Hello Poppy (Adopter Submitted)
In August of 2024, I had to say goodbye to my rescue dog, Daisy. I was heartbroken and told myself I just couldn’t go through that kind of loss again. I thought I would remain petless. But the hole in my heart was too big, and I slowly began to reconsider. After Daisy passed, a friend told me, “Your last dog will send you your new dog.” I truly believe that’s what happened.
One Saturday morning that September, I saw a news program featuring John from Kindness Ranch. I had heard of Kindness Ranch when all of the Envigo beagles were rescued. I went to their website, saw a picture of Poppy (then called Nani), and immediately fell in love. Before I knew it, I was filling out an adoption application—and shortly after that, I was driving three hours to Hartville, Wyoming.
Poppy came right up to me with her tail wagging. I fell in love with her underbite and her sweet face and temperament. It was meant to be. She rode home on my lap with her face tucked into my elbow. She explored the house and backyard, taking a few days to master the steps. I carried her around to meet my neighbors; she wouldn’t make eye contact and just shivered. It took a while for her to walk on a leash, but now she’s a pro.
Over time, she’s become incredibly social, eager to greet every human and dog she meets. Her confidence has grown and she’s made amazing progress. She’s fully housebroken and understands words like NO, STAY, and ALL GONE when she’s had her allotted treats. At night, she curls right up next to me to sleep. People comment all the time on how happy she is. She literally smiles when she is at the dog park with her furry friends.
She doesn’t really “play” with other dogs or toys, but she loves running around while other dogs play, chasing them and letting them chase her. She zooms through the house with her toys, then drops them. She steals my clothes when I’m in the shower and loves chewing paper and light cardboard. She loves to look outside with wonder at all of the lights when it gets dark
This has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. She still doesn’t bark, except for a quiet one once in a blue moon, but she does whimper with excitement—or mild separation anxiety—when I take out the trash. She loves car rides and goes almost everywhere with me. The joy Poppy has brought me is immense, and I am so grateful to Kindness Ranch for making it possible. The work they do is invaluable, giving lab animals a second chance and a loving place to call home—either at the ranch or in the arms of adoptive families.
I now plan to adopt another beagle this summer from Kindness Ranch, now that Poppy has learned enough to help teach a new dog what it means to be free.
Submitted by Norma Veach
