For sixteen remarkable years, Tilly had been a vibrant presence in her home. She was a curious and playful pup with a heart full of joy and an energy that refused to quit.
Her family adored her for it. But as time marched on, that brightness began to dim.
The changes were slow at first: a slight limp here, a little hesitation there. Eventually, those minor shifts became major challenges.
Osteoarthritis had settled deep into Tilly’s joints, and the pain robbed her of the independence she once loved.
The most painful part wasn’t just her physical decline. It was seeing the light fade from her eyes. For a dog who once chased butterflies and barked at the wind, the stillness was heartbreaking.
Getting ready for Goodbye
Thinking their final goodbye had come, Tilly’s family booked a vet appointment. They spent the hours before it in tears, bracing themselves for a farewell they weren’t ready to make. “We honestly thought this was it,” Sarah recalled.
But that appointment didn’t bring closure. It brought a miracle. Instead of ending Tilly’s journey, the veterinarian offered a new path.
A monthly injection designed specifically to ease the inflammation and pain of canine osteoarthritis. The medication, called Librela (also known as Beransa in Australia), had only recently received FDA approval in 2023.
To everyone’s amazement, the change was almost immediate. Within days, the dog they thought they were losing began to return step by step, tail wag by tail wag.
“Tilly got her spark back,” Sarah said. “You could see it in the way she moved, the way she looked at us. She wasn’t just surviving. She was living again.”
A Reminder for Other Pet Parents
Today, Tilly races around the kitchen when it’s dinner time. She greets her family with tail wags and playful nudges. The medication hasn’t just given her pain relief. It’s returned her freedom.
“She’s a completely different dog now,” Sarah said. “It’s like we went back in time. She’s silly again, she’s lively, and she’s happy.”
Her family knows the clock still ticks, but now every day feels like a gift. Watching their sweet girl enjoy life again is something they’ll never take for granted.
A Reminder for all Dogs’ Parents
They also want other dog parents to know there might be options, even when it feels hopeless.
Librela has offered many dogs a second chance at comfort, though like all medications, it’s not without risk. The FDA has issued warnings about possible side effects, so it’s vital to consult a trusted vet before starting any treatment.
Still, for Tilly, it was the right choice.
“We’ve had her on this treatment for months now,” Sarah said. “And she’s not slowing down. It’s a joy to witness. We truly feel like we got our girl back.”