests, especially those with young pups and that type of training can go hand in hand with training a bird dog in most instances.

We have a purpose driven breeding program and have achieved goals that we had in mind when we bred our first litter in 1990 and in doing so we have  reached a lot of milestones as well.  Breeding better bird dogs has been and always will be our first priority. Everything else is frosting on the cake!

Molly Rose - puppy at heart, going on 14 enjoying Moosehead.

Our circle of 'bird dog friends' grew immensely when John retired. Prior to his retirement he'd been working up to and over 60 hours a week leaving little time for dogs.  We'd been given landowner permission to use over 100 acres of field, orchard, and woods just down the road from us. Not that I really knew what I was doing but I did sure enjoyed those early training days with Molly, Wish, Rosie, Jack, Timberdoodle, Treasure, and Pippin! While I thought I was the one doing the teaching the fact of the matter is that they were the one teaching me. They showed me honoring before I knew what it was.  They taught me about the intensity of the point before I understood the importance of it. I observed strong, natural and inherent instincts hard at work before I could even articulate what I was seeing.  I delighted to learn about the scent cone by watching my dog naturally quarter a field in front of me, and so much more.

The summer of his retirement John and another friend helped a nearby pro-trainer in the field with the dogs he was training at his facility.  The following year John returned to assist on a full time basis when his trainer friend had a few serious health issues which fortunately were resolved.

Since we still had permission to use the field near our home that's where John started to run dogs the following summer. We could have two johnny houses there for our our quail, pigeons, and chukar partridge. Some mornings John was joined by others and their dogs and other times he had

Molly's daughter Rose, Moosehead Lake 2016 (almost 12)

the morning to himself with our dogs. For almost 10 years we enjoyed this property and many very special memories were made, leaving us grateful to the landowner for that opportunity.

This spring the news was disappointing when we learned we could no longer use that property as it was going to be turned into a hay field. Friends understood our disappointment and began to look around on our behalf for a new space.  Before too long new 'grounds' were obtained with another generous landowner. The only downfall was that the new land is 40 minutes away. We were spoiled with the other location being so close but everything worked out.  A good time was had by all from spring through to the fall. We were happy to hear how,  as a result of training efforts, a lot of the dogs did well in field events and hunt tests before Maine's bird hunting season began on October 1.

Bird Hunting - Canine family Affair

I make no excuses about not being a morning person and I'm not the early bird that catches the worm! Most of the actual bird hunting is left in John's capable hands and that of our friends.  I did enjoy one morning of hunting with our daughter.  Additionally, John and I headed to the Moosehead Lake Region in Maine for a few days with our entire ATB crew.  Ol' Ruff was rarely sighted! But the dogs loved the total freedom and the chance to spend one on one time with just the two of us. As did I. With the majority of our beloved Brittanys approaching 14, 12, 11, and 10 these moments in time are precious.  The younger dogs were actually taken out to hunt.  The seniors were happy to simply 'be'.

Speaking of lessons and things we learn from our Brittanys. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can learn from our senior dogs is the importance of living in the moment. We can experience this with dogs of any age but far to often we may be caught up with an urgency to

Wilderness paradise at Moosehead for ATB.

teach, train, or prepare them for something in particular. By the time the senior dog reaches their golden years the owners sense of urgency arises from the realization that the days of canine companionship are numbered. What may seemingly appear to be insignificant becomes a powerful demonstration of mutual act of love shared with and from them.  Or as we like to say around here "all for the love of the dog, both given and received."

As always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany.  Take care and God bless.  John, Ann and our beloved canine crew

PS Looking for ATB family hunting photos for 2016 - you know where to send them! Thanks.

Hunting Dogs - Opinion

Seriously? Disposable Hunting Dogs?

Do you know how it is, to read something that just gets under your skin and makes you feel you just have to say SOMETHING, to somebody and speak out against what you know is wrong? Well, that’s the motivation behind this blog tonight and I definitely have SOMETHING to say to whoever will hear my heart.

Believe it or not, there is a shallow mindset among some (not naming any names, groups, organizations) that people who hunt with dogs do not care about their animals.  There is an assumption that we view them as disposable. For instance, if our hunting dog does not perform as we anticipate we abandon them and leave them in the woods.  Or worse, there is also the erroneous suggestion that hunting dogs are the reason for dog overpopulation.  You see, all these abandoned hunting dogs running at large seek out the nearest intact female, barge into the yard of the unsuspecting (so-called responsible) dog owner, have a grand old time, and leave behind an unwanted litter of hunting puppies which (according to something I was once told) then is taken to the local shelter, pound, rescue, vet etc. How absolutely preposterous, ridiculous, and yes asinine for anyone to believe such nonsense!!  Deep breaths Ann. Deep, deep breaths.

And here’s the gist of a conversation posted on one of the social networks just the other night. “Hunters think of their hunting dogs as disposable. They intentionally leave them behind at the end of the hunting season. They buy a new puppy every season.  The hunter throws their hunting dogs away. The hunters dump the dogs who don’t hunt or who are gun shy. After the season many will turn them out or shoot them because it’s cheaper to just get another dog than to feed one all winter long.”

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful circle of acquaintances throughout Maine and the country that enjoy the sport of bird hunting.  I also have friends who breed dogs for bear hunting, coon hunting, rabbit hunting and others. I know what goes into breeding a hunting/sporting dog.  It is not hit or miss. It is deliberate, and often the result of years of planning. The majority of dog breeders involved with improving their particular breed of sporting dog have purpose driven programs. By this I mean that they want to preserve the particular and unique strong instincts and traits within their line. They also want their dogs to not only hunt for them – but they want that same dog to curl up on the couch with their grandchildren, roll over for belly rubs, and share popcorn with them.

I’m tired of all hunters being painted with the same broad paintbrush. Sure. There are those hunters and dog breeders alike who do mess it up for the rest of us.  But the rest of us – the MAJORITY of us would really like to set the record straight.

By the way, I  know from my own experience with breed rescue that the majority of people surrendering are not bad people, and I feel it is wrong and unethical to make assumptions and judgements.  My experience in working with surrendered animals is that most of the time that owner is torn up pretty good about making that decision especially when it’s a local surrender.

A whole lot of time, money, resources, training, and most especially – love and caring – is the norm when it comes to a hunter bringing home a little hunting puppy.  I’d like to assume that most breeders work closely matching up a particular breed and it’s disposition to a particular family situation.  Most. Not all.

There are visits to the veterinarian, registration, micro-chip, health evaluations, puppy kindergarten, specific training tools, dog food, toys, leads, leashes, you name it the list is endless. Now I’ve not taken the time to itemize these expenses but suffice to say it all adds up.  You spend the first year or two just letting that puppy learn what it’s job is, expose them to whatever it is you want to hunt with them and you have fun. And as this is going on, a very strong human – animal bond is forming.  A strong human – animal bond that is just as powerful as it is with any other dog obtained under any other situation or circumstances. The difference here is that the hunting and sporting dog, bred with a particular purpose in mind is most often uniquely and supremely – a deliberate choice with much, much time and thought behind it. Some people wait for years for the hunting companion of their dreams, for their once in a lifetime best buddy.

It is absolutely ridiculous and ignorant to make a statement saying that hunting dog owners do not care for their animals!!!

If you’re not a hunter, then you’re not a hunter. Some of us are gatherers, some are harvesters, some are hunters.  Just because someone is a non-hunter, does not mean they are anti-hunting.

Many people who hunt with a dog own more than one.  Always in the back of their mind is the reality that one day their best canine bud is not going to move in the woods as well, that the hearing will go, perhaps the eyesight.  The last thing the hunter is going to do is leave that dog behind when they leave their hunting grounds then run out and buy another puppy for the next season. With all that is involved, most notably the time  -I cannot believe people think this way!

Many hunters absolutely WILL bring in a younger pup while the senior dog is still able to enjoy life. A new companion and many are the stories of how the senior dog rebounds for a while with their new young companion.

The strength of the loving human – animal bond is evident when the master is afield with their well trained hunting companion. There’s different kinds of hunting. And some dogs live in kennels, kennels that are dry, warm, and comfortable. The sporting, hunting dog is happiest when doing that thing they were created and bred to do while spending time with their family that loves them. The people who love and own them know this and provide training year round – just to give them the opportunity to hunt during the season of choice.  Those who want their dogs trained properly will often spend hundreds and thousands of dollars for their dogs to participate in a structured training program. During non-hunting seasons, many of these same dogs are actively engaged year round in various ‘performance’ events which simulate the actual hunting itself by competing in field trials or hunt tests etc. depending upon the breed.

As for the owners of sporting and hunting dogs.  Some participate with their dog in events targeted at youth and disabled veterans.  They provide training seminars for those with an interest in learning. They make themselves available to others to teach the basics. These dog owners may be surgeons, politicians, lawyers, small business owners or they may be your retired couple just down the street.  When their dog comes up missing, these hunting dog owners are frantic with worry until they are reunited with their dogs.

That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it friends!  In the meantime, there are several Brittanys lying nearby who will be out in the field tomorrow bird hunting with my husband and I. They most definitely are not disposable. ~ Ann H. Short, J&A's Brittanys, Acton Maine

NOTE: This original article first appeared in my expired blog "Maine Hunting & Sporting Dog Owners" at Bangor Daily News on October 7, 2012. 

TEAM AVATAR UPDATE: Alana & Toph first show points

CONGRATULATIONS ALANA & TOPH !!!

In case you missed it... TEAM AVATAR

Are the two beautiful hunting Brittanys,

named Zuko & Toph, loved and owned by the Day and Short families. 

Named by the three children who love their dogs and are 'Avatar' fans!

"Zuko"

Recently, at the Maine Event 4 day cluster of dog shows in Union, Maine our 11 year old granddaughter successfully handled her family's 18 month old Brittany "Toph" to her first two AKC championship points, also Alana's first points ever. Pictured here with judge Joy Brewster and with me, Alana's smile says it all.  (Photo Credit: The Standard Image).  On September 2, 2016 with a total Brittany entry of 9, they won Winners Bitch out of the Open Bitch class for Toph's first point and then Best Opposite Sex!  They also went on to win Best Junior Handler in Show with a total entry of 4. The next day, they also went Winners Bitch for their second point and then Best of Winners.  As Alana came out of the ring I noticed a few tears falling and wondered if something was wrong.  When I asked, Alana told me she was just so happy!  I hope she always feels this way and never takes the winning for granted.  I appreciate the support and good sportsmanship that's been demonstrated by so very many people towards Alana every time she goes into the ring.  She always takes into consideration the tips and advice, even the necessary critique.

Recently we were pleasantly surprised when a friend pointed out to us that Toph is among those young field trial derby dogs that currently qualifies for the American Brittany Club Shooting Dog Derby Invitational at the Gun Dog Nationals in Ionia, Michigan this fall. She's also nominated for the ABC 2017 Show & Field Futurities.  Here's a great article written by one of Alana's biggest fans which was published not only on the American Kennel Club site but also in the American Brittany Club magazine recently. "Youth Spotlight: One Determined Young Lady" 

These Union, Maine shows are always among my personal favorites.  In fact the theme is "the way dog shows should be".  I like that a lot. My first memories of this particular show are very special to me.  (There was a time John would travel to dog shows with me. I loved (and now miss) those times when we'd go together. He is such a people person, unlike me!  One year we stayed for the entire show weekend in our truck camper.)  They continue to be an enjoyable show venue for me. While Alana and Toph's first show points and the time spent with her was the highlight for me, there was no shortage of reasons to smile.  Alana hasn't shown very often at all, just a few times since she first started in June 2014.  She has done very well though. I really hope that she'll want to continue.  Attending the shows together is fun, especially when she successfully persuaded me to go swimming with her in the heated pool with her at our motel.

Quincy and Julie did very well, picking up two more points towards his championship title.  He has his majors and should finish very soon! It was also the debut of Kennith, a Junior Handler. and his Brittany "Belle".  Belle, Quincy's littermate, is the daughter of Bullet & Thistle. We're all especially proud and happy to support Kennith in their new endeavor.  Julie and I have also created many years of special and fun times together at dog shows in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and in New York.  Our showing is very limited but more often than not we're in the ribbons when we show.  She's really done great as an owner handler and now as owner handler breeder and I'm proud of her as well! This is also the time to give a huge shout out to Roger & Marilyn Gilman with their Brittany "Ammo", also from the Bullet & Thistle litter. Roger has done a wonderful job showing Ammo over the past year and he too is knocking on the door for his championship title. Likewise, there are pups from each of Hemi & Luna's two litters (Toph's siblings) involved with NAVHDA, AKC hunt tests and also shows in New England and also in Iowa.

I'm looking ahead to the fall/winter show circuit. The Union shows were my first road trip with our new (to me) SUV.  As anyone who works out of their vehicle at a show knows, it takes time to figure out the best organizational scheme.  At one point Alana and I unpacked everything simply to make it more manageable.  Figured out a slight glitch regarding battery life when ours died and we had to call AAA.  I am going to add a couple of clear, plastic totes with lids to simplify our trips.  After showing for almost 10 years, I understand the importance of simplifying.  I've downsized the grooming table which I travel with and condensed my most needed grooming tools, product, etc. so it all fits into one portable tote with wheels.  There's a couple of great Facebook groups that focus on dog show vehicles and set ups. Simplifying the process will result in things being less complicated. I have my sights specifically set on new Kennebec dog crates for traveling. I've watched the videos of their safety tests. My other consideration was Rough Tough Kennels but I feel the Kennebec would hold up better in case of an accident.

Public Service Announcement or in other words, "Look! A squirrel!" I continue to advocate for all dog owners when traveling with their dog to make sure their dog is either crated or seatbelted with a dog appropriate harness system. (Another pet peeve is the retractable leash and also rawhide bones. Get rid of them.)

Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany!  As always take care and God bless you all, John, Ann, and our awesome canine crew.

PS - We're still planning a winter litter if all goes well.  Gimme & Holly Beth.

BEING THE LIGHT

I had to share... a very powerful message at the Maine Life Gate Christian Church in Limerick Maine where our son, the Rev. John Short Jr., is the pastor and founder. Nothing here about Brittany dogs but plenty about the reality of a relationship with Jesus Christ. The last part is especially beautiful and awesome as two of our granddaughters join their dad to worship with music with vocals, keyboard, and guitar. Be blessed and take the time to listen/watch to the very end...These are the days... ~ Ann

TRUE - AKC SENIOR HUNTER / More!

TRUE - OUR NEW AKC SENIOR HUNTER My heart is bursting with pride on behalf of John and our "True" puppy.  True sailed through his Junior testing level quickly earning his JH title.  He continued to do well at each successive Senior testing level and likewise qualified for his first 3 legs.  Then it became more of a struggle and we gave him a break from it all. He's always had a nice retrieve and never had a problem backing the point of another dog.  John ran him in a field trial where he won an adult placement in Open Gun Dog but trialing is just not our thing. The handsome True was shown a few times and quickly won his first 4 points in his first four back to back dog shows but was not shown again. Maryann has an interest in learning how to train at the SH level and  insisted this spring we try to finish him.  The first day out he didn't qualify but on the second day when brought back to show the judges he would back another dog he did not disappoint!  Congratulations to True and John, I couldn't be happier about this.

J&A's Keeper of The Stars SH - "True" 

Sire: CH Gibson JH CGC  &  Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short

True is the third Brittany which we have bred to earb the AKC Senior Hunter (SH) title but the first one soley owned by us.  (Bullet, co-owned with Julie, was the first to finish his SH title as well as our first bench champion.  Wilson (Bullet's son) owned by Pete Sipperly and Kira Lajeunesse was the second to finish his SH title and is also a bench champion.  I should note that Wilson is a NA Prize 1 Brittany also in training for his UT title.  Both boys are working towards Master.)

OUR BOYS SURE HAVE BEEN BUSY
Hemi & Luna's beautiful litter of 10 Brittany puppies arrived on April 19th at Birch Spring Brittanys in North Hampton, NH.  This is a repeat breeding of the litter which resulted in a NAVHDA Breeders Award of Merit for the Thayers.  Pups from the first litter are actively trialed, shown, and of course hunted including our own "Toph" (J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA Prize 1).

Photo by Birch Spring Brittanys

Bullet & Brandy's sweet litter of 4 arrived on March 28th, also a really nice repeat breeding. Bo & Christine Longley of Merrymeeting Brittanys in Litchfield, Maine have good reason to be proud of this litter.  Two of the boys, Rocky and Argos, earned their AKC Junior Hunter titles and the majority of pups in the first litter are in active hunting families.

Photo by Merrymeeting Brittanys

TEAM AVATAR HAS A DUAL JUNIOR HANDLER!

On Mother's Day 2014 at 8 years old our granddaughter had her first handling 'lesson' here thanks to our dear friend Julie Harris. I'd just had my first total knee replacement so Julie had taken my young puppy Holly Beth to live with her for a few months. (It was also when Bullet & Thistle's pups were born including Quincy, Zuko, and Ammo.) With Julie's help Alana took Holly Beth around the yard and from the start it was easy to see what a natural handler she was.  Holly went on to be shown by Alana in the Central Maine Brittany Club Specialty show winning their first blue ribbon. Soon she was old enough to show in AKC Junior Showmanship and obtained her pin and number. Eligible now to show as a Junior she presented my champion "Hemi" (Holly and Toph's father) and at her first show won BEST JUNIOR IN SHOW with competition at the Union Maine shows.  Alana took handling classes to perfect her 'craft' and presented both Hemi and her puppy Zuko at various shows.  In the spring of 2015 Alana won her 3rd Novice Junior Showmanship class with competition and moved up to the Open Juniors.  Life happened and she didn't get back into the ring until this spring, this time with her 14 month old puppy "Toph".  At back to back specialties Toph's show debut first place win in 12-18 month catapulted her and Alana into the Winners Bitch competition.  Alana showed Toph in a highly professional and impressive manner.  A couple of weeks later Maryann, Alana, and I had a girls weekend at the West Springfield show.  Alana won her very competitive Opne Junior class of 7 and went on to compete for the coveted Best Junior in Show. Another junior won this but Alana worked Toph the entire time, right up until the judge made her decision.  She also  competed in the adult classes and did really well.  Alana also expressed an interest in learning how to handle in the field along with her mom. We're really excited about this. To make a long story short Alana successfully handled Toph to her first Junior Hunter Advanced leg.  They did so well the hunt test judge called them back to run as the 'bye dog' with another dog that didn't have a bracemate.  This was pretty cool that out of 22 dogs they were selected.  Toph actually finished her JH title at a very young 6 months old with Maryann handling.  Now we are looking further at field trials. Maryann handled Toph to a  2nd place Amateur Derby win when 6 months old.  As I've been saying all along, the best is yet to come!

ATB HUNT TEST RESULTS

The 2016 Central Maine Brittany Club hunt tests have come and gone.  I've completed all of the official AKC paperwork and sealed the envelope.  Now the accomplishments of Brittanys from our breeding program at this event can finally sink in, especially True's accomplishment as AKC SENIOR HUNTER!

NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTERS

J&A's Heart of Seumas JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Breeders: Julie Harris & Ann Short    Owners: Julie Harris & John Short

Birch Spring LH White Feather JH, NA Prize 1

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

Dam: CH Birch Springs PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Pz 11

Breeders: Phil & Ben Thayer   Owners: Phil & Sherri Thayer

J&A's Jack Be Nimber JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders: John & Ann Short    Owners:  Dan & Joanne Woodman

J&A's Superior Jack's Rugar JH

Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH

Dam: J&A's Superior Nova JH

Breeders: John Short & James Turner   Owners/Handler: James & Lori Turner

ATB Junior Hunter & Junior Hunter Advanced QUALIFIERS

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA Prize 1

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

Dam: CH Birch Springs PC Lunar Elipse JH,, NA Pz 11

Breeders: Phil & Ben Thayer   Owners: Maryann Day & John Short  Handler:Alana Day

J&A's Rubies Are Heaven Sent JHA (she is already finished as a JHA)

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

Dam: KJ's Rambling Molly Rose

Breeders: John & Ann Short   Owners: Roger & Marilyn Gilman  Handler: Tyler Gilman

J&A's High Caliber Shamrock Special

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Breeders: Julie Harris & Ann Short   Owners: Roger & Marilyn Gilman

Merrymeeting's Little Rockstar JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: Merrymeeting's Brandy JH

Breeder/Owner/Handlers:  Walter & Christine Longley

It's been a very busy year so far and will continue to get busier! Bullet as well as his son Wilson are working now towards their Master Hunter title.  John has several judging assignments for Junior, Senior, and Master levels of AKC hunt tests coming up throughout New England and New York.  There are several AKC and American field trials we all have an interest in.  Maryann successfully completed her judging apprenticeships. Young Ayden wants to try his hand at showing too. A few dog shows remain on our immediate radar.  We're also looking towards summer and field tune ups for several dogs from our program. Still up in the air about where we will be running dogs but we do have a nice area over in Dayton that has worked out well so far. It's been a lot of fun having Maryann regulary come alongside of us with Toph and Zuko. 

As for puppies we'll enjoy meeting Luna and Hemi's pups in a couple of weeks. Sooner than later Bullet & Brandy's pups will be going to their respective new homes. Julie had a blast meeting them recently!  I have enjoyed sending referrals for both litters.  I am also enjoying my time with our senior dogs to 'simply be' while continuing to look towards the future with an eye on the past.  And the future looks good for J&A's Brittanys on many levels.  I think our boys are going to keep things moving forward. By the Grace of God, it looks very very good. 

As always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany.  Take care and God bless!  John, Ann and our canine crew. 

ATB: Early Spring Update

It's now been almost 5 months since my second total knee replacement. Daily I'm aware of returning strength accompanied by confidence to push a little harder and do a little more than the day before. Yesterday I realized that when getting up from the recliner I can now use my feet/legs/knees to push the footrest down and back into place! Up until last night it has been so difficult to change position, roll from one side to the other trying to get comfortable at night in bed. I have discovered that is no longer the case and I also can sleep for about 5 hours straight now. Most of the time I can go down the stairs using alternate steps. I've not experienced pain or swelling at all despite taking a more active and supportive role with the dogs again such as grooming, going to a weekend of dog shows and field training. I might be ready to handle a dog during a hunt test next month but doctors orders say I am not permitted to handle at a show until November. Although sometimes there is still a need to rest, elevate and ice my knee I do enjoy spending more time with my family without frequent breaks to rest from activities. The severe and debilitating knee pain from bone on bone osteoarthritis is a thing of the past. Yesterday I was giddy when doing deep knee bend squats, something I've not been able to do for years! Strength and endurance is coming along slowly but surely. 

Took my first road trip a week ago when Julie, Quincy and I traveled to Acton, Massachusetts for a double header weekend of 4 Brittany specialty shows.  Maryann and Alana met us there with Zuko and Toph.  Ammo was also entered so it was really nice to see Marilyn and Roger as well.  We left on Friday afternoon and returned Sunday.  Highlights were seeing Quincy win 1st place Bred by Exhibitor and Ammo winning the blue in Open Dog.  Alana handled Toph to Best Junior Showmanship, won her class, and then competed in Winners Bitch  Great experience for them.  I love sharing "All Things Brittany" with our daughter and granddaughter.  It just makes me so happy. 

The following weekend we had another full training day for our dogs and those of our friends.  Julie made the trip down to do a tune up and evaluation with Bullet.  I am not sure how many dogs were there but there were Brittanys, French Brittanys, English Setters, and an English Pointer with their owners.  It was fun to see Maryann working with True. She desires to handle at the Senior Hunter level and True will be part of her education.  It's going to take some time for them to get use to each other. 

Not that this is all about me me me but, I am happy to share the fact that I CAN spend a weekend away at a dog show and an entire day in the field with the dogs. Of course wisdom is necessary in determining where my boundaries are physically speaking.  April 15th will mark 2 years with my brand new left knee.  My right knee is almost 5 months old.  I'm loving being part bionic woman.  I will continue to bump up my activity level over the next few weeks by walking on a regular basis.  Out of the past 6 years, four of them have been spent in a state of declining physical ability. Two of them have been spent recovering from two total knee replacements. I am so done with this!

We had such a nice Easter.  Began our day by worshiping at the Maine Life Gate Christian Church in Limerick Maine where our son is the pastor.  He and his son wore matching suit vests and ties, it was very cute.  Our two oldest granddaughters are on the worship team. Brook plays keyboard and also does vocals with sister Nova.  Later in the day we had the entire family for Easter dinner prepared by Grampa of course!  My nieces joined us too. I love having them all in one place. Then our oldest grandson had his 13th birthday and it was another fun time with our family, friends and neighbors.  These are my favorite times of all, moments I thank God for. 

As I write I am being bombarded by Holly Beth. She has this habit of just getting right in your face when she has to go out. It does not matter what I am doing Holly will find a way to get her message across. 

We have no pups planned for awhile but a lot of people continue to inquire.  We have full waiting lists for future litters.  Oakley and Jack will not be having pups afterall but her owners may try again in the fall.   Merrymeeting's Brandy (and Bullet) beautiful pups were just born. Mom and pups all are doing well, they are all spoken for.   Luna (Birch Spring) is doing well and her pups with Hemi are expected @ end of April.

 As always thank you for your interest!  Take care and God bless you - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: Looking Ahead

Update: We must say goodbye to the fields and abandoned apple orchard where we've taken our dogs since 2005.  Appreciative of the current and previous landowners generosity to train, run, and introduce pups to birds the property will now be used to harvest corn and hay crops.  It's going to be hard to drive by every day knowing that special season has come to an end.  Truly the good times there gave way to a sense of community among family and friends who love their dogs as much as we do ours.  We're keeping our eyes and ears open though hoping to find another place nearby.

2/28/16 Where we run and train
the dogs. No snow!!!

Getting back to what I love.
(Pippin & Treasure)

The weather this winter reminds me a lot of what we experienced a few years ago in 2012. That year we consistently had no snow and the temperatures were fairly mild during the winter months.  We actually were able to run and train the dogs on birds throughout the entire winter season!  I also remember that was when the pain from OA in my left knee would often debilitate me. Today however, I am so thankful to be on the other side of two successful total knee replacement surgeries and so very eager to not just pick up where I left off, but to experience a myriad of new adventures! I've been in the field with dogs running two times now since surgery.  The first time was down to the Kennebunk Plains at the end of January. And the second time was yesterday at the training field. I am so ready to take my focus off of what I can or cannot do because of my knee. Currently, I am still measuring my goals and successes by how strong and pain free my knees are on any given day. It's been almost 4 months since the second surgery, and almost 2 years since the first one. Recovering from total knee replacement has been the most challenging experience of my entire life and I don't say that lightly. I do still have rough days. These surgeries are not for sissies! The fact of the matter is I have two brand new knees to rediscover what it is like to play an active role in my own life!!  The surgeries are behind me now and it's time to make good on my claim that indeed, the best is yet to come! Today my goal and my success will be making the rest of my life the BEST of my life.

So what lies ahead?  To begin with we're very excited working with two established breeding programs and a brand new one which we are supportive of. We're also happy that there are many very happy families awaiting news of these anticipated pups. There may be some availability once they arrive and for anyone wishing more information or might be remotely interested please  contact us and we'll happily refer you to the breeders. As for the next litter that we breed which will actually be born here - we will probably look to Holly-Beth for that honor.  J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton JH NA 110 Prize 1, is OFA Excellent and several names are on Holly's dance card!

Toph wonders about this show debut
stuff and why she lost her neck hair!

Next on the list is the show debut of the incredible J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA 107 Prize 1 "Toph"!  She was one very busy little puppy in 2015 the first year of her life and it looks as if she's going to take on 2016 in much the same way.  I am looking forward to seeing our daughter have some fun with her puppy in the ring.  J&As Blue Lightenin' Bolt JH otherwise known as "Zuko" will be shown a little more this year as well. Together he and "Toph" make up the dynamic "TEAM AVATAR".  This grandmother had to research the characters that these two youngsters are named after.  Zuko has been shown a few times by our daughter and our granddaughter.  He has been in the ribbons but they are anxious to see him earn some points of course.  His two brothers, J&A's Shamrock Special "Ammo" & J&As  Heart of Seumas "Quincy"  have done very well in the show ring so it's just a matter of time. 

 I am really looking forward to learning more about training a dog at the AKC Senior Hunter level. I also really like what NAVHDA has to offer.  Regardless, I really look forward to spending more time spent in the field with our dogs than ever before. We do wish to see pups from our program tested in one or both of the hunt test venues at as early an age as possible.  The earlier this is done the easier it is to see the strength of the natural instincts.  Then I like to see the dogs take a break from testing following the junior and NA level, to really work on obedience and compliance to their handler.  I guess that's where I am. Even so, the folks who seek us out are interested in one thing only and that is a close working gundog.  The rest is frosting on the cake as far as I'm concerned.  I don't like to promote our pups as show puppies though despite the fact that pups from our program frequently not only have great potential to be successful in the ring, but now more than ever they ARE!  I am not permitted to run until my 1 year anniversary following this second surgery so no showing for me. I did try it last year but as my other knee was showing off that was quite short lived. It's not really pretty when I show anyway. We'll leave it at that!  There's enough of my family and friends showing our dogs now so it's all good. I will sit ringside cheering, help with grooming, and take pictures for the time being. And be very proud while still believing, the best is yet to come. As always thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany, take care & God bless - John, Ann, and our canine crew.

J&A's Brittanys Close Working Gun Dogs

WILSON - AKC Senior Hunter / Accomplishments

Our newest AKC SENIOR HUNTER

CH J&A's QUIET COURAGE SH, NA 107 PRIZE 1

Sire: CH J&As High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

In our previous post I shared that John and I had the pleasure of watching both Bullet and Wilson working at the New York hunt tests with Kira handling Wilson to his first Senior Hunter leg. He finished the title with Dave Molyneux handling him. I heard it was a "performance one would expect out of a Master Hunter." Thank you so much to his owners and our friends Pete Sipperly and Kira Lajeunesse for recognizing all the potential and ability within Wilson and giving him every opportunity to shine.  We're also proud to share the news that his daughter (with Pippin) "Ellie" has been working towards her AKC Junior Hunter title this fall in New Jersey.  Just shy of her first birthday J&A's Desire of the Heart met is halfway to her JH title.  Congratulations to her owners Stan & Linda. Wilson & Pippins daughters Belle and Brooke are also half way to their titles.  (Wilson is available for stud service to approved bitches.)

John and I continued to be very busy following our New York trip (see prior blog-post). Knowing it was a matter of time before my right knee gave out I tried to do as much as I possibly could.  We took a day trip to Smithfield Maine for Sebasticook Chapter of NAVHDA's fall tests. We met Maryann, Ayden and Toph there who was testing for her Natural Ability title. Toph is out of Hemi & Luna. She earned an impressive Prize 1 score with Maryann handling her.  It was Maryann's birthday and her husband surprised her by driving up from Connecticut where he'd been working. We had an impromptu birthday party and cake much to her charging.  David then presented her with her birthday present, a brand new shotgun!  Several of Toph's littermates were also tested by their breeder (and our friend!) Philip Thayer, Jr. of Birch Spring Brittanys. They ALL earned their Natural Ability titles!

The next weekend was divided between hunt tests and field trials.  Toph ran in her first field trial, and placed 2nd out of 7 in Amateur Derby with Maryann handling. Proud mom here.

Thistle gets a shout out too!  Julie handled her to a first place Walking Hunting Dog.  After all Thistle has been through we just have to thank God she's back to being Thistle the Pistol for sure. Way to go Julie!

The very next day Maryann and I headed to Hopkinton where Toph successfully finished her AKC Junior Hunter title with Maryann handling!  That particular hunt test weekend is one of my absolute favorites. It is often like an ATB family reunion.  Over the two days there were about 10 or maybe even more Brittany dogs there that are from or related to our line. Talk about being proud. We all just have so much fun, arriving with our E-Z ups, coolers, dog paraphernalia, and more. I like sharing these times with John, our daughter, our friends.

Such a really fun atmosphere no matter what plus we enjoy everything being with the Northern New England Brittany Club where Maryann, John, and I are members.  Ammo, Dory, and Charlee from Bullet & Thistle's pups tested that weekend with Miss Charlee earning her JH title.  Zuko earned his at 6 months old. Quincy is still working towards his. That will make 5 pups from that litter with a JH title - and it will also earn Julie the AKC Breeder Award of Merit.   Bullet's full brother Lil Jack earned his 3rd leg towards his JH title. He's a really nice boy.  His owners bring him out for the event once a year, they are really lovely people!  I may have mentioned it already but several pups from Hemi & Lunas litter also finished their AKC Junior Hunter titles that weekend. Also, Parker and "Rocky" are working towards his Senior Hunter title and doing very well. Rocky, sired by Jack is out of Merrymeeting Brittanys.  They were all there on Saturday and did very well, Littermates Rockstar Rocky (Bullet and Brandy) and Argos also finished their titles.  It's all about the hunting for us, and we love to encourage owners to get involved with hunt tests because it's a lot of fun and so rewarding especially just before the real deal of bird hunting season. "Woo hoo" let's hear it for our close working gundogs and their owners who support our program!! If you're reading this and have never tried hunt tests think about joining us in the spring 2015, I'd be happy to give you more info about them, especially the April tests in Kennebunk, Me. In the meantime everyone keep up the good work, we are so proud of you all.

I'm proud to say that we have two handsome boys from Bullet & Thistle's litter knocking on the door of their AKC Championship title. Previously I shared Quincy's photo from the Union Me. dog shows when he won Best of Breed.  Ammo has had some success recently as well with two back to back Best of Winners and he is pictured here. (Their brother and littermate Zuko has had limited showing due to my 10 year old granddaughters very busy schedule of Karate & Judo. She recently earned her Black Belt way to go ALana!)  And thank you Roger & Marilyn for doing so much with Ammo and also Miss Ruby.

This picture is Wynne's show debut!  She won Best Puppy in Specialty at the Iowa Brittany Club show.  She is Tophs full sister from Hemi & Luna's litter and also has two second place field trial wins in the Midwest. Shown here with her owners Kendall & Carol Brown. (Due to the busy and hectic schedule of a young family of 5, sister Toph has yet to make her show debut. Still, we are making plans for 2016 and I really look forward to seeing her and Maryann together in the ring.)   

Speaking of pups we do have some very nice breeding plans which we hope to announce soon.  In addition to our own plans, the services of our boys have been requested. We're also looking ahead to 2017.  I would like to encourage you to privately confirm with me now your level of interest as we are getting inquiries every single day.  Our goal is to have a potential litter reserved well in advance of a breeding. We ask for deposits once the breeding occurs.  Prior to that we accept inquiries without commitments and screen for the absolute best possible fit for pups. Of course all health clearances will be in place before a breeding occurs and all official documents and papers are provided well in advance. It's all explained in our puppy reservation policy booklet. I've not had a chance to respond to everyone, please be patient.  And for those generic inquiries who are just contacting every breeder with a web page it's unlikely you'll hear back from us. Sorry about that.

 Bird Hunting! Believe it or not John and I actually got away together with ALL of our dogs.  We have a beautiful new camper which we took to Moosehead Lake for a whole week at the end of October.  Greenville Maine is one of my favorite places in the whole world and it was perfect.  With the help of the dog topper and then converting one of the rooms in the camper for crates it all worked out.  We camped at Lily Bay and had no neighbors whatsoever so the dogs could be off leash a lot of the time. I greatly enjoyed walking through the campsites with them but unfortunately as the week went on my knee just kept getting worse and I could barely walk even with using a cane.  We did get Holly onto some wild birds for the first time ever, she did great finding them.  Even our most senior dogs enjoyed themselves, it made my heart so happy to see them. We know with some of them time is of the essence. It was warm enough for splashing and playing in the water so all of the dogs had a blast running free at Jewetts Cove without any restrictions on them or worries on our part. I am looking forward to many more adventures with our new camper not only hunting, but also at future dog events.

So, it is one month since surgery.  I am going to out patient rehab twice a week now. My flexion was 114 when my physical therapist last measured me.  I can ride the recumbent bike for about 10 minutes.  I'm walking mostly without a cane.  This is a challenging recovery which I sure know from last year. But worth it. When I'm not doing exercises or therapy the rest of my time I am sitting with my leg elevated and my knee iced. I cannot sleep at night so my days are pretty messed up.  Pain is being managed.  I know that I will get out of this what I put into it. When they say expect a full year to recover there is a reason.

As spring ended I was back in the field again with John and the dogs.  Enjoyed the brief reprise from knee pain right through to the fall. It was so awesome to be out there again with my dogs and I really enjoyed the time with John and especially Maryann. Yet, despite the fact it's all come to an end for now, I enjoy the solitude and chance to further contemplate what the future has in store as far as J&A's Brittanys goes. I believe we have been true to keep the program focused on what we always wanted it to be and are readily identified and known primarily for having close working gun dogs. Everything else is frosting on the cake. From what I see I continue to be convinced that the best is yet to come.

Hard to believe it's Christmas. It will be low key this year.  We did enjoy a nice Thanksgiving here with all of Maryann's family, John's sister's family, and David's mom from England too. John took care of things beginning to end, it was just one week after surgery I could not do much.

In closing, please keep the Blackadar family in prayer.  Their beloved Brittany "Henry" was killed instantly this week when hit by a car. We all feel the grief, pain, and terrible sense of loss. There are times where there is no rhyme or reason when no matter how careful we are or what precautions are in place an accident still happens that is out of our control.

That sort of catches us up! We've really had a great year on many levels. Once I actually wrote everything out I realized quite a lot has been accomplished. As always take care and thanks for your interest in All Things Brittanys - God bless you and yours....I've got several Brittanys offering their therapeutic presence to me this night.  Good thing it's a king size bed.

ATB: Holly - New Junior Hunter & Other Accomplishments

J&A's Carry The Dream of Acton JH, NA 110 Prize 1
Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH
Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Holly finished her AKC Junior Hunter title this weekend at the Hudson Valley Brittany Club (HVBC) in Greenwich, NY. I had the honor of handling her on Saturday when she finished and John took her out the next day. Holly slammed into a stylish point when picking up Chukar scent but the silly bird walked in a half circle around her. She didn't budge.  It was amazing and resulted in applause from the gallery!  I'm so proud of this girl who has been a hot shot since the day she was born!

CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH
Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH
Dam: KJ Requet's Bouncin' Crysta

Bullet, a finished AKC Senior Hunter and bench champion is working towards his Masters.  He knows what is required and there are times he goes through each sequence perfectly.  That was not to be the case in New York however.  He did everything right but just not at the level that is demanded for the Master Hunting title.  That's okay Bullet Man, we know you can do it ! It was pretty cool though, his son and grandaughters were all there too.

J&A's Bella (11 months old)
Sire:  CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA  110 Prize 1
Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton JH

J&A's Ruff Play (11 months old)
Sire:  CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA  110 Prize 1
Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton JH 

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground
Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH
Dam: CH Birch Spring PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Prize II

11 month old Miss Bella has been here for a few weeks for bird work as her first hunting season draws near. Her owners said we could bring her with us to the HVBC hunt tests, have some fun in the field and show her to our friends who own her sire. Receiving qualifying scores on each day of the two tests so she is now halfway to finishing her JH title! She's a sweet little bird dog with strong natural retrieving instincts.

Miss Brooke, Bellas littermate, came to stay with us for a little while as her owners wanted to make sure her introduction to gundog training was done correctly. They also let us bring her to NY where, like her sister Bella she too earned her first two legs towards an AKC Junior Hunter title.  She'll be here for just awhile longer as her family is preparing not only for bird hunting but for moose hunting as well! Brooke, like her sister is a sweetheart.

Toph is our daughter's 6 month old pup and not only did she go to to NY with us but she's also in training for her NAVHDA Natural Ability test. Keeping it all in the family, she is niece to Bella and Brooke and half sister to Holly Beth.  Toph did very well at the HVBC hunting tests earning her first two legs towards her title. Maryann hopes to finish her JH title this fall and begin to show her too!

(No picture here but I do want to give another SHOUT OUT and appropriately so regarding Toph's littermates.  Her full sister ZIVA just won Best Opposite Sex at for her first show point at her debut in Union Maine.  Other littermates have already tested for their NAVHDA NA title with one of them (Tyson?) earning a PERFECT SCORE and the other was not too shabby either with another Prize 1. Toph is testing soon as well as two additional littermates and if all goes well, our friends and breeders of this litter (Phil & Sherri Thayer) will receive the NAVHDA Breeder Award.)

CH J&A's Quiet Courage JH, NA 107, Prize 1
Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH
Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH 

In New York John and I enjoyed the opportunity to see Wilson (Bullet & Treasure's son) earn his first leg towards his AKC Senior Hunting title. An AKC bench champion and already a NAVHDA NA Prize 1 working towards his UT,  Kira has enjoyed training Wilson and seeking the guidance of professionals to bring out the best in him.  We were the guests at their beautiful new home and stayed a few days. Thanks to Julie H., John and I were able to get away from together for the first time in 10 years and we had a great time.

We had a wonderful time in NY and I so enjoyed making some new friends as well as visiting with those who I don't usually get a chance to.  Mostly of course, there was the pride factor of looking at the fruit and evidence of being true to our goals as breeders.  I enjoyed the opportunity also to share with others about our breeding program and was happy to meet those who share similar philosophies.

J&A's Heart of Seumas "Quincy" - Best of Breed
Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH
Dam: GCH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Pictured here is young Quincy who has been shown in a total of 4 show venues beginning in March 2015. That's not very much! Winning a 5 point major (Specialty) in June, he just won another 4 single points in Union, Maine. This handsome son of Bullet & Thistle is, as they say "knocking on the door" of his AKC Bench Championship with limited showing.  Way to show, Julie!

One thing I appreciate is when owners recognize the true potential of their Brittany puppy and give them every opportunity to shine. There are times people will tell us they'll train or do this or that and there is no follow through which is just plain disappointing to me personally.  It's fun to work on a focused training goal with your dog!  Although a Brittany dog does make an outstanding house pet our experience has been that they simply excel when given the opportunity to participate in not only upland hunting but hunt tests, trials, agility, flyball, etc.  It's not fair to have a puppy grow up to be an adult dog who has not been given the chance to 'work' or 'perform' at something fun and enjoyable with their owner. Whatever it may be. We also appreciate those who may recognize they just don't really have the time or experience to do the necessary training correctly and turn to us. It's what we are here for.  John is such an outstanding bird dog trainer and he's very generous with this "gift".  We work not only with dogs from our own program but with those from others and also with other pointing breeds. It's a commitment that needs to be fulfilled and it's a benefit to your dog, to yourself, and in some ways also to us.

In the meantime, countdown is on for Maine's Bird Hunting Season opener as well as my next total knee replacement. Let's see if the owner of the BBW is paying attention as I say "thank you for the continual use of your recumbent bike as I head towards this second surgery".   Now everyone who has gotten this far - take care and God bless and thanks so much for your interest in All Things Brittany.  Stay tuned - we have two more weeks of events coming up!  John, Ann, and our canine crew