Four Paws, Two Wheels, No Problem!

Chris and Maureen Harrington give Sweet Paul readers a sneak peak into the life of Insta-star Ivy the Frenchie and her upcoming pawtobiography

Chris and Maureen Harrington, with Ivy

Photo by Daniella Thomas

Can you please tell our readers Ivy’s story?

We are Chris and Maureen Harrington, from Boston, Massachusetts, and we are Ivy’s very proud parents. Ivy is a five-year-old French bulldog. When we brought her home, we knew she would fill our home with happiness, love, and kisses, but we never could have imagined that she would teach us—and everyone she meets—some of life’s most important lessons.

Two years ago, Ivy woke up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain. We rushed her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a genetic spinal disease: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). After emergency spinal surgery, the vets were able to alleviate her pain, but the disease left her paralyzed in her back legs. Learning that our dog, our baby, could no longer walk was devastating and frightening. How could Ivy chase her ball, play with her besties, or simply stand to eat dinner? Ivy showed us how. When she took her first wobbly steps on just two paws, our hearts almost burst. Each day she got stronger and was more determined. It was (and still is) unbelievable to watch.

Photo by Daniella Thomas

Are you surprised by all the media attention Ivy is getting?

Surprised that thousands of people adore her? Not one bit. Overwhelmed by the community of Ivy lovers and supporters? Absolutely!

We created Ivy’s Instagram account to provide our family and friends with health updates, allowing us to focus onIvy’s recovery. It also became a tool for us to connect with other dog owners as we tried to figure out this new life together. Now people all over the world message us to tell us how much Ivy inspires them.

We are so thankful to our Instagram family for all their love and support over the years. We truly could not have been on this roller coaster without all the love and pawsativity.

Photo by Daniella Thomas

And now she has written a book,“Ivy the Very Determined Dog.”How did that come about?

Yes, it’s true. Ivy wrote a pawtobiography (with a little help from us). “Ivy the Very DeterminedDog” is a children’s book about overcoming life’s challenges and finding your inner strength. It also introduces children to disabilities in an empowering manner. Ivy teaches us to never give up, to embrace your individuality, and, most importantly, to “keep on rolling whatever you do, and never let anything get the better of you!”

We have enjoyed every minute of the amazing publishing journey. Wait until you see the work of our illustrator Charlotte Bruijn! We found Charlotte, who is from the Netherlands, through the Instagram community that has supported us from day one.

What is your best advice for dog owners who have a disabled dog?

We love dogs, but we never envisioned our life with a disabled dog. Yes, a pet with a disability will be a little more work, but the unconditional love is worth all the diaper changes in the world!

Also please invest in pet insurance. No one wants to have to make a medical decision based on their savings account. Fortunately, our pet insurance covered the majority of Ivy’s medical bills and saved her life. Don’t worry though, we would have sold our home to keep her going!

“Ivy the Very Determined Dog” will launch April 2019 and can be purchased through Amazon. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to help children and disabled animals.

Ivy’s full story is available on her Instagram page @ivythefrenchie