For ISWMP, Jessie Hynes
ISWMP Foster and Adopter
When I started fostering with ISWMP I promised everyone, including myself, that I would not adopt one of my foster dogs. My dog Bear and I are soulmates and the perfect partners committed to help as many dogs in need as we can. We were lucky enough to have already fostered six dogs together and each time I was thrilled at the thought of meeting their forever family. Then lucky number seven came around. Her name was Poppy.
I had told the rescue I needed a fostering break, but of course could not say no when this little girl needed someone at the last minute. I met Poppy, a six-month-old American Bully, and It was an instant connection; as she leaned in and pressed her sweet face into my chest I knew I had found someone special. I couldn’t believe how tender and gentle her spirit was. From the day I brought her home, Poppy fell into the groove of our home like she was always meant to be here. I spent my days assuring friends and family that I would not keep her, all the while tearing up at the thought of her leaving.
What I came to realize is that while Bear may be my soulmate, Poppy is my heart dog. Poppy was rescued alongside almost 100 other American Bullies from a harmful breeder in terrible conditions. When learning her background, one would expect a reactive, scared, and difficult dog, but that could not be farther from the truth. Instead, I met a dog with a gentle soul who can read people’s feelings, who curls up next to you in pure happiness and gratitude, and loves every human (and dog!) she meets. Poppy is a constant reminder to me that we have the choice to become bitter and hard when life disappoints us, or we can resiliently allow hardship to turn us into more compassionate and loving people to those who need it most.
Poppy arrived during the climax of my grad school education where I was confronted with looking more deeply at the past traumas of losing my brother at a young age, a family history of addiction, and disappointment that areas of my life have not turned out as I expected. I was feeling the residual impact of the isolation of Covid and needed to find the courage to stay resilient. Poppy has reminded me of the power of simply being present with someone when they are sad; her whole body snuggles and excited wiggles have lifted my spirits in some of the hardest times. Her physical scars, from the mistreatment of her previous life, simply help her tell her inspiring story. I know that her story, and her example of strength throughout it, helps others, including myself, to find courage and hope in the toughest times.
As I approach the completion of my counseling program, I dream about how powerful Poppy and I can be as a team. We have started therapy dog training so that my sidekick can be a source of comfort and happiness when my clients need it most. She has the opportunity to show my patients that we can choose how to respond to the wrongs done to us and allow us to become a greater source of love and compassion. Poppy is walking proof that sadness is not not the end of the story and the same goes for my future patients. I am grateful for all that she will continue to teach me as we enjoy life together.
Poppy has helped both Bear and I to be our most happy and authentic selves. We could not be more thankful for the addition of this amazing girl to our pack.
