“It’s amazing to see her so happy again.”
Meet Tilly — a 16-year-old pup whose love for life has never faded, even as her body tried to slow her down.
For most of her life, Tilly was a playful, high-energy companion who thrived on fun and family time. But as she aged, signs of osteoarthritis crept in — and the once-lively dog gradually became unable to move without help.
“She couldn’t stay on her feet,” her owner, Sarah Woodward, shared with The Dodo. “She’d try to stand but would topple over. Eventually, we were carrying her everywhere, even feeding her in bed.”
Even more heartbreaking was the visible change in Tilly’s spirit. Without the freedom to move, her spark seemed to dim. Her family feared the worst.
“It really felt like we were reaching the end,” Woodward said. “We scheduled a vet visit thinking we might have to say goodbye.”
But what happened next surprised everyone.
Instead of saying farewell, the vet offered a lifeline — a monthly injection to ease the pain caused by Tilly’s arthritis.
And the results were nothing short of miraculous.
“She’s a completely different dog now,” Woodward said. “At dinnertime, she zips around the kitchen like a puppy again, chasing us around the house. She’s playful, energetic, and truly happy.”
It wasn’t the end after all — it was a new beginning.
“Watching her thrive in her golden years is everything we could’ve hoped for,” Woodward added. “It’s comforting to know that she’s not just surviving, but actually enjoying her life again.”
The treatment Tilly receives is called Librela (known as Beransa in Australia), a medication approved by the FDA in 2023 for treating osteoarthritis in dogs. While promising, it’s important to note that the FDA has issued advisories about potential side effects. Pet owners should always speak to their vet before starting any new treatment.
Still, Tilly’s family hopes their story brings encouragement to others caring for aging or arthritic dogs.
“If your dog is struggling with mobility or pain, this could be something worth exploring,” Woodward said. “For us, it’s been life-changing. Months later, she’s still going strong — and we’re so grateful to see her enjoying every moment.”