When we bring dogs into our lives, we make a promise to them – to love them as they deserve and to ensure they feel secure and cared for.
For them to develop into joyful and self-assured companions, they must feel cherished.
Hearing about dog owners who forsake that promise and end up treating their beloved animals poorly fills me with sadness.
Because of cruelty and mistreatment, affectionate, furry beings, deserving of endless love, can become fearful and traumatized canines.
Poppy, a Basset Hound puppy, understands what it’s like to be scared and mistreated.
When Poppy’s family welcomed her home, she was ecstatic, believing she had found her humans and a nurturing environment.
Unfortunately, soon after arriving, Poppy discovered that things were not as they appeared.
Poppy’s Owners Surrender Her
Poppy’s family acquired her for their young daughter. Regrettably, they failed to instruct their daughter on how to interact with the pup, leading her to use markers to color the poor puppy.
Poppy became extremely frightened and forlorn, crying frequently. Her family resolved to give her up, stating that she wasn’t what they had anticipated.
This marked the beginning of a transformation in Poppy’s life.
Frightened Pup Encounters Her Rescuer
Upon learning of Poppy’s abandonment by her family, Lee Asher, the founder of The Asher House, an animal sanctuary situated in Oregon, rushed to rescue her.
He was taken aback when he saw Poppy looking despondent and marked with various colors. The puppy trembled from fear.
He tenderly picked her up and placed her in his car. She continued crying. Understanding the depth of Poppy’s trauma, Asher opted not to introduce her to the rest of the gang that day.
As he brought the scared dog into the house, he kissed her, assuring her that she was home.
He provided her food and allowed her time to recuperate. Even after giving her a bath, Poppy remained tense, her eyes reflecting sorrow as she lay in her bed. She was filled with uncertainty.
Asher began to snuggle with her, and Poppy clearly enjoyed the affection. She started to feel significantly better.
Before long, Poppy was introduced to the other rescue dogs. From the instant her furry siblings met her, they embraced her, drawing her into their group. They cuddled with her and played together, showering her with the affection she longed for.
Asher was optimistic about Poppy’s recovery. She just required some time to overcome her anxieties.
Poppy Is Enamored with Her New Existence
With a sense of safety and love, Poppy’s anxieties began to dissipate, allowing her true character to flourish. She evolved into a self-assured dog.
“As time passed, I realized how extraordinary she truly is. I’ve never had a dog like her before. She’s so lively, adventurous, and sociable—completely different from the dog I initially discovered,” remarked Asher.
Her tail wagged constantly as she relished hikes in the Oregon wilderness with her father, Asher, and the pack.
They all cherish her, and Poppy absorbs all that affection. Having discovered her place in the sun, the pup is ecstatic.
I feel immensely happy knowing that the lovely canine has embarked on a new life filled with joy. At last, Poppy has the life she rightfully deserves.
I’m thankful to Asher for all that he has done for her and other dogs. He is both their father and their savior.