Kate Withers
Poppy the Jack Russel Terrier has been a constant in Jenny Moncur’s life for nearly 14 years, but when her husband died four years ago the pup became her rock.
“People often underestimate the importance of companionship for people living on their own,” Jenny said.
“I would go mad if I didn’t have her to talk to sometimes so she’s just fantastic company.”
Twenty years as a MICA paramedic has “taken its toll” on the Rosedale resident, who is taking some well-deserved time off for self care.
“I have pretty bad PTSD so I go down the Austin Hospital once a week for treatment,” she said.
“It’s a little bit harder these days because I’m on my own so that’s where having Pop comes in.”
Jenny fills her days tending to the sheep and horses on the property, pottering in her gorgeous garden and enjoying downtime and long walks with Poppy.
“She’s really fit. I walk down the street and that’s nearly five kilometres and she’s right there with me,” Jenny said.
Poppy came into the Moncur family as a pup at a tumultuous time for Jenny and provided lots of love and light.
“The week I got her was the week my dad died, and my kids always called him Poppy, so we called her Poppy,” she said.
Poppy will turn 14 next month but has survived five snake bites, serious incidents with horses and rat bait poisoning.
“She’s invincible. It’s hard to kill a Jack Russell and I’m always running her off to the vet,” Jenny said.
She has also had two run-ins with native Martin’s toadlets and both times has pulled through from a critical condition.
Poppy isn’t getting any better at picking her battles in her old age and still insists on ruling the roost.
“She doesn’t play well with others and has little dog syndrome,” Jenny said.
“But she comes in here at night time, sits with me by the fire in her special spot and keeps me company. She’s a great little mate.”
The Express is looking for passionate Latrobe Valley pet owners who would like to tell the story behind their pets and why they matter in their lives.
If you would like your pet to feature in a future edition of this weekly column, email news@lvexpress.com.au with ‘You and Your Pet’ in the subject line and include your contact details.
