New Champion Announcement!!

We are very pleased to announce that on Friday September 1st 2017 at the Union Maine dog shows Julie Harris proudly finished Quincy! Pending official AKC certification:
 CH J&A'S HEART OF SEUMAS JH

(2016 photo)

Quincy is the sweet and handsome son of Bullet (CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH) and Thistle (GCH CH Sisters of the Heart JH). He is the 6th conformation (show) champion from the J&A's selective, purpose driven breeding program of close working Brittany gun dogs. Co-bred by Julie Harris and Ann Short, co-owned by John Short and Julie, Quincy is 3 years old and also our third generation show champion of Brittany bird dogs.

Finishing from the Bred By Exhibitor class Quincy also won his third and fourth Best Of Breed this weekend handled exclusively by Julie. All of Quincy points were won at outdoor shows. His two required majors, 5 point and 4 point respectively, were earned at outside Brittany Specialty shows. One of which included over 80 entries. Quincy does things on Quincy time and hasn't made it easy for Julie! He made getting his major wins look easy compared to winning just one remaining single point.

Several weeks of being in the field on a daily basis with John has resulted in the well conditioned, muscular physique necessary for a Brittany to do the job it was bred to do. Quincy will be ready to handle the demands of fall bird hunting for sure. And it showed in the ring for sure! Additionally he will eventually test for an AKC Senior Hunter title.

(Quincy is also the grandson of our beloved Jack Dog who recently passed at the age of 12. Much needs to be said about Jack yet I have not yet been able to write about him or Molly for that matter. We are still grieving deeply.)

We have additional updates to share, especially about Alana and Toph. But alas, I no longer have a laptop because the motherboard fried on my Dell Inspiron. Looks like awhile before getting another and blogging via mobile device is challenging the eyesight. I miss writing so much that I can hardly stand it!!! But I'll be back as there is always something to share.

As always we thank you for your interest in All things Brittany take care and God bless you always John, Ann and our canine crew

Field Training Pups - The Best of ATB

Best of All Things Brittany (from the ARCHIVES)

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. But to John and me, the best foundation laid is when a puppy associates birds with fun, when a desire and prey drive are nurtured instead if quenched. 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. It's very sad really.  The pup may 'perform' but the performance is lacking joy, spirit and zeal. But, of course 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

Originally Published August 26, 2015

WILSON - AKC MASTER HUNTER!

We are so proud to share the news that today, "WILSON" became the first Brittany from our breeding program to earn the coveted title of:

AKC MASTER HUNTER

 CH J&A's Quiet Courage MH, NA 107, Prize 1

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

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH (TREASURE)
Loved and owned by Pete Sipperly & Kira Lajeunesse

Wilson with Dave, and Master judges
L. Ruffini and M. Moser

Let me tell you all about this incredible dog!  "Wilson" is a handsome, stylish, highly intelligent, incredibly gifted Brittany with strong natural instincts and with an extremely personable temperament.  He is loved and owned by two awesome people who have become very dear friends to us ever since they took him home several years ago.  Pete and Kira recognized Wilson's potential at a very young age. Faithfully and consistently from his youngest months they set Wilson up to succeed.  They believed in him. Within 15 months the stunning Wilson finished his AKC Bench Championship with 3 majors with many wins at Brittany Specialties.  As a pup he earned his first hunting title with a near perfect NA Prize 1 score.  Handled by Kira, he quickly went on to earn his AKC Junior Hunter title, finishing on the same day that his father was testing at the Senior level, handled by his owner Julie! (see inset) Bullet was 'our' very first AKC Senior Hunter. Wilson also came home with an AKC Award of Merit ribbon during the 2015 American Brittany Club Show Specialty show in Maine!

Julie w/Bullet & Kira w/Wilson his son -  2013

WILSON -  AKC SENIOR HUNTER
2015 

Our third generation of close working gundogs, the breeding behind Wilson indicated potential for strong natural hunting ability. He demonstrated the reality of that at an early age. Pete & Kira never took anything for granted and made a commitment to consistent training for this sweet and special boy. It's not easy for anyone to maintain a focus and continually strive for excellence no matter the sacrifice. But from the start, the focus was much more than  'getting the dog on a few birds' in hopes of a successful field event or hunting season. It just doesn't work that way. A hunting dog needs to remain active, stay in shape, and never be taken for granted. Sometimes, even a JH title can seem daunting and doubtful without preparation or an actual hunting background.  Once obtained, the progression from Junior to Senior is like comparing pre-K to a post-secondary curriculum. More so for Master!

Impressively successful, Wilson went on to earn his AKC Senior Hunting title in 2015 handled by Kira and also Dave Molyneux who finished him (pictured). It was said that Wilson's "performance was what one would expect out of a Master Hunter!" (John and I had the honor of watching him test in NY along with two of his daughters Bella and Brooke, and also his father Bullet.) The focused commitment to training continued and another goal was set for Wilson.  Rain or shine, warmth or chill at every opportunity Wilson was in the field either informally or within a structured NAVHDA or AKC training clinic. Pete and Kira continued to appreciate and support the progression of their beloved Brittany and always sharing their journey with John and I.  In the experienced hands of Dave Molyneaux Wilson's training was kicked up a notch. This was not only in preparation of the coveted AKC Master Hunter title, but also in hopes of training for a future NAVHDA UT test.

Dave & Wilson 4th leg

Wilson is a much loved Brittany by all of us. Julie, who co-owns Bullet with John, is just as proud and happy of this special boy.  There's a lot of emotion and sentiment and symbolism here of course. I consider that Jack, who is Bullet's grandsire, was our first junior hunter. Jack's son Bullet, J&A's first show champion and the first senior hunter. And now, Wilson - the first AKC MASTER HUNTER from our program as well as also a bench champion!  His mother Treasure's AKC name includes the phrase "DREAMS COME TRUE".  Indeed they do. (Wilson's half brother "True" was our second AKC Senior Hunter, also a Treasure son!) 

Progression of Ribbons

As always, every good 'gift' is from above.  Thank you, Lord for these blessings.
Not to us, but for Your glory.

Thinking of Timber - The Best of ATB

Best of All Things Brittany (from the ARCHIVES)

J & A's Timberdoodle of Acton

January 1, 2005 - May 2, 2007

Sire: AFC/FC Coos Rylee

Dam: Ruby Mountain of Coos

Some things are not fair.  Being a 2 year old Brittany struck down with a rare form of cancer that takes your vibrant fun loving life away from you is one of them.  Spending almost 5 months down south doing nothing but work birds all winter long, to return home only to die within a matter of weeks is not fair.  Being a fully finished gundog and ready to be seriously campaigned on the spring field trial circuit only have a heart attack on the operating table once the dreaded cancer had been discovered - only too late for the spine and all the tissue surrounding it was destroyed.  To go from soaring on the wind, running for all you are worth to greet the one who loved you most - jumping up into her arms, knocking her over, and giving dog kisses because you were so happy to see her... to just a couple of weeks later, barely being able to hobble over to her - although that's just what you wanted to do...

So many times after losing Timber I thought of 'me' how sad I was how unfair it was that such a great Brittany was taken from me.  But as I reflect tonight, I am sad for him again.  Timber would be 5 and a half now if he were still here.  But he's not and all that is left is the memory.  May 2 makes the 3rd anniversary of his passing. And I think of him every day even though we have other Brittanys in our life... most significantly his son Scooby.

There's a song that makes me think of Timberdoodle; it's "Fields of Gold".  For me that says it all and every time I hear it, no matter where I am I cry.  And I've seen John shed tears too.  Timber was the first Brittany I ever trained myself on birds.  I learned about whoa posts, check cords, planted birds, Bill Tarrant and Delmar Smith, Chukar, Hungarians, launchers, backing, and all the technical terms and tools we take for granted in training a bird dog.  I saw what it was like for a Brittany to get turned onto birds, I was there to see my Timber transition from a playful puppy into a serious hunter - within just a few minutes.  That moment gave me chills and I'll never forget it.  We had some kind of Brittany in Timberdoodle.

So as I have relived the timeframe of March 25th marking the date he came home from training - and approach May 2 - the day he died... I have kept the memories just below the surface.  But here we are.  And the date is only days away.  I'll be busy.  John will too.  But the day will not pass unnoticed. 

Timbers cremains were scattered here and there and at Timbers' fields of gold just down the road the night before his pups went to leave to go to their new homes.  The pups romped, the wind blew, and we scattered his ashes.  It was not for Timber to be locked up tight, kept in a jar or a keepsake box on a shelf. 

One of the funniest memories I have of Timber I love to recall.  We were down in the fields and I was walking along the road, knowing he was off to the edge where he loved to run.  He was a fast running far reaching Brittany and I never ever tried to take that out of him.  He was too young and had such a zest for life.  The grass in the field was high, so I was never exactly sure where he was and every once in awhile I'd sing for him so he'd know where I was or I'd blow a couple of times on my whistle for him to come around.  It was just such a beautiful place to work with a dog and truthfully I have only been able to go there a very few times since he died.  It was a field of gold.  Well this one day I was walking up in the higher field and happened to look down and saw a whole flock of turkeys take flight suddenly.  I hadn't even know there were any turkeys there.  They were not flying very high at all and it reminded me of seeing ducks do something similar just above the water while I was canoing at Moosehead Lake years ago.  It just was odd. But suddenly there is Timberdoodle, leaping with his ears flapping in the wind, up and down, up and down oh my gosh it was so funny!!!  He was in hot pursuit of those turkeys and it was like he was trying to jump right up into the sky and catch one but of course he couldn't.  Of course this was not what I wanted in a gundog but I just was laughing so hard as the scene unfolded.... Eventually he figured out that I was laughing at him and he turned away from the game and bounced across the field over to where I was and we sat back in that grass together and shared a bottle of water together.  The worst thing I could have done was let him chase those turkeys but the experience didn't hurt him any.  And it sure left me with a wonderful memory to share this night as I think long and hard about the doodley boy. 

Sometimes I just feel like I've let Timber down.  I had such good intentions to work with Scooby at the same pace that I did with his father. He has the same potential and ability.  I see how well Timbers father continues to do nationally, he's at the top for shooting dogs, is an American Field Champion (AFC) always placing in the top.  And we've used Rylee in our program here and probably will again.  Scooby has all of that in his genes.  And it's up to me to help bring it out. Scoob doesn't hold it against me though, he's quite a happy boy and he knows how deeply I love him and what he means to me. 

Timberdoodle, I miss you tonight.  I really really do.  As the 3rd anniversary of your passing approaches, I will think on the happy times we had together.  In hindsight, I'm thankful you got to spend your last 5 months of your life running in fields, training daily on live birds.  But there was not a night that did not go by that I didn't miss you here while you were down south.  And there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss you now since you left to go to the rainbow bridge. I love you my friend, and I do believe there will be a day we'll be together once more Timber....  I am positive. As I leave for a new adventure with ATB, there is a liver and white Brittany figurine that hangs in the motor home... it has angels on it.  Someone gave that to me shortly after Timber died... thanks for listening, didn't meant to be sad but I know some of you have lost your friends too in the past and totally understand.  Take care and God Bless... John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

Originally Published April 27, 2010

Things of the Heart - The Best of ATB

Best of All Things Brittany (from the ARCHIVES)

On my wall there hangs a beautiful framed print of a little girl kneeling next to her bed, head bowed in prayer with her Brittany dog seated next to her.  The paws of her dog are up on the bed and he appears to be praying too.  It's a lovely print, reminiscent of an old fashioned, country cottage bedroom.  I gave this print to John one Christmas.  On the bottom of the frame these words by Helen Kelen are engraved: The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."  I have loved this quote and believe there is much truth to it.  I have experienced many remarkable and beautiful things through all of my 5 senses at one time or another. Unlike Ms. Keller, I do have my sight and she would probably caution me against never taking it for granted.  There are many things in life which none of us should ever take for granted.  So many things for which we should be thankful for on a regular basis.  None of this is by chance.  All of this is by design, by Providence.  And for some reason God uses this amazing animal we all know and love as the Brittany to speak to my heart about His ways  which are always are higher than ours and most often a complete mystery to us.  But believing means having faith in those things that are not seen.  I think that Ms. Keller understood that.  My Favorite Book puts it this way: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Life is full of experiences that we see.  But what of those things that are unseen? The things of our heart, for which no word exists to even describe them? We do not need our natural sight to know they exist. We need faith to believe that they do exist and we also need faith to hope for them to happen.  That takes confidence but confidence in what?  In a God we cannot see with our eyes nor touch with our hands?  That is absolutely right. Because indeed, the best and most beautiful things are felt with the heart, and they are most often seen through the eyes of faith. Look around you and think about the beautiful things in your life, seen and unseen! Enjoy them and maybe, just maybe you too will agree! Take care and God bless you and yours always... John, Ann and All Things Brittany 

Archive: August 12, 2010

Seasons - Best of ATB

Best of All Things Brittany (from the ARCHIVES)

This beautiful liver and white Brittany puppy is "Crickett's Hunter" from our very first litter of pups born in 1990.  He was right around the same age as "Hemi" in this photograph.  I had just raked a pile of leaves in the backyard and Hunter took the opportunity to give us a real photo gem. Don't you think he looks a lot like Treasure?  I always have and they are related by the "belly button theory" as most of our Brittanys lead back to Hunter's grandparents.

I'm writing on the backside of yet another totally enjoyable weekend spent once again with family, good friends, and with neighbors. The only problem is time is passing so quickly these days that there are still so many others that I had planned to visit with before the summer passed us by. Not that I am rushing things or anything like that but I do want to mention that there are trees on our road with leaves at the tippity top that are already changing color! And my last trip down to the berry patches revealed that some very small but beautiful maple leaves had fallen to the ground.

In years past I would often pick up the very first leaf that I discovered as fall approached and set it aside. I've always looked at my own life as a series of seasons; seasons of growth and maturity full of various experiences. Sometimes we are aware of what season we are in. For instance, when our daughter graduated from high school and was headed to college I knew as a mom I was in a season of letting go so that I could be prepared emotionally and spiritually for whatever the future would bring and where God may lead me. When our first grandchild was born it was on the horizon of a brand new millenium, also the year marking our 25th anniversary and a trip to Israel. This was a season of personal growth as well as digging deeply into my heart and spirit, asking God to show me the way. Which He did.

Things leveled out and one season came to an end and another began. Eventually leading to where I find myself now. Seasons of the heart and the spirit do not coincide with the natural seasons but we can learn so much when one of them is coming to an end and another is about to begin. I remember clearly a specific season winding down in my life when it was time to leave my job behind for various reasons. Full of uncertainty as to what the future held but confident that it was time for a change. A single leaf fell from the majestic oak tree that shaded the path leading away from the office to the parking lot. I picked it up and held it to my nose, savoring that wonderful musky scent of a fallen leaf. Closing my eyes I simply thanked God for this gentle reminder that He's in control. In control of everything. As surely as it was time for that leaf to fall to the ground so was it time for things to begin to line up and fall into place for another season in my own life.

Seasons change from one to the next whether or not we are ready or if we want them too. Think about that pile of cordwood out in the driveway. Even if we're not ready to stack it and put it on the porch before the temperature drops, those temperatures will drop just the same and we will either be opening the door and walking a few steps to get wood for the stove - or walking out into the cold weather, across the yard to get an armful. So it is with the spiritual aspect of personal seasons. It is enough to be aware and recognize the sign(s). It is much better to be prepared for them. So I'm not really sure why my blogging tonight took this direction. I was going to write about the particulars of a particularly enjoyable weekend and talk about Julie and Bullet, Pam and True, Hemi and Thistle, John and All Things Brittany including our grandaughters birthday party. Maybe I'm inspired by a recent lunch with a longtime friend I'd not seen in way too many years and listening to the story of what she has been through for the past couple of years. Now she is on the threshold of her own change, finding herself in a place she never dreamed she would be. A "place" where God took all the difficulties of recent years and turned them around for His purpose, and as a result is blessing her through them. She wouldn't be who she is now if she'd stayed in that prior season but neither would she have experienced the reality of knowing indeed - God is always in control. Especially those times we all have when nothing in life makes sense at the moment. Be blessed this night readers. Know that whatever is going on in your heart, that all it takes is a teeny bit of faith - the size of a mustard seed - to see you through. Faith in One Who knows and loves you more than you could possibly believe. As the leaves begin to change color and fall, with summer slowly transitioning into the beauty of autumn, think about your own seasons of life. Be still. And know. That He is God.

Take care and God bless you always. More about the Brittanys next time I promise. ~ Ann
ARCHIVE: August 8, 2011

Notes From a Whelping Box - Best of ATB

Best of All Things Brittany (from the ARCHIVES)

Sitting in the quiet of a room lit only by the overhead infra-red head lamp watching my beautiful Treasure and her beautiful 11 Brittany puppies it is easy to block the world out. For there, in those moments of time, all that matters is the well being of momma and babies. It takes a few days to get settled into the routine again, not only for John and I, but for Treasure as well. No matter how many times a dog breeder experiences this miracle of birth and of new life, each time is as if it was the first time all over again. If we should ever get to the point where we take it all for granted, think there is nothing new, miraculous, or unique about this miracle then that will be the last litter of puppies ever. It's easy to get lulled into a false sense of security that all is well, that you know just what to expect and that all will proceed according to plan. Well, in some aspects it is true all will go according to plan but just whose plan is that?  It is a combination of course of the biological responses of the mother in regard to having been bred and the gestational period of 63 days. Most importantly though, it is according to Gods plan and learning to quiet one's soul enough to appreciate the simplicity of all that is complex in a given moment. In this instance, gazing down at 5 day old neo-natal puppies.

These precious new Brittany puppies have changed immensely in a brief time.  Sometimes it's easy to be too tired, too exhausted to really appreciate how they grow and develop.  Sometimes the most subtle changes go unnoticed. But I don't want to miss a thing. These first three weeks afford a breeder the opportunity to learn so much about the puppies they are responsible to have brought into the world. For it is during these first weeks that 99% of the care of these precious baby dogs is taken care of by their mother. There are exceptions of course, and John and I have experienced those times when things go wrong. Yet it is Treasure who keeps her pups and their whelping box (nest) immaculately clean. It is Treasure who stimulates them to go to the bathroom and also who rolls them around the box to keep them active.  It is Treasure who, if we were not providing an overhead heat lamp or heated room, who would keep them warm by keeping them tucked up close to them.  It is Treasure who feeds them all, several times a day.  It is Treasure who lovingly licks their faces while drawing them closely to her with an outstretched paw. In a few more weeks all of this will change.

It is also easy to look at this period as a time when not much is happening. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pups are usually born with a peachy fuzz around their muzzle, if at all.  Their faces are squished in and sometimes they even have an amphibious look about them with little eye sockets bulging out. Their eyes and their eyes are fused shut at birth.  The little ears look as though they are made out of rubber. But in just a matter of hours and a few days this all changes.  Today I can see that the muzzles are beginning to take shape, and it's so cute! The peachy fuzz is covering more of the area around their mouths. Speaking of mouths, nothing is cuter than when a little tongue is seen sticking out. Their ears are losing the rubbery look and hair is growing there too. When I put my hand down on the surface near a pup, she will move closer and eventually snuggle into my cupped palm.

The movement of these new Brittany puppies continues to grow stronger. The bottom of Treasure's 'cradle' or whelping box is lined with an all weather rug cut to size. We have several of them which we rotate and disinfect on a regular basis. Depending upon what is happening in the development of the pups or their age we may also add paper from the rolls of unprinted newspaper ends. We feel in the beginning however that the all weather rug best meets the need of mom and pups. I do not like to place anything like blankets or towels in the box that the pups can get entangled in. They can even scamper underneath the paper when very young and become 'lost'. Any time a young pup cannot find it's way back to it's heat source puts pup at risk of chilling which is the #1 cause of early puppy deaths. In the beginning these babies have no 'shivering mechanism', no ability to regulate their own body temperature. The best reason for using the rug in itself is to aid the little nursing puppies.  When they 'belly up' to Treasure seeking a free nipple from which to feed from it is frustrating for them when their little hind feet go out from underneath them. Over and over again, every time they nurse the action is repeated. The greatest benefit comes when they have the necessary traction for their rear legs and feet to keep pup in one place. We also believe that the muscles in all 4 legs and shoulders develop quickly and become stronger, thus enabling them to walk at a much earlier stage. This evening I observed some of the pups actually moving with their bellies lifted up. Although technically still a crawling like movement, it is already much more deliberate.
I noticed something interesting which shows the intelligence and instincts of the pups already.  I wondered why some of the 11 pups remained huddled in one particular area of the box where some of the others gravitated to the source of warmth as provided by the heat lamp.  After observing Treasure entering her cradle to nurse the pups and then leave once they were finished feeding, I realized what was happening. She always enters and leaves in the same direction.  So the smart little piggy puppies have figured out that by staying in the place where momma last fed them, they are assured of being first in line when she returns. She's actually very methodical in the manner in which she does let them nurse though. Although Treasure may appear to randomly nurse the pups, she is very clever at positioning herself for certain pups to feed and others to remain just out of paws reach.
So maybe these are trivial occurrences and oh well, the pups are going to grow and develop and yeah, there are more important things going on that I could be devoting my time to. NOT. Despite the amount of time that actually is involved with raising a litter of pups, all the work that does go into making sure everything is all right at all times, and especially once the first 3 weeks have passed - Treasure and her pups are for all intents and purposes the object of my undivided attention. I remember a very matter of fact comment from our dear Dr. Chapin a couple of years ago when we had taken puppies for their second vet check before going home to their new owners.  As I whined and moaned to whoever would listen how tired and exhausted I was, how my body ached, and how I never had a moment to myself the good doctor looked at me and said he had no sympathy for me because I had brought all that on upon myself when I made the decision to breed.  And you know what? He's absolutely right.  So for the next 8 weeks my sleep schedule will be radically altered, my level of energy pushed to the limits and my patience and goodwill drastically challenged but 11 new little Brittany puppies will get the best possible start that we can provide them, as we prepare them for the 1st Day of the Rest of Their Lives.  And how wonderful to be getting to know those families who are counting the days until that time.  In the meantime, I'm going to try to catch some Z's!  Take care and God bless  you and yours - John, Ann, Treasure and family, and ATB
ARCHIVE: APRIL 12, 2012

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.