I was looking for a great pet and a protector for me at my business as well as a playmate for my year old granddaughter Jili. I saw an add in the paper for a standard poodle. I had small poodles before and thought maybe a big one would be just as smart and sweet and still good as a guard dog. I called and was told he was championship bred and $1800. My reply was oops, ss but way beyond my means and she asked why I wanted him. After I told her she said well come see him and we can work something out if you won’t breed or show him. I left there with this 3 month old black cloud of fluff, he had never been clipped yet, for only $400 and ended up with the most valuable and treasured pet I have ever had. That was 16 1/2 years ago and I have enjoyed every minute of our mutually loving relationship. He was all I needed, wanted and more. He was a wonderful pet, great playmate for Jili and the best defence aganinst any threat. He loved to run and play and play dodge-tag with me. He was always right there whenever I looked no matter where we were day or night. He was like a puppy up until this past year when he got a bit weak and stiff in the hind legs and life expectancy for Royal Standard Poodles is 11 to 13 years so I sadly anticipated a great loss coming. Last Wed he was unable to stay up and was falling and staggering. He was so confused and not my happy boy at all. His buddy, my cat Meowse stayed right by him on his bed so she knew something wasn't good. I took him to the vet and intended to have him put to sleep so he wouldn’t have to suffer a moment of pain. The vet suggested massive cortisone treatment and I agreed but in two days I knew it was not worth it to him or me. I called my daughter and she and my granddaughters talked to him and we all said our goodbyes. So then I called and went back to the vet where he left me peacefully with his head on my lap. I have had many wonderful pets in my life and will never forget or stop thinking of them, but Shadow will always be my best and treasured friend.