Day 1245

We have always crate-trained our puppies for safety. Along with the knowledge of their safety, it offers them a feeling of security and comfort. After they mature, we let them choose whether the kennel is their safe harbor. All have chosen to say farewell to their “cages” except for Sammy. Our youngest chooses to snuggle in every night. Of course, his cushy mattress, soft blankets and beloved “Snugs” are waiting, so he can hardly wait to go to bed within the confines of his blanket-draped kennel up in our bedroom.

There are certainly places that have allowed me to feel safe and comforted. One such example would be my own Nanny’s house. Although she has been gone for decades, I can still “feel” the essence of that home as if it were yesterday. It was warm (usually about 78 degrees) and smelled of last night’s supper and something new baking in the oven. Entertainment consisted of card games, Andy Griffith in black-and-white or a visit snuggled up on the couch with that amazing woman. When the front door closed behind me, and I was hugged by the house and my grandma, safety and a nurturing love were mine. Nothing could harm me!

It is my hope to offer that to those I love. When they walk through the door into The Big White House, a feeling of contentment and affection should settle over the visitor. There is nothing like a safe haven for healing and growth to take place…and there might even be warm cookies!