Harry’s Fight: From Rickets to Resilience
When Harry first came under our care, he was a tiny puppy with a huge battle ahead. Malnourished and fragile, he showed the classic signs of rickets—soft, painful bones.
Even then, his tail thumped hopefully at the sight of a friendly face. That optimism has carried him through a gauntlet of illnesses, and today we’re thrilled to share that Harry is thriving—and scheduled for his long-delayed neuter next week.
The first diagnosis: rickets
Rickets is a preventable disease caused by poor nutrition and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals during growth. For a developing puppy, it can mean bowed limbs, bone pain, and delayed development.
Our veterinary team built Harry a careful recovery plan that focused on:
A balanced, puppy-specific diet to restore the nutrients his growing body needed
Vet-directed supplementation with careful calcium–phosphorus balance
Gentle physiotherapy and controlled exercise to build strength safely
Regular checks to track improvement
Slowly, Harry’s steps became steadier. His posture improved. And that little thump-thump tail became a metronome for progress.
Skin battles: fungal infection and mange
Poor nutrition and stress left Harry’s skin vulnerable. He developed a fungal skin infection alongside mange, leading to hair loss, itching, and sore, crusted patches. With parasite treatment, medicated baths, pain and itch relief, and scrupulous hygiene and isolation, his coat began to regrow and his skin settled. Mealtimes turned into happy, waggy events instead of a struggle.
A cruel setback: parvovirus
Just as Harry began to turn a corner, he developed parvovirus, a highly contagious and often deadly disease for unvaccinated puppies. Parvo is frightening—there’s no sugar-coating it—but early intervention and meticulous nursing can save lives.
Harry was admitted for isolation care, IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, careful nutrition support, and constant monitoring to prevent secondary complications. Our team and supporters rallied; every encouraging update felt like another rung up the ladder. After days that felt like weeks, Harry’s spark returned. He ate. He played. He won.
One more hurdle: papilloma virus
As if parvo weren’t enough, Harry developed a very nasty case of papilloma virus—painful oral warts that made eating uncomfortable.
With immune support Harry should have improved but sadly he needed a hand & had to have cryosurgery.
The toughest test: distemper
Later, Harry faced canine distemper, another serious viral illness. Distemper recovery takes patience and vigilant supportive care.
Harry received intensive nursing, careful nutrition and hydration, and close monitoring for any respiratory or neurological complications.
He proved, yet again, that he’s made of stern stuff. Today he’s bright, playful, and doing brilliantly; we’ll continue to keep an eye on him as he grows to ensure there are no lingering effects.
Why neutering was delayed—and why it matters
Because of Harry’s fragile health, we postponed neutering until he was robust enough for anaesthesia and recovery. That time is finally here. Harry’s neuter is scheduled for next week, a key step for his long-term wellbeing and responsible population management. It also means he’s one milestone closer to the bright future he deserves.
Who Harry is today
Harry is larger than life—brimming with energy. He’s a confident character who knows his own mind, adores his friends, and never says no to a jolly good rough-and-tumble.
Above all, Harry is a reminder that neglect can be undone with care, science, and compassion.
How you can help Harry—and puppies like him
Donate: Intensive cases like Harry’s require hospitalisation, diagnostics, medication, specialist food, and weeks of hands-on care. Your gift keeps that safety net in place.
Sponsor: Become a monthly supporter to fund ongoing rehabilitation for vulnerable pups.
Share: Spreading Harry’s story raises awareness about vaccination, parasite control, nutrition, and responsible ownership.
Thank you for standing with us through Harry’s hardest days.
Next week’s neuter is more than a procedure—it’s a line drawn under a painful past and the start of everything ahead.