A personal message from Dan & Rudi Taylor:
In all our years rescuing, fostering and being advocates for dogs, we’ve never had anyone tell us that we are doing the “wrong thing.” We don’t claim to have all the answers nor are we perfect, but the well-being of the dogs in our care has always been paramount. Lately, however, in regard to Frankie, we’re receiving quite a few messages questioning our decision not to adopt him ourselves, and we feel it’s important that everyone understand our intentions.
When we developed “Harley’s House of Dreams,“ as the rescue program of Harley’s Dream, it was with the firm understanding that we will save senior dogs one at a time in Harley’s honor, nurse them to health, and then find them the perfect loving forever home based on each one’s unique personality and individual needs.
If we were to keep Frankie, our program would not work. “Harley’s House of Dreams“ is a stepping-stone for senior dogs who might otherwise have been euthanized. We simply could never rescue all those we would like to if we were to adopt each one ourselves.
Many of you think that Frankie will fill the void of losing Fernando, and it warms our hearts to know how much you care. Please understand, we are not ready emotionally to fill that void at this time. That’s a nice thought, but as so many of you know, it’s just not the way it works. If only it were that easy!
Frankie is a special-needs dog, requiring more attention and time then we can provide long-term. We are committed to, and more than up to the challenge of, providing all that he needs until the right home is found for him – that has been our goal from the beginning. But in addition to our work for Harley’s Dream, we also have full-time jobs, not to mention that we currently have 5 dogs of our own who all require and deserve our attention.
We have fostered many dogs over the years and we truly believe that a dog instinctively knows when it is on a “stopover” to its forever home. At this time Frankie has not bonded with us. Yes, he clearly enjoys our company and all that we do for him, but truthfully, he is still concerned about the life he left behind (regardless of how horrible and sad it may have been, that was the only life he knew).
We love and adore Frankie and we would never turn him over to a total stranger. We are committed to carefully screening potential adopters to find the perfect home for him based on his needs and the adopter’s ability to always provide for him in every way – physically, emotionally and medically. While it’s true that in time he would probably adapt and fit into our “pack”, we believe he deserves a home where he won’t have to compete with 5 other dogs for attention, but rather will receive all the attention that he desires – and deserves.
We are grateful for all the love and concern everyone is showing not only for Frankie, but for Dan and me as well. There will never be another Fernando, just as there will never be another Harley, and in time we know another little dog will come into our lives who is meant to be a part of our family. But we are still grieving Fernando and, as so many of you know, grieving is a very unique and individual process; there’s no right or wrong way to go through it. We each have to do so in our own time and in our own way. We ask for your understanding on that.
In closing, we respectfully ask everyone to trust our decisions and understand that we will always do what we feel is in Frankie’s best interest. Please be assured, Frankie will only know love, kindness and comfort for the rest of his life. We know the perfect home is out there for him, and he’ll stay with us until we find it. We are honored to be a part of Frankie’s journey – the first of many dogs who we hope will include “Harley’s House of Dreams” on their path to their forever homes – and we appreciate your love and support as we embark upon this new aspect of our mission. We couldn’t do it without you!
Rudi & Dan
Timeline: Frankie’s Journey
I have to admit although I never verbalized it…that in my heart I wondered why you did not adopt Frankie…
Now I understand totally… Thank you for posting that heartfelt letter so now many of us including myself I truly understand the mission and purpose of Harley Dream.
God bless you Rudi and Dan….
💜nose nudges 💜
CEO Olivia
It is wonderful how you guys rescue and help these dogs. You know best what they and you need to function. Two years ago I lost my two dogs in less than a year and I’m still grieving. I think people should keep their selfish thoughts to themselves. You know best! Thank you for all you do.
I’m sure everyone respects the work you, Dan and the group do to protect these wonderful dogs. It’s not easy taking care of senior dogs, never mind the vet bills. Bless you all for all you do. I still miss Harley, even tho I never met him. And it’s all because of your postings for the great work you do.
Sent from my iPad
Beautifully said. Personally, I’ve not felt the need to question or wonder what and why you are doing what you’re doing. I’m just happy that Fernando and now Frankie has been able to have the love that they have had for however long. Thank you for that.
Y’all are amazing people who are doing amazing things!! Thank you for carrying Harley’s dream and rescuing senior dogs!! I know you will find the perfect home for Frankie! Thank you for keeping us updated daily, pictures of Frankie always make my day brighter!!!
No one dog (or cat) can replace another. I’d like to make a donation in memory of Fernando to Harley’s House of Hope. It can go towards Frankie’s medical expenses or the next dog in need. I’ll include it in my annual Harley Christmas card. I appreciate what you’re doing for the senior, special needs dogs!
Thank you for everything you are doing!!
This beautiful statement was very well thought out and written. Hopefully it will put to rest everyone’s thoughts on what you “should” be doing. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
God Bless You. For all you do. I, for one, know that Frankie’s health and happiness is paramount in your hearts, Rudi and Dan. You will know the right forever home for him when you see it. Until then…I sleep soundly knowing he is safe in your care, being loved, and experiencing every hope he could have ever (or never) dreamed of. Thank, Rudi and Dan. You never cease to amaze me. <3
I lost my soulmate, Little Guy, 2 months after Harley passed. Although I have 5 Chihuahuas, the emptiness and grieving continues to this day. I wear his collar and tags on my wrist, complete with some of his hair, so he will always be with me. I dearly love my other 5. But they’re just not Little Guy. Last week at 3 in the morning I rushed one to emergency because he aspirated and was having trouble breathing. He was on antibiotics and oxygen for 2 days. I was so relieved when they called and said I could bring him home. He was the first I had ever been able to bring back home after an emergency!
I guess my point is: don’t say to me, “It’s just a dog” or “You spent how much on a dog!” Or, in your case, “I can’t believe you’re not going to keep him!” Both of you are wonderful, loving and devoted people. You both have seen horrors that a lot of us could not stomach. I’ve met both of you 2 times and hell, I want to come back as a Chihuahua and live with you!
Sorry for such a long post, but I wanted you both to know you are very much loved and I personally look so forward to your posts. The comments of a few do NOT voice the opinions of us, Harley’s Heroes. God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Please know that I have the utmost trust, respect and confidence in everything you do. I do not follow the story of Harley’s legacy to pass judgement. You inspire me and restore my faith in humanity. Rudi and Dan, you are my heroes.
Thank you Rudi and Dan for all you are doing for Frankie! You are angels! You are doing a Great job! Love you guys! ❤️🐶🐾🌻
Bless you for all you do!
No need to explain, but thank you for your heartfelt message.
Continue to follow your hearts Rudi & Dan…You know best! 💖💖
I would be doing the same.We have loved many dogs in our lives.Frankie is in good hands. We know he is loved. Do what your hearts tell you…..You are good people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a wonderfully written reply to those questions. It is so hard to let them go after you’ve rescued them…but as you said…another little soul is waiting for that spot and someone is meant to love the one you already have….. <3 <3 <3
Thank you for sharing this information
With all the wonderful work you do, I think it’s sad that you had to write this and defend yourselves. A lot of these dogs do wonderfully and live a life they’ve never known. Some have more time left then others but these that you help know warmth, good food and more love then they have ever or would have ever if not for you. The world is a sad place to take a blow at such wonderful people and organization….. God Bless you and thank you for sharing this with us.
Well said! I applaud you! Some people, (usually those who know nothing of fostering any animal), always seem to have the most to say. I hope you know that 99.99% of all of Harley’s followers know you are doing everything right. It makes me angry when I hear that some think you’re doing it wrong. Ignore them, for they know nothing of which the speak. God Bless you, and I hope, for all the many abused and discarded animals you save, that you continue your selfless work for many years to come. I am a true fan of rescues and amazing people such as yourselves. ❤️🐾🐾
Love you Frankie 🌻
I know you will do what is best for Frankie and find him a loving forever home. Thank you for all you do in helping those precious fur babies!
i cannot believe that anyone would question what Rudi and Dan are doing. Any dog they take in has the best care and love and the dog’s well-being is always their main concern. If it was not for them, Frankie, as well as Fernando and Harley would of died a horrible death. Rudi and Dan Taylor are to be commended, not questioned about their work for dogs.
Dearest Rudi & Dan, I think you are doing what is best for Frankie. You both are such very caring dog parents!! You have so much care & love for your furbabies. I don’t like to play favorites, but there was Something so very Special about Harley. I know the heartache of losing him will always be with you. The loss of Fernando is so new still. I’m so sorry for his loss. Bless you both, Frankie & Fernando.
I know that you are doing the right thing. There is a Christmas card on its way for you all. Frankie deserves the best and I know you will help him get it.
I trust your judgment and hearts of gold completely, dear Rudy and Dan..
Would never ever feel the need to question it..
Dog bless you both
♥♥
Thank you
Thank you for rescuing Frankie. You and Dan know what is right for Frankie and I know you will find him the perfect home where he will be loved and taken care of. God Bless.