Poppy Underhay

OUR MAGNIFICENT SEVEN HISTORY

Poppy was the first born of our Magnificent Seven. She was one of four girls (Daisy, Rose and Honey) and three boys (Briar, Bramble and Shamrock) born to Lily on 13th and 14th June 2015.

She is very similar to Rosie but has one blue eye unlike her sister’s two.

POPPY IS STAYING CLOSE TO MUM

She was destined to stay in Somerset with Lily and her big sister Micha and their lovely Mum, Barbara, who was midwife to the babies. Barbara proved to be a very devoted carer as the pups grew and blossomed. She was ably assisted throughout by her lovely neighbour Gill.

Poppy proved to be a little too OTT both for elderly Micha and her Mum Lily so Gill became her Foster Mum and then, eventually, Poppy’s Forever Mum.

Poppy posed for pics with Barbara and Gill and, of course, Lily and Micha insisted on getting in on the act.

POPPY IN HER SPECIAL FOSTER HOME

Barbara had, sadly, lost Heidi in early January which left her with dear, old Micha who had both been diagnosed with cancer in the Spring of 2014.

Micha is on a small daily dose of chemotherapy for life. Lily was going to be a new friend for her to brighten her life and, of course, she was perfect being sweet and gentle and relatively quiet for one so young.

The whole pregnancy thing had, of course, been totally unplanned and, suddenly Micha’s life was turned upside down, not to mention poor Barbara’s, but Micha has been amazing throughout and was totally unfazed by all the upheaval.

Apart from affecting Barbara’s life for 9 weeks, new plans had to be made to accommodate Barbara’s upcoming well deserved and much needed holiday. It had been organised for Micha and Lily to go on their hols too to Judith, the next door neighbour who had been the pups assistant midwife, photographer and puppy sitter. Barbara says “We walk with her and her dogs every morning and my dogs have gone to her for the last 15 years”.

An unexpected puppy demanding loads of attention would, of course, have been a step too far for Judith and Micha to manage so it was brilliant to have another close friend, Gill, who would take on the fostering role for Poppy. The plan was for Poppy to stay with Gill but with Lily visiting for playtimes.

Barbara says “Poppy explored all parts of Gill’s house and garden, has eaten her dinner and is now fast asleep at her feet. Poppy has settled very well already but she does know Gill very well as she has been with them every other night for the 9 weeks since they were born and she puppy sat them every morning whilst I walked Micha and latterly, Lily”.

Hopefully, Lily will have a chance now to regain her strength and relax and both she and Micha will be able to get back to normality and settled daily life whilst Gill concentrates on little Poppy’s upbringing.

UPDATE FROM BARBARA 20.8.2015

Poppy has settled very well with Gill, as you can see from her relaxed sleep pose!

Like Honey, she enjoys chewing and digging through rugs and has chewed the first tassel off a cushion, just 11 more to go!

Gill thinks she is crossed with a fish rather than a Husky as she adores water, trying to paddle/swim in any drinking bowl. In the torrential rain yesterday, she went outside to wee then rolled on the grass and, on her back, tried to catch the raindrops and refused to come in!!

Barbara says “Poppy came here for an hour the other evening and the greeting from Lily was over the top. They had a wonderful time together playing chase around the garden and then crashing out together on the cool hearth. Lily is beginning to improve. Her coat, though still thin and shedding heavily, has got it’s sheen back and she has started to put on some weight.”

Poppy is allowed out soon but already travels well with the car harness that Gill has got her. She continues to be a real water baby and will loves it when it rains! Puppy classes start soon and Poppy will be attending, providing there is a place left.

POPPY’S FIRST DOG SHOW (5.9.2015)

Barbara tells us “We are very proud of Poppy who came first in Best Crossbreed at our Village Flower show this afternoon.

Gill and I were busy with cream teas so she was skilfully handled in the ring by our Rector’s daughter, Sophie. Bobby (was Briar) arrived late so missed the show entirely (or we might have come 2nd!!) as he is a very handsome boy.

Poppy and Bobby entertained everyone at the show with their play together in the middle of the display ring. They are quite famous in the village now.

Shamrock came to visit yesterday. He really is a stunning boy and had a wonderful time playing with Lily”.

POPPY HAS HER GOLD KC GOOD CITIZEN AWARD