- One owner’s boxer has an adorable bedtime routine that’s far from ordinary
- Princess Poppy insists on wearing a pink sleeping mask every night before bed
- The unique habit started as a joke but quickly became a comforting ritual for the pet
Princess Poppy, a 6-year-old female boxer with an affinity for bedtime rituals, has a nighttime routine that is both heartwarming and a little uncommon for dogs.
Born on Christmas Day in 2018, Poppy quickly became more than just a pet to her owner, Vanessa Nelson – she’s a loyal companion, with one essential bedtime accessory: a pink sleeping mask.
A quirky tradition, which started as a playful joke, has since become an important part of Poppy’s nightly routine.
It all started about three years ago, when Nelson, who was already a fan of sleeping masks, decided to playfully place one on her furry friend.
“I sleep with a mask myself, and I had an extra one and put it on her as a joke. I left the bedroom to do something and came back, and she hadn’t moved,” Nelson tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I lifted the mask, and she was sleeping! I knew then she liked it.”
From that moment on, Poppy’s relationship with the mask was set in stone. The mask wasn’t just a funny accessory but a source of comfort for the young boxer.
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“After that, she would cry each night until I put it on her,” Nelson admits. Poppy’s attachment to her sleep routine doesn’t end with the mask, though. Since she was a puppy, Poppy has preferred being tucked in under the covers, often making herself right at home on the pillow.
“Poppy prefers to go to bed around 7:30 to 8 p.m. She likes to get in bed early to have her ‘me time’ before going to sleep like her mama,” Nelson explains.
“I think she’s particular about her routine because she’s a boxer and they have such needy personalities, and also because I spoiled her so now she’s used to the good life and doesn’t wanna go back!”
Courtesy of Vanessa Nelson
According to Nelson, Poppy’s bedtime has become a family affair.
“I do it for her every night, and if I’m away, she will stay with grandma and grandpa, who will do her bedtime ritual for her,” she shares with PEOPLE. The love and support are evident, and it’s clear that Poppy’s family fully embraces her unique demands.
However, one memorable night, her owners learned just how critical the pink sleep mask is to Poppy’s routine.
“One time, Poppy’s sleep mask was missing. Me and her dad looked all over and couldn’t find it. Poppy would not stop crying or settle down,” Nelson recalled. “I had to go drive to Target and buy her a new one just so we could all get some sleep. That mistake never happened again. Poppy now has a collection of masks for emergencies like this!”
Courtesy of Vanessa Nelson
This episode is just one example of the deep connection between Poppy and her owner. Their bond extends far beyond routines – it’s a partnership built on love and understanding.
“It’s hard to put into words what Poppy means to me, because it feels like no words deep enough exist yet,” Nelson says. “Poppy is my world. She does everything with me, she’s my best friend. I would do anything for her, and I know she would do the same for me. She is truly my soul dog.”
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