Poppy's story

Some rescue stories begin in unexpected ways, sometimes even with whispers and laughter from the neighborhood. One day, someone told me about people laughing at a dog that "dances." Curious and deeply concerned—knowing that public amusement at an animal often means the animal is suffering—I decided to go and find out what was really happening.

When I arrived, I found a young female Kenyan shepherd, less than a year old, who had a severe, constant shake all over her body. One of her hind legs barely touched the ground, and she trembled continuously. When I spoke to the owner, I learned that Poppy had been born normal, but they suspected she had been struck by a motorbike. Though she survived the initial impact, a few days later she began this continuous, severe shaking.

I asked the owner if I could bring a vet to examine her, fearing it might be a serious neurological issue from the accident. When the vet arrived, however, the picture became even more complex. Beyond the neurological tremors, the owner mentioned that Poppy—despite being a female over six months old—lacked teats entirely, pointing to a possible congenital condition. Furthermore, like many dogs in rural areas, Poppy had never received vaccinations, as routine animal immunization schedules are widely unknown or overlooked.

While the vet couldn't definitively say whether the shaking was linked to the congenital disorder or the lack of proper medical care and vaccination, we did what we could to help. We put Poppy on a month-long course of multivitamins and nervous system support to nourish her body and help manage the tremors. Fortunately, the vet confirmed she was not in pain. Even though she still "dances" and shakes after the medication, she is cared for and comfortable. Poppy’s story highlights a harsh reality we see too often in rural communities. First, it underscores the vital need for pet owners to know about animal immunization schedules, as proper healthcare and vaccinations are crucial for a dog's development and protection. But more importantly, Poppy’s life could have been entirely different if she had been kept safe. Like Snowy and Tokyo, Poppy is suspected to have been run over by a motorbike simply because she was allowed to roam freely.

Safe pet containment isn't just about keeping yards tidy—it is about saving lives and preventing irreversible trauma. When you support our organization, whether by sharing our rescue stories or purchasing our handcrafted leather dog collars, you help us bring veterinary awareness, vital education, and basic care to animals across our community. Keeping your pets contained and properly cared for gives them the safe, protected life they truly deserve.