The corner of the living room is empty. The house is quiet. Not a puppy whimper within earshot. I finally took the puppy pen down, cleaned it up and stored it away.

It seems strange with no yapping, cuddly puppies around. But it is nice to have a break. Don't get me wrong; I love the puppies! But with two litters born within two weeks of each other, plus little Maggie staying a bit longer from last years litter, there were babies around here constantly for about four months.

Ahhh! No more cleaning out pens and litter boxes! No more puppy yapping! No more trying to weigh wiggling puppies! No more trimming tiny toenails! And no more sticky worm medications! But then, that also means no more little, soft snuggling puppies. No more sitting on the floor and being "attacked" by squirmy furry bodies. No more sweet puppy kisses and no more puppy breath! I love what I do!

And I have a funny feeling I won't be lonely for long.