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

ATB VIDEO: Fun Field Training with Pups

The majority of pups out of any given litter will become a family hunting companion.  We make sure every single Brittany pup that leaves here at 8 - 12 weeks of age has, at the very minimum, been introduced to scent from a frozen gamebird wing. Friends often will save and freeze the wings from gamebirds they have shot to give to us for this very purpose.  As soon as our pups are up on their feet and stable they are allowed to play with, chew on, maul, and carry the wings in their mouths.  It's so fun and you really get a good idea early on who has the strongest prey drive and potential retrieving skills! Then, depending upon the time of year a litter is born, the are also taken down to the nearby training grounds.  John loads them up in the dog topper for their great adventure, we drive to the field, plant some birds and let the pups have some fun! (We have our own homing pigeons who are happy to return back home safely once they have been 'flushed.' ) 

We always offer to help with any pup which we have bred. Because we are both retired we have the time to give 110% into preparing for an upcoming bird hunting season.  John and I are firm believers in getting pups on birds as young as possible.  We also feel strongly that the first year of a Brittany pup's life should be full of fun and enjoyment.  There is plenty of time for instilling discipline, perfect manners, and obedience. We've both seen the results of placing too high an expectation and too much pressure on young dogs that are just not ready for it.  Every trainer has their own philosophy. Ours is similar to that of Mike Gaddis who says "The desire in an exceptional pup is like a rare young wine, kegged from a proven vineyard. Nurture it slowly to perfection and it will pleasure the years. Tap it prematurely, and you will squander it’s bouquet in infancy”. 

The first few summers after John retired he enjoyed hanging out a lot with his friend Bob Paucek who has been training bird dogs since the age of 18.  There's been many articles written about him, Bob is also featured in a book authored by Jerome Robinson and titled "Hunt  Close!" It's a great read and covers techniques used long before the use of remote tracking, training, and e-collars became so widespread.  He's been been interviewed many times for various publications, videos and programs.  Bob bred, handled, campaigned and finished some of the best Pointers and Setters in New England in years past. He was American Field's 2013 Legend of the Game. Bob had also trained Brittanys for us in the past before John retired and before we had found grounds nearby our home to do the same. John always enjoyed helping Bob out anytime he could at the Paucek Kennels in Buxton, Maine plus there were always other friends there and they simply had a good time with all the dogs. 

(Personal observation: Besides, as any newly retired couple knows, finding yourselves face to face with each other 24/7 does require some getting use to (she said with a straight face)! Seriously though, I've enjoyed how this has all come together and I do hope it continues to develop and grow, especially now with our daughters involvement too. She is becoming a great dog handler in her own right with Toph and Zuko! )

These days we do have nearby grounds to run dogs on thanks to the generosity of a local land owner.  For several years now John has mowed and groomed the field to suit his needs for planting birds and running the dogs. In addition to the fields there's also acres of woodland.  There are sometimes a few grouse or resident woodcock but we have a couple of johnny houses set up for bobwhite quail and chukar partridge being licensed in all that we do. Friends may join John throughout the week and especially on weekends. Recognizing the amount of work involved usually everyone pitches in and helps in one way or another. There are other times when folks from away will make a trip up so John can spend a little time offering them tips and advice. We will not run the dogs when it's too hot or during a downpour.

We appreciate those in our ATB family who recognize they may not have the time, resources and/or the experience to get their Brittany ready for an upcoming hunting season regardless of age.  Such is the reason we have Bella and Brook with us.  The door is always open to work with Brittanys we've bred, to welcome them back to our home and to their canine relatives.  The methods that John has developed over the years are specific to the Brittany.  He knows how to read them and it is uncanny how quickly they will respond to him.  A lot of folks have said he is a dog whisperer.  Although he's also known to bellow at times, I will totally agree that he has a remarkable way with the dogs. John is not harsh or heavy handed and always is careful to set a dog up to succeed and not to fail.   Even when they must be corrected for something they know better not to do, John will always end the time together on a positive note including lots of praise for whatever dog he's working with  His greatest fault? Being way too humble and generous with his time but that is just part of who he is, and that's not a bad thing at all.

Hope you enjoyed the video. And if you did or if you enjoy posts about training etc., why don't you leave a comment? Thanks!  As always take care and God bless. Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany.  John, Ann, and our canine crew

ATB: Way to Show, Ammo ! first points!

UPDATE:  Ammo has been shown by Roger in a lot of shows in the New England area and beyond.  We were very proud to have him represent our breeding program in Florida during the American Brittany Club Futurity Show, January 2016.  Ammo won 1st Place Senior Dog!!!  Love Ammo and love his amazing family too.

John and I are so blessed by the deep bonds of friendship that develop as a result of the mutual love of Brittany dogs with those who are in the ATB family, extended or otherwise.  There is usually a wonderful story behind the way someone discovers us and the story of how Roger & Marilyn came into our life is no exception. We had communicated at great length for months before the best time for them to get a puppy was determined.  They had shared their heart and home with a beautiful Brittany named "Belle" and were grieving her passing. As it would eventually work out, it was another beautiful girl by the name of "Ruby" who would join their family, a family by the way who I am so thankful is part of our life. I could go on at great length about our special first time visit, about meeting their adult children, about how Marilyn actually catered a nice lunch for us to all enjoy together including the ever refreshing "Ruby Rose Ice Tea".  I could share how we sat on the grass in the back yard with all the Scooby & Molly pups from the "MEGA" litter in 2011 playing and trying to help them decide on which would be the best fit.  I will always remember the day that Ruby went home with her new family on the first day of the rest of her life for several reasons including how baby Hemi (Chevy/Pippin) puppy got stuck in the culvert under our driveway!  Sylvia, their friend from Paris, was visiting with them and fortunately heard him crying.  While that all makes for a delightful story evoking the best of memories there is more to tell here today.

I discovered Roger and Marilyn seem to like surprising John and me.  This was first realized on the occasion of Ruby's hunt test involvement.  (I have blogged about this previously in detail including pictures of the lovely Ruby. By the way, Ruby has this unique marking on her chest which I've always felt was a ruby pendant. Much was written about the Mega litter and is found in the April 2011 archives and beyond.) I knew they had become involved with Central New England Brittany Club but not to what extent.  Unbeknownst to me Ruby had been in training for testing for her AKC Junior Hunter title. When I found out about that - I was overjoyed as we had no idea.

And this spring I had no idea either that "Ammo" (Bullet x Thistle son from the "Only Believe" litter) was participating in conformation classes.  Roger and Marilyn surprised me with their news and said they were going to enter him in the American Brittany Club Summer Specialty Show which the Maine club was hosting. Not only that but Roger would be handling Ammo! (see pictures)

Just as surely as time was spent in planning and preparing for Ruby's arrival into their family so it was with Ammo too. A lot of things came into consideration and much discussion took place.  The possibility of showing their next pup was discussed too but John and I are not breeders who will insist, not even when a pup with obvious show 'potential' is noted.  Of course in my heart of hearts I always hope that an owner with a show quality pup will give it a try and such was the case with Ammo. I knew two of his brothers would be shown and had really hoped that a sister or two might but that was not meant to be.  (Showing is important as it helps assure us that our program is indeed adhering to the breed standard. If a dog is not structurally sound it cannot perform the job it was intended to do, in this case hunt birds. There are more Dual Champion Brittanys than any other sporting breed combined.)

So, about a month or so before the Summer Specialty Marilyn totally surprised me and made my day with the news about Ammo being shown.  I couldn't wait.  And it was just awesome to see Ammo and Roger in the ring together, what a team! As if that was not awesome enough, seeing 3 of Bullet & Thistle's sons lined up together made me so proud.  Ammo won his first blue ribbon during the Maine shows and other placements.

 When it comes to showing dogs, truly you lose more than you win.  And the adage of different judge, different day rings true.  But if you have a nice dog to show and want to show them the best thing to do is get out there and just do it!  Roger and Marilyn have embraced this and I admire them for this, especially because it is all brand new to them and to Ammo.

 I touched base with Marilyn recently and learned Roger would be showing Ammo at an upcoming show.  It was to be an early ring time so I checked in to see how things went and the news back was AWESOME!!

Roger showed Ammo in the "Open Dog" class and not only won first place in that class of 5 really nice dogs but also earned his first two AKC championship points towards his title!!  He went "Winners  Dog" and I could not be prouder or happier for Ammo and his family.  This shout out is well deserved and I'm happy to share it here. Way to show! As always, God bless you and yours!  John, Ann, and ATB.

Wachusetts Kennel Club Results Link

ATB VIDEO: Fun Trial, Holly, Hemi,Toph

Here's a slideshow of a few candid photos of  two out of our three braces taken at the Northern New England Brittany Club Member Fun Day in Hopkinton, NH recently. Results follow. I arrived following Hemi's run so we have no pix of that, but I appreciate Ben Thayer for taking my camera out to photograph Holly and Tophs braces! It was a lot of fun especially seeing Tophs littermates.  Zuko and Pippin were both there but didn't run. Alana and I had been to a show that morning with them. We tried to be two places at once!

August 2 - NNEBC Club Championship 9 Starters

Devil Dog (Poland) Club Champion

Hemi (Short) Runner Up  (Chevy x Pippin)

Adult 10 Starters
Lizzy (Blondin) Blondin 1st
Tessie (Belletti) 2nd
Jasmine (Zuk) 3rd
Aja (Bjork) 4th

Derby 10 Starters

Holly (Short) 1st (Hemi x Treasure)

Proof (Hembrough/Bjork) 2nd

Ruby (Moreno) 3rd

Tyson (Thayer) 4th (Hemi x Luna)

Puppy 2 Starters
Milley (Beauregard) 1st
Sadie (Aucoin) 2nd