In December, we learned the very cool news that an adorable dog named Munchkin, whom we transferred into our care via Best Friends Animal Society's Pup My Ride program, was going to be one of 11 dogs featured on ABC's hit show The Bachelor. This 1-year-old Chihuahua made his television debut during last night's episode on a "group date." Several of the bachelorettes, joined by this season’s bachelor Juan Pablo, modeled with each of the precious pups in order to promote adoption of homeless animals.
The show’s taping occurred many months ago, before Munchkin made the long journey to the Richmond SPCA from Los Angeles on October 3, 2013. On October 5, our adoption team introduced him to his perfect match Allana Spriggs and her daughter Lauren. The threesome has been inseparable ever since.
“Munchkin, now named Poppy, has been a great addition to our family,” Allana said. “Poppy is energetic and full of love and character. Poppy is very much a star in our neighborhood with the children and families.”
When Allana and her daughter Lauren take Poppy on walks, he draws adoration from neighbors. “They all know his name,” she said, “and they love seeing him and can’t resist stopping to play or pet him along the way; he really enjoys the love and attention.”
Allana described the year before she adopted Poppy as one that was filled with struggles. “Poppy came to us at a very difficult time in our lives,” she said. “My family had experienced tragedy and loss that was very overwhelming. In October 2012, I lost my job due to a bad injury I suffered last June. I took very sick and was hospitalized this spring; we lost our home in the summer and were displaced, and this fall my little family of 5 has been split in half. My little Lauren, who is the tender age of 6, wasn't coping very well with the separation of our family, that is all that she knows. She is the youngest of my 4 children, and she is now living as an only child at home. The sadness was unbearable, and the pain at times was overwhelming. I tried everything to fill my little angel’s void, but nothing was working; even I wasn't enough for her at the time.”
In the midst of her family’s struggles, Allana decided to bring her daughter to the Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center in Richmond, Va. in search of the companionship of a new pet and the joy she knew that would bring to Lauren. Allana said, “We met and fell in love with the newest member of our family, Poppy. It was love at first sight for Lauren! Poppy took to her instantly!!! They have been inseparable ever since. I didn't think I would see my baby smile again. The once overwhelming pain and sadness was now outrageous & spontaneous, and filled with energy, excitement, joy and laughter. Poppy has brought JOY to a little girl’s heart and filled a void with LOVE. We gave him a home and love and in return has given us so much more... Lauren so much more, she calls him her little brother .... he is not a pet, he is a member of our family. Poppy is helping to piece back our broken family and has put a smile on all of our faces, given us joy, a new found love in our hearts, restored our faith and hope. Poppy has truly been a BLESSING for my family, we truly love him dearly!”
You can click here to see Poppy's story on ABC.com.
Caroline Radom is the manager of communications of the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires both your first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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