Reflections of an Empty Whelping Box

Color me blue...
But color me thankful to know that Treasure's life is not at risk nor those of any pups she could have had due to any variety of circumstances. Disappointment floods all of our hearts. There is something so wonderful and exciting to look forward to when pups are on the way, a promise of new beginnings and potential, new lives to bring and receive love, and so much more. But it is sad today to look at a well prepared whelping box, and know it will remain empty this time for Treasure. The whelping box is like a cradle, that is passed from one generation to the next, although in this case used much more frequently. The 'cradle' pictured above has at one time or another kept each one of our Brittanys safe from harm. It is where Treasure was born. Each time it is used John and I carefully sand it down, bleach it, put new carpeting and paper in, and introduce the mom to be to it in plenty of time. Now we will carefully return it to storage until it is needed at a future point in time. I thought it was sad last spring to look at one lone singleton pup in it. But nothing could compare to the way the whelping cradle appears today. As the Bible says, weeping may endure for a night and joy will come in the morning. I am allowing myself these brief reflections for tonight only. There is much more to be thankful for afterall, and the evidence of that lays next to me with her head on my leg. Treasure senses all that has gone on, she is afterall - more than "JUST" a dog - she is a Brittany! And she is one of the special ones. (Oh they are all special to me - who am I kidding?!) Some may say suck it up Ann, there will be other pups, other times. All things do happen for a reason. I know that. But it's still sad in my heart tonight. Sad for Lili's family, for Nancy and Charles, sad for Laurie and Jim, and also for Lorrie, John, and I. I'm thankful to be able to share this with those of you who really do care about All Things Brittany. God does work in mysterious ways. Tomorrow, I won't let the sun catch me crying... but then if it's cloudy or rainy, I won't have to worry will I. Love to all, from
Ann and John, and especially Treasure