So he was horrified when Niall Harbison clapped eyes on the minute, bald puppy. They looked so fragile, Niall honestly thought the wee man might not make it.
His friend Jules found the stray puppy, which they named Rodney. Rodney was in very bad condition, had no strength even to stand on his own and was heavily infested with mange.
As the first few nights dragged on, Niall became fidgety, constantly making sure Rodney was not in trouble. Whenever he looked in, he prayed his little warrior was still alive.
Rodney made it through the first night and started to eat, which brought a huge sense of relief over Niall. It was everyday, Ed spoke to Rodney and told him fight on.
Find the writer in you email for Rodney with his blanket but then he would listen to Niall. And those moments of pure love and reassurance were the drive he needed to keep going.
A Fighter Emerges
After the days went on, Niall realised something. And our Rodney started to finally stand on his own because if nothing else, he was a fighter.
Rodney was ready to meet some other pups two weeks later. They sniffed him excitedly and greeted him with wagging tails.
Rodney was excited to be included in the pack and started discovering his environment.
Niall recalled: “He was just so inquisitive; it was like he was soaking in all this because the world was massive for him.
Niall enjoyed hearing about how individual Rodney was. This pup had so much love to give and was just kissing Niall.
Fur-tactic Surprises
Niall began checking the color of Rodney’s fur every day as it started to grow back. He thought he was getting it golden brown, and out came the white fur.
I was especially surprised by how his fur looked. Even on his little cheeks. It was constantly changing colour, Niall said.
Rodney, however, ended up with this gorgeous silver-gray brown coat. Imagine a sick puppy growing into an exuberant ready for adventure dog, all due to the love and care of Niall.
A New Family
Rodney had only been with Niall for 3 months and it wasn’t long until a loving family fell in love with him! When they came together, there was no mistaking the joy on his face.
Niall even blew Rodney a kiss and wished him all the best in life before he left with his new parents.
Niall couldn’t help but feeling a sense of absolute happiness watching Rodney start this new chapter.
“Cases like Rodney — they just really blow my damn mind. That just makes everything I do worthwhile,” he said. “I mean, he goes from a little scrap of a dog on the verge of death to the heart of a family that loves him.”
Rodney’s new family welcomed all of them with and open arms, including his proud puppy brother.
Sharing Adventures
These days, Rodney, who frequently posts about his day-to-day misadventures on Instagram with his brother, is living a full-blooded life.
The siblings enjoy playing in the yard and going for hikes with each other. They are enjoying themselves, for sure!
Rodney’s story doesn’t stop there, it was the long aspects of their lives both on and off social media that many found inspiration in. His Instagram is full of cute pictures that visually show not only the puppy’s playful side, but also the connection he has with his new family.
Each post glows with joy and love as a bright reminder that second chances do exist. Even now, Niall watches Rodney’s adventures from size and is proud of his development.
He says he is always amazed at how rewarding it can be to see animals in desperate situations turned around.
From an incurable sickly stray to a loving and beloved family member, Rodney proves that love does, indeed, heal all wounds—both physical and emotional.
Rodney is doing well each day, filling his family and everyone who has been following him online with hope.
