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Mary has worked in the animal care industry since leaving school at 17, long before anyone considered it an industry! Her intention was to become a Royal Animal Nursing Auxilary, however, she took a 'temporary' job in kennels, fell in love with the work and the dogs, so, on being offered an apprenticeship in grooming, because her boss felt she had a natural aptitude, she jumped at the chance, and stayed about 8 years, she has worked in kennels or dog grooming ever since, over 45 years now, most of that time as the owner and workforce. Ann Rawlinson of the Highla poodles, (having both judged, and won best of breed with standard poodles at Crufts) taught Mary to a very high standard, and she can present poodles to show standard, and has trimmed other breeds who have won awards up to best of group. She has been owned by a miniature and 7 standard poodles of her own; a jack russell; a rhodesian ridgback and a portuguese water dog. Her passion being standard poodles Sam is her current apricot standard poodle, sadly Pearl our portuguese water died November 2011, our next one is due to move in his March. However, while working for Ann, the kennels poodles were always refered to as 'our' dogs, and myself and other staff always thought of them as our own. When not busy in the kennels she can be found either in her garden, or visiting one where her plant passion is for Tree peonies, but having become a grand-ma for the first time in 2010, there is a new passion in her life andthe second granddaughter is due Feb 2012, so more grandparent duties than ever! Alan's background was as an industrial chemist, which has been surprisingly useful, he is also a very handy man, having completed the re-furbishment our cat chalets,and re-newing our front gates, there is still a long list of refurbishment to keep him busy. His introduction to dogs, came with Mary! and he too has been loved by the poodles and other dogs for the last 30+ years. Since taking early retirement, he has been involved in the day to day work of the kennels, and specialising in our on going programe of repairs maintanance and improvements. Our 3 sons have shown no desire to work in the kennels, following their father's scientific training into chemestry and biology. Having had a lifetime of pleasure, and earnt a living through my innate love of dogs, we agreed to take on the care of our local stray dogs, and to re-home those that remain unclaimed, it is good to be able to give something back to the less fortunate dogs, that perhaps would otherwise be put to sleep. So, do check out our sister site for the strays. www.woodlandsfarmstrays.org.uk for details of our work with the strays, and our funraising events for our charity, set up to cover the costs not covered by our kennel income.
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