Poppy my best friend

Hi I'm Vanessa and I live with my 8 year old Chocolate Labrador, Poppy.

Poppy was 3 years old when I rescued her from her previous owner. She had been kept in a small cage all her life, only letting her out for an hour a day. As a result Poppy is small in stature and has ground her teeth down from biting the metal cage.

Poppy came into my life at a time when I was struggling with my mental health. I actually thought I was saving her, when in fact Poppy would save me.

Poppy is eight years old now and has been my faithful companion and best friend, being by my side day and night ever since the day I brought her home.

With a spring in her step, the wonderful wiggle of her butt and a very waggy tail Poppy lives each day to the full. She loves playing with her friends and always greets them with an affectionate lick. People always smile when they see her because she is so happy.

I knew that she would develop some difficulties throughout her life due to her being in the cramped cage for so long. Initially, she experienced cramp in her leg muscles, then last year she started showing signs of arthritis. I was not prepared though for what happened last Friday. Poppy was happily playing on the beach with her friends when she suddenly stopped and wouldn’t move. She was unable to put any weight on her back leg no matter how much I rubbed it.

She was lame! I rushed her to the vet who diagnosed that she had totally ruptured the cruciate ligament in her stifle (knee) and surgery was necessary to repair at a cost of around £4,000.

I was devastated. Knowing that Poppy was in so much pain broke my heart, I just wanted to ease her suffering but I don’t have £4000.

I am very independent and have always managed by not asking anyone for help. Last year I decided to change career and study as a mature student for a degree in Psychology & Counselling through the Open University and as a result my budget is limited and tight, but I managed, until now. Due to her pre-existing conditions I couldn’t afford to insure Poppy as the premiums were extremely high, so I put a little by to cover her medication, but not £4000.

Poppy is my life! My whole world revolves around Poppy. I can't begin to think about my life without Poppy. I don't have family and I'm on my own, apart from a few good friends.

Needless to say I have found this difficult to write as I know Poppy is my responsibility and I seriously do not want to let her down but I honestly don't know how I can pay for her operation. I am fully aware that times are hard for everyone at the moment, and I wouldn’t normally ask for help but I didn’t know what else to do until a friend told me about ‘gofundme’. So, here I am asking if any of you kind people can help me save my best friend, Poppy.

Thankyou for taking the time to read our story.

Vanessa & Poppy