We rescued Smokey from Battersea Dogs Home in 1997 after he chose us as his new family. We knew nothing of his history but he quickly settled in and set about training us up.

Smokey was a very bouncy dog and specialised in serious ball games, no tennis ball was safe. When we bought Dalswinton and moved to Cornwall in 2002 Smokey slipped into his new role as 'Canine Resources Officer' and spent 6 seasons ensuring the comfort of his canine guests conducting guided tours of the grounds and a guide to the snack box which he always announced loudly once all our canine guests came down after dinner. Smokey loved the beach, but was none to keen on the sea!, enjoyed charging around the field barking at seagulls and entertaining our human guests by offering a selection of his toys for them to play with.

Smokey had a wonderful life and we were lucky and honoured to be his guardians. He was a beautiful dog, a unique character and a very special friend, who will be hugely missed by us and his many admirers who come to Dalswinton regularly. We have scattered his ashes in the place he loved best...his field.

April 2008.. there is now a memorial plaque on the Wall of Remembrance at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown... (with thanks to Sue and Ron Goulden)