Poppy

When the ongoing private vet costs for her nine-year-old Bichon Frise, Poppy, became a worry, Laura turned to PDSA for help.

37-year-old Laura shares a strong bond with her nine-year-old Bichon Frise, Poppy. Laura, from Garston, Liverpool, lives alone and has a disability. For many years, she and Poppy have been inseparable.

She explained: “People who know me know that I prefer dogs to humans! I am autistic, and I struggle with human friendships. Poppy is my whole world, I would feel completely lost without her.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was clinically vulnerable. Poppy was the only living soul in the world I had contact with for months. She loves a snuggle and is good at making me feel safe.”

In the lead-up to Christmas of 2024, Laura noticed that Poppy – who has one eye after another dog sadly attacked her last year – wasn't her normal self.

She explained: “Poppy seemed a little down. It was nearing December, so I thought it might be the winter blues with it being cold, dark, and miserable outside. Then, suddenly, she became incontinent with her wee. Her whole demeanour changed, and she was distressed.

“She was drinking a lot too and panting even when resting. It seemed like she was anxious or too hot, but she wasn’t overheating and had never been a nervous dog.”

Laura took Poppy to the local private vets where she’s registered to determine what may be wrong. There, the vet team found no signs of infection, and they were able to rule out anything immediately life-threatening.

Laura continued: “They suggested that Poppy might have Cushing’s disease and explained that her breed can be prone to this condition. When the discussion moved to the testing protocol and pricing, alarm bells started ringing. Poppy has always had private insurance, but the testing for Cushing’s disease alone was going to max out the cover for the year. I was terrified – I’m on a very limited income due to my disability.”

In her time of need, Laura contacted Liverpool (Huyton) PDSA Pet Hospital, having used its charitable vet services in the past.

She explained: “I was registered with PDSA before, but I made a promise to myself that any treatment I could afford at a private vets, I would self-fund. I didn't want to take PDSA’s help from someone who needed it more.

“But, in my worry about the costs of Poppy’s tests, I contacted my local Pet Hospital and was relieved they were accepting new registrations. I completed the forms and requested an appointment for Poppy. Within days, a vet examined her and booked her in for a blood test.”

May, a Vet Surgeon at the Pet Hospital, said: “Because Poppy had already had blood and urine tests at her private vets, we requested her results and clinical history. We also carried out a second blood test as part of our investigations.

“Based on Poppy’s symptoms and test results, we diagnosed her with Cushing’s disease – a condition caused by abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sadly, Cushing’s disease is not usually curable. However, it can be managed with lifelong medication and regular check-ups.”

To help with symptoms, PDSA vets prescribed medication and scheduled a follow-up telephone appointment to check on Poppy’s progress.

Laura added: “It was a whirlwind of appointments and testing, but it was a relief to discover she would be able to live an almost normal life.”

Thankfully, Poppy has responded well to treatment and continues to thrive. Her symptoms have improved, and she enjoys a good quality of life. For Laura, PDSA’s support has meant that she still has her best friend by her side.

She said: “PDSA didn't hesitate to help. The care and treatment have been second to none. The reception staff are always helpful and friendly, and the vet team treat her with all the care I could wish for.

“Without PDSA, I would have faced some awful decisions that no pet owner ever wants to make. Would I have to consider rehoming Poppy to a family who could afford her care? Would I face losing her altogether?

“Fortunately, PDSA took away all my worries. I will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I owe them for providing Poppy’s life-preserving treatment.”

To show her appreciation, Laura contributes towards Poppy’s treatment and urges animal lovers to support PDSA in keeping people and pets together.

She said: “I donate whenever Poppy has an appointment or gets medication. My intention each year is to fundraise where I can. I could donate every day until I die and would still feel like I have not repaid the charity for what they have done – and continue to do – for me and Poppy.

“Many people don’t take on a pet with the plan to depend on charity, but PDSA helps those of us with low incomes and allows us to be responsible pet parents. Because of them, we can care for our beloved pets without the stress or worry of treatment costs should they get sick or injured.

“If you can afford to drop some coppers in a charity tin, please do! Every penny helps support the life-changing care that PDSA gives to hundreds and thousands of families like mine across the country.”

Total cost of Poppy’s treatment to date (March 2025): £2,827.28

Monthly cost of Poppy’s medication: £180.88

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 49 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we treat over 430,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Poppy's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for dogs like Poppy without your support. Please consider donating today.

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