Poppy

Poppy came into our lives as a Mother’s Day gift three years ago, bringing joy and comfort after the unexpected loss of one of our beloved German Shepherds. She is a gorgeous mix of Great Pyrenees, Akita, and Malamute, weighing in at about 115 pounds of pure love and fluff.
Poppy is incredibly smart, affectionate, and eager to please. She loves to play chase with her toys indoors, thrives on attention, and enjoys nothing more than being cuddled by her favorite humans. She knows basic commands like sit, lay down, and wait to eat until given the go-ahead. Everyone who spends time with her falls in love with her sweet personality and adorable quirks.

Why We’re Looking for a New Home for Poppy:
As much as we love Poppy, our current situation has made it increasingly challenging to meet her needs. I work full-time from home while also being the primary caregiver for my husband, who has a traumatic brain injury and uses a wheelchair. We also have another dog, Cassie (an 85-pound German Shepherd), and while Cassie is calm and steady, Poppy can become anxious, overstimulated, or reactive during certain situations, which has occasionally led to conflicts between them.
Although Poppy has never caused serious harm, these interactions have been stressful to manage, especially given my husband’s condition and our household dynamics. It’s heartbreaking, but I’ve realized that I simply don’t have the bandwidth to give Poppy the time, training, and attention she deserves.

What Poppy Needs in Her New Home:
Poppy would thrive in a loving home with an experienced dog owner or couple who can invest in her continued training and socialization. She is:
• Loving with people: While shy at first, Poppy warms up quickly to new people once given space. She has never shown aggression toward humans and will become a loyal, affectionate companion.
• Smart and eager to learn: She responds well to structure and enjoys pleasing her humans.
• Best as an only pet: While Poppy has lived with our other dog Cassie for three years, we have observed that she tends to get anxious around other dogs and would be best suited as the only pet in the home to avoid unnecessary stress.
• In need of a calm environment: She’s never been exposed to children and would do best in an adult-only home where she can feel safe and secure.

Poppy is a “COVID baby” with limited exposure to the world outside our home, yard, and her groomer, but she shows great potential to grow and adapt with the right guidance and patience.

Our Wish for Poppy:
This decision has not been made lightly. Rehoming a family member is heart-wrenching, but I know Poppy deserves a home where she can truly thrive. She’s a loving, playful, and intelligent dog who would flourish with someone who can provide her with the training, attention, and care she needs.

If you believe you can give Poppy the life she deserves, please reach out. She’s a truly special dog, and I’m committed to finding her a home where she will be adored and cherished.

Pet's Name: Poppy
Dog: Primary Breed: Great Pyrenees
Primary Breed (if not in list): 1/2 Great Pyrenees + 1/4 Malamute + 1/4 Akita
Birthdate, estimate is okay: 03/16/2022
Age Category: Adult
Where did you get your pet?: Gift from one of my kids who got her from a farm.
Adoption Day, when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.: May 2022
Gender: Female
Size (at full grown): Giant
Weight (in pounds) at full-grown size.: 115
Primary Color: White (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Stuffed toys, chew toys that squeak, yak chews
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No
What commands does your dog know?: Sit, she waits until I tell her she can eat, jump, lay down.
Has your dog ever exhibited any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, could you please share some details about the situation?: Poppy can become anxious, overstimulated, or reactive during certain situations, which has occasionally led to conflicts between her and my older German Shepherd.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Good. I've left her for up to 5.5hrs.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Usually when she is startled or scared by something new.
Is there a particular routine that works best for your dog in terms of feeding, walking, and sleep?: Breakfast is between 7:30-8:30, dinner is at 5:30, little healthy snacks after we go outside. She sleeps on a big dog bed and regrettably I am not able to walk her much.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: No.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Poppy is used to going to the groomers every 4-6 weeks.
Does your dog have any dental care routines (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)? : No.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?: Aggressive: Does not get along with other dogs and may show aggressive behavior.
How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: She is very snuggly, and she gets a form of the zoomies, lasts about 10-15min/day and she's just kind of nutty and cute.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Someone who is willing to invest in working with her on training and of course giving her lots of love.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: I always have her on leash as she will run if given the chance, she thinks its a game. Also, she can dig, she doesn't dig in the yard but that is because she's always on leash when we go out but one time I tried to put her on a lead between two trees and five minutes later I came out to find she'd dug down to the roots of a pine tree.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Incompatible with Other Pets
Rehoming reason details (if necessary): Please see detailed description.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?: Roseau County Veterinary Clini
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Nature's Logic, Chicken Meal Feast
Do you have pet insurance for your pet? : No
Would you consider a long distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Baudette, MN
Zip Code: 56623
How did you hear about us?: Other Search
Service Level: Tailored: For pets with minor behavioral or special needs