WHY "AMBERBULL"?

Many people ask us why we named our kennel "AmberBull." It is simple! The idea
of this kennel name had come quite promptly. The “bull” part of it should be
understandable and self-explanatory. What about “amber”? We believe that our
dogs are like little pebbles of this fascinating gem. Amber ranges greatly in colour,
representing a similarity to our dogs – from white to rare shades of dark brown.
This stone possesses rareness and luxury; it can be seen as a jewel, somewhat
sovereign; in a way this represents our Frenchies. Just like amber, we believe that
our Frenchies stir the soul, delight the eye, and warm the heart!


                             
THE LEGEND OF AMBER

One day Phaeton, son of Helios, the God of the Sun, managed to convince his father
to allow him to drive his horse-drawn chariot down the firmament. The father
agreed, but as soon as the horses felt that charioteer was inexperienced, they
bolted.
The sun burnt the African land to ashes, tanning its inhabitants black. So as to
prevent further damage, Zeus was forced to strike Phaeton with lightning into the
river Eridanus. Phaeton's sisters, the Heliades, lamented his face, cursing the
gods. They were turned into poplar trees as punishment. Grieving, they kept
crying. Their tears became resin, which turned into amber. Years later, the sea is
still throwing the sisters' amber tears onto the shore.


                           
AMBER - FROZEN MOMENTS IN TIME

Amber has a deep fascination for people both as a gem and as a chance to look
back into the past with a remarkable clarity. Amber begins as resin exuded from
trees millions of years ago. Most known deposits of amber come from various tree
species which are now extinct. Baltic amber was produced by a tree called Pinites  
succinifer, a tree sharing many characteristics of the currently living genus
Pseudolarix. In appearance it would have looked something similar to a pine or
spruce tree. The resin may have originally been used as a defensive mechanism
against insect infestation or fungal attack. Once released from the tree the resin
would  begin to go through a number of  stages in order to become amber.
Amber is one of the few precious substances on earth we consider a gem which is
not of mineral origin. Diamonds and amber are the only gems of vegetative origin.
The colour range is extremely varied, ranging from near white through all shades
of yellow, brown and red.
One of the most exiting and interesting aspects of amber are the inclusions which
are found within it, both flora and fauna. The most frequent inclusions to be found
in amber, particularly Baltic are examples of the order Diptera, or true flies. These
tiny little flies would have lived on the fungus growing on the rotting vegetation of
the amber forest of which no doubt there was enough to support an enormous
population. It is this aspect of amber, these frozen moments in time which give us
insight into the ecology of ancient times which makes it so fascinating and
compelling to study.
There are some unusual and extraordinary things  which infrequently turn up in
amber. Occasionally a small lizard will be found, trapped and encased in amber.  
Another unusual find are the remains of frog. Mammalian animals have left their
mark in the amber record.  Their hair can infrequently be found trapped as tufts
or single strands. Even a set of mammalian molars (possibly a pig) were
discovered in amber.
Amber is a strange and attractive gem. Its golden transparency lends it a quality
which even diamonds do not share.  For the artisan it provide a remarkable
medium to work with and create some of the most beautiful objects for us to enjoy.
For the scientist it provides a glimpse into the past, a window into history.


                                  
QUICK FACTS

Amber stores static electricity, named elektron by the ancient Greeks. Elektron
evolved into the English term "electricity."
When rubbed, the gem
attracts lint. Amber was used to remove lint by the
Phoenicians & Etruscans & was therefore nicknamed "Straw Thief" in Turkey.
Amber is the
lightest weight & softest of all gems (a diamond is hardest). It is one
of only a handful of gems of vegetative, not mineral, origin. The others are pearl,
jet & coral.
Amber is
warm against the skin. In contrast, minerals and glass are heavier and
cooler than room temperature. Stones like jade, lapis and turquoise feel cool or
even cold to the touch, but amber feels warm. This, along with its obvious sunny
colour, is why it is known as “sunshine” to  Lithuanians.
True amber is light enough to float in salt water, if not weighed down by other
substances (like silver), but it won't float to the top, it floats like soap would in a
bathtub. This quality probably helped in its discovery—inhabitants of the Baltic
Sea area can still find raw amber washed up on the shore after storms.


                                  
SYMBOLISM OF AMBER

Amber was first worn as a talisman of good luck.

Amber serves as a symbol of renewal in marriage & continued fidelity. It also
represents an everlasting bond of eternal love. In some cultures, it evokes eternal
life & youth.

Amber is an alternate birthstone for November, replacing topaz.

Amber has always been association with good luck & general protection,
particularly the ability to ward of the evil eye.

Amber is associated with the signs Leo and Aquarius.

In dreams, amber signifies a voyage.

Amber represents the tenth wedding anniversary.

Happy Hunting on your amber voyage!