One day we saw an advertisement in the local paper offering Poodle puppies for sale. After a few years we had acquired one or two other poodles, and learned how to wash, dry, clip and trim them. Incidentally the scissoring work is all done by Malcolm, who is very artistic - not like me - rather heavy handed and impatient! This took a long time, and we made many mistakes, but watched the very best people at work on their poodles.

This is a photo of Maggie (Maldavale Maggie May) born 12th October 1993 and who died on 8th October 2003. She was the mother of our Angel, and many other beautiful babies. She had the most beautiful temperament and such a gentle disposition. Her mother was Maldavale Dark Angel and her father Maldavale Son of Lord. Her legend lives on and on and on.

I stood by your bed last night. I came to have a peep.
I could see that your were crying. You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly, as you brushed away a tear.
"it's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here.
I was close to you at breakfast. I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I wanted to reassure you that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired and sank into a chair.
I tried so very hard to let you know that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certaintly,"I never went away!"
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew....
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is almost over, I smile and watch you yawning,
And say "Goodnite, God Bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to to greet you, and we'll stand side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out....then come Home to be with me.

Author unknown.