Furby, a tiny one-month-old Goldendoodle puppy, faced an incredibly difficult start in life. While most puppies spend their early days filled with playful energy, exploring their surroundings, and cuddling with their littermates, Furby’s reality was quite different. Born weak and fragile, he struggled just to survive. His tiny body was plagued with medical challenges that left him unable to do even the most basic things a puppy should—sit up, walk, or even lift his head. Every day was a battle, and while some might have given up, Furby’s spirit remained unshaken. His resilience and determination shone through despite the hardships, capturing the attention of the compassionate team at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), who were ready to do everything in their power to give him the second chance he deserved.

But despite the odds stacked against him, Furby refused to give up. His determination and resilience captured the hearts of the compassionate team at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), who made it their mission to give him the best chance at life.
When Furby arrived at APA!, it was clear that he was in dire need of medical attention. Unlike his robust and healthy siblings, he was the runt of the litter, suffering from an undiagnosed neurological condition that left him unable to sit up or walk.
Instead of taking his first steps, Furby lay helpless, unable to even lift his tiny head. But his spirit remained strong. The dedicated APA! staff recognized his will to fight, and they weren’t about to give up on him.
Under the watchful eye of veterinarians and caregivers, Furby underwent countless medical evaluations to understand the extent of his condition. Day by day, he showed small signs of progress, proving that he was determined to overcome the obstacles in his path.
According to Luis Sanchez, the director of public relations and communications at APA!, Furby’s case was sadly not uncommon among designer breeds.
“While his exact history is unknown, the demand for designer breeds like Goldendoodles too often leads to puppies bred for profit rather than health, increasing the likelihood of medical complications and shelter surrenders,” Sanchez told The Dodo.

After weeks of dedicated care and treatment, Furby reached a major milestone—he was finally strong enough to move into a foster home. But no one could have predicted just how quickly his life was about to change.
In the loving environment of his foster home, Furby’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Surrounded by caring humans and playful foster siblings, the once-weak puppy found newfound strength. He learned how to walk, then run, and before long, he was playing and tumbling around like any other healthy pup.
“He is playing with his foster siblings and learning what love is,” Sanchez shared.
The puppy that once couldn’t lift his head was now thriving, his playful nature shining through as he experienced the joys of being a dog for the first time.
Furby’s story sheds light on a much bigger issue—the consequences of unethical breeding practices. Many designer breeds, such as Goldendoodles, are in high demand, which often leads to irresponsible breeding. When profit is prioritized over animal welfare, puppies like Furby are born with serious health problems that can make survival difficult.
Sadly, many of these dogs end up in shelters when their owners realize they cannot handle the extensive medical care required to keep them healthy. This vicious cycle continues as long as unethical breeding practices go unchecked.
If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your home, take the time to research responsible breeding practices—or, even better, consider adoption. Adopting from a shelter not only saves a life but also helps fight against the unethical breeding industry.

Doctor Left Her Dog In a Storage Bin
Furby’s journey is a testament to the power of love, care, and second chances. Thanks to the tireless work of Austin Pets Alive!, this once-helpless puppy now has a bright future ahead. And while he still has a long way to go, one thing is certain—his story is far from over.
With the right forever family, Furby’s life will continue to be filled with love, adventure, and endless tail wags. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the incredible resilience of animals and the importance of giving every pet the chance they deserve.