Leukaemia Patient’s Dream Fulfilled: A Day as a Vet at Pets at Home
In a heartwarming display of compassion and generosity, Pets at Home in Orpington made a little girl’s dream come true by granting her wish to become a veterinary nurse for a day. Five-year-old Poppy Catterall, who was diagnosed with untreatable leukaemia in July, was given the opportunity to immerse herself in her dream job for a full day of work experience at the Cray Avenue branch.
Poppy’s parents, Che-Marie and Jordan, embarked on a mission to create lasting memories for their daughter after receiving the devastating diagnosis. Due to the risk of infection from chemotherapy, Poppy was unable to be around pets or animals. However, a trip to Pets at Home provided a safe way for her to interact with the animals she adored. Inspired by Poppy’s aspiration to become a veterinary nurse, Che-Marie reached out on social media, leading to an outpouring of support and offers to make Poppy’s dream a reality.
Upon learning of Poppy’s story, Pets at Home store manager Steve and his team were quick to spring into action. With enthusiasm and dedication, they prepared a special experience for Poppy and her family, complete with scrubs, a ‘VIP Access’ lanyard, and personalized name badges. The day was meticulously planned with a split work experience-style shift across the store, ensuring that Poppy had a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Poppy’s day at Pets at Home began with a ‘Mega Pet Pals’ session, where she had the opportunity to handle and learn all about guinea pigs. She even took on the responsibility of feeding the fish their breakfast. The afternoon was equally exciting, as Poppy and her brother, Jude, donned their own scrubs, badges, stethoscopes, and information folders to become ‘Junior Pet Experts’. They explored the ultrasound and X-ray rooms, observed X-ray images of animals, and toured the kennels where recovering animals awaited their owners.
As a touching finale to the day, Poppy and Jude added their beloved Cockapoo, Waffle, to the ‘Our Pets’ board at the store entrance. Che-Marie expressed her profound gratitude for the exceptional care and kindness shown by the Pets at Home team, emphasizing how every staff member went above and beyond to make the experience unforgettable for her children. The genuine passion and dedication of the staff left a lasting impression on the family, who were deeply moved by the outpouring of support.
In a photograph capturing the joy of the day, Poppy and Jude can be seen beaming with delight during their visit to Pets at Home. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the power of kindness and the profound impact a simple act of generosity can have on those facing difficult circumstances. The Catterall family’s heartfelt thanks to the Pets at Home team serves as a testament to the invaluable moments of joy and hope that were shared during Poppy’s dream-come-true experience.
