March 23 is National Puppy Day, and I’m observing it by honoring the passing of a hero who fought for dogs in puppy mills.
Harley, a one-eyed Chihuahua rescued after 10 years in a cage in a puppy mill, died this weekend at the age of 15. Like so many others, I was filled with sorrow when I saw the announcement on Harley’s Facebook page, with the beautiful photo I’m sharing here.
Harley was named American Hero Dog by the American Humane Association for his incredible comeback from his early life. Despite health problems including a diseased heart, rotten teeth, a fused spine, a broken tail, and deformed legs, he was always ready to stand up with his adopters, Rudi and Dan Taylor of Berthoud, Colorado, as part of the “Harley to the Rescue” campaign.
The campaign raised funds to save and provide medical care for more than 500 puppy mill dogs over the past two years. Harley went on rescue missions, helping to calm sad, scared dogs, and makes public appearances to educate people about puppy mills.
