When Haley Pierson heard that a Retriever puppy was being offered for 50% off, she immediately sensed that something was wrong. The reason given by the first family for backing out of the adoption would touch her deeply.
A few months earlier, the Pierson family had gone through a painful experience: they lost their Golden Retriever to cancer. It was a huge shock, especially for Haley's father, who had a very close bond with the dog. They had considered getting another dog, but not just yet. It was still too soon.
A 'reduced price' puppy for a worrying reason
In 2024, an unexpected opportunity arose. A breeder was offering a Retriever puppy at a reduced price. The reason? The family who had reserved the puppy before he was even born had pulled out.
Haley and her mother decided to go and see him, without getting their hopes up. But they already knew that as soon as they met him, it would be impossible to leave without him.
On Instagram, through the account @liam.thespecialcream, Haley explained that the breeder had lowered the price after the puppy suffered from a vestibular episode. The original adopters were worried and preferred to wait for a puppy with “no potential defects”.
A neurological disorder... but a huge heart
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps a dog maintain balance, coordinate movements, and stabilise its gaze. When it's affected, it can cause some dramatic symptoms: loss of balance, an unsteady walk, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), a tilted head, and confusion.
In this puppy's case, the signs appeared very early, at around six weeks old. He was falling over, walking in circles, drooling excessively, and his eyes were flickering... These symptoms were enough to scare off the first family.
But not the Piersons. They decided to adopt him and gave him a name: Liam.
A different daily life, but one filled with love
Today, Liam still has some visible after-effects. His head wobbles slightly, and his eyes still flicker sometimes. He drools a lot. He also barks more than the family's previous dogs, which Haley thinks might be linked to his neurological imbalance.
The family is working on his training, adapting their daily routine, and staying vigilant. One worry remains: the risk of another vestibular episode occurring. There's no guarantee it won't happen again.
“There were no signs before the first incident,” explains Haley. “It could be something as simple as an ear infection. We hoped he would grow out of it, but there was no certainty.”
A 'different' puppy, but a deeply happy one
Despite everything, in many ways Liam is just like any other Retriever: sociable, gentle, playful, and affectionate. He just needs a little extra attention.
The family also has wonderful support from an attentive veterinary team and breeder, who combine conventional medicine with complementary approaches. From food supplements and acupuncture to laser therapy, everything is being done to ensure his comfort.
And the results speak for themselves.
“He has made our lives infinitely more beautiful,” says Haley.
The video telling his story has already had over 151,000 views on Instagram. The comments range from sadness about his initial rejection to gratitude for the family who chose to see, above all, a puppy who needed love.
