Kallista's Azure Allure, Our sweet Aja
January 7, 1997 to April 15, 2009
This is a small tribute to our first standard poodle, Aja.  She passed away a few months after turning 12 years old.  Although I allowed myself some time before making a page dedicated to her, tears still continue to fall.

Aja was a perfect dog, one could only dream of having. (Well, not a dog ... poodle... my husband insists that they are two different beings!) From her early days with us, she was so easy to raise and took immediately to the hectic goings on that living with teenagers bring!  She made us very proud too ... finishing top in her early couple of obedience classes. She was a fun loving, extremely sweet, and very smart girl.  All that met her fell in love.  Yes, she was dominate as well, which made her the perfect matriarch in her family that followed.

She gave us many wonderful memories that we cherish and she will forever be in our hearts.

Along those precious years with her, she gifted us with her only silver daughter, Ari. From her, we have our Desert Reef Poodles ... and with each generation, we can see Aja... in superb temperaments, endearing eyes and hearts that love without condition.

Although she was never titled, she'll always be a Champion to us.  Our life was blessed for her being so much a part of it.  

I will always be greatful to her 'second mom' and good friend, Suzanne... who Aja lived with her last 5 years.  The love they shared was very special.  Aja filled her life with much joy and happiness, up until the day she left us.  Our hearts are sad but we know that she's  running free... stretching out her legs again, and flying across grasses green.  And somewhere, I know, she's found an ocean shore to frolic on and further out, a patch of snow to stick that lovely beautiful muzzle in! 

So Aja, run and play... until are journey comes full circle and our paths cross again. 

And her memory lives on.....

Forever in our hearts

I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you 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 coffee,
You were thinking of the many times your hand reached down to me.
I was with you on your walk today, Your heart was heavy and sore.
I longed to rub against you, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at the lilac tree today, You tend it with such care.
I want 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 look so very tired and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "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 over... I smile and watch you yawning and say
"good night, 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 greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there's so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

-Author Unknown