When we bring dogs into our homes, we make a promise to them – to keep them safe, love them endlessly, and protect them as part of our family.
Dogs rely on us for affection and stability. With love, they blossom into joyful and confident companions.
But when that promise is broken, the damage can be heartbreaking. Mistreatment and neglect leave scars that turn once-happy pups into fearful, anxious souls.
One little Basset Hound named Poppy knows that pain all too well.
At first, she believed she had finally found her family and the forever home she longed for. Sadly, she was wrong.
Poppy’s Heartbreak
Poppy’s owners bought her as a companion for their young daughter. Unfortunately, they never taught the child how to treat a puppy with kindness. Instead, she used markers to color all over Poppy’s fur.
Confused and frightened, the little pup cried often. Her owners soon decided that she “wasn’t what they thought she would be” and chose to give her up.
That heartbreaking decision, however, opened the door to a new beginning for Poppy.
A Scared Puppy Meets Her Rescuer
When Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House animal sanctuary in Oregon, heard about Poppy’s surrender, he went to pick her up right away.
The sight before him left him stunned. Poppy was withdrawn, trembling, and her coat was streaked with colored markers. She looked utterly defeated.
Asher carefully lifted her into his arms and carried her to his car. She whimpered softly, too scared to understand what was happening. Realizing how fragile she was, Asher decided not to overwhelm her by introducing her to the rest of his rescue pack that day.
He carried her inside, kissed her gently, and whispered that she was safe now. After feeding her and giving her a bath, he tucked her into a bed of her own. But even then, Poppy’s eyes still carried sadness and uncertainty.
It wasn’t until Asher lay down and cuddled with her that she finally began to feel a glimmer of comfort.
When the time came to meet the other rescue dogs, something amazing happened. Instead of being nervous, Poppy was immediately embraced by her new furry siblings.
They snuggled beside her, played with her, and showed her the love she had been missing. With every tail wag and nuzzle, Poppy’s fears melted away.
Asher was hopeful: with time, patience, and love, this little girl would heal.
Poppy’s Bright New Life
Surrounded by affection and safety, Poppy began to transform. Her fears disappeared, replaced by joy and confidence.
“As days went by, I realized how special she really is. I never had a dog like her before. She is so fun and adventurous and outgoing. The complete opposite of who the dog was when I first found her,” Asher said in a video.
Her tail wagged nonstop as she ran through the Oregon woods alongside her dad and her pack. Hiking, playing, and cuddling quickly became her favorite things.
Now, Poppy shines with happiness. She has found her true home – one where she is cherished every single day.
Thanks to Asher’s compassion, the once-traumatized pup is living the joyful life she always deserved.