The announcement we have been wanting to make can now be made! On or about April 5, 2008 we anticipate that Chrissy will have pups.  I reviewed notes from her first litter and discovered I wrote how it was difficult to determine whether or not she was pregnant until about the 7th week, when suddenly Chrissy's rib cage began to widen significantly.  Well, after being away from her for two days I saw a big difference.  As before, she appears to be carrying her pups very high up under her ribcage.  One other very important indication is that she has now started to produce a discharge that is typical of dogs in whelp.  Chris has remained a chow hound and only had one bout of 'morning sickness.'  And, while Chrissy is a real cuddle bug all the time, she was more so when pregnant before.   Maybe she just missed me a lot while I was gone - but she is more cuddly than ever if you can believe that!  She also has been more playful and vocal than usual.  Chris has enjoyed moving into the whelping area.  We will begin to monitor her behavior and taking daily temperature readings soon. 

On another note - as you know we've been actively involved with pending legislation concerning breeding here in Maine.  Although John and I hated to be forced to apply for a State Breeding Kennel license, we did and have been waiting for the State to inspect us.  Even though we hold a current Municipal Kennel License and have already been inspected by our municipality - we'll be regulated in a whole new way.  LD2171 has made some changes to the definition of 'breeding kennel' which may or may not be helpful to us... Time will tell.   It's hard for us to accept the way the State wants to 'define' us but we are law abiding people .   They want to eliminate puppy mills -but in our opinion, all that is happening is they are making it harder and harder for people like us. We already are regulated by AKC and of course we follow Breeder Code of Ethics from the American Brittany Club, The Central Maine Brittany Club, and the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs.  We limit pups to 2 - 3 litters a year and work very hard to assure that each and every puppy has been well socialized, is in good heatlth and the home it goes to is a good fit for a Brittany.  I guess I'm just venting because of being in a position to see what is occuring all across the country with animal rights groups.  We're concerned here in Maine on behalf of ALL responsible dog owners.   John is president of Central Maine Brittany Club and I'm on the board of directors.  We both belong to the York County Kennel Club of Maine.  I serve also on the Legislative Committee for the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs.  This past weekend the president of YCKC invited me to serve as a delegate for that club with the Federation.  John and I find ourselves in a position to spread the word about what we know and perceive concerning the rights of people to own and care for their own animals - it's not just dogs - it is about cats, horses, and beyond.  Everyone wants to eliminate puppy mills but in doing so, but unfortunately all breeders seem to be grouped now together.  I have written to newspapers and provided information to concerned people stating that it is now time to "Give Ethical Breeders the Credit They Deserve".  I also wrote something entitled "Breeding is Not a Dirty Word." Interesting enough, the article garnered the attention of the Maine Director of the Humane Society of the United States... enough said.  At some point in time - I'm probably going to create a link on our website that goes into these issues in more detail.  For the time being though, I'll use this blog to mention things occasionally.  Many of you have a J & A's Brittany puppy - and have encouraged John and I that indeed we do have a good breeding program here.  But, if in the end the State should decide that is not true - it is even possible - believe it or not - that they could confiscate records and contact all of you!!!!!   There are many nightmarish situations occuring all across the country.

Having said that - PHEW!  Let's look forward now together to the excitement and anticipation of counting down to a very special litter of puppies - with the potential to bring a lot of joy into the lives of many.  What matters here always and forever - is the love of the dog, both given and received.  "All Things Brittany Great and Small - The Lord God Made Them All!"   God Bless you, John, Ann and all things Brittany

By the way it is snowing and John says we are going to get about 6 inches of the stuff - and spring is when?