My name is: Poppy
I came from: China
Now I live in: Dorking, Surrey
My favourite things are: Being held tight to make me feel loved and safe, sunshine, running and being chased by my doggy friends, the beach, tummy rubs, chasing squirrels, chicken strips and sausages!

Poppy’s story

I was immediately drawn to Poppy because of her smile and by her description that said she had the sweetest temperament and loved being cuddled, picked up and fussed over. I chose her, and she was also matched to me by Underdog so I believe it was meant to be.

Poppy was part of the Underdog ‘Fly Home Forty’. She had been rescued from a meat truck in November 2020 at the age of five months by SHS in Harbin, China, tiny, frightened and wide eyed. I can't thank Underdog and SHS enough for looking after her until she reached me, and facilitating such a smooth, professional and friendly adoption process. There was so much helpful advice in advance and access to behaviourists afterwards that I embraced, because in the early days I didn't know what to do for the best.

She was put into my arms at Cobham services on the M25 on 24th July 2021. Poppy is my first dog and it was an instant bond and instant love. She has brought so much joy and love into my life; I couldn't imagine life without her.

Poppy is a sun loving dog, following the rays to every room and every dog bed in our home as the hours pass or sunbathing on the grass! She took my extra-large two adult beanbag as her own within a couple of days of her arrival, and sleeps tucked in next to me on my bed every night.

And wow does she run fast and love it! I could watch her running and playing all day, it brings me so much joy to see her so free and happy. She prefers being chased, other than when she's chasing squirrels, and has lots of willing doggie playmates.

I was able to let Poppy off lead pretty quickly because of the bond we had forged but it was still a bit daunting as she ran fast after deer and foxes and I had to wait for her to run back! For the first year I had a pet tracker on her so I felt confident letting her wander as she pleased in the open countryside and woods that we walk in from home, knowing my phone always showed where she was before she emerged again by my side!

Poppy is unique and different and I'm often told how pretty she is, and then I get asked what breed is she? So, I got her DNA done and her top five breeds (of 20!) are 26% Pekingese, 12% Shih Tzu, 12% Chihuahua, 7% Pug and wait for it.... 6% German Shepherd!!

I took my time choosing a day care/boarding for those days when I have to be out working or away. Thankfully I found Horsham pet care who have been amazing, a home from home care that have loved her and look after her as I do. They commented the other day just how far she's come and her smiles at being there make me so happy too. I feel so proud of her when I see her opening herself up and gaining more and more confidence.

The trauma from Poppy’s past has shown up in anxiety especially towards men. I knew she'd never hurt anyone, she just tried to bark them away because she was frightened. The barking at the beginning at home was excessive but this has calmed down to normal territory protection and at men she doesn't know outside the window. 

Her safe, and happy place seems to be in my arms. If she's ever anxious, or tired when we're out she'll asked to be picked up and I oblige because I can feel she needs it. Her face and body fully relax here away from home. She knows I'm there for her and I believe it's made our bond so strong. We travel around together and she loves the beach. Her smile under a full rainbow in Cornwall makes me smile every time.

The biggest thing I've been reminded of is to trust my intuition in knowing what she needs and how I look after her. It's so important with a rescue dog that has clearly suffered trauma, of an unknown intensity, to empathise with them, try and understand them and listen and watch their body language. Often, I saw it in her eyes, the way her face tensed up or even the obvious physical reactions like barking, shaking or hackles up.

There have been many times where I've wanted people to see through to her calm soul and recognise any external reaction is coming from fear. I thank those close to us who have been patient in allowing her to build trust with them. It's an ongoing process but the difference now is incredible. Other people often didn't understand it was from fear and perceived it to be threatening so I had to be very consciously aware of her triggers or potential triggers and act in advance to manage or avoid the situation to minimise her stress, or the stress on others from her barking! I was aware of the anxiety it induced in me, not always knowing what to do for the best. With a rescue I believe each dog is very different so you have to trust what feels right for you and them.

I am so grateful for her being in my life and I never knew just how much happier a dog could make me! I love everything about her but especially how she greets me excitedly jumping on her hind legs, snuggles in close on the sofa or in bed, licks me or gives me kisses, rolls over for me to rub her belly, sleeps close by as I work and then reminds me it's time to finish and take her out! We walk many times a day and then she's back to snoozing in the sun! No wonder she has the nickname, Princess Poppy!

- Catherine