How my ailing dog has inspired me

Please follow the link for a complete update and personal accounting of Thistle as published in the Bangor Daily News by Julie:

How my ailing dog has inspired me: You may remember the story of my Brittany girl dog Thistle. She became part of my family as an 8-week-old pup just months after my husband Jim died from pancreatic cancer. She brought me so much lo...

Monday Morning Rambling

Screenshot of Landing Page

THISTLE UPDATE: Thistle's biopsy was a week ago.  Early results focused on two particular types of bacteria which can be responsible for infections. These tests were found to be negative and many more test results will follow in the coming week(s). She has been recovering nicely at home with Julie with curtailed activity. Julie is so appreciative of the generosity extended to her regarding help with the medical expenses associated with exploration of Thistle's liver issues. 

Last week I took another look at our website and decided it was time for a little refreshing.  I tweaked some of the language on various pages and condensed information.  The intent of our website is NOT to sell puppies.  Instead it is used to highlight our beautiful Brittanys.  It also offers another outlet for me to write and design, even using my own amateur photography.  A long way from being professional, having a website presence is purely for the enjoyment of it.

Now our blog and website both have similar headers.  There were 15 more candid hunting photos added to the Gundog Slideshow.  Many of the photos were taken back at the truck, after the hunt with the actual bounty. There are few if any staged field photos although they are pleasant to look at.  It's enough to carry a shotgun and handle a dog while out bird hunting  but there are still a few actual 'in the moment' photos.  (Believe it or not there have been times it was suggested certain photos of ours were set up and not authentic at all!)

I tweaked our Shining Moments Slideshow a little bit too.  There are more photos to add and at some point I'd like to make each photo of the featured Brittanys interactive like I did with Hemi and Pippin.  Quincy and Ammo, two of Thistle and Bullet's sons are both closing in on their AKC Championship titles so we'll be looking forward to sharing those photos at some point.

Although we're not "All Things Puppies" we do receive many, many inquiries and maintain an ongoing waiting list, forever screening for future homes or for those who we may pass along to other like-minded breeders. There were some changes to the information shared on the Breeding 101 page. I can always tell when someone has taken the time to read this or not prior to contacting us.  Tire kickers randomly use the Internet to search out breeders doing nothing more than asking for a specific gender and price.  They say they don't care about pedigrees or health clearances and often don't even mention the breed!  Their messages are copied, cut, and pasted into various forms and emails and are a complete waste of time.

I didn't make any changes to  Our Story.  There were a few other edits made to some of the pages but nothing really significant.  Although I'm not a web designer and far from being professional Wix does make it easy for someone like me to have some fun creating a website.  There are always new features and aps to try out.

If you made it this far to this boring post then congratulations!  I'm really just trying to fill the time as I recover from a lung infection, or so the doctor says. It's been about 6 weeks. I've had pneumonia before and it left me feeling as exhausted as I am right now.  I battle chronic fatigue as a result of Lyme Disease and Hypothyroidism anyway and some days it is like walking through sludge just to push myself through normal daily activities.

The thing is I do have so much more I'd like to write about as we wait in anticipation of something. But, I promised to keep things on the downlow so I'm doing the best I can to honor that because there may or may not actually be something to share.

I will say I'm sick of winter and being housebound. I'm tired of snow and ice. Usually by now we've been to the field and running dogs. Instead, they must be content for a daily run here. Which they are. That's not such a bad thing but it's not the same as getting out where there's birds where they have a chance to do what they love.  And guess what?  The forecast for tomorrow is a possible blizzard on the entire East coast with snowfall potential to be 8" - 24" in this area.  Kind of sad to be hoping for "just" 8" of snow.

Nothing inspirational to see here.  And having said that, it's time for another cup of coffee. Take care and God bless, All Things Brittany

On behalf of THISTLE

TO OUR DEAR ATB FAMILY & FRIENDS:
A little background so that what is shared below does not come as a complete surprise.  I first wrote about the initial discovery of Thistle's liver issues in "AS THE SEASONS CHANGE"  dated October 26, 2014  when Thistle was facing a life threatening medical emergency.   Then Julie shared "How a Puppy Named Thistle Saved My Life" in her own blog "When Life Gives You Curves" as published at Bangor Daily News. Two and a half years later, we now work together to save Thistle's life through prayers, friendship, support and by helping Julie in any way possible with the veterinary expenses. (I was going to set up a "gofundme" page. This post has been edited to reflect that will not be the case at this time because some of 'you' have so kindly contacted me to ask for Julies address to reach out to her directly. Thank you and may God bless you.)

Picking up where we left off from the last update... recently, Thistle's vet determined it was time to consult a specialist.  Here are some personal notes from the outcome of her visit with the specialist on February 27, 2017:

"I am not sure where to begin with Thistle, except that we are on a cusp. If we are going to identify this thing and get a handle on it, we need to do it now. That means biopsy. Thistle's liver is starting to get smaller and odder shaped, and the vet says if she starts to go into serious fibrosis as her enzyme levels indicate she will, there is no bringing her back from that. If we can get it identified, we can get her on appropriate meds and she can have a long life. The vet is not sure what it is, but she's seen some of this kind of thing that ended up being a weird bacteria. Anyway, she is recommending a biopsy with several different tests to the liver tissue that I will write in a few minutes, including sending samples to Cornell for specific tests. Estimate is $3,000-$4,000.  If we do nothing, she will have a very short life. The vet has suggested checking the liver for very weird aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, a metal analysis (sent to Colorado for a special test), tick-borne disease screen, histopathology to be sent to Cornell, Bartonella Antibody and God knows what else. She wants Thistle to stay on antibiotic and Denamarin and has added Ursodiol, and is putting her back on a liver diet food... So many things have changed [since her original liver biopsy] and the specialist feels that the progression of this disease is now at a point where we might find answers that were inconclusive before.  This has progressed to a point where we have to get aggressive or accept her fate if we don't."

Her first surgery for this second biopsy is scheduled to take place now in just a few days.

You know I'm a person of deep Christian faith and I can stand on God's Word and on His Promises, believing for divine intervention and healing.  I also know God works in amazing ways through science, medicine, people, through family and friends,  through professionals and through total strangers.  Thistle's medical expenses may skyrocket. It's not easy to ask for help, in fact it feels downright awkward. But I ask. Not on my behalf but on Thistle and Julie's behalf. They need each other.  Please keep Julie, Thistle, and all of us in prayer.   And as always God bless.  Feel free to comment, we'd love to hear from others.  We covet your prayers, above all, we covet your prayers.
John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

UPDATE: 3/6/17
Thistle is home tonight with Julie following surgery that was performed today for her second liver biopsy.  We are hopeful for an uneventful recovery.  Several liver tissue samples removed today are now on their way to specific testing facilities throughout the country in hopes of nailing this thing down.  For those who express an interest privately we'll be happy to share and exchange information.

I am happy to share Julie's mailing address. Please email me at jasbrittanys@comast.net with "JULIE" as subject line.

Bird Dogs In Winter

"Patience is not the ability to wait but how you act while waiting."
Joyce Meyers

It's the middle of January here at All Things Brittany.  We've had a few significant snowfalls and as I write the white stuff is still coming down.  We've had a bit of a catastrophe here the last couple of weeks concerning our flock of homing pigeons.  A persistent and vicious varmint has gone on a killing spree and despite all of John's efforts to trap the thing, we have lost a large number of them. Some of the pigeons are second generation. It's sad.

This morning I happened to notice Treasure, Hemi, and Holly standing motionless in front of the porch door. John was out on the tractor so I figured they were watching him.  I observed them for a few more seconds and realized these three Brittanys were on point as they watched the pigeon outside on the porch railing.  Although sight pointing is something we do not encourage I decided that this offered a true "Kodak moment"for me.

Our pigeons are not in the habit of coming this close to the house, and certainly not sitting on a porch rail!  This seemed very odd.  They often do what I call 'fly-bys' when the flock soars over John as he works in the yard.  As their primary caretaker, they seem to have an affection for him and will often respond to his whistle.  Although not one to often anthropomorphize I surmised the pigeon must be traumatized by what has been happening in the johnny house and possibly looking for him.

Whatever the reason, I realized that I could turn this into a training moment despite the oddity of it all.  I uttered a slow and easy 'whoaaaaaaa', walked up behind them and gently made contact with each so they knew I was there.  Slowly I opened the door, expecting the pigeon would take off immediately upon seeing movement.  But it didn't and I had three Brittanys watching my every move. Okay bird.  Thats enough of this. I looked back at the dogs, scooted out the door closing it behind me, and shooed the pigeon off the snow covered railing and watching it as it flew away.

I went back and released my anxious but patient bird dogs. Obviously they'd marked the flight of the pigeon as they ran off in the direction it had flown.

Although not exactly the most ideal situation for serious gundog training, we'll take what we can get here in Maine during the middle of a January snowstorm. The best is yet to come!

Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittanys

ATB: Success of Hemi & Wilson

Thank you to those who have remained faithful to my blog. I've posted a lot of photos and updates on the ALL THINGS BRITTANY page on Facebook this year.  I'm happy to brag about some of our recent happenings here beginning with this brief video. 

CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI" and Ann back together again!

Due to lingering issues my orthopedic surgeon gave me strict orders to wait a full year before trying to show dogs again following my second total knee replacement surgery. With November 9 being the anniversary date I felt I was ready to try my two artificial knees and entered a small show. Hemi and I were both a little rusty but ended up he was more than ready to go show off again.  I held onto Hemi's lead for dear life as he put his 'internal combustion engine' into power drive! I came away thinking that particular ring really was much to small to adequately show a Brittany but we did just fine. Our granddaughter went with me for support and took the above video for me to critique afterward.  Overall I'm very pleased all things considered. I felt there was some choppiness in his movement but that probably that comes from my handling. Hemi wasn't sure what I wanted and I wasn't ready for his power! It was wonderful to be in the ring with him again. A very happy and excited Hemi won Select Dog for 2 more points towards his AKC Grand Championship title! And I walked away feeling exuberant.

CH J&A's Quiet Courage SH, NA 107 Prize 1 - Photo Credit Lynda Ruffini  

Hemi wasn't the only J&A's Brittany to have a successful weekend!  This handsome Brittany above is Wilson pictured here with his handler David Molyneaux.   Having finished his AKC SENIOR HUNTER title already Wilson, working towards his AKC MASTER HUNTER title, qualified for two more of the necessary 'legs' required to achieve this goal.  He's more than halfway there!  AKC defines a Master Hunter as the "complete hunting companion that any hunter would be proud to own."  The AKC Rulebook for pointing breed hunt tests contains the specifics.  We're very blessed when the owners of dogs which we breed exclusively for close working gundogs also recognize the limitless potential within them to excel in other venues and such is the case with Wilson's owners who truly have become as part of the family.

As a side note, stud service is available for "approved" bitches from both Hemi or Wilson. Their health clearances are in place. Both boys have proved themselves and their ability to pass on the exceptional natural hunting instincts which we aspire to preserve in our dogs. Wilson has 1 litter on the ground and Hemi has 3. Each boy has sired pups possessing varying levels of AKC and/or NAVHDA hunting titles. They have each produced show quality offspring as well.

We desire the very best for any of our awesome Brittanys and believe that happens when they are a well loved and integral part of their families daily life. The dogs which are seen in most of the family photos of birthdays and celebrations, family vacations and not only in the hunting pictures are the dogs we know are the happiest. First and foremost they are family companions but additionally, we know that they thrive when given opportunities to remain active on a daily basis and to work at doing what they were bred to do.  We have not wavered from our goals for our purpose driven breeding program since our first litter in 1990 and in doing so we have achieved more than we hoped for.  I think we'll continue to do so!

Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also."  Matthew 6:19

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

ATB: Dog Training Recap

Breeding Better Bird Dogs - Two Pheasants and a Turkey

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

Bird Hunting 2016. Scooby, Maryann, John.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bird Hunting - Canine family Affair

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

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

Wilderness paradise at Moosehead for ATB.

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

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

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

Hunting Dogs - Opinion

Seriously? Disposable Hunting Dogs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM AVATAR UPDATE: Alana & Toph first show points

CONGRATULATIONS ALANA & TOPH !!!

In case you missed it... TEAM AVATAR

Are the two beautiful hunting Brittanys,

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

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

"Zuko"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEING THE LIGHT

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

TRUE - AKC SENIOR HUNTER / More!

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

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

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

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short

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

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

Photo by Birch Spring Brittanys

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

Photo by Merrymeeting Brittanys

TEAM AVATAR HAS A DUAL JUNIOR HANDLER!

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

ATB HUNT TEST RESULTS

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

NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTERS

J&A's Heart of Seumas JH

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

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

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

Birch Spring LH White Feather JH, NA Prize 1

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

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

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

J&A's Jack Be Nimber JH

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

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

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

J&A's Superior Jack's Rugar JH

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

Dam: J&A's Superior Nova JH

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

ATB Junior Hunter & Junior Hunter Advanced QUALIFIERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dam: KJ's Rambling Molly Rose

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

J&A's High Caliber Shamrock Special

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

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

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

Merrymeeting's Little Rockstar JH

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

Dam: Merrymeeting's Brandy JH

Breeder/Owner/Handlers:  Walter & Christine Longley

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

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

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