Poppie’s story is our story

I want to share a story about Poppie. She came to us in such a state—severely underfed, dehydrated, and sick. The moment our inspector found her, she was frail and vulnerable, and it took our breath away. The SPCA was able to provide her with immediate veterinary care and love, and when we first held her, the only words that came to mind were, “Ai, Poppie.” That name just stuck, because it felt right for this tiny, fragile soul.

Over the next two weeks, we poured our hearts into giving Poppie the best care possible—treatment, comfort, and love. We wanted her to have a chance, to feel safe and cherished.

But despite all our efforts, Poppie’s little body couldn’t fight the severe tick bite fever she was battling. She remained weak, and her condition didn’t improve. It was devastating. Watching her fade away was one of the hardest moments we’ve faced, and having to make the heartbreaking decision to relieve her from her pain was something no one ever wants to do.

Poppie is not an exception at the SPCA. We are privileged to care for many ‘Poppies’—animals who arrive at our door broken, frightened, and vulnerable. But she mattered because, despite seeing so much pain, we still cling to hope, to the belief that care and kindness can make a difference. Poppie is a reminder of our work; she embodies both the heartbreak and the hope that keeps us going.

On average, our shelter welcomes about 300 animals each month—mostly surrendered and stray animals. In July alone, we counted 246 animals already with us, and we received 241 new surrenders and strays—bringing in a total of 487 animals that month.

Not all of them stay long. Some find loving homes; some are returned to their owners; others are transferred or released. In that month, 93 animals out of the 487 went home. But 256 animals had to stay behind, and out of those, 163 had to be euthanised—an incredibly heavy number. When we do the math, it amounts to roughly 6 animals each day, and with a recent count of 234 euthanasias in September, that’s close to 10 animals every single day.

Here’s where Poppie’s story needs to be shared: We don’t euthanise animals randomly. We don’t give up on older pets or those who aren’t critically ill. We give every animal a fair chance—time, love, assessment—because they deserve that. But the reality is that, with limited resources—financial, human, and space—we sometimes have to make impossible choices.

SPCA did not fail these animals. Someone else did, and it hurts deeply.

We carry that pain quietly, often pretending we’re stronger than we feel, hiding tears behind our tough facades. On Poppies final day, we were sad, desperate, frustrated, and angry.

We had hoped that Poppie, among countless stories of hardship and surrender, could be a story of success. We cling to those hopes, to every rescue, every life saved, every animal that finds a new home. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, these young lives are too fragile, and their time with us is too brief.

Poppie’s story is a reminder of both the heartbreak and the incredible courage behind my team’s work. She may not have stayed with us long, but her little life made a lasting impact.

She exemplifies why we do what we do—to give every creature, no matter how broken, a moment of kindness and love, even if only for a little while.

Goodbye, Poppie.