April 2, 1998   -   January 11, 2010

CH Terbo Poppy Lea O’Cloverdale, CGC, CD, RN,

Today, I lost my best friend, CH Terbo Poppy Lea O’Cloverdale, CGC, CD, RN, (and a Delta therapy dog for 4 years.)
She became paralyzed in her hind legs after her boisterous daughter bumped her into a table in early December.
The vet’s dx (after x-rays) was mid thoracic disc disorder or injury, so we treated her with iv steroids and extensive physical therapy, because at her age (11 ½), surgery was not an option. After she came home, I continued the steroids along with 4 other meds, and did p.t. on her 4-6 times a day. We fought hard and after 2 weeks, she could take about 17 steps by herself. Then, I was to wean her off the steroids. After only 1 day off the meds, she started to relapse, and went downhill from then on, even after re-introducing the steroids.
This morning she gave me “the look”, and I knew it was time. She could no longer even raise her head on her own, and moaned when I raised it for her. So, I did what was best for her, and hardest for me, and took her to the vet for the last time. She passed in my arms, and is now free from pain.
Both of my vets concurred that she should not have relapsed so badly after being weaned off the steroids, so they think she had a malignant tumor that did not show up on the x-rays. I did not request a post mortem. I just could not have her cut open.
Poppy was my “once in a lifetime” dog. As my foundation bitch, she was a BCSA “Noteworthy” bitch, whelping at least 6 champions. Two of her grandkids are group winners, and her “get” have achieved numerous titles in other venues (obedience, agility, herding, therapy, and flyball).
She was the epitome of what a Border Collie should be: beautiful, intelligent, loving, eager-to-please, versatile…..and I will miss her every day of my life.
I love you, Poppy.