Those of us who travel life in the company of dogs know all too well the pain and sorrow we feel when losing a beloved, furry family member. Nothing anyone can say or do will ease the pain. It just sucks, plain and simple. But the price we pay is a small measure of the joy we have been given, so we continue to bring these beautiful dogs into our homes, knowing full well that one day our hearts will be broken.

Our beautiful Poppy girl came into our lives on 9/30/18 with her foster brother, Otis (formerly Lancelot), as a last minute "2nd dog" decision, and we lost her to lymphoma at a far too young age of 7 or 8 on 6/12/23. She rocked our world with her loud hound mouth, bigger than life enthusiasm and sensitive soul. We didn't know it at the time, but we needed this crazy and wonderful girl in our lives, to shake things up and give us a glimpse at a more beautiful world with her in it. She loved everyone she met and vice versa. Friends, family and especially our grandchildren were obsessed with her sensitive and caring personality. Overnight guests always kept their bedroom doors cracked open hoping to catch some snuggle time with Poppy.

It has taken me 3 weeks to build up the courage to write this memorial. Our house is far too quiet and our hearts a bit deflated. Sadness creeps up at the oddest times. But we are hopeful for the future, and so incredibly grateful for the 5 years we had with her. We would (and will) do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Thank you ABTCR for all the tireless work you do to bring these beautiful dogs to their forever families!

Joy Wilson and Bill Bohannon

Poppy's Happy Ending Page