Poppi (Popcorn) — A Brave, Sweet Golden Looking for Her Forever Home

Poppi is a 2.5-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever with one of the most tender hearts you’ll ever meet. She has been through more in her short life than most dogs ever will — born with hydrocephalus, she underwent two major surgeries at NC State Veterinary School, including a shunt placement that changed everything for her. Despite all of it, Poppi remains gentle, affectionate, and endlessly loving. She has truly beaten the odds and continues to thrive.

Poppi adores people. She enjoys curling up and sleeping with her current owner every night and has never shown aggression toward adults or children. Her favorite place is wherever her people are — curled at your feet, leaning into your leg, or snuggled beside you. She loves walks and beams with a huge golden-retriever smile the entire time. She loves bringing you her bunny toy when she wants to play and gives sweet “kisses” to those who care for her.

Poppi does have a few unique needs shaped by her medical history:

• Slight visual impairment makes her cautious on hardwood floors

• Carpeted areas help her navigate confidently, but she can do stairs and has done well in multi-story homes

• Her back legs are weak, so she needs a boost onto beds or sofas

• She can jump down independently from lower heights

• She avoids large piles of fallen leaves because the noise startles her

• She strongly dislikes car rides — travel is stressful for her

• For any necessary car ride, she can take Trazodone alongside her daily Sertraline to help reduce travel anxiety

• She takes Sertraline 25 mg twice daily for general anxiety (about $20/month)

Poppi is fully spayed and insured through Trupanion. Her policy is transferable to the new owner and includes:

• Current premium: $114.86 per month, with annual increases expected

• Coverage for all injuries and illnesses.

• 90% lifetime reimbursement for hydrocephalus and other related care and future injuries/illnesses after the deductible has been met. 

• A $250 deductible per condition. Deductible has been met for hydrocephalus.

• Routine exam fees are not included

Her NC State specialists do not expect future complications and they expect her to live a normal lifespan. This coverage provides excellent peace of mind. She is well known — and loved — by the neurology team there.

Poppi’s Ideal Home

Poppi is incredibly special, and her next home needs to be the right fit for her long-term wellbeing. Her ideal environment would be:

• A securely fenced backyard where she can safely explore

• Carpeted spaces or plenty of rugs to help with her depth perception

• No cats — she has shown aggression toward the family cat and must be in a cat-free home

• Dog-friendly, ideally with a calm, older dog if there is another dog in the home

• A home with teenagers or adults — Poppi has never shown aggression toward humans, but due to her medical needs and anxiety, a home without small children is best

• Someone home more often than not — she becomes anxious when left alone too long

• A calm household that doesn’t require frequent travel or outings

• A patient adopter who can offer gentle support when she needs it and closeness when she asks for it

Poppi is not a difficult dog — she is simply a dog who needs understanding. And once she feels secure, she gives back every ounce of love she receives. She is devoted, gentle, playful, and deeply resilient.

For the right person or family, Poppi will be an endlessly rewarding companion — full of warmth, sweetness, and courage. If you have a calm, cat-free home and a soft spot for special-needs dogs, Poppi would love to meet you.