Goodbye Poppy.

Goodbye Poppy.

On rememberance day 1999 I went with my parents to an animal rescue centre, and this little long legged sandy coloured dog looked at us and i swear she smiled, and that was it, we bought her home and named her Poppy.

I was in my mid twenties at the time, and 2 weeks later i passed my driving test, third attempt, in blizzard conditions, but i passed, i went home and i took poppy out for a drive, we ended up at Bawsey near Kings Lynn, and while i had a dog lead with me, she didnt need it, she stayed right by my side, always, she would never let me out of her sight, and if i hid from her, she would come bounding round the corner, ears alert, smiling like she did.

When i arrived back home that day, i had to park my car in a garage a few streets away, and while sorting out the garage doors to park my car in, i had to tie poppy up so i could drive safely, she barked like fury, thinking i was going to abandon her, as if i could do that. I promised i'd never leave her side that day, and she has been by my side ever since.

I couldnt take her swimming though, if i went to the lakes for a swim and took her along, she would try to catch the splashes i made in the water, daft thing that she was, but she could swim right from the off, but im a weak swimmer so i didnt risk going far in the water for both our sakes.

She was so protective, but very gentle, if friends came over and sat next to me, poppy would jump up and try to get in bwtween us, and succeed.

She also loved the kiddies, when my oldest niece was born she was ever so inquisitive, and would guard her as she slept in her buggy, and my niece grew older they became very close, we would often go outside on the playing field outside our house in the summertime and just lay on the grass, stroking poppy all the time. Some of these moments were shared here on epz.

She was always so full of energy, and absolutely loved playing with squeaky toys and balls, she would play for hours.

Then about 5 years ago she fell ill, and had to have her reproductive organs removed, and we feared we would lose her, but miraculously she made a full recovery, but by then was over 10 years old, old for any dog really.

Then 2 months ago she fell ill again, and never truly recovered. She slept a lot, barely moved, and would not eat for days, then she would brighten up again, that twinkle back in her eyes, and we hoped she would get better. Sadly she didnt. Her back legs weakened to the point where she could not get up.

Over the weekend we decided to do the right thing, and today our wonderful vet came to our house and put my poppy to sleep.

She was very very calm throughout it all and passed away ever so peacefully.

I am not going to be sad, how can i be? She chose us right from the beginning and has been so faithful throughout all these years, and gave so much love and affection, i grew up with her, and she has been a major part in my adult life, and made my life that little bit more special. And i know for sure that right now she is up and running around wherever she is.