When Andrea saw a photo of a hairless, pink-skinned French bulldog puppy named Harold on Cleft Pup Brigade’s Instagram last August, she knew she had to help.
At just four months old, Harold had already endured severe neglect — and it showed. His inflamed skin was bare, raw, and desperately in need of care.
But none of that scared Andrea away.
“We instantly fell in love with him,” she recalled. “I just knew I could help him heal.”
Harold wasn’t hairless by breed — he had simply lost his fur due to extreme neglect. His painful condition broke Andrea’s heart, but it also motivated her even more to turn things around for him.
“He’d been through so much in such a short time,” Andrea said. “No puppy should have to live like that.”
From day one, Harold received a steady routine of gentle, healing care. Andrea and her family gave him medicated baths every other day, applied soothing lotion to his skin, and dressed him in cozy shirts and sweaters to help lock in moisture.
“He loved the baths — he just wanted to be warm and comforted,” Andrea said.
As the days went by, Harold's skin started to recover, and before long, tiny tufts of peach fuzz began to sprout. But even more touching than his physical transformation was the way Harold’s personality began to shine.
“He’s a little comedian,” Andrea laughed. “It’s like he lives to make people smile.”
One of Harold’s favorite activities? Being carried around like a baby. Wrapped in a soft shirt or even wearing a diaper during outings, Harold quickly gained a reputation — as a human infant.
“People would come up to us and say, ‘I thought you were holding a baby!’ or, ‘Is that a Sphynx cat?’” Andrea said. “Nope, just a very special little Frenchie.”
Despite his rough beginning, Harold never lost his love for people. And when the time came to find his forever home, fate stepped in again.
Harold was adopted by a loving family who already had a calm, affectionate dog named Hippolita. The moment Harold and Hippolita met, they clicked — playing gently and bonding instantly.
“We knew right away it was the perfect match,” Andrea said.
Now, Harold is thriving in his new home, living his best life as a happy, energetic pup with a bright future ahead. And while Andrea misses him, she finds peace in knowing she helped him get there.
“Being part of his healing journey was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Watching a dog go from suffering to thriving — that’s why we do what we do.”
To keep up with Harold’s adventures in his new home, follow him on Instagram.
To help dogs like Harold get the love and care they deserve, consider donating to Cleft Pup Brigade.
