By chance, a litter with the characteristics Eduardo was looking for was born in Zaragoza at precisely that time. That is how Hero’s story began: a dog who would eventually become much more than a pet and who, years later, would bring thousands of people together around his story on social media.
It all started in a much simpler way. Eduardo opened an Instagram account to save photographs of Hero, as he had always enjoyed photography. Then a reel went viral and, from that point on, the husky’s videos began reaching more people. Now, after some particularly difficult months, that community has been one of Eduardo’s greatest sources of support.
THREE MONTHS MARKED BY ILLNESS
Hero’s problems began after an obstruction caused by a bone left his stomach in a fairly serious condition. Shortly afterward, Eduardo noticed that he was drinking a lot of water and decided to take him to the vet. Tests detected a tick-borne infection.
Three difficult months for Hero and his owner, Eduardo Munárriz.
The situation eventually became more complicated. Hero regurgitated his food and, after inhaling particles of water and food, developed bronchitis. “They have been three very difficult months,” Eduardo explains in an interview with ARAGÓN DIGITAL. The first few weeks were particularly hard because the vets could not determine what was happening. “He was really unwell. Specifically, the first three weeks were very bad because they could not identify the type of bacteria. They did not know whether it was pneumonia or metastasis,” he recalls.
“WE DIDN’T KNOW WHETHER HERO WOULD SURVIVE”
Once metastasis had been ruled out, they still had to find the right treatment for the pneumonia. “We were giving him antibiotics blindly because we did not know which one would work for him,” Eduardo says.
After three weeks, they managed to identify the bacteria and find the appropriate antibiotic. Until then, the uncertainty had been constant. “During that time, we did not know whether Hero would survive or whether he would pull through.”
The situation has now improved. “Last Tuesday, we had the final X-ray, and I can say that his lungs are almost clear.” However, after so much medication, Hero’s liver has been affected and he has lost strength in his legs. For that reason, he is continuing with acupuncture and traumatology sessions and still needs further treatment.
“I SPENT ALL THE MONEY I HAD AND WAS LEFT COMPLETELY BROKE”
Hero’s health problems also had a major financial impact. “Between the different health problems Hero has had and this latest episode, I spent all the money I had and was left completely broke,” Eduardo explains. After discussing it with friends and family, he decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign. “Asking for money is not easy, but in the end, for Hero, I would do whatever was necessary.”
The response from his followers was immediate. “The support I received was incredible. The donations came in very quickly,” he says. When he felt there was enough money, he closed the donations, although the expenses continued. At his followers’ request, he later launched merchandise featuring T-shirts, mugs and other products to help cover future bills.
THE AFFECTION HERO HAS RECEIVED
The community Eduardo built around Hero has also been present outside social media. “Above all, the affection we have received now that Hero has been unwell,” he explains. He says that some people recognize them in the street and show their support: “People who greet us from a distance, wave at us or shout, ‘Stay strong!’” “They are people we do not know, and you think: ‘Wow, how lovely.’ All the support I have received has helped me enormously emotionally,” he says.
His Instagram account has almost 300,000 followers.
But social media also has a less friendly side. Eduardo says that 99% of the community is positive, although he has received criticism and even accusations of animal abuse after sharing some of his experiences. “It is absurd,” he says.
MORE EXPENSES AND A NEW TUMOR
Hero’s recovery is not over yet. In addition to traumatology and supplements, Eduardo explains that he will have to undergo surgery on one of his testicles after a tumor was detected. “Several things have kept appearing,” he points out. As a result, veterinary expenses continue while Hero tries to regain the strength he has lost over these months.
The whole experience has also led Eduardo to reflect on the cost of caring for an animal when unexpected health problems arise. “I have been unlucky and lucky at the same time. Unlucky because one thing after another has happened to Hero, and lucky because, thanks to the support on social media and from our followers, I have been able to cover the expenses.”
For Eduardo, veterinary expenses can be unpredictable, and not every family can afford them. “It also angers me that some people have to watch an animal suffer or die because they cannot afford the costs.”
Hero’s story now continues with checkups, treatments and recovery sessions, but also with the support of thousands of people who have followed these three months of uncertainty alongside Eduardo. For his owner, that help has been essential to covering the expenses and, above all, to carrying on while his husky recovers.
