Another Brittany Nightcap!

Oh what another picture perfect day it was here.  John has finished most of the minor fencing repairs, changed the oil in the tractor to get ready for some roto-tilling, and put the wooden Adirondack chairs out. All of the crew here enjoyed a good long run and some enjoyed a quick dip in the pond. Molly is continuing to recover and took her last antibiotic pill tonight. She is still receiving half a pain pill twice a day.  I know she can't tell me in words how she is feeling but I also know that based on her increased activity level the past two days it is very likely when she finally lays down there is some minor pain involved. Any woman who has ever had a hysterectomy and/or a c-section will understand. In Molly's exurberance to see me this morning when she came into the house to visit she jumped up on my bed and I know that had to hurt.

I did some light grooming on Rosie while sitting outside using the 'Furminator' a tool no Brittany owner should be without.  John noticed the copious amounts of loose hair flying here, there, and everywhere and suggested it may be just as easy to simply do a field clip on her. I had just bought some new blades which would leave her coat a nice length. If you look at Molly you'll understand where Rosie gets her luxurious coat.  We spoke the word "clipper" and next thing I knew Rosie was rolling on her back in the gravel driveway, followed by a swim down in the pond. She returned back to where we had been sitting. I believe Rosie to be one intelligent Brittany; and this behavior added to the fact. Suffice to say she did not clippered today.

The pups continue to do so well, they are absolutely beautiful - but then I don't think I've ever seen an ugly Brittany puppy!  As I type I am publishing a new video of them.  It's going to be about 5 minutes long because I set it to an Amy Grant song of that length. We'll be anticipating lots of specific new behaviors this week as the pups approache their second important stage of development.  This will begin on the day the very first puppy opens his or her eyes.  Some of the external stimulation has been ongoing.  You'll notice simple things in the photographs such as the addition of the carpet pad in the whelping box.  This has a couple of purposes but right now it is simply to observe their reaction to something new in the box and how each individual puppy will respond to it. The pad can also be placed underneath the heat lamp making it stand out even more to them.  As they grow older some of the pups may covet the carpet pad.  I'll move it around in different locations in their box.  Eventually I'll keep it in the area they are most likely to fall asleep in.  When the new Brittany pups begin to eliminate on their own, I'll watch where in the box they first go.  Typically they will establish one particular place. In the past Molly's pups have always ventured out of the whelping box to go to the bathroom.  Speaking of sleeping, when the pups are older and more coordinated I'll begin to leave a puppy blanket crocheted by their Aunt Julie in with them, but only under my supervision.  It's very, very dangerous to have anything loose in the whelping box because neonatal pups can easily get caught up in the folds of a blanket, towel, sheet etc.

Pippin is definitely pregnant.  No more doubts. Tonight I felt the gentle movement under my fingers as I softly stroked her abdomen, the gentle movement which for a breeder significes the evidence of life within.  Dear sweet little Pippin. The fact that I can feel her pups (unless it was gas!) also indicates her delivery date is fast approaching.  Her behavior tells me she's becoming increasingly uncomfortable and oh my gosh - is she moaning and groaning and complaining more every day.  Unlike Molly or Treasure, Miss Pippin does not have the benefit of experience to know what is coming. But her natural animal instincts will lead the way.  May 12 marks 63 days from her first breeding which took place very early in her cycle.  This was followed up by several others within the next week. 

Because most breeders and/or stud dog owners provide a photograph of the actual tie itself for obvious reasons, I have 'photographic evidence' in my files of the first tie.  Actually we have a complete file of every service that has ever taken place here at our home or when our girls have been sent away.  I know it sounds strange to some but it protects the integrity of the stud dog and assures all concerned that indeed the actual mating did occur with the male it was supposed to occur with. The important thing to remember about 'service files' is to keep them separate from your family slideshow/screensaver files. Yes. Indeed.  It is embarassing when a photograph of dogs engaged in the actual act of making puppies together suddenly zooms slowly across the computer screen when you have family or guests over for dinner. Not that I've ever experienced anything like that. No. Not me.

Finally had a chance to catch up by telephone with Pam, Julie, and Dawn.  Enjoyed our conversations greatly. I wish we all lived closer. I wish this were true this week especially as Dawn awaits the arrival of Morgen and Jac (her Jac) puppies!  Things are going on with her temperature.  She looks huger than huge.  Typically (but not always)  if the dam is carrying a large litter of pups whelping will begin before the 63rd day. 

Well this nightcap has turned into a morning cap, hasnt' it!?  I just checked the progress on the new puppy video, it is currently being uploaded onto our Youtube channel and says 58 minutes remaining.  I also noticed that the first video has been viewed 86 times!!!  Speaking of views, out of all the ATB videos on Youtube the one that has been enjoyed most often is of Treasure training her own puppies  It has been viewed 2,551 times! Oh am I glad I had my camera with me otherwise who would ever believe such a thing.

In closing I want to mention that today, May 2, marks the 4th anniversary of Timberdoodles passing.  4 years ago I was uncertain as to whether Wish was pregnant with his pups.  How wonderful that today we are able to love and hold not only his son, but his 6 grandchildren. I'll shed a few tears today but I'll be looking for yellow butterflies and eagles in the sky.  I'll be listening to the sounds made by 6 little pups, and waiting for a special interaction with each one of them while loving on Molly and caring for Scooby's pups.  And I'll be thanking God for His awesome, mysterious ways.  Take care and God bless you always,
John, Ann and All things Brittany.

A Brittany Nightcap

Happiness is a Warm Puppy! (1 week old new Brittany pups from Molly & Scooby)

Today was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.. Molly Rose enjoyed herself today and actually ran across the front yard.  I wish I could explain to her that she shouldn't push herself but how do I do that?  Molly may be a sweetheart, but she's also a very strong willed girl. This has worked to her advantage this past week in regards to the healing process. With each passing day Molly sparkles more than the day before. Her coat is glowing again, her eyes are bright, she is eating and drinking much more than she had been, and she's happy. Molly is a Brittany dog that smiles, some of them do you know?  She also does an Elvis impression, but only for John.  He can get her all animated to the point where she will look at him sideways and life one side of her upper lift, to reveal her teeth.  It is so funny!

I could sit and watch the pups forever.  I see them do the most amazing things; behavior that can make me laugh one moment and cry the next.  I try to capture as much as possible of these moments in time on video or in photos. They are so responsive to me when I hold them.  Could it be possible they recognize my touch from before they were born?

John spent the day working on the fences in places that need repairing.  This needs to be done every spring because the weight of the snow bends the fencing down in places.  We have approximately 5 acres here for the dogs to enjoy, and are surrounded by hundreds of acres of fields and woodland.  Anyway, he is exhausted tonight and there is still more to do tomorrow.  He does always make time for the entire crew whether it's loading them up in the truck with some birds or if he's taking a walk around the pond etc.  I was watching John this afternoon as he went into each kennel run.  Part of the fence was still open to the road so a late day run was out of the question.  But he went and spent time with each dog, and I was especially moved as I watched him pat his chest to signal that it was okay for them to jump up.  He must have been carrying on a conversation with them because tails were wagging.

It was a day to remember for Brook, our next to the oldest grandaughter!  It was Maines opening day for spring turkey hunting for Junior Hunters only.  Brook shot a very big turkey and came over to show us. We're all pretty proud of her.

Pippin is lying on the floor next to me, fully stretched out.  She is a Brittany that complains and lets others now how annoyed she is by actually groaning and moaning.  It is a low, gutteral sound and if you don't know this about her, it's easily mistaken for growling.  Lately she has been groaning and moaning with greater frequency.  She's also pretty restless, something John and I both have noticed.  I don't think she is very big if she is pregnant, and I am not expecting a lot of pups. But I could be very very wrong!

What is going on with Pippin is just as important to me as what is happening with Molly and her pups.  But it is Molly and her 6 new Brittany pups who are my primary focus and care in these hours. There will be time enough to expound with great joy the way we are also feeling about Pippin's potential pups. 

Speaking of Pippin and Molly, it's time for Pip to get one more run around the yard in before I tuck Miss Molly in for the night.  This may be the earliest bedtime we've all had for about a week, and that's a very good thing. I'm tired.

Take care and God bless you and yours. John and I and ATB with you all a very happy "May Day"!

New Brittany Pups First Week / Our Boys

FIRST WEEK
Just a brief update before heading to bed where I really hope a good night's sleep is in store for me. ATB is tucked in and sleeping and that includes the alpha dog who I hear snoring in the background. 

A week ago tonight we were closely monitoring Molly's temperature as it dropped and remained below 99 degrees.  At 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning her first puppy arrived and by 1:30 p.m. she had delivered her 6th pup.  The average weight for the pups born was 9.12 oz.  And then came Sunday (Sunday's Comin' took on new meaning for sure).  It's been quite a week but I'm happy to share once again that truly, all is well.
Molly's temperature has remained normal and stable after several days of her temperature rising as high as 104.  I will acknowledge that it is by the Grace of God that we have reached the end of the first week with such positive reports. I also know many of you have faithfully prayed for all us and those prayers were answered.

I am certain the pups birthweight will double at about 10 days old.  This is always an important benchmark in regards to neonatal pups here but this time even more so.  Molly nursed her 6 puppies for @ the first 24 hours which meant they received the all important colostrum.  The supplemental feedings by us lasted into the next 48 - 36 hours. It's been very encouraging to see their small, consistent weight gains and now the weight range is @15.7 oz to 10.2 oz at the end of the first week.

If you are following in either "Another Piece of the Puppy Puzzy" and/or "The Art of Raising a Puppy" you'll recognize this is still the neonatal developmental stage, which is a stage that actually began as a prenatal period. It's been and will continue to be a time for things to remain calm, quiet, and uneventful for both pups and mom. The pups are already receiving gentle stimulation tactics in the way we hold and touch them with obvious results. This is a time when I just love to sit and watch the interaction between Molly and her pups with my open notebook in front of me. An added bonus is that this time Molly is able to anticipate my movement and behavior without feeling overprotective of her pups. In the past I have respected her own behavior which indicated she prefered John's company to mine the first week.  I've seen very little of that this week which results in both of being able to calm and reassure each other, something which ultimately also effects the well being of the pups. Tonight we enjoyed a nap together on the cot in the puppy cave. She carefully climbed up and then stretched out alongside of me. We lay there listening to music and watching her pups with the only available light coming from the heat lamp suspended over the whelping box.

The puppies don't know it yet but I have fallen in love with each one of them.  I'm going to look forward to the day when that love is notably reciprocated, when the love affair officially begins and our mutual affection towards each other is confirmed.   Usually this is when the pups recognize my presence, stare and woof at me, back up then run full speed ahead.  I did get my first 'hit' of puppy breath tonight... I know all too well how rapidly the precious moments of these early days turn into weeks, into month and into the first day of the rest of their lives for these pups.

OUR BOYS Here is hoping for a quiet, uneventful weekend here at ATB.  John continues to faithfully work with the rest of the crew (including our houseguest Bullet) and is pleased with all of them.  Today he took all of the boys ("Scooby, Jack, True, and Bullet) with him up to the bird dog club grounds.  John also picked up our two oldest grandaughters along the way and they helped grampa out, and learned a little bit more about handling dogs and training them.  It's so rewarding to see the boys all work together, they are well balanced and respectful not only of John but of each other.  It's not always that way with intact males. The blend is interesting to me - two proven stud dogs with two younger juvenille males.  The times they would like to scuffle with each other, or simply have the last word are few but when they do occur we have zero tolerance for any foolishness like that.  Over the years all of these boys have had ample opportunities to get out in the field and run with other males including Vizslas, Pointers, Setters, and others.  Whether in a training situation, field trial, hunt test, or bird hunting they understand about manners. I think it's because John treats them all equally (well um... there is the golden boy issue), and it's also a matter of love and respect (both given and received!) This blurry eyed ATB blogger needs to call it a day, or rather a morning. Take care and God bless you and yours always, John, Ann, and our much loved Brittany Crew.

PS Speaking of moaning and vocalizing, Pippin is doing a lot of that lately as her abdomen is expanding. Either too much dog food or puppies.

Puppy Update / Do this! / Don't do This!

UPDATEJust a quick note this morning to say Molly is healing and recooperating well from her emergency c-section and spay. Our leisurely stroll around the yard yesterday afternoon included a walk around the pond where Molly explored to heart's delight. We have been able to adjust the dosage for her pain medication (Tramadol) so that she remains comfortable but not sedated as she was the first 24 hours, something I hated. She will continue to receive her antibiotic (amoxicillan) twice a day until gone. We're still offering her pedialyte and would like to see one more empty bottle. Nothing wrong with the girls appetite as long as it's freshly cooked chicken, liver, or steak! She continues to really love her nursing mother's pudding so I need to cook up another batch of that. Molly is also getting natural, plain yogurt to help counter negative effects of the antibiotic in regards to good/bad bacteria. The pups are getting a taste of this on my fingertips too. As for her regular dog food, she will chow down on that once enjoying the other food specialties. Molly's food intake will double and then triple in the weeks ahead. Although clouds are rolling in and the wind picking up the weather has been so nice here. The windows have been opened wide to allow fresh air in to circulate and it's been great not to have to keep the woodstove going. We even had the heat lamp off very briefly yesterday although the pups need a constant heat source at this point in their development. I weighed each puppy again and they continue to gain nicely. I will be looking for their weight to double around Day 10 if not earlier. The intermittent supplementary feeding was beneficial to both pups and mom when necessary from Sunday to Monday. I'm thankful it did not need to continue further. There can be many circumstances when supplementary feedings are continued such as the situation of an orphaned litter, puppy to weak to nurse, mastitis, etc. When another Brittany breeder learned about our news here this weekend she quickly offered the use of her lactating mom who had just whelped a litter of pups last weekend. I'm grateful we did not have to take her up on that offer, but the fact that the option was out there really gave us peace of mind. It's always good for breeders to know who else may have a litter of pups in case of emergency that is for sure.

In watching the video from yesterday it's easy to see how strong, agile, determined Molly and Scooby's pups are. The carpeting on the bottom of the whelping box helps to strengthen tiny little muscles resulting in early walking attempts. I think these pups are going to skip the crawling stage! They're very quiet and not vocal at all. We do know that our pups are born with certain characteristics and traits. We also know pups will never reach their full potential unless cultivated by the proper environment and training during the early weeks of their life. It's our goal to see that all our pups will mature with confidence and without fear. People tell us we're achieving that goal, something we are proud of.

SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING TECHNIQUE FOR PUPPY - Do this!
John and I do believe there are critical periods in our puppys life and that they begin at birth. We were very careful concerning the way in which we handled the supplemental feedings right down to the way the pups were held. (Our vet fully explained and demonstrated for us the amount of liquid Esbilac to use, how to dilute it, how big a nipple to make in the little bottle, and how much each pup should consume. They did not advocate using a stomach tube but we were ready with that in case.) In order to keep the experience as stress free as possible John noted early that it would be important for pups to be fed in the same position as if they were nursing. He took a towel and rolled it up, then put another one underneath. The pup then was positioned with rear legs on the bottom towel, leaning their belly on the rolled up towel, and resting the teeny tiny animal bottle on the top allowed for the pup to experience a natural position as possible. They were so content that a few of them even used their front legs/feet to 'knead' and reach out as if they were on their mother nursing. This is what we did when Molly was in surgery, recovering, and then home heavily sedated. We didn't put them on Molly until the first course of pain relieving drugs had worn off. Although we were assured any crossover from mom to pups would be minimal it just wasn't worth it to take the chance. It's important enough in a normal situation to be aware of the behavior of the neonatals to identify any possible distress. To me this would have been very difficult to tell if the pups were effected by moms drugs.

STIMULATING PUPPY TO ELIMINATE / CLEANING THEM - Do this!
It was Johns job to feed, it was my job to stimulate elimination. So we formed a team and coordinated our efforts, which really was quite enjoyable while Molly was sound asleep. A pups natural ability to pee/poop on their own is not developed until they are older. When you see a mother licking, kissing, cleaning her babies it is not all about love and affection although I'm sure that Molly's wonderful mothering skills is based on her powerful nurturing instincts. Not all mother dogs have them when they have pups, especially if it's their first litter. Usually they will come around in a few days but it's important to be ready to assist. We used 2 washcloths per pup; 1 to hold the pup in the palm of our hand, the other washcloth to collect whatever was being eliminated. It's better to stimulate urination first and that is done by gently pressing (not rubbing) against the pups body part, location based on if it's a boy or girl part! This will stimulate urination so be ready to catch that pee on the washcloth held underneath by two open fingers. Then take a cotton ball and gently dry it off. Using a different corner of the same washcloth, apply the most gentlest pulsing pressure to either side of their little puppy rectum. This will stimulate the appearance of a puppy sized stool which may take a little longer and is definitely messier and smellier.  Follow this up by wiping the rectum with a soft cotton ball, using warm, soapy water if needed.  (It helped to have a freshly bleached and laundered stack of clean white washcloths nearby.  When elimination was complete the cloths were taken care of the same way you'd take care of a dirty cloth diaper.)  It is IMPERATIVE and CRITICAL that a neonatal puppy be stimulated to eliminate when mom can't or wont and it is just as important to keep the area underneath their little tails absolutely clean and feces free.  Even in a normal situation - if mom is not keeping this area clean, be sure that no feces is ever allowed to dry around this area.  We have seen this a time or two. We simply clean the area by filling a small bowl with warm water to which gentle baby shampoo has been added.  We very carefully lower the bottom of the teeny baby puppy carefully into the warm (NOT HOT) soapy water and hold them there and follow this with a gentle washing with a washcloth, being sure to absolutely DRY the area when done.

The pups are responding to our gentle stroking which is the very beginning of their interactions with humans. Although they are not neurologically developed at this point in time, this tactile stimulation of handling them is so important. So in many ways our need to assist Molly in the first 48 hours following pups birth has been of great benefit to them. Their ears will start to open about day 10 and they will hear soft music playing when that occurs. No other barking or running about by other family dogs, no street traffic, no clanging, just soft gentle sounds. There will be time enough for further intense stimulation as they grow and develop but not during the first 2 weeks. Their environment will remain as calm and controlled as possible. When their eyes open, usually about 2 weeks they will then begin to receive additional sensory input.  If you've been an ATB fan for awhile, you've read it all before. But you know I believe each litter of new Brittany pups is unique. While we can learn from litter to litter, from mom to mom, from pup to pup (as we should) it's more important to stay tuned to the individual needs of those puppies immediately in front of you. 

Having said that, I've intentionally not shared much about Pippin, or even Treasure.  This year is unusual for us in that we will have had puppies rather close together. We have done this before but not often.  We have had two litters of pups born within days of each other.  I don't like to do it often and wouldn't do it at all if not for John and I both being home together.  I could never be someone who went off to work leaving a brand new litter of Brittany puppies unattended.  I'm glad we are well set up and the timing has been interesting all things considered.  Each pup or mom will always get 110% of what we deem to be so important in our breeding program here. And life as most people consider it does go on hold. For me, it's perfectly normal to expect that the world would stand still when pups are concerned.  Another thing I don't want to do is take away from Molly and her pups by focusing on how wonderfully Treasure's pups are doing now as they approach 4 months - but they are doing great and even getting some birdwork done. Likewise though I don't want to take away from Pippin's possible and most likely pregnancy either and there are many positive things going on there.  It's just not the time though - not yet. Pippin will have her moment in time but for today, and for right now - this is truly all about our beautiful Molly Rose and Skittle, Veronica, Blossom, May, Flower, and Meg - the Mega-litter. 

John is doing a great job keeping the rest of our amazing Brittany crew occupied, happy,and content.  A full day in the field was greatly enjoyed by True, Piper, Jack, and Bullet.  In their absence I ran Rosie, Scooby, Treasure and Pippin although Pippin is not going to be running with them much longer.  They have all been swimming as the pond is up to it's full height of 35' feet!  I forgot how beautiful it is this time of year.  I hope the level stays high.  I so enjoyed swimming in it last year. The natural spring feeds fresh clean water into it, it's always so fresh and clear once you get away from the side of it where it's muddy.  It was so fun to see the expression of the dogs when I went in with them - it was like pure joy and disbelief!  Bullet loves the water, Julie said he's watched Sassy that is why.

GUN DOG TRAINING TIP - Don't do this - PLEASE!
Speaking of other dogs watching each other and learning. A word of caution as it's field training season.  Unless you have a dog that is a finished dog you don't want to be running youngsters with other untrained dogs.  Yes, they do learn from them. But only when there has been concentrated specific training techniques taught to BOTH dogs. Running dogs together and thinking that is a good way to train them for the field is counterproductive.  We do post pictures of our crew together, but we have breed them, we have trained them, we have hunted with them and we know their level of training and how much actual authentic field experience and hunting they have been exposed to. Train dogs together of the same age. Train dogs together of the same ability. Train dogs together of the same maturity. But never simply run dogs together thinking they are going to train each other.  Oh they sure will learn to hunt together, just not for you!   When dogs are cut loose in a field together, regardless of whether there are 'planted' birds, scented dummies, or wild upland game present if they have not been properly exposed to birds and lots of them, you're may very well ruin your dog's chances of ever connecting all those genetic dots within their DNA. Line upon line, precept upon precept, the foundation is laid.  Beginning with the early scent awakening to when your dog is steady to wing and shot, naturally retrieves and backs or honors, YOU or another 'human' are the trainer of your dog.  Unless you have a completely finished mature adult with many succesful bird hunts (trials or hunt tests) please don't try to use one dog to train another dog to be a gundog. If you do happen to be someone who appreciates the beauty of productive hunting with several Brittanys at the same time check out the book "Bird Dog" written by Ben O. Williams.  Ironically, I bought that book for John's birthday when we were awaiting announcement of the birth of Miss Molly Rose. That my friends, seems a perfect way to draw this to a close!

Take care and God Bless you always with all our love, John, Ann and our motley crew of Brittanys!

VIDEO: Molly & Scooby's 5 Day Old Pups - Fields of Gold

(Turn off Playlist music before viewing!)

And they shall be called..... THE MEGA LITTER!

Molly & Scooby's Pups / 72 Hours later

On Monday morning Molly Rose started to become much more responsive to John and I and consequently to her beautiful, new Brittany puppies which made for some very happy hearts here. We were able to eventually discontinue the supplementary feeding as the day went on.  The biggest and brightest spot on the horizon yesterday was when Molly stood up without any assistance or coaxing and walked through the house to come and wake me up to say she had to go out.  I'd fallen asleep but Molly gently woke me up by nudging my hand with her nose.  We walked through the house together and I opened the door to the porch.  She went ahead of me - still quite wobbly - but slowly and carefully made her way down the porch steps.  I was so happy!!! She walked around the yard taking her time and then eventually headed back to me.  We went back in the house together and checked on the pups who were sound asleep in their puppy basket under the heat lamp. As the afternoon wore on, John and I continued to persuade Molly to eat more food and drink more water.  It wasn't too long before she let us know she wanted to have her pups back at her side and out of the basket for good.  Under our close supervision Molly lovingly nursed and cleaned her babies with the utmost attention.  When they fell asleep at her side, she closed her eyes to rest too. When one of her pups stirred or crawled away she was immediately aware of this and responded by nudging them closer or by moving her own body to them.  We observed the little personalities already emerging, perhaps due in part to the intervention we had been called to in absence of Molly during and following her surgeries. This morning we moved the little family back to the warmth, safety, security, and comfort of what is so affectionately referred to as 'the puppy cave.'  Molly has been offered and eaten ground beef, yogurt, boiled chicken, steak, and of course her regular food.  There had been an absence of appetite and thirst but that's all changed now.  We have been able to influence Molly to drink nearly 2 bottles of Pedialyte. She's on antibiotics and a low dose pain med.  Molly is doing wonderful and so are her babies.  Each puppy has either maintained their birth weight or gained as much as 1.5 ounces.  Given the circumstances of the past 72 hours this is very encouraging.  The animal emergency hospital has checked in to be sure things are going well and answered our list of questions, as did our regular vet, Dr. William Lowe at Broadview Animal Hospital.  when John brought the little ones over yesterday. 

The outpouring of warmth, love, friendship, prayers, words of encouragement from not only those who know us well, but from those of 'you' who are total strangers from across the country has been very humbling.  I am reminded of a similar response of compassion directed towards ATB in the post about spaying our Rosie last summer, Rosie who by the way was from Molly's very first litter.  My reason for sharing so very much about "All Things Brittany" the way I do here is always because of 'the love of the dog both given and received.'  This is who we are and it's what we do and I just want those of you who follow this to know - my heart is so touched through your personal responses.  Breeders know - or at least they should know - nothing is certain when it comes to what we do.  A breeder friend of ours recently responded to us on FB: "Having been through similar heartbreaking experiences, I can tell you that the joys from breeding outweigh the sorrows." And he is right!

Looking Ahead. I am hopeful that the weather will also continue to improve so that the rest of the crew here can get back into the fields, run through the woods, and dip into the 'brrr' chilly water of the pond.  Plans were for Bullet (who we are enjoying as our houseguest again!) to go to the hunt tests this weekend in Falmouth, MA along with True and Jack. Bullet is in training for his Junior Hunter title where he has one leg.  True and Jack are in training for a hopeful Senior Hunter title.  Unfortunately there were not enough dogs entered and the hunt tests were cancelled.  (Thank you Stephanie for letting us know.)  We're still not certain of Pippins pregnancy at all so she will go for x-rays soon. 

Speaking of Pippin makes me think of our friend Dawn who owns Pips father, Jac (no K).  Dawn is looking forward with great anticipation for the arrival of a beautiful new litter of Brittany pups from Morgen and Jac within the next week! And last but certainly not least - Dawn forwarded a copy of Miss Bailey's official AKC certificate of her Junior Hunter title.  Dawn and her husband Paul can be reached through their website for Hill's Brittanys in Connecticutt. They'd be happy to give you more information regarding their upcoming breeding program. (Our own program here has an active waiting list current through fall of 2012 regarding 2 future planned breedings.)

But for now... life here is truly all about Molly and her beautiful pups. And as one of the friends wrote, healthy pups means healthy breeders and at the moment I think that means sleeping when Molly is sleeping! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  Take care and God bless....and thank you so much for not only your interest, but for really caring.  John, Ann and ATB

PS Please join us in remembering Monica, Bill, and Kate - new owners of "North" puppy (now Wilson) and part of the ATB 'family'.  They are facing a sad and somewhat uncertain family situation.  

When Things Go Wrong...

"The next moment is as much beyond our grasp, and as much in God's care, as that a hundred years away. Care for the next minute is as foolish as care for a day in the next thousand years. In neither can we do anything, in both God is doing everything."  CS Lewis 

"I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind."

Saint Bernard

Easter 2011 will be an Easter to always remember for John and I.  And not for the reason one might think.  We will remember spending this Easter at the Maine Veterinary Emergency Center in Scarborough, Maine with Molly and her 6 puppies.  I will jump to the end of the story and say that Molly and her 6 new Brittany pups are all doing fine 24 hours later.  But we experienced a chain of events which did result in Molly having a Ceasarean operation followed by an ovio-hysterectomy.

Experienced dog breeders know to be prepared for literally anything in regards to medical emergencies.  There are text book pregnancies and whelping and then there are those that could not be anticipated.  Even when momma dog is well experienced herself there may come within a fraction of a second the instinctive knowledge that something is very very wrong. And when that awareness rises, there is on time to spare and no chances worth taking.  You simply respond with a sense of urgency knowing full well all that is at risk, most especially the valuable life of momma dog. Every breeder must ask themselves each and every time a decision is made to breed a valuable animal - is the outcome of a litter of pups worth the risk of the mother dying.  A sombering thought and one which I faced this weekend.  Molly whelped her 6 beautiful pups on what was Day 63 of her second breeding with Scooby. Her temperature dropped to below 99 degrees and remained there and stage 1 labor began.  Within 24 hours she whelped her first beautiful pup, who by the way is the only male!  It took her just about 6 hours to whelp all 6 pups.  There was nothing unusual going on although we were not satisfied she was finished. I began to consider the possibility of secondary uterine inertia, when the contractions are no longer strong enough to expel the pup from the birth canal. But it was unlikely because Molly showed no signs of exhaustion herself and the intermittent pushes/contractions were indeed, very strong and forceful. I was also concerned though that we could be dealing with a type of dystocia (difficult delivery.) Dystocia may be due to any number of reasons including uterine inertia, a large fetus, and/or malpostion of the pup. Like most veterinary emergencies, diagnosis is based on the accurate observation of the dog's owner as reported to the veterinaran so we made several phone calls for reassurance, suggestions, etc. 

We did have Oxytocin on hand but as you may know we are not supportive of it's random use.  We recognize the legitimate uses for it but only with a vets supervision.  It is a naturally produced hormone which plays a key role in labor contractions, milk let down, etc. It is also and only available as a veterinary drug via prescription.  Oxytocin (also called a "pit shot") should never be used if the fetus is in an abnormal position or is too large to pass through the birth canal.  It should only be used if the cervix is dilated. It should never be used if an animal has uncorrected low blood sugar or untreated low blood calcium.  If used inappropriately oxytocin can cause uterine rupture or pain from excessive uterine cramping. It's pretty easy to understand the importance of a vets involvement.  We knew the cervix was dilated because Molly had given birth to her 6 pups quite normally. What we did not know was why she was contracting without results.  I'll be honest.  We really considered giving her the shot but with all these unknowns - why in the world would anyone take the risk???  I know there are other breeders who would not hesitate to give the Pit shot for any number of reasons. I have never been one of them.

As late afternoon turned into early evening Molly settled down quite comfortably with her pups and eventually fell into a deep sleep. John remained with her all night long and the only thing she did was come over and bump him to say "hey I need to go pee - NOW!" and they went outside.  No laboring, contractions, nothing else.  She was not acting unusual in any way, everything was pretty normal, or so we thought.

Early on Easter morning we were all sitting together and suddenly Molly Rose began to contract all over again! This was no involuntary expulsion of retained placenta etc.  This was full blown labor. John and I simply looked at each other and knew we must take her for an x-ray so we readied Molly and then placed her 6 thriving pups into the puppy basket with hot water bottles wrapped in insulated towels, a puppy blanket across the top.  Calling ahead, we let the emergency center know we were coming in with a serious situation, asked for reassurance as to what we were facing and soon we were on the road to the emergency center. Something was terribly wrong.  I brought along everything just in case she did have a puppy on the way which was very possible the way she was acting. We were rushed into a prepared waiting room where Molly was then taken for x-rays.  They showed there was a puppy in the birth canal, it looked like maybe there were two, caught up together in a way that made it easy to understand why the difficulty (dystocia).  The secondary uterine inertia was still a concern for me even while Molly was still strongly, actively contracting. God love her. 

My instincts proved to be accurate as those x-rays revealed an injection of oxytocin would have been the very worst thing for Miss Molly Rose!!   I was fairly certain we were dealing with a pup that was not only stuck, but that was no longer living. Too much time had passed.  I brought up the subject of Molly's calcium level because I was very curious to know if it was low or normal. Calcium plays a real important role in the whelping process among other things. At this point in time we knew we were most likely facing a C-section although the vets always left the decisions up to us. We had tried feathering as well as lubricating the canal and manually manipulating the puppy which could be felt.   (By the way, the very best way to learn the honest opinion of your vet in regards to taking a particular step is to ask them point blank "if this were your dog, what would you do?")    All the necessary blood tests etc. were taken. My specific conerns her calcium level was also addressed which proved to be a very good thing. Molly's calcium level was too low to proceed further in any direction until levels came up. Molly, who had been in the exam room with John and I, her pups and the vets and technicians up to this point, walked happily down the hall with one of her new friends to be hooked up to an IV for her calcium administration. Molly had nursed and cared for her pups herself until she left. All 6 of her babies were safe and warm in her absence, an absence which extended into the early evening hours. 

The staff gave us our own exam room to remain in, made coffee for us, brought us bottled water and even chocolate Easter candy!  In the meantime our whole family had gathered at our home for dinner. The meal was fully prepped and just needed to be cooked but basically they were all on their own.  It was not the way we wanted to spend Easter but it was not all about us.  We could have left, come home, then returned at the end of the day.  Um... errr... I don't think so... Not an option.  Frequent calls in between home and the emergency center kept everyone on board and also grampa offered guidance on the traditional egg hunt.  Staff came in to assist us with stimulating the pups to eliminate and cleaning them, as well as help with supplemental feedings for the pups who needed to be fed every 3 hours. Molly's surgeon sent assistants to update us frequently and eventually returned to say she was recovering well. Thank you God.

We learned there had been one oversized puppy which had started down the birth canal. The puppy was malpositioned in such a way to support the possibility of 2 pups. This big, beautiful liver and white girl had clearly not been alive for quite awhile. John and I were not surprised at the outcome and of course were primarily concerned with Molly.  But the reality was still very, very sad and difficult for us to hear. We asked for the puppy to be brought to us so we could see her, and also requested she be prepared for us to bring home.  John really blessed my heart when he explained our reasons for wanting to do this.  "This is not just a puppy and these dogs are not just dogs... they are our family and we will take care of her the way you take care of your family."  And this means - laid to rest where some of her grandfather's remains are scattered and right next to Timber's tree stump where I often sit with the other dogs.  Yesterday, she ran to greet her grandfather at the bridge and together, they both are running like the wind.

We have now been home for 24 hours.  It's been a challenging, exhausting, and emotional experience with little time to really sit and think about it all.  In these situations you simply - ACT.  Molly is slowly but surely recovering from the surgery and the effects of the drugs used and reacting to the pain she is experiencing.  There is incision care to consider, the well being of the pups in the absence of Molly's complete awareness or ability to fully respond to them, making sure Molly eats something and drinks enough fluids, making sure we get her up to walk around and outside to stretch and eliminate, temperatures and meds, and 3 hour feeding schedules.  Tonight she's in the middle of the kitchen floor laying comfortably upon her quilt with her pups either laying nearby or in their puppy basket under the heat lamp (suspended by our ceiling fan - John is so innovative.) 

In these situations a breeder knows sleep is a non-issue that it is just one of many sacrifices made. I pulled the cushions off the couches last night and spent the night right next to her on the kitchen floor. John and I are her support system and equally sharing the responsibilities. He additionally has the rest of the crew under control including his JackDog aka the Golden Boy who has settled in nicely in the dog house.  Speaking of the crew... I will leave you with this.

Usually when the dogs hear the gate open as a car pulls into the yard there is an abundance of joyful greetings which goes on and on for a few minutes.  Not so when we returned early in the evening last night. John gently and lovingly carried his Molly girl up the walkway and into the house and I followed behind with our precious cargo of 6 pups. Each one of the dogs walked slowly to the end of their run and simply stood there watching us.  I am not kidding and we both noticed this. I began to weep... just to see and experience this.  They KNEW... they knew something very serious was going on.  John also shared with me later on today that when he took Molly out for a walk around the yard that the other dogs just stood and watched her.

All is well tonight.  The pups went to our regular vet for an exam and for tail docking and dewclaw removal.  Molly loved them up when John brought them home. Things are looking brighter here and we hope by sharing our experience it will help others understand there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.  On many levels.  Sometimes, things go wrong but this could have been so much worse, and we are extremely thankful it is not.  Take care and God Bless, John, Ann, Molly, puppies and ATB

Scooby & Molly's Pups Are Here!

Molly delivered 6 beautiful and healthy Brittany puppies today beginning at 9:30 a.m. and finishing (we think!) at 2:30 p.m.  OMG - are they perfectly marked, nice small sizes and thriving. Of course it's early and I hesitate to be overly enthusiastic but I'm truly over the top with these pups.  There are 3 liver and white pups, and 3 orange and white pups.  All of the pups are girls except for 1 little orange and white boy. As Scooby passes out cigars we rejoice in the arrival of this new litter of Brittany pups.  We're tired but it's a good thing.   Sometimes I don't even make the announcement until 72 hours have passed but this time I have already contacted each family waiting and those who are on the waiting lists.  I think there are going to be smiling faces in most instances! Thank you for all the prayers and notes which you've offered to us. Vet appointment has been made for Monday and we will be monitoring the new family closely.  It is time for a nap!
Take care and God bless, and of course - Happy Easter!!! (He is Risen - He is Risen INDEED!)
John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

It's Friday, But Sunday Is Coming

LUKE 23:46

Jesus called out with a loud voice,
 "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

 

The following is the ending from the well known Good Friday sermon by Dr. Tony Campolo.  To listen to the entire message (about 45 minutes) click Here is a link to the entire streamed version: http://www.tonycampolo.org/mp3/itsfriday.htm .  There is a brief update about Molly at the end of my post.

It’s Friday.

Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load.

It’s Friday;

but Sunday’s a coming.

It’s Friday.

See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.”

It’s Friday;

but Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday.

And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.

And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But THAT.... was Friday....

NOW IT's SUNDAY!!!

And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn’t the only thing that was shaking because

NOW IT'S SUNDAY!!!!.

And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb.

Yes,IT'S SUNDAY!!!!.

and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because

IT'S SUNDAY!!! 

 and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.

IT'S SUNDAY!!!!.

and the crucified and resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave.

IT'S SUNDAY!!!!.

And now everything has changed. It’s the age of grace, God’s grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again.

All because it’s Sunday.

IT's FRIDAY....but (altogether now)

SUNDAY IS COMING!!!

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NOTE: Molly's temperature is still fluctuating. She is doing well.  We've passed Day 63 from the first time she was bred to Scooby and are now counting anew. Maybe the Easter Bunny will bring puppies!  Take care and God bless.  We hope you not only have a wonderful Easter but may also take the time to reflect what the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ means to you personally. How ironic that Good Friday and Earth Day fall on the same date this year...John, Ann, and All Things Brittany