Happy 12th Birthday to my Beautiful Poppalina

When I brought Poppy home from Danemere Animal Rescue on 4 July 2015, just three weeks after losing my beloved Curley, I thought I was rescuing her. The truth is, Poppy rescued me. She was around 15-18 months old then, surrendered because her previous owner couldn’t cope with both her and a son with severe disabilities. I became Poppy’s forever home, and she became my entire world.

 

I have had Poppy for just over 10 years and over that time she has shown a level of resilience that continues to astound me. She is the living embodiment of strength, determination, and the will to keep going no matter what life throws at you.

 

In September 2020, Poppy suffered a burst disc in her back. The prognosis was very uncertain, and surgery loomed as a possibility. I honestly thought I was going to lose her then, but my warrior girl fought through 12 weeks of crate rest and recovered on her own, defying the odds. Today, she thrives with regular physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and laser treatment and we can’t thank Rosie Jackson, Izzy Badham and Emma at Malvern Hydrotherapy enough for all their help and support in managing Poppy’s condition.

 

In February 2022, she was diagnosed with endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a chronic condition requiring daily medication in her food. It changed our routine completely, as instead of having two meals a day Poppy now has to have the same amount of food but with a precise dose of medication in every meal, plus she is on a special gastric diet and can’t have treats like normal dogs can in case it causes a flare up of her EPI. But Poppy adapted to it all with grace, taking it all in her stride.

 

In November 2022, we faced our most terrifying challenge when Poppy battled sepsis from an infection that stemmed from her kidneys. She was in and out of the vets loads having antibiotics via IV but once again, my resilient girl fought her way back to us.

 

Through every health challenge, every vet visit, every scary moment, Poppy has shown me what true resilience looks like. She doesn’t complain. She doesn’t give up. She lives each day with joy, love, and an unwavering spirit that inspires me constantly.

 

Poppy is more than my dog; she is my whole world. She’s my therapist, my comfort, my main reason for living. She’s seen me through the darkest times of my life and has been there to give me unconditional love when humans have failed me. If it wasn’t for Poppy, I would NOT be here now writing this post. I know that sounds dramatic, but it is true. When I thought suicide was my only way out, I looked at Poppy, and I knew I couldn’t leave her. My ENTIRE routine revolves around her, because she deserves nothing less for literally saving my life.

 

So today, I’m not just celebrating Poppy’s birthday. I’m celebrating her indomitable spirit, her incredible resilience, and the unconditional love she gives to me so freely. She’s proven time and time again that setbacks don’t define us, our response to them does.

 

Also sending massive thanks to Poppy’s vet, the incredible Zoe Hart and the amazing team at The Stocks Veterinary Centre for all they have done for Poppy over the years

 

Happy 12th Birthday, my precious Poppy. You are my world, my warrior, my inspiration. Here’s to celebrating your strength, your spirit, and the incredible journey we’ve shared and will continue to share together. I will drink a toast not only to my Frankie in heaven tonight, but also to you….my love, my life.

 

Long may you continue to thrive, my beautiful, resilient girl….Mommy loves you so much