Posts from the ‘Dog Stuff’ Category

Feb 8

It’s a Dog’s World

Against all caution given my advancing age, yep, I got another Brittany puppy! After several American Brits, this time I got a French Brittany. They are all pretty high energy, and a bit crazy for the first few years – but if you maintain a sense of humor, and have a lot of patience, they are well worth it. Remarkable loving pups, and smart!

So, here’s the litter from Touchstone Kennel in Kansas. Picked her on 16 July 2024 on my way home from a Mini Cooper rally which started in Albuquerque. She learned early to travel as we made the 1100mi trip home to Maryland mostly non-stop – she was a trooper.

Early on she loved her toys and learned to play hide the puppy with her ShiTsu/Bichon sister. Both about the same size at that point.

She’s since grown up a bit and hiding under the sofa doesn’t work well…

She grew up into a beautiful girl. Meet Touchstone V Willow at 8mos, and about to become a lady ….

Training, early and often and persistent is essential for the breed. They are smart and can be frustrating and willful. Two tiers started early in addition to the usual house breaking etc. She is destined to be both a house companion and an upland bird hunter. While learning manners at home, she continues her training with visits to dog friendly businesses. In my case, that is primarily the local Catoctin Breeze Vineyard. A beautiful place with very friendly and accomodating staff who have come to love Willow almost as much as I do. She is now pretty good at settling down and greetiing other folks and sometimes other dogs without too much drama.

I’m fortunate to have great training grounds nearby at York Pointer& Setter Club

Also have some experts hands available for some ocassional help in the field, She’s learning to find and point birds and soon we will be sharpening those and other skills to develop her into an good hunting partner for grouse, quail and pheasants.

Sep 18

MTTS Part II

This is the puppy part of the trip, and the reason I cut it short and did not drive the full rally distance to Seattle. Here’s the gang when I saw them July 5th — and the little girl I picked from the litter. A beautiful 10 week old French Brittany.

Willow will be my 7th Brit not counting a litter that found other homes. She is my first French Brittany — smaller than the American Brits by about 10lbs.

She got plenty of lovin’ from my friends before we left Wamego for home. She traveled home non-stop to Maryland riding next to me in a crate. It was a long run of about 11 hours with periodic potty stops. She has turned out to be a super traveler. Even now, if I want her to calm down – like a baby, I take her for a car ride.

Home and settled in. She’s liking her step sister! And a cousin, also French Brit, who spends her weekdays with us.

Training is underway to get some of that energy under control, and develop some manners when meeting other folks and pups. She will get field training, at least for Hunt Tests to develop her upland bird hunting heritage and skills. On her first opportunity, she found/pointed a Chucker and Quail remains at our dog club grounds. More opportunities to come soon…….

Jun 1

A mini MINI adventure!

Every two years Mini Cooper USA sponsors a Mini Takes The States rally (MTTS). It is a driving adventure of generally a week in length thru some scenic part of the Country.

[early notice]. This year MTTS begins in Albuquerque, NM (7/13) and ends in Seattle, WA (7/21) with overnight stops in several locations along the way. Routing usually favors, interesting and fun roads to drive. Past rallys have attracted up to 800 Mini Cooper participants. Not everyone travels for the full length of the rally. For me, it will be shortened due to other adventure – in this case of a puppy kind! (watch for more pix).

Even with the shortened route, given the long drive from home in Maryland, I will cover about 4,500miles traveling thru 8 states driving solo. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pXXGwrs9ScK88Ecx7

If you should care to follow along – visit www.chesapeaketidings.com You should find occasional notes and videos.

A little help getting her ‘Mischief’ ready….

Aug 22

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Twists and turns

Life is full of them – most often when you’re not watching. As it turns out, my years of being focused on sailing and related life style matters are coming to an end. Not one major change. Lots of smaller things. Advancing age and related health issues is certainly a part. That said, I have every intention of maintaining contact with the many good friends who are still on the water – maybe even get a sail or two now and again.

So, what now. Well, if you follow this blog, you will begin to see posts having much to do with dogs — mostly of a Brittany variety. Having raised and trained a few over the years, I lost my last one to health issues a bit over a year ago. Recently, I volunteered with NBRAN ( National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network) as a foster home. I have also revived my car hobby and connected with the local Mini car club. More in another post.

On the dog front, here’s an introduction to my first foster. His name is Wyatt. He’s spent most of his 9+ years in a kennel with other upland bird dogs. No longer hunting, he is looking for a family home. Well trained and well behaved, he will make a wonderful companion. His only fault, if it is, at 40lbs he wants to be a lap dog. He has so much love to share with any one who will accept it. Now for some Pix ….