It would be hard for anyone to even imagine being set on fire, yet that was the fate of Poppy the Pekingnese and her Chow mix companion, Shadow, in March 2004. The little two year old Peke and her buddy languished for two weeks with no veterinary care in the basement of the man who set them on fire. Poppy was burned around the face and ears, but not nearly as severely as Shadow.

When we sent our staff out on this animal rescue mission, both pups were brought to our Forked River Medical Dept. and received immediate veterinary treatment for their wounds. Poppy, while recovering from her burns, immediately became a very popular young lady with staff. But thanks to media attention and over one hundred adoption applications for the pups within one day of their rescue, Poppy was destined for a home as soon as she had healed.

Today, Poppy enjoys love and companionship with Kathryn (Kitty) and John Crowley of Millville, NJ and her new best friend, Princess the cat. Poppy and Princess reportedly romp and roll about, vying for the best spot on the `cat' tree. Poppy's first winter saw her running and playing in the snow, running through drifts, and, of course, eating it. Poppy is very devoted to Kitty and her husband, and they are happy to report that she has made great progress since her traumatizing experience and animal rescue.

And we're happy to bring you our animal rescue stories with wonderful endings such as these. Poppy received six months of veterinary care to heal her wounds, Shadow much longer. The expense of ongoing burn treatment, not to mention staff hours devoted to this effort, is high, and why we appreciate your support. Won't you please contribute towards our many animal rescue efforts that literally save the lives of animals such as Poppy and Shadow? 

If you would like to read more about Poppy and Shadow's story, click here. Shadow was traumatized much more severely due to the extent of her burns, and has taken a much longer time to recover. But the good news is that two years after the pair arrived at our Forked River shelter, Shadow has been adopted! Read her story here.