Last August, a photo of a tiny, unusual French bulldog named Harold caught the eye of foster mom Andrea. At just four months old, Harold was completely hairless with raw, pink skin—a result of severe neglect. Despite the challenges, Andrea was determined to help him heal.
“We saw him online and instantly fell in love,” Andrea told The Dodo. “I knew I could help this little guy turn things around.”
From Neglect to Nurture
Bringing Harold home, Andrea quickly realized how much the puppy had endured in his short life.
“Harold isn’t naturally hairless; his skin issues came from extreme neglect,” she explained. “It’s heartbreaking to think of what he went through in just a few months.”
A Therapeutic Routine
Harold’s foster family started him on a careful skincare routine to restore his health.
“We gave him medicated baths every other day, then applied lotion to encourage hair growth, and topped it off with cozy T-shirts or sweaters to help it absorb,” Andrea said. “He loved the warm baths—it was soothing for him.”
Skin Healing, Personality Shining
The results were almost immediate. Within a couple of weeks, peach fuzz began appearing all over his body, and Harold’s playful, charming personality started to emerge.
“He loves making people laugh,” Andrea said. “He’s such a happy, little entertainer.”
Always Snuggled Up
Harold thrived on human affection, always wanting to be held close. On outings, his unusual appearance sometimes caused a few double-takes.
“People would mistake him for a baby or even a Sphynx cat when he wore a diaper,” Andrea recalled. “But everyone was charmed by him once they realized he was just a Frenchie.”
Finding a Forever Home
Eventually, Harold met his forever family, who already had a gentle French bulldog named Hippolita. The two pups bonded instantly.
“They were so sweet and playful together,” Andrea said. “It was clear that Harold had found the perfect home.”
A Foster Mom’s Reward
Though she misses him, Andrea takes comfort in knowing Harold is thriving.
“When you can give love to a dog who truly needs it, the reward is seeing them heal and flourish,” she said. “It’s incredibly special to be part of their journey.”