Our Angel Poppy

by Susan Hutchings
(Birmingham )

You came into our lives at the age of 8 weeks, chosen by my young daughter as you were 'the little quiet one at the back' - that description didn't last long - you grew so quickly, could never be described as quiet & always wanted to be 'up with the action!

You were lively, intelligent, proud, protective, brave & gave the best cuddles when we were ill or sad, listened to all our problems and knew just when to goof around to make us laugh. You welcomed fur siblings into your life, we only had to say 'baby' & you took them under your paw & showed them the right way, you were very much 'top dog' but never in an aggressive way, in fact you were their friend, leader, guide & protector. Do you remember the dog that attacked Alfie on the beach at Sand Bay - you bravely positioned yourself between them & although Alfie was badly bitten, the whole situation would have been much worse, without your intervention. Equally, when me & Megs were walking you in the woods at Aldridge airport & that man started following us - you were having none of it, you told him what was what & he quickly disappeared, thank goodness.

You never seemed to get any older, only the faintest grey in your mask, marked the years passing. You were so strong, right until the day before you passed only stumbling as you tried to get onto the bed, you looked so confused & my heart broke for you. Megs lifted you up & you gazed into her eyes, with such love - Megs was always your favourite human in the world & that night as you lay between us, surrounded by Pugs & Shih Tzus, your only concern was to continue protecting us. We told you over & again, how much we loved you, how 'we would be ok, if you needed to go - we were lying, because of course, nothing would be ok, but you'd taught each of your sisters & brothers what their role was too be and we trusted you as we'd trusted you all your life. In the early hours you passed quietly & without any fuss - protecting us one last time.

Since you passed, oceans of tears have been cried & I never knew that grief caused so much pain, but that's the price of love and I'd go through it a million times over, to have you in my life. We were honoured to have been loved by you & you'll never, ever be forgotten - I adore you & always will.