POPPY

If you asked me "Are you a cat person or a dog person?" I would have said "Definitely a cat person" but that was before I met Poppy. Poppy is a black miniature poodle therapy dog.

She's always pleased to see me, 

Running in circles, tearing up & down the hallway, 

Jumping up to greet me.

My heavy heart instantly lifts.

When I cry she sits close to me,

I feel the warmth of her body,

The quick beating of her small heart.

It is soothing just to have her with me.

No advice, no opinions, just her loving presence,

Letting me know... she knows.

My distress lessens and I feel reassured.

There is kindness in the world. 

I feel gratitude for the gift of her love shared with me, 

And when our time ends, I allow my memory to soothe me,

Just as she does when she is near. ( therapy client Poem testimonial 2025)