JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME…
Our comments and yours…
Note: A reputable Brittany breeder must have a passion for what they do otherwise the many sacrifices involved may result in discouragement and frustration. Some sacrifices include forfeiting an annual group camping/canoe trip because a litter of puppies is due, or declining invitations to various other celebrations and gatherings because of a canine issue or event. There are sacrifices of sleepless nights spent in the kennel, wrapped up in a sleeping bag while their Brittany gracefully labors in the nearby whelping box. Sacrifices may mean that scrubs and rubber boots are the foundation of the breeder's daily wardrobe! While family and friends are always a priority, breeders appreciate it when the responsibility and commitment they have made to their Brittanys is understood. The family and friends of a reputable, passionate Brittany breeder realize that even during the time of an important family celebration the Brittanys must be cared for and attended. (Sometimes family and friends even enjoy getting involved and helping out with the canine crew!)
There are many misconceptions about breeders. A reputable, passionate breeder knows most, if not all, of what comes in goes back into their dogs one way or another. It may be paying for professional training, entry fees for field trials or dog shows, puppy classes, necessary kennel upgrades, pet supplies, or the inevitable vet bills. A passionate, reputable breeder does not raise dogs with an expectation to "make a lot of money." Most often, the breeder has a much greater sense of purpose, a drive within them which is difficult to explain to others and even harder to comprehend. Ever seeking to improve and better their Breed, the passionate breeder has a deep sense of purpose about what they do.
A passionate, reputable breeder is deeply concerned about the existence of puppy mills as well as breeders who are "creating" so called "Designer Dogs". While there will always be impulse buyers who naively purchase a pup from such a breeder, there will (fortunately) always be Rescue organizations ready to receive into their hands the pup who is a result of such a careless, thoughtless rash decision.
Passionate, reputable Brittany breeders will always provide prospective puppy buyers with information about the Breed, basic puppy behavior and care. A passionate, reputable breeder must be selective and thoroughly screen all potential puppy buyers - preferring to work with customers who are willing to wait for a prospective litter together. Passionate, reputable breeders are happiest when a puppy customer takes the breeder's advice about which pup may be best suited for them. And a passionate, reputable breeder understands the importance of knowing when to say "we are sorry, there are no puppies available from this litter." They also know when to return a deposit.
A passionate, reputable breeder delights in staying in touch with the new puppy owners that welcome the new pup into heart and home. It is in this ongoing communication between breeder and new puppy owner that an interesting phenomena occurs…
While the reputable, passionate breeder desires to remain a "giver" to the new Brittany puppy owner by providing them with help, advice, and support the breeder discovers something entirely different. For it is through the new puppy owner's sincere, thoughtful and encouraging expressions of pleasure concerning their newly acquired Brittany pup that the breeder receives (by the Grace of God) confirmation, encouragement, assurance, and fresh new motivation to continue doing what it is they love to do - raise Brittanys!
We trust these following personal glimpses of comments from new J & A's Brittany puppy owners will clearly illustrate the depth of mutual responsibility and commitment embraced by all concerned. A.S.
From Bangor, Maine:
"...Thank you for helping [us] get through this terrible summer [following the death of our beloved Brittany]. You and John and all of your Brittanys have been our lifeline, and we mean that from the depths of our very desperate souls and broken hearts. God bless…
"....As I continue to read the books you suggested….We are so grateful that you two spend so much time with the babies. . because you care about the future of each pup you bring into the world."
"...We're fortunate you do so much with the puppies to socialize them… It really helps me understand the value of breeders who care about the breed's future and about each individual animal's life… We just thank God he chose you to socialize [our puppy]…
"...[He] called me at work yesterday, so excited by what he had just witnessed. He had just returned from his walk with Sassy in the field and woods behind our house. Apparently, Sassy pointed a bird yesterday in her prettiest textbook point: tail straight up, foot lifted, body straining toward her quarry, nose and eyes concentrating on what she had found. [He] was bursting with pride. We know there's much more to it but she's still a baby..."
From Wakefield, NH:
"...Ann, Hope you don't mind me sending you all these pictures. I'm just so proud of him…"
From Scarborough, ME
"... well...freckles made it through day and evening great...almost like we have always had him. My whole family has just fallen for him big...he is such a sweet guy, full of kisses for everyone! You have done a great job with his training! He slept in his new crate all night with no problems at all... we've been romping around already this morning and we're off for a bath! lol... I will be looking into the obedience training that you had mentioned…. Thanks so much for everything, I greatly appreciate it!"
From Watertown NY:
"... I have received many compliments on his look and behavior and want to pass that along to you. He is really a great dog..."
From Sidney, ME
"...Jessie appears to have what it takes to be a really great bird dog! I take her into our woods and she works the cover with the precision of a much older dog. I like a close working dog, so she has learned to work within 20 - 25 yards. She has pointed grouse, doves, and most recently turkeys! She responds well to voice and whistle commands and is starting to learn some hand signals too. She is a joy to have around the house, doesn't mind being in the kennel at times and gets along with Luke, our old cat. What is really interesting is how smart she is. She is very quick to learn new things that she likes, and has learned to swim already. She will be 16 weeks next weekend and has made a lot of progress during the past 8 weeks. I'll keep you posted on her progress through the fall and winter. Thanks for the emails. I like them so keep them coming. See you at the next club event in your area."
We conclude with this very moving letter from Franklin, NH:
"...We wanted to take a few moments to let you know how Cody has been doing in the last few months since we brought him home.
First, we would like to compliment you both on the outstanding job you have done breeding and promoting the Brittany Breed. Sharon and I are very impressed with your kennel and the dedicated hours you put forth to maintain such a classy operation. We will never regret having purchased a puppy from you, in fact we cannot speak highly enough of you both and you level of devotion to the breed. We're sure you must have plenty of clients that you use for referenced: however, if you're so inclined, please feel free to use Sharon and I as a reference at any time. Our home number is _____ and our email address is_____
Now on to Cody! There has never been a dull moment since we brought him home!
It took a few days for the Rat Terrier, Melique, to get used to the idea of another dog in the house; in fact, we were stating to feel sorry for Cody because Melique wanted nothing to do with him. He would run away every time Cody approached him. But as I said, it took a few days until Melique finally figured out that Cody wasn't such a bad idea after all and now the two are inseparable. Melique is quite protective of his "little brother."
Cody is still enjoying being a puppy and he is still experiencing "growing pains" but we are amazed at how smart and adaptive he is for a dog that is only 4 months old. When we first brought him home he was exposed to all kinds of loud noises, lawn mowers, leaf blower, chain saw etc. While Melique has distracted him, I have since exposed him to the sound of gunshots by firing a 22. It didn't faze him a bit. We have been afield a couple of times already; Sharon and I have been taking him down to Old Hill Village on the weekends to let him wander on his check-cord. On our first trip, the day before pheasant season opened, we came across a rooster and a little while later a hen so he was able to get a good nose full of scent. On subsequent trips we haven't come across any birds but he is already displaying the traits of his breed that will make him an excellent gun dog. He definitely knows what his nose is for and he loves to use it, at the same time he is deliberate in his mannerisms, especially when we came across pheasant feathers. When he is ranging on his check cord he seems to know almost by instinct that he should be in the lead and he has no problem in this role. What totally amazes me is that he doesn't range too far and is continually "checking in" when he ranges. Every few minutes he'll circle back to us or stop and turn to make sure we are still behind him.
A couple of weeks ago we started obedience training, he already has sit, stay and come down pat. This week I started teaching him to heel, and like everything else, he has picked it up right away, although his nose does occasionally distract him when something gets his attention. Still, he never ceases to amaze me!
We have received nothing but compliments on Cody, EVERYONE lets us know what a beautiful dog he is! It's a good thing Cody doesn't understand what is being said, I wouldn't want him to get a "big head"!
We have enclosed some pictures for you to take a look at. Even though he is a little bigger than the last time you both saw him I'm sure you'll agree he is still a pup.
In closing, I would like to thank you both for your devotion and dedication, and the awesome job you have done breeding your dogs.
Ann, I have to hand it to you, you had Cody and I pegged from the start and every time I’m out with him your words echo in my head. I keep hearing you say, "the puppy with the jig-saw pattern on his forehead would be a good match for you"...you said those words more than once and I'll be eternally grateful to you for matching me up with Cody.
Take care and we'll be giving you another update in the following months.
With warmest regards to you both,
Sharon and Paul Trudel