Tilly, a 16-year-old pup with a heart full of energy, once lived for running, playing, and zooming around with her family.
But as she grew older, those vibrant days seemed to fade. Osteoarthritis crept in, robbing her of movement — and the light in her eyes.
“She couldn’t stay on her feet,” Tilly’s mom, Sarah Woodward, told The Dodo. “She’d fall over constantly. We had to carry her everywhere and even feed her in bed.”
Watching the once-spirited dog decline was devastating. Tilly could no longer enjoy the simple joys she loved most. Fearing the worst, her family made a vet appointment — prepared for a heartbreaking goodbye.
But instead of saying farewell, they were offered hope.
The veterinarian prescribed a monthly injection to manage Tilly’s arthritis pain. The transformation was swift — and nothing short of miraculous.
“Tilly is still thriving on this medication,” Woodward said. “At dinner time, she zooms around the kitchen, chasing us through the house. She’s playful again and so genuinely happy.”
Where there once was pain and stillness, now there’s life and motion. Tilly is spending her golden years with the joy and freedom she once thought lost.
“It’s incredible to see her like this,” Woodward said. “We thought we were nearing the end, but instead we got a beautiful new beginning.”
The medication, called Librela (Beransa in Australia), was approved by the FDA in 2023 for treating osteoarthritis in dogs. While some risks exist, and veterinary guidance is essential, Tilly’s family hopes her story inspires others.
“If your dog is in pain or slowing down, it’s worth asking your vet,” Woodward said. “This gave our girl her life back. She’s been on it for months — and she hasn’t stopped running.”
Please note: We do not endorse this (or any) specific medication, and a veterinarian should always be consulted prior to its use — but Tilly’s family hopes her story will offer hope to others with dogs facing similar challenges.
