Fear is an insidious companion, creeping into our hearts when we least expect it. It tests our beliefs, our courage, and our resilience. For me, fear arrived in the form of an invisible enemy—parvo—and a tiny poodle puppy named Baldwin, full of promise and potential.

Baldwin was born in my first litter after moving to Tennessee, a litter I had high hopes for. Among the puppies, Baldwin stood out. I envisioned him as my next show dog, a symbol of everything I strive for in my breeding program. He was bold, curious, and bright—a little ball of energy that brought joy to every moment. But life, unpredictable as it is, had other plans.

The Paintbrush Incident

One sunny afternoon, I was painting a chicken coop while the dogs ran freely across our acres. Baldwin, ever curious, darted toward me with puppy speed as I put my paintbrush down to grab something. I glanced at him and thought, “He’s too far to get into the paint.” I underestimated his determination.

Within seconds, Baldwin was at my side, the paintbrush in his mouth. Despite my swift reaction, he managed to ingest a small amount of paint. My heart sank. I immediately began treating him for poisoning, knowing that every moment mattered.

For three long days, I monitored him, hoping for signs of improvement. But instead of getting better, Baldwin’s condition worsened. Panic set in. Had he swallowed more paint than I realized? Could there be a foreign object complicating his symptoms? In the middle of the night, with worry gnawing at me, we rushed to the emergency vet.

The Diagnosis

At the ER, I instructed the technician clearly: conduct an X-ray to rule out obstruction, and consult with me before performing any additional tests. A few minutes later, the veterinarian returned with both good and bad news.

The good news? Baldwin had no foreign objects obstructing his stomach. The bad news? He tested positive for parvo.

My first reaction wasn’t shock at the diagnosis—it was frustration. The parvo test had been performed without my consent, directly ignoring my instructions. While I acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, I reminded the vet of the importance of respecting my decisions. Still, I listened as she outlined her treatment plan: antibiotics and steroids to suppress symptoms and “manage” the virus or possible secondary infections.

But I knew better. Suppressing Baldwin’s immune system wasn’t the answer. The fight against parvo is not about masking symptoms but about supporting the immune system to overcome the virus. I declined her recommendations and took Baldwin home, determined to give him the best care possible.

The Fight Begins

Parvo is a relentless virus. It attacks the body mercilessly, targeting the digestive system, depleting energy, and leaving puppies in a fragile state. For many, the prognosis is grim.

When we returned home, I immediately quarantined Baldwin from the other dogs and began natural treatments. Hydration was key, so we administered IV fluids to keep him stable. Nutrient-dense broths, supportive supplements, and constant monitoring became our routine.

Parvo is a waiting game. Typically, it takes at least a week to see whether a puppy will turn the corner toward recovery or succumb to the virus. Baldwin’s situation was even more precarious, as his body was already weakened from the paint incident. Yet, I held onto hope, trusting in the foundation of his natural rearing.

A Weekend of Miracles

Against all odds, Baldwin began to show signs of improvement in just three days. By Sunday morning, he was on his feet, tail wagging. He stood at the window, watching the other dogs play outside, and even scratched at the door, eager to join them.

That door still bears the marks of his determination, a daily reminder of the resilience of life when it is given the right tools to heal.

By the end of the weekend, Baldwin was stable. While we continued quarantine for two more weeks to fully restore his immune strength, it was clear he had triumphed. He overcame parvo—a virus that often claims the lives of puppies—with nothing more than the support of natural thoughtful around the clock care and the strength of his immune system.

Lessons Learned

Baldwin’s recovery reaffirmed a fundamental truth I hold dear: a strong immune system is a dog’s greatest defense. His success wasn’t luck; it was the result of thoughtful, intentional care rooted in natural rearing principles.

Baldwin wasn’t burdened by toxins, over-vaccination, or a nutrient-deficient diet. He was raised on raw food, nurtured by a mother who herself was naturally reared. His immune system was primed to fight back, even against a formidable enemy like parvo.

Veterinary medicine often focuses on managing symptoms with suppressive treatments, but true healing comes from within. The immune system is the body’s most powerful tool, and it must be supported—not hindered—to do its job.

The Bigger Picture

Fear will always be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. It can serve as a reminder of what truly matters: the strength we build in our animals through intentional, natural care. Baldwin’s story is a testament to the power of nature’s design, proving that even in the face of fear, resilience can triumph.

To those who face similar challenges, let Baldwin’s story be a source of hope. When we trust in the body’s innate wisdom and support it with care free from toxins, processed foods, and unnecessary interventions, we give our animals the best chance to thrive.

Baldwin’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the remarkable power of a naturally supported immune system. While his journey had a happy ending, it also underscores a profound truth: a naturally reared puppy has a significantly higher chance of overcoming illness.

Parvo is a relentless virus, often devastating even with aggressive veterinary intervention. As a former veterinary technician, I’ve cared for countless puppies battling parvo, and I witnessed a heartbreaking reality—85% of vaccinated puppies succumbed to the virus, their immune systems too burdened by toxicity to fight back. This stark contrast highlights the unparalleled advantage of a naturally reared immune system, free from unnecessary toxins and bolstered by generations of intentional care.

Yet, natural rearing is a journey. It doesn’t promise instant immunity, but it lays a foundation that strengthens with each passing generation. Puppies raised naturally today are part of a bigger vision—a multi-generational effort to rebuild resilience.

The Pillars of Immune Resilience

Several critical factors influence a puppy’s ability to fight illness:

• Generational Health: The immune strength of the dam and sire is key. Each generation of natural rearing amplifies resilience, passing on healthier genetics and stronger immunity. My vision? Seven to eight generations of naturally reared poodles, thriving as nature intended.
• Lifestyle: Daily exposure to clean air, sunlight, and a toxin-free environment fosters robust health. Stress-free living plays a pivotal role in a puppy’s resilience.
• Proper Nutrition: Species-appropriate, nutrient-dense raw food supports the body’s natural defenses, building a solid foundation from the inside out.
• Consistent Care: Regular support through hydration, natural remedies, and immune-boosting practices ensures a puppy can handle life’s challenges.

Why Generational Health Matters

Baldwin’s story is proof that a naturally reared immune system can perform miracles. Despite the challenges of parvo, compounded by a paint exposure incident, his immune system, unburdened by suppressive treatments or unnecessary vaccines, fought back with incredible strength.

However, not every naturally reared puppy is equally prepared. The health of a puppy is intricately tied to the immune legacy passed down through its lineage. Every natural-rearing decision we make today contributes to a stronger, healthier tomorrow. As I look ahead to breeding poodles that are seven or eight generations into natural rearing, I can only imagine the thriving, resilient animals they will become—beasts who embody the vitality and balance they were designed to have.

The Lesson

When faced with a virus like parvo, the immune system is the only true line of defense. Antibiotics and steroids, often recommended, suppress the immune response and hinder recovery rather than support it. The solution lies in investing in immune resilience—not just in moments of crisis, but from the very start of life.

Baldwin’s story is a testament to the power of natural rearing. It’s a journey of intentional choices, patience, and care. It’s not a shortcut, but it’s worth every effort to raise animals who not only survive but thrive.

Let us strive to build generational health, free from the eroding effects of toxicity and artificial interventions. Let us raise thriving beasts, equipped to handle life’s challenges with the full strength of their natural design.

Because a strong immune system isn’t just a defense—it’s the foundation of a life well-lived.

To thriving beasts and lasting health,
Timea R. Bodi