All Things Brittany: "An 8 Week Old Brittany Puppy"

The following is used with permission by Dave Jones of Chief's American Brittany.

Caly (pronounced as cal - ee )
“She's only 8 weeks old, pointing and running bigger than you'd expect for the age! How can that be? Just the thought of her developing into a great gun dog is thrilling to me.

She conjures up old memories of what has been and what will be.

What can I expect from this wonderful Brittany pup? Love, attention, quiet days afield and fireside memories. Memories of our 'oneness', of old friends, of days that pass too quickly.

A whole world is ahead for the tiny puppy. Imagine how this unguided creature would fair without my careful guidance? I have a huge responsibility that makes normal duties such as her safety and welfare pale in comparison.

I shall take her afield and have pleasant memories with her. She will challenge me but I will know that in the end, we will merge...we will become a team. I shall endeavor to properly introduce my young charge with all that is good. I will hold her and comfort her when she becomes sick, injured and old - I know this will happen and I will be there. I will always be there for her. It is my job as her master to be there. I do not take this responsibility lightly.

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

I try to imagine way back in time, the time of wolves and prey. Wolves, true hunters who pursued game through wit and physical prowess. I marvel at how man harnessed this primal instinct and formed it into such a magnificent animal.

We will offer one another mutual kinship. On days when she must remain behind, she will send me off with a wistful look in her eye. When I return home, she will greet me as if I truly am the king of the world. I must be royalty....watch how she worships me and loves me unconditionally. I have many faults but she will not know or care.

My new puppy thinks I am the bird god. I give her an exciting wing to attempt to catch in her early days. Watch the intensity on her face! She races to catch it but misses. Within a few flights of the wing, she instinctively begins to creep ever so slowly towards the twitching wing...then POUNCE, "Darn, missed again!" she must think. Now she slows even more and OH, how beautiful!...She has raised her tiny right front paw and paused in mid-step. Her ears are forward, head up and tail high! Why can't I make it last forever? I don't have my camera and even if I did, the picture wouldn't do justice to the moment.

I take my young prospect afield and make sure there are birds to be found. When no birds are found, she does not blame me. I think she regrets that she has somehow let me down.

How can I communicate to her my shortcomings and inability to always take her to where there are birds? This is not 1000 years ago with abundant game, where all one needs is wit and power to catch dinner. We fool our young charge into thinking that we are the ones with wit.

Then, as suddenly as I daydreamed of her skills afield, I think ahead, just briefly, to the day when she will breathe her final breath. God, can we go together? Is there a way that we can at least continue this hunt, this friendship, in the everlasting? Why God, did you create such a magnificent creature that cannot live as long as humans? Am I selfish? I rue the day of her passing. I know I will weep for days, caring only for my own selfish feelings, feelings of having been left behind once again by yet another wonderful dog.

What does a Brittany feel that has lived a full and rewarding life with a devoted master? Are they like some humans who have lived full lives and are ready for the hereafter? I have contemplated what might be their last thoughts and always pray they slip peacefully away with no suffering. I wonder if they think "I have served my master well as he has served me. I would like to hunt just once more in my mind but my body says it's time to go. Thank you master."

"Live today like there's no tomorrow" some say. This is so true when speaking of a companion gun dog. I have books by my fireside that remind me of others great dogs but somehow, no stories compare with my own thoughts of what was and will be....I pale in comparison to real writers for if I were a real writer, I might be able to impart just one ounce of what I feel for my baby, an 8 week old Brittany that is already showing the fires of what will be...

Y'all take care and give your dog a fancy treat for me.”
　

　

Written by Chief Dave Jones of Chief’s Brittanys and used with his permission.

ATB: 4 Week Old Puppies

Thunder, Puddles, Rainy, Drizzle, Raindrop, Cloudy

 

Things are very busy here at ATB. The pups are all doing so well and every day brings a new discovery for them as we enjoy helping them explore their ever expanding world. Weaning is underway and I should say it's with the help of their mother, Nova. She will let her pups nurse however rarely allows them the pleasure of falling asleep at her side. I suspect that their little teeth have something to do with. And in spite of frequent nail trimming on my part, the more aggressive nursers kneed with their paws which probably result in some scratching from time to time. Nova is happy to spend extended times away from her pups but always wants to check in with them on a regular basis. She has become quite adept at opening the door into where they are! The pups are eating two solid meals a day.

 

 

Last week when the pups turned 4 weeks old we had our first visitors come and see them. I was very happy to see how Nova accepted company that she did not know.  We tried hard to plan the visits during times of heightened activity but at this age they are like little wind up toys with a limited amount of energy to expend. When they first wake up from a nap most of the pups will make a trip to the area we've framed out for them go to the bathroom in. That is something to get excited about. Each day it seems more of them are faithful to go to where the paper is.  Even so NO ONE should ever expect any puppy ever to be even close to housebroken for several months. They will not have full control over poops and pees until much older.

 

 

T-shirts, toys, and collars were left for the pups as we countdown to the first day of the rest of their lives which will be in about 3 1/2 weeks. Things seem to have worked out for the best regarding puppy availability. We plan to do our evals/PATs at 7 weeks of age. Nova's owners will participate in this as well as a friend of ours whose English Setter just had a lovely litter of 11!  We are going to evaluate her litter and I look forward to that too. Nova's owners have pick of the litter and after they decide we will share our recommendations with those waiting for their puppy based on several factors. 

 

The litter of 4 that Jack sired with Brandy will go home this week. It's been a pleasure to work with the breeders who are also friends of ours. Our pick puppy from that litter will begin the first day of the rest of his life on Thursday with his new family, a family we have worked closely with for well over a year.

 

 I look forward to this week as we will bring the pups outdoors more frequently. They had an introduction to a frozen bird recently. The pups were sound asleep in their bed and I quietly placed the bird down in the middle of their puppy pile. Talk about waking up!  Immediately I could hear their little noses begin to sniff, sniff, sniff even before they opened their eyes to check things out! I watched as each little head popped up and they quickly scrambled to locate the source of that obviously intoxicating scent.  I look forward to taking this to the next level this coming week when we're outside.

 

Thank you to everyone for your patience and for accepting our puppy reservation policies. Our time with your pups is drawing to an end and we trust that you are all ready for that important first day of the rest of their lives. We will have done everything in our power to prepare your puppy for this day and from that point on it all depends up on you, the responsible dog owner. Remember to make your vet appointment and let us know the date and with who.  We're confident of where each puppy in this litter is going and very blessed with the way it has worked out for all concerned.

 

 We appreciate your interest in All Things Brittany so much. Take care and God bless you and yours always, John, Ann and our canine crew

ATB Photos: Brave New World at 3 weeks Old!

"Sweetest little pups, can't we please find a way to slow down this passage of time? Just a few days ago you were opening your eyes as you began to listen to the sounds around you. Then you took your first wobbly little steps. Tonight? You responded to my voice calling to you, and some of you walked towards me to greet me with obvious joy. You look at me directly, although I know I am still just a blur. But you hear and see me, and I love getting to know you this way. Tomorrow you turn 3 weeks old and I know we are forever leaving this stage of development behind. One week from today will see even greater changes. And my love for you only grows."

 

ATB: Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex

WOW! Woot Woot! BRAGGING RIGHTS!!! 

CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH "THISTLE" (above and below, left with Julie)

J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI" (below, right with Ann)

Sire: GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kidin' Me "CHEVY"

Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "PIPPIN"

Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owners of Thistle: Julie Harris & Ann Short

Owners of Hemi: John & Ann Short



Littermates DOB: May 10, 2011

 The judge was not aware that the two Brittanys she selected to be her top winners of the day were brother and sister, full littermates. I showed Hemi in Bred By Exhibitor, winning his class. The next class for him to compete in was where all the other winning dogs from their respective classes  were shown in hopes of being selected as the Winners Dog, the dog who gets the points.  As Hemi and I moved together in the ring with the other class winners I worried (as I always do) that my handling may hold him back.  That judge knew exactly what she was looking for and I felt certain in my heart that Hemi was the dog that had it. "Ma'm, move to the front of the line and take them around one more time."  I turned to the handler behind me and asked "are you ready?" She said she was and off we went. Hemi held his head high and proud as he led the dogs in competition around the ring. As we finished our go around, the judge stepped forward, pointed to us, and said "WINNERS DOG!"  Woo hoo hoo!! I reached down and scratched Hemikins neck and told him what a good boy he was knowing this win brings him to the threshold, leaving us knocking on the door of his AKC Championship title. Yet more was to come this day.

 

We watched ringside as the competition for 'Winners Bitch' entered the ring. The judge made her selection and then it was time for the next level of competition. Working through the 'classes' the animals competing in the 'breed ring' are the winners dog and bitch  ('class dogs') and those who are already finished as champions ('specials').  From the 'breed ring' the judge determines her Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, and Best of Winners.  It is here that she will also choose her 'Select Dog/Select Bitch", these are champions who earn points towards their Grand Champion title, points that every champion in the ring has a chance to earn. 

 

The awesome part of this all is that this meant Hemi and Thistle would be in the breed ring together at the same time. It's a proud moment for this bird dog breeder to compete at this level in the show ring that is for sure! It was a ring with beautiful dogs all deserving of the win. As we went around together I was determined to keep my focus on Hemi, to maintain my 'game face' to the end despite what I believe in my heart was about to happen. That's the thing about showing. You have to go in BELIEVING you will win. You can't look at the competition and shrug, giving up. Anything can happen. Showing is not always a pleasant experience for many reasons which don't need to mentioned here. Surely you lose more than you win. What is going on in your head communicates down through the lead to your dog. I always like to have a mint in my mouth to conceal the pheromone that stress, intimidation, and nervousness can give off!

The group went around the ring with precision. As a breeder, it was quite a moment in time. As owner and breeder of the mother of the two dogs it was even more special to me. Handling Hemi to the best of my ability I was aware that our judge quickly, intently, and without hesitation pointed to Julie and Thistle. Her instructions were clear  to move to the the front of the line.  Then, with equal deliberation she  pointed to Hemi and me, instructing us to move right up behind them.  Deep within me I could feel a burst of extreme happiness, joy, and pride rising up to take my game face over with a great big huge GRIN!!! You never really can be certain of what a judge is going to do so you work your dog right through to the end, regardless of the direction you feel it's going. Anything can happen in those final seconds before final judgement is made.

 

Our judge scooted down low and bent over to closely observe the movement of Thistle and Hemi together as we moved around the ring together. What is also amazing to me is that she had no way of knowing she was judging sister and brother, full littermates.  Clearly, both Thistle and Hemi showed our judge what she wanted to see that day because Miss Thistle won Best of Breed and Hemi? He not only won Best of Winners, but also Best Opposite Sex! This brother and sister team were just impressive.  Julie and I took one look at each other and both of our eyes were misting with tears. Sisters of the Heart indeed... that's not just Thistle's name, it's our friendship through the years.

 

After the judging and pictures taken the judge learned that her two winners were brother and sister. I can only imagine what kind of affirmation that is for any judge when that happens as to the consistency in selection. We're not out there showing every weekend, our dogs are not show dogs. Truly Thistle is ever unpredictable in the ring and lives up to her nickname of Thistle the Pistol. She is a delight and John and I enjoy sharing this special girl with Julie who has done so well by her.  And Hemi. His personality is a complete contrast to his sister. I liken him to little Lord Fauntleroy, he is very mellow and laid back, just happy go lucky. He is such a 'boy.'  He too knows he is not a show dog but what is amazing about him in the ring is he will actually adjust his movement and speed to accommodate me. I worry I will mess him up due to unstable gait. Piece of cake to Hemi. I love both of these dogs. And am so very very proud.

 

Julie and I really had a blast that day with the pups. It was fun to call John from the show and say 'guess what honey?'  We don't show a lot. But we always have fun when we do. Thank you to our judge, Ms. Debra Davis and to the Southern Maine Coastal Classic cluster committee. This breeder is still walking on Cloud 9, to God be the glory.  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

ATB: Ahhhh - Puppy Breath and God's Breath

I am always quite happy and often at my best when surrounded by my Brittany dogs. They ask so little other than to be loved, well cared for, and appreciated for the awesome beings that God has created them to be. That is the very least I can do in exchange for what they bring to me every moment of every day. So whether I'm sitting observing pups in the whelping box, repeatedly throwing a stick into the pond that several of the crew will run, jump, and swim to be the first to retrieve, quietly photographing the smile on John's face when he's surrounded by the dogs or working in the field, or simply just 'being' while laying on the grass or the couch with them nearby there is a strong element of joy and satisfaction to be embraced. All of the above are moments in my life that God can ultimately use to touch my heart.

I am reminded how puppy breath has been a reality in my life since 1960. My parents were dog breeders and I have always coveted the scent. Many years later I still covet it. I was happy to discover I was not alone in this oddity as there actually seems to be a puppy breath following. Breeders especially make mention of their need for a 'puppy breath fix" often on social media. We are a strange lot!

I have discovered this sweet breath not only is it absolutely delightful but it has a positive effect upon me personally.  Carefully, I approach the whelping box, kneel down on the floor (when I can) and gently reach for a young puppy.  I delight in their warmth and wiggling as I gently bring the sweet little puppy up closer to my face. There is a purpose in doing this as I breathe gently upon them. I am teaching them to become accustomed to my own scent in the days and weeks ahead.

The reaction is priceless as they quickly open their little mouths as if to yawn. In the briefest instance of inhaling the familiar, deep intoxicating smell I know and love so well as "puppy breath."  Wondrously, God has used those fleeting moments of time to draw me closer to Him, to make me aware and pay attention as He teaches me something important for His own purpose in my life.

As surely as the little puppy breath has a calming effect upon me, greater still is the awareness that the breath of God's Holy Spirit is always there, refreshing my heart, my mind, my soul, my own spirit whenever I need Him the most. Just as the pups will soon identify me by scent, a little analogy is created. Over the years I have become accustomed to the breath of God upon my life.

In His understanding of who I am God knows just how to effectively reach our hearts. Just like a loving father God cares about the things that concern us. Daily, all manner of noise permeates our life. Constantly,we encounter people with foolish and slanted philosophies. No matter where we are we will hear words spoken by judgemental and opinionated people that we are unable to accept or agree with.

God's desire is to see us walk in the fullness of the peace He gives through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This peace is not something we can pull off without His help, no matter how hard we strive to do so. It's not the same peace that we hear the world talk about. The breath of God, His Holy Spirit is as important to us as the air that we breathe. It brings renewal and refreshment to those who seek after the things of the Lord. But it must be sought after and desired. How do I know this is true? Jeremiah 29:13 reminds me: "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

In the meantime, I've got some puppy breath to enjoy. Take care and God bless you always - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB VIDEO: Jack x Nova Pups - 9 Days Old

No need for words... here they are in all their beauty, sweetness, and innocence. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the whelping box....

 



ATB: Puppies and Bragging Rights

Happy 1st Week Birthday Puppies!

 



The "Superior Litter" (named after Nova's owners company) is doing wonderfully at 1 week old. I must apologize for the minimal posting and emailing. We are having technical difficulties with our computer, server, and hosts. It's effecting email, uploading photos, and my ability to update the blog. Ironically, Facebook is the one consistent at this point in time regarding updates and available photos. You can find us at "All Things Brittany" on FB. 

In the meantime:  The 6 puppies are thriving and growing. There are 4 white and orange girls, 1 liver and white boy, 1 white and orange male.  Nova mom is doing so well for the first time but I really did not expect anything less from a granddaughter of Wish, and from Treasures daughter. It's been fun to video call with Nova's owners who can tune in at any time of day or night to check on their girl and her puppies. They also have given the puppies their litter nicknames which are: the boys Thunder (W/O), Drizzle (L/W), and the girls (all W/O) - Cloudy, Raindrop, Puddles, and Rainy. We put new flooring down in the whelping area, a very nice and light textured vinyl. It's clean and cool for Nova to stretch out upon. The outdoor temperatures have been climbing so there's no need to keep the furnace on or deal with the wood stove (finally!!). The heat lamp keeps the pups consistently warm. What a nice litter of pups.

Sometimes Sad Things Happen: Although originally 7 pups were born we are sad to say that little Lightening passed away held close in my arms just a little over 24 hours old. He was just a little over 5 oz when born and it was clear to see he was physiologically immature. Although he lived his life with gusto and zest for the brief time he was here, he gradually began to fade. First it became difficult for him to nurse and we assisted him. We have an incubator here which we placed him in to be sure he did not become chilled.  We also attempted to hand feed him using a stomach tube because he was too weak to try to feed with a small animal bottle. This is only the third time we have ever lost a neonatal pup since our first litter of Brittany puppies in 1990 but that does not make it easier. Lightening was a beautifully marked liver and white male who looked very much like his beautiful grandmother Treasure. I deeply love and value each little creature that we are responsible to bring into the world regardless of what happens. I believe he did not receive adequate nutrition during gestation, perhaps caused by positioning of another puppy that was much larger when born simultaneously with Lightening. But I have taken my cue from Nova who had her time with him, seeming to understand what was going on. She did not reject him but accepted our attempts to keep him comfortable. Then she returned and gave 100% devotion and attention to her 6 other pups.

Visits, Selections & Homecoming:  From time to time we impose upon ourselves an informal 'quarantine' (no visitors if there is a girls in heat, possibly pregnant, or with nursing pups). Their well being is always of the utmost importance and we do this to avoid any unnecessary stress. Although all of the crew loves company, it's just not fair to create a heightened sense of excitement for 'mom' during those periods of time.   We will schedule visits from those who will be getting a puppy to meet the entire litter of pups sometime between 5 and 7 weeks of age. It's a special visit to come and spend about a half hour interacting with mom and pups and to fall in love with each puppy.  When the pups are about 7 weeks old they are formally evaluated and tested using the Volhardts P.A.T. methods although improvised a little bit to accommodate our desire to observe their natural hunting and retrieving instincts. We take pride in making sure that each family that is waiting and each puppy are a good fit. (Of course all the pups are going to meet everyone's expectations and you could basically walk in blindfolded and go home with an awesome puppy!) We so enjoy working with our prospective families over a period of time. We know they are well prepared to bring their new puppy home and that their decision was not spontaneous or spur of the moment. By the time the evaluations are over we are confident that our suggestions will compliment the desires and expectations of those who have been waiting.

Puppy Availability: This entire litter has been spoken for yet we have not yet confirmed specific availability regarding males and females. Nova's owners will be watching the pups closely before making their anticipated selection of the pick puppy from the litter of either gender. They have some experience in this area and will take as much time as we will in evaluating. So 7 weeks is the magic number for puppy selection. We always say to fall in love with them all and make room in your heart and home for that one very special pup. There will always be certain pups in a litter that stand out among the others for one reason or another. That's the one who will always go to the visitors first, will go to ALL the visitors first who sometimes think they have been personally 'selected' by that pup. The very humbling fact of the matter is that's the alpha pup whose job it is to make sure it is noticed! When someone is interested in a specific color and/or gender the choices are obviously going to be limited. As there surely is an 'art' to raising a puppy, likewise there is also an 'art' to selecting your Brittany puppy from us.  The art form is deliberate and designed with the best interest of the puppy and his or her new family of course! Funny thing is, things have a way of working out exactly as they should be. I am confident that is because God is a part of this that we call 'All Things Brittany."

Bragging Rights!: Well, I had not planned on being able to get away for the Southern Maine Coastal Classic Dog Shows which are held in Scarborough, Maine. John was to attend a legislative work session and Julie had offered to handle Hemi for me. As there were no "majors" Treasure's handler sent her home. Plans changed for me to show Hemi while "papa John' stayed home with Nova and her pups and the ATB crew. Thistle won Best of Breed and her brother Hemi won Best of Winners and Best Opposite Sex! What a feeling to be the breeder and in the ring with the two top winning Brittanys of the day. Although I have never been bitten by the dog showing 'bug' and only show occasionally to support the dual concept the breed is known for, I love the feeling of walking on air when a judge recognizes what we already know about our dogs. The frosting on the cake is that Hemi's win came out of the Bred by Exhibitor class. Also that day Thistle went on to compete in the Sporting Group competition, a first for her and Julie. Thistle picked up additional points towards her grand champion title while Hemi's win brought him right to the door of finishing his championship - he is very, very close.

I'm consumed by the desire to want to be with the pups, observing, monitoring and making sure Nova's needs are all met means.  As always, John is readily available via telephone.  I have not dropped off the face of the earth although I do love being 'sequestered' and the view from here is simply amazing.  Thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany - take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and our canine crew.

ATB: Litter Announcement

We are proud to annouce the birth of Nova and Jacks beautiful and healthy Brittany pups. They were born on May 14. All 7 are doing well. We will be in touch with those who are on our waiting list with full information when I can catch up on some sleep...

Day 63: Puppy Watch

Temperature has dropped and remained below 100 long enough to identify that we are approaching 1st stage labor.  She is restless, seeking dark spaces, and has started to scratch at her blankets.  Still awhile to go! Stay tuned.

ATB Video: Just A Little Longer (PUPPIES)

 

 

It's ALL IN A NAME We are spending a lot of time together just hanging out in the puppy room.  Maybe I should go back to calling this the "Treasure House" for the time being. It would be appropriate as the very first litter of Brittany pups to be born in the new addition was the one in which Nova was born over 2 years ago with her mother Treasure of course.  A beautiful litter of 8 arrived in the middle of a blizzard here at J&A's Brittanys but we were tucked away nice and warm spending the hours at Treasure's side as the pups arrived. That litter was called "The Nova Litter" because they were born on our oldest granddaughters birthday, whose name just happens to be Nova of course!

 

I'd never really gotten into the whole thing of nicknaming a litter. We would always just say Molly and Jacks pups, or Wish and Smokes pups etc.  Nicknaming a litter kind of just happened and so when you do something once you kind of feel like you're suppose to keep on doing it.  Our way is kind of simple really and quite often it is John who suggests a name and usually (believe it or not!) I like his ideas. We do take a lot of time working together on the official AKC registered and call name of any pup here who will have "of Acton" at the end of their name. Litter names? Not so much. However, we do have the nickname all picked out.

 

Our friends in Connecticut own their own business and it is called "Superior Landscape & Fencing".  They also own 3 Brittanys from our program and each of their names begins with J&A's Superior (unique name).   That put a huge smile on my face the first time I saw that in print. Consequently, in a few more days I hope to introduce you to "THE SUPERIOR LITTER".  And the pups registered names will be "J&A's Superior _____________" co-bred by the Shorts and the Turners.

 

Days 57 - 60   I know Nova's owners miss her terribly and I also know they trust us completely with her well being and that of the pups which will soon be born. Although they won't be here physically, they will be here virtually. The past few days I've been working out a few kinks regarding private live streaming.  It's been kind of fun to get to try some new things with a web cam, laptop, tablet, and of course our good old tried and true desktop PC. Now I can sit and blog (as I am doing now) right in the whelping area.  It's possible to upload photos and videos now in a fraction of the time it took before.  But I digress, this is not to be a technical conversation.

 

Just over my shoulder, laying out on the cot which John and I will take turns sleeping on in the next week, Miss Nova the sweet Brittany herself is resting comfortably. She's active for little periods of time throughout the day. She's very clear in communicating when she wants to go for a run down around the pond, check out the pheasant pen, or see whats up with the rest of the crew. I keep a close eye on her because I know that sense of 'wanderlust' can become very strong in a bitch near whelping.  Although our 4+ acres is entirely fenced in 2/3 of it is wooded and we've had girls try to make a nest in hidden pine boroughs before.

 

Her appetite is so good which pleases me. It is hard when they refuse food at any time during pregnancy but especially disconcerting the last week when both mother and her whelps nutritional needs are great. Nova is very sweet and affectionate. She's not anxious or nervous at all. Just like her mother, just like her grandmother. We're blessed to know that she is from a long line of what breeders call 'easy whelpers.'  Even though this young, first time mother has never experienced what her body is about to engage in - she will most likely react as instinctively and as gracefully as Treasure and Wish have done.

 

She is sleeping most of the time.  She moves about freely, choosing a couch, the cot, a chair or the coolness of the floor.  She has checked out the whelping box itself with casual interest. When we are in the house for too long, she'll stand at the door and look longingly outdoors.  After a quick romp around the yard she will go to the door of 'The Treasure House" and ask to go in.  We put a screen door on it which is so nice. She's content to lay there and watch what is going on around outside. Although sleeping a lot, she is far from inactive that is for sure!

 

Her eyes seem to ask me what is going on?  Why am I feeling this way? I respond by telling her she's such a good good girl, she's such a pretty girl. I very gently touch her tummy for it's clear she does not want much pressure there at all. But she enjoys the lightest of patting.  I would love to keep my palm pressed to her abdomen because the pups are moving so much.  The evidence of life is clear and certain. It is hard to know for sure the size of her litter.  She did not really show until the last week or so.  Sometimes first time mothers don't show until the end of the gestation period. Other times though they look huge early on. And unless x-rays or ultrasound are done it remains a guessing game. Although even then - it is a guessing game. In the past we use to do progesterone testing for breeding, and then get films later on to figure out how many pups there were. Because nothing has ever been conclusive we opt for the less stress for mom the better and let 'mother nature' (LET GOD!) determine the rest.

 

A Mothers Love I saw it with Treasure and her mother Wish, and I see it now with Treasure and her daughter Nova. The familiar bond between dam and pup. Who can know for certain what it is that remains of all that is natural between them within their biological relationship?  We don't know. We can wonder and romanticize, speculate and reason, hope and dream. To paraphrase Helen Keller, some things that are felt in the heart cannot be seen with the eyes. That's not true here. I have seen the dam and her pup relationship survive years beyond the whelping box. I have seen it even with those who were litter mates. (No, not always and breeders can't be ignorant and assume so because sometimes they will act like they want to rip each others face off !) But I saw it with Treasure and Nova this past week. They went from politely playing with each other, respecting each others space to seeking each others company, where they did not want to leave each others side. I think the photos in the slide show here show that pretty clearly. We really can learn so much from dogs, I know as a breeder I am especially blessed to witness some pretty remarkable things. As a multiple dog owner my heart does see things most eyes cannot.

 

Rest well sweet little Nova the Brittany.  In just a few more days your body will begin to approach labor and there are changes in store for you.  But we will be right here with you, nothing to fear. We are the ones responsible to bring you and Jack together in the first place. We will remain responsible and commit to you, your puppies, and the well being of your new family at every turn. You just wait and see the awesome homes and families waiting to love and enjoy your pups. Active people, hunting families and or folks with Brittanys in their life already. We've got this covered beginning to end and at every place in between. This I promise you as we wait together for the first sign of approaching labor.

Take care and God bless. As always we appreciate your interest in All Things Brittany!  John, Ann, and our amazing, beautiful, fun loving canine crew.