Here at the beagle repair shop, we are always eagerly armed and ready with the tools needed to fix the beagles we rescue. Between your incredible ongoing support and the phenomenal veterinary teams we work with out of several outstanding veterinary clinics throughout Ontario, our toolbox is overflowing.

But sometimes, there just isn't the right tool.

Poppy's test results came back. Xrays showed signs of mammary masses. Following that, the radiologist confirmed evidence of metastisis. Unlike Rae, surgery to remove those masses is no longer an option. It's too late. The cancer has spread to her lungs and we may only have weeks, maybe months, to bring love into her life before she leaves us. To add insult to injury, she tested positive for Lyme Disease and then, there was another thing the radiologist uncovered. A small solid object that appears to be a BB Gun pellet lodged in the back of her neck. It's not a danger to her now, but it breaks our hearts that it's there to begin with.

So in Poppy's case, tools will only get us so far. We're going to give her a diamond ring instead. Not really a diamond ring, of course. Dogs don't care about diamond rings. It's a symbol only. A promise to love her in sickness and health, in good times and bad. To love her always.

*Big thanks to Catherine & Bill of Sheba's Haven for opening their hearts and home to Poppy as her forever foster parents.

Just as we're welcoming Socrates and his sister, Rae, to our BOB family and focussing on their rather worrisome health issues (we'll share with you soon), this picture comes along and lights up my cellphone screen brighter than a sky full of stars.

Meet Poppy.

From the moment I saw her face and read the name they chose for her, my heart was pumping for Poppy.

Something in the way her head tilted, her eyes gazing up, an expression of hope and worry all rolled into one.

There's just something about Poppy.

If it means balancing another beagle with worrisome health issues, so be it.

She's far too precious not to plunk ourselves right down next to her, give her a reassuring tickle behind her ears, and tell her everything is going to be okay.

This picture that reeled me in and took my heart for a spin also came with a lovely message attached from our friends at Toronto Animal Services…

We have a sweet sray beagle mix in need of a rescue placement. Her name is Poppy, we are unsure of exact age but she is likely a senior.

She is an absolute joy to be around. She is affectionate and loves company. She is easily handled and was great for her vet check. Everyone at the shelter loves her.

She is in need of a rescue placement for medical concerns.

She looks like she may have cushings disease. We did bloodwork on her and she has a slightly increased ALP. We also did a urine cortisol/creatinine which was high, but she will need a stim test to confirm cushings. She also has itchy skin. And lastly she needs a dental.

I have attached her medical history, her bloodwork and some photos of her.

Please let us know if you are interested in her.

Well OF COURSE we're interested in you, Poppy! It's as plain as the beautiful nose on your beautiful face!

We love you already.