Meet Fern! Just like her namesake, Fern is soft, sensitive, and incredibly resilient. Over the past few months, she has been on quite the medical journey, and now, as the weather warms up, she is ready to bloom right alongside it. When Fern first came to HAR, her rapid test showed heartworm negative. Unfortunately, further testing revealed she was battling heartworms, hookworms, tick borne ehrlichia, and several related complications from her time surviving on the streets. It appears she had been on her own for quite a while before being picked up. Although she initially seemed energetic and healthy, her condition took a turn and we experienced a few very scary moments. Through it all, Fern has been nothing short of remarkable. She never once let her pain dull her sweetness. In fact, the NC State ER veterinarian officially described her as "sweet," which checks out completely. Now, four months later, she is almost finished with treatment and finally ready to find the forever home she deserves. Medical backstory aside, Fern is a quintessential hound girl. She is about 4 years old and 45 pounds of curiosity and heart. She loves long walks, big sniffs, and sunbathing on the deck like it is her full time job. She is not a fan of cats, groundhogs, taking pills, or being told she cannot exercise, but honestly, who is? Fern thrives on a mix of novelty and routine. She gets excited about new toys, snacks, and adventures, but she also deeply appreciates the predictable comforts of home life. In the past month, she has even mastered the art of couch snuggling. She is endlessly sweet and gentle, yet carries herself with a quiet independence. The perfect balance of affectionate and self assured. Fern has fought hard for her second chance. Now she is just waiting for someone to share it with.