Kirby Mountain Kennels

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Kirby Mountain Kennels

Kirby Mountain Kennels official page. http://www.kirbymtkennels.com
http://www.kirbymountainkennels.com
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01/06/2024

Rise and Shine!

Morning at Kirby Mountain comes early and is typically a busy and often noisy time. Molly ate her first breakfast (2 more could follow before her lunch), had a quick run in the yard and was anxiously waiting at the door to continue with her work, her pups.

A mother's work at the start is 7/24 whether you are a dog or a human. In time, with development and a little more independence she will want and be able to stay out for a bit longer. For now she is most content and settled when she is with her pups.

01/04/2024

What's One More?

A question I am forever asking myself at a time when all is, "well with the world," or at least it seems that way in the moment.

However, one more does require in the least, more exercise more instruction and more affection.

Beyond that: space, time, energy, patience, toys, vet trips and care, messes, food, destruction and for some, room in the bed or on the couch.

Many have asked if I am keeping this little "Speck", as I have affectionately named her, but I know that there are many who can offer her a bigger life than she would have with me.

Until then I enjoy her and give her the best life and love I can!

01/03/2024

One Pooped Pup!

Kirby Mountain Murphy says, "I think I need a nap after a long afternoon of playing!"

The Riot and Timmy pups are transitioning into a new phase of puppy development when their instinct and curiosity guide their activities until they run out of gas! I hear this report and see it in the pictures that their families send.

We consider it to be a privilege to continue in their lives through technology and the families' willingness to document in a variety of ways. Thank you all!

01/02/2024

Brightly Shining

It has seemed to be a long season of cloudy, rainy, damp and dreary weather in the Northeast Kingdom throughout the end of November to the start of January.

Today is a different experience out there! I walked with Otto and Arthur through the yard and transitional woods and found it to be a bright and pleasant experience including the temperature.

A welcomed start and change of the weather in 2024 for Kirby Mountain Kennels and probably for many in the Kingdom.

12/31/2023

Your Friend in All Places of Life

Ollie, ECS born in August of 22, has proven to be tried and true in the field, the yard and the home. His family is well versed in Kirby Mountain pups and continue to subscribe to many of John's training methods. With repetition and perseverance they have success and harmony living with all their pups. I so enjoy the calls and the opportunity to brainstorm on methods and ideas about continued training.

It is a privilege to be a part of the pups' lives as they grow to be great hunters and companions in their families. Thank you all for providing such opportunities and for sharing the fruits of the labor with pictures, texts, emails, phone conversations and visits!

12/30/2023

A Rowdy Opportunity

Kirby Mountain Winnie, an ECS who will be 2 in February, had a chance to meet and play with Speck (10 week old American Brittany) in the kitchen at Kirby Mountain Kennels this afternoon. They played hard and we laughed even harder!

12/30/2023

Happy with White

Sallie (ECS) is as happy as am I to be walking in the snow this morning instead of the rain and fog.

She seems as excited to swim in the snow as she is in the water as she scoots around on her stomach and then rolls to her back while she slides down the incline. It is a welcome break for both of us to not be sloshing around in the mud and rain this morning.

12/29/2023

What a Beauty

Another one of Riot and Timmy pups, Freya, has settled in beautifully, not without work, trials, laughter and maybe a few meltdowns. At this age she, like her littermates can be a bit wild and spastic, but with structure and consistent reinforcement they grow into wonderful companions. Like with children the work more than pays off in time!

12/29/2023

A Different Point of View

Speck, the American Brittany pup out of Riot's litter has found her preferred use of the crate. She is doing great with much of her training. She goes into her crate and quietly settles in, she no longer relentlessly chews on me or my clothes, and she plays with her toys now on her own.

Her bonus point is that she loves to settle down and snuggle.

12/27/2023

My Home Entertainment Center

It has been another cold, damp day in the Northeast Kingdom and Speck and I just came in from a brief walk.

To the playroom we went and then our fun began. This little Brittany has more vim and vigor in a little package than one can imagine. So much energy and very thoughtful of her next move, her agility is amazing although she does get in her share of bumps and tumbles!

But most good things do come to an end: Nap time!

12/26/2023

In a Fog

Like life these days the weather has certainly been fickle around Kirby Mountain Kennels. As I am walking in the fields and yard with Arthur, Motto and Otto I can hardly see past the trees or down to the fence line. Temperatures are hovering in the mid thirties with a light and consistent drizzle, certainly not winter weather we look forward to the day after Christmas. And yet I am hopeful that there is plenty of winter to come and time to play with the pups in the snow.

For today I am enjoying walking with the dogs in my sneakers.

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas

Wishes from Kirby Mountain Kennels for all to have a day filled with joyful, peaceful and memorable times that can carry you through to "next time."

12/24/2023

Bird Dog in her Nest:
Kirby Mountain Speck

12/23/2023

Surrounded

This morning there was no escaping the beauty of the morning mountains at Kirby Mountain Kennels. The sight of the sun rising certainly took the chill off the single digit temperature.

12/22/2023

All that Needs to be Said

Kirby Mountain Speck, an American Brittany has been quietly playing with her toy duck and some ribbon in the kitchen this morning. What a joy to experience a puppy in the morning.

Speck is a 9 week old pup out of Riot and Timmy and a ball of energy once she gets warmed up, just ask Twix our cat!

12/21/2023

Never Too Old for Toys

Sallie, an affectionate and very playful English Cocker Spaniel is enjoying all the puppy toys that are throughout the house after they were laying around for the Brittany pups left last week.

12/20/2023

All Dogs Great and Small

When I watch Zoomer and Motto run and play together I am reminded of the many stories that demonstrate how size doesn't matter between buddies.

Zoomer is a Gordon Setter who was born at KMK and is currently the largest dog here. Motto is an ECS who was born here as well and is currently the smallest dog here ( other than an 8 week old Brittany pup).

These 2 are the best of buddies and I'm sure will miss their time together when it is time for each to go home!

12/18/2023

Home for the Holidays

There was a flurry of activity over the past weekend at Kirby Mountain Kennels as most of Riot and Timmy's litter of American Brittany pups met their new families and went into their new homes.

People always ask us if it is tough to have them go and if these pictures can satisfy the curiosity that our pups go into only the best homes that we see possible!

Typically they become either 1 or 1 of 2,3, or 4 and have such full lives of attention, activity, and affection that it would be so selfish (and impossible energy wise) for me to keep each one.

Thank you all for the pictures and keep them coming always!

12/17/2023

Kirby Mountain Sisters

As Riot and Timmy's pups exited over the past few days there were so many opportunities for special pictures of the special moments.

Here are two of the girls who will live states apart from each other but they will always have a common thread through their lineage of 7 generations of Kirby Mountain breeding.

12/16/2023

Exactly how I feel!

A wonderful, almost magical day, full of conversations about life at KMK and my John. Names out of the past: Target, Mocha Chip, Cricket, Alibi leading to conversations about our legacy of bird dogs, training and people from our life here.

My joy is through experiencing the beauty of memories from returning clients and speaking about the future with new clients who have been following our page until a Kirby Mountain pup is available for them.

Here is a little Brittany girl after a couple of appointments tucked in under the couch.

This truly is a special and good life here!

12/15/2023

My Place, My People

Kirby Mountain Winnie (ECS, born 2/16/22) is in her happy place with Ry and Ki, second only to running around on the trails, in the field, or in the house with something in her mouth.

The Cocker makes a sensible and enjoyable companion as its energy can be directed very efficiently and effectively with consistent training and handling.

The Cocker is not only playful, energetic, and affectionate; but the breed is highly intelligent and responsive to training. Exceptional as hunting companions, agility competitors, therapy dogs, and all around good "buddies."

12/14/2023

How Long Before I Grow Into My Bed Mom?

Murphy, the American Brittany who went to his forever home yesterday, is sitting proudly in his bed. His family asked me, "How long before he grows into his bed?"
I'm not sure he will, that's a pretty good sized bed for a Brittany.

What do you think?

12/14/2023

A Beautiful Start to the Day

Looking out the kitchen window as I prepare to head back out to the frigid temperature of 12 degrees I am warmed by the scene in the front field at Kirby Mountain Kennels. Haven't seen the deer much in the daylight until the closing Sunday of the Vermont rifle season. It seems as though they instinctually know how the Department of Fish and Game works its' calendar!

12/13/2023

I truly can relate to the words on this sign I received as a gift today, and Murphy's new family certainly understands the commitment of having dogs, whether a Brittany, a Labrador, a Cocker or any other breed you choose to love.

12/13/2023

Murphy's Sweet Life

At 8 weeks it is time for Riot and Timmy's pups to go into their homes and Murphy is the first one to join his new family. Murphy is going to provide lots of affection, laughter, and energy for his family and I am sure he will get a double return on what he gives in his new home, a perfect match as far as I could see!

12/11/2023

Another Monday Morning of
Heavy Shoveling

This morning was a duplicate of the last 2 Mondays' weather. Once again a mix of rain, snow and wind makes for a good workout first thing in the morning. This morning Purgason's Ozark Timmy (American Brittany) got to run around with me as I shoved the snow around and watched him run with abandon! A very different workout from going to training at the gym but an enjoyable time in the fresh air with Timmy.

12/10/2023

Wonderful, Powerful Beauty

This morning I walked through the back yard at Kirby Mountain Kennels thinking about today's weather forecast when I was struck with a scene of power and beauty.
It resonated of life here especially since John moved from this life on earth. We continue to have a good life, a beautiful life. A life full of hardship and joys, and of new life and the passing of life. Each new day brings with it new blessings once we move through the challenges that are faced without my best friend by my physical side.
And yet, because of the truth in our beliefs and to our vision we shared here John has a different and a greater presence.

12/09/2023

What's Up?

Riot's pups have livened up in this last week and can certainly get into a bit of everything including trouble.
At the Hayes' house decorating for Christmas quickly follows duck season and John and I used to be in the mode of "staging," things got done for this season a little bit at a time. So today the Creche came out and these 2 American Brittany pups were intrigued with the scene.
Their curiosity was certainly increased by the sound of the figures chiming as one fell against another! This season certainly provides many new experiences for all of us.

12/07/2023

Like a Hershey Kiss

Motto's liver colored coat was a rich contrast to the pristine white of the snow.

Frigid temperatures at Kirby Mountain Kennels created a magical scene on the Mountain that we enjoyed throughout the day. Motto's thick coat kept him warm for a bit but as his whiskers started frosting we headed in. Though it wasn't a half hour later he was circling around telling me that the snow he had scooped up with his tongue was ready to come out!

12/06/2023

Ring Around the Food Dish

This is the scene at feeding time currently with the Brittany litter. It is as if the switch turned on at the end of 5 weeks old. There are 2 bowls full of puppy porridge but they always seem to want to eat out of the same bowl until it runs out, at which time they move on to the full bowl.

John always said that the competition factor plays a lot into the development of young pups whether in eating, playing or training.

12/05/2023

Running In a Winter Wonderland

Ki and I are in the thick of wreath making and the dogs get turns helping us. Here are Otto and Motto, English Cocker Spaniels (father and son) on a mission to cut more brush with us. After the recent snow, rain, and sleet storm these guys gather snow balls on their feathers and tail, quite a soggy event once we get into the house!

12/03/2023

Undercover Brittanys

Dogs by nature are den animals. They feel safe and protected when in a small space undercover and they come by this through instinct from the years of needing to hide in the wild for survival.

These 3 female Brittanys are in the kitchen at Kirby Mountain Kennels where they are well protected, their needs are met and most of their wants are provided for and still they head for cover. They soon grow out of this. However, they may revert to looking for a "den" such as on the pick up day when they may be overwhelmed by new people. So don't be surprised to find your new pup hiding out somewhere undercover!

12/01/2023

Bobbing for Pumpkins

We have had our Kirby Mountain pups bobbing for apples in the pond but today was a first for us: bobbing for pumpkins in the field!

Here is Otto(ECS) playing with Kirby Mountain Charlie (yellow Lab). As I was tossing the frozen pumpkins out to the field they ran out to the pumpkin, grabbed the stem and brought it back to me, not what I wanted but certainly what a good retriever does!

12/01/2023

Having a Ball

Our time in the playroom was a change of pace for Molly, Sallie and me after an afternoon of returning phone calls and messages. The girls waited patiently for some toy time, something Cockers are not accustomed to, but I could clearly see it was worth the wait as they raced around with their toys dangling from their mouths.

11/28/2023

How do you capture THE moment?

This morning I spent observing Riot and Timmy's pups without Mom. They will be 6 weeks old tomorrow and their individual personalities and temperaments are being revealed bit by bit.

What fun it is to photograph them at this point as the lot of them tends to huddle and hang together. In a few days I won't be able to contain them without chasing them around and scooping them up. That will certainly be more exciting but not nearly as peaceful or as easy for a novice to photograph!

11/26/2023

Patiently Waiting

Kirby Mountain Charlie has been here for a visit this week. Charlie is a Labrador Retriever out of Matty and Finn's litter of 7/16/22. That is a litter that keeps in touch and shares the progress of their pups.

This is not Charlie's first visit and he is very well trained and obedient which allows him the privilege of walking around the yard with me. He is always excited to get back into the kennel where his bed, toys and the other dogs happily greet him and me. He runs to the door and waits for me like a perfect gentleman.

His dad, Millbuies Finn went to his retirement home 3 weeks ago and now gets to live as the #1 dog, no competition for his toys, the couch or the attention. Matty continues to be one of my shadows always ready to eat or get loved on-such is the life of a Lab!

11/25/2023

Chillin' on Saturday Morning

Riot and Timmy's American Brittany pups are becoming more curious and confident each time they are away from their litter mates and Riot.

This morning the two boys are soaking up the sun in the playroom as they take in the sound of the dishwasher and the noises from the dogs in the office. Neither of them seems phased which is why we start exposing them early to the unedited routine noises and activities of the house.

11/24/2023

Otto Checking Out the ". "Deerstruction"

As the cold days pass the deer become bolder in their methods to find tasty nourishment. Otto (ECS) investigates the remains of a pumpkin that had been in front of the kennel as we followed the path of deer prints throughout the yard.

11/23/2023

From both your 2 legged and your 4 legged friends at Kirby Mountain Kennels we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We hope that you experience a day filled with sharing new joy, fond memories and hope for the future.

11/22/2023

That's Not a Turkey Motto!

Motto thought he could help with providing for Thanksgiving dinner.

He chased his dummy duck all around the yard this afternoon and once in his mouth he had the traditional Cocker proud stance with his head held high. The fresh, heavy and wet snow did not deter him or even slow him down, Motto went full steam ahead!

Address

240 Locust Ridge Road
East Burke, VT
05832

Telephone

(802) 626-5282

Website

http://www.kirbymountainkennels.com/

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Videos

Rise and Shine! Morning at Kirby Mountain comes early and is typically a busy and often noisy time. Molly ate her first breakfast (2 more could follow before her lunch), had a quick run in the yard and was anxiously waiting at the door to continue with her work, her pups. A mother's work at the start is 7/24 whether you are a dog or a human. In time, with development and a little more independence she will want and be able to stay out for a bit longer. For now she is most content and settled when she is with her pups.

A Rowdy Opportunity Kirby Mountain Winnie, an ECS who will be 2 in February, had a chance to meet and play with Speck (10 week old American Brittany) in the kitchen at Kirby Mountain Kennels this afternoon. They played hard and we laughed even harder!

My Home Entertainment Center It has been another cold, damp day in the Northeast Kingdom and Speck and I just came in from a brief walk. To the playroom we went and then our fun began. This little Brittany has more vim and vigor in a little package than one can imagine. So much energy and very thoughtful of her next move, her agility is amazing although she does get in her share of bumps and tumbles! But most good things do come to an end: Nap time!

Does a Cocker's tail ever quit? The English Cocker Spaniel is known for its merry disposition which is often demonstrated by the enthusiastic wagging of its tail. But the tail has a purpose beyond showing you how happy your pup is to see you. The tail is used to communicate that a bird (or other animal) is in scent range which is why the Cocker makes such a wonderful companion in the field for bird hunters. In a previous post someone asked why the tails are docked and my response is that the long tail often gets pretty beaten in the brush and often injured tails don't heal well. Docking the tail can prevent future injuries and infections. These 2 Otto pups have their father's tail for sure!

Check Out this Flower Girl This Arthur and Grace Labrador Retriever pup, (born 8/11/22) keeps her family engaging and entertained!

Snow Day fun

Snow Day Fun Kirby Mountain Charlie in the true form of the English Cocker Spaniel doing what he loves to do most in the snow...have fun!

ECS snuggles

What fun can I have when it is pouring rain out at KMK? Sit and watch and listen and snuggle with Switches little black English Cocker Spaniel pup. She is 10 days old today.

The Lunch Slide

These 5 week old Brittany pups have gotten the hang of eating on their own now. After a week of playing in their kibble dish they have figured out to eat it before the littermates do.

King of the mountain

King of the Mountain Who will make it to the top? We never know but all of these Riot pups are working on it. These American Brittany pups are becoming more active by the day, it won't be long and they will be running to the food dish instead of squirming around looking for mom.

Welcome

Welcome to Our World Yesterday's post had Lab pups that are almost 4 weeks old, this morning's pups are just 4 hours old. Dubh and all her babies (some yellow and some black) are all tucked in and nursing well-it has been a busy day but a good day so far!

Cooper diggimg

What is Cooper the Cocker Doing? The frigid temperatures of the Northeast Kingdom are not a deterent for the playful desires of the Kirby Mountain Cockers as you see Cooper rushing in to dig! Cooper was born in July and is always ready to explore and play. He is then willing and ready to head inside for a bite to eat, a warm place to snuggle or to torment Lizzie, a "mature" Labrador Retriever. Note the tail action just like his father's Otto.

Majestic Mountains Under a Majestic Sunset The scene at Kirby Mountain Kennels today was very different from the snow covered mountains on Wedensday when I had to shovel a place for the puppies to play in. Today was an unusually warm November 6 but we are grateful for the sun and its warmth. Every warm day is a bonus at this point!

It Feels More Like Fall After the rain Friday and the snow Saturday morning the woods look, smell and feel more like Fall. Arthur and I headed through the field course to the woods, put up a grouse in an apple tree and worked our way around the edges of the training fields. A restful way to spend the late afternoon for both of us.

"Falling," at Kirby Mountain Kennels Our landscape in the Northeast Kingdom changes quickly this time of year. This morning a walk through the yard showed many changes from yesterday and from a year ago. John always wanted to, "train 1 more dog, prune 1 more apple tree, get the grape vines clipped and ready for the next season." He was a man of action and this time of the year the action was in the woods with the dogs. I still watch for him to come out of the beautiful and peaceful woods with Timmy by his side and a grouse in his pouch.

It's Lunchtime in the Puppy Room As Molly eats her food her pups are trying to track her down to get their lunch. These English Cocker Spaniels are now 17 days old, their eyes are open and they are now pretty good at scooting around. Each week they grow in size as well as in motor development. They certainly are an active group!

Funshine on a Rainy Day As the is wind howling outside and the clouds are hanging over Burke and Kirby Mountains Riley and Timmy's American Brittany pups are having a great time playing with the cat's toys in the livingroom at Kirby Mountain Kennels!

Jumping into the holiday weekend with a splash

On warm days the dogs love nothing more than playing in the water. Here Arthur is enjoying the cool water in the hot temperatures at Kirby Mountain Kennels.