When Sophie Vershbow agreed to temporarily foster a 10-year-old dog named Popcorn — lovingly called Poppy — she had no idea how quickly the senior pup would steal her heart.
Poppy had spent years being passed over in a Dallas shelter, but to Vershbow, it was instantly clear: this gentle, low-maintenance dog was someone’s perfect soulmate.
“One day with Poppy, and I’m convinced she’d be the ideal companion for an elderly person,” Vershbow wrote on X. “She’s slow-moving, easygoing, and just wants to be near you.”
Poppy had recently been rescued from a shelter by Hearts & Bones, a foster-based rescue that transported her to New York City. She was placed with a dedicated long-term foster, but when that foster needed to travel for the holidays, Poppy spent a few weeks with Vershbow.
Though she switched homes briefly, her journey to find a forever family never stopped. And after everything she had survived — deafness, partial blindness, skin issues, chronic ear infections and several concerning lumps — she more than deserved a place to call home.
“This sweet girl needed immediate, extensive medical care,” Hearts & Bones shared. “At 10 years old, she arrived in rough shape, but she never stopped trying.”
Despite her challenges, Poppy’s spirit was bright. She joined Vershbow and her dog Simon on snowy walks through New York City, proudly wearing her bright yellow “Adopt Me” tag. Vershbow shared her widely on social media, hoping the right person would finally notice her.
“Merry Chrismukkah from foster dog Poppy,” Vershbow posted. “Here’s hoping she spends next Christmas with her forever family.”
But weeks passed, and not a single adoption application came in.
When Poppy returned to her full-time foster, the search continued. They attended adoption events, hoping that someone — anyone — would see past her gray face and notice the wonderful dog she was. But at one heartbreaking event, the truth became impossible to ignore.
Poppy curled up in her little spot and watched dog after dog leave with their new families. They all walked right past her — not even stopping to say hello.
“And this is the moment I sobbed,” her foster mom wrote. “She deserves so much love.”
You can watch Poppy at the adoption event here:
Poppy was the perfect pup on the inside, but her salt-and-pepper face seemed to drive people away — a common experience among senior dogs.
“Sadly, dogs like Popcorn are often overlooked in shelters because of their age and medical needs,” Hearts & Bones wrote.
But her team refused to give up. They shared her story, posted her videos, and kept believing for her.
And finally — the miracle she had waited months for arrived.
“I’m thrilled beyond measure to share that Poppy found her forever home!!!” Vershbow announced. “She’s off to live out her golden years in Cape Cod with her new mom and dog siblings.”
After a long, emotional search, Poppy now has everything she ever wanted: a loving family, a peaceful home, and a pack of dog siblings to enjoy her golden years with.
For a dog who endured so much, Poppy holds no resentment — only gratitude.
“Poppy is just happy to be here,” Vershbow wrote.
To help other senior dogs like Poppy receive medical care and find homes, you can donate to Hearts & Bones.
