20 years ago, in 2001, a tiny Chihuahua was born in a puppy mill. He was just one of countless others there, and his only purpose was to father more just like him once he was old enough.
For 10 long years, the nameless little Chihuahua fulfilled the purpose of the puppy mill owner: fathering untold numbers of Chihuahua puppies to be sold to pet stores nationwide. The tiny wire cage in which he lived was his whole world, and it was not a kind one. He lost an eye when his cage was cleaned with a power washer. Arthritis and lack of exercise left him in constant pain, and poor care led to illness and a mouth full of rotten teeth. The day came when he could no longer fulfill his purpose, and he was discarded, left to die.
Little did he know that fate would intervene and he would find a whole new life of love. The minute we saw his photo (he was in pretty rough shape), we knew we had to give him a better life for whatever time he had left. We adopted him on March 18, 2011, and he soon possessed warm sweaters, soft comfy beds, delicious food, toys galore, and a name: Harley. He also had a new, glorious purpose to his life: to tell the world about puppy mills and speak for those who could not.
Harley beat the odds and lived far longer than the 2-3 months his doctors originally gave him … he lived 5 more amazing years and he filled our lives with joy. He became known around the world for his story, and for his work against puppy mills. He traveled the country educating children and adults alike, and even addressed legislators about the horrors of the cruel puppy mill industry.
Harley is a testament to the power of love and good care. He was a fighter, and he knew he had a mission. To say he changed our lives is an understatement, and we want to believe we are better people because he lived.
“Happy Gotcha Day, Harley. Your life mattered so very much. We were so fortunate to be your mom & dad. You are missed terribly … but you are loved beyond measure, and forever and always a part of us.”
Love,
Rudi and Dan (mom & dad)
Read more about Harley here: www.harleysdream.org/harleys-story
Happy Gotcha Day. I would have love to have met you and held you. Lots of love from Chicago. Wheezer and Sandy
Happy Gotcha Day at the Bridge baby boy!!! You are loved and missed by millions of people of which I am one. Rock on little man and send your heavenly magic down so we can continue your work! PS…Say hello to Teddy and my Angels there ❤️❤️❤️
Happy Gotcha Day, Harley! 🦴🎉🦴
You are forever loved, forever missed and NEVER forgotten. I was blessed the day I found your facebook page and learned about your message to end Puppy Mills. And, I was blessed to be a small part of it. I can never begin to tell you how your love, strength and courage inspired me. Love you Harley. Hugs to you and Teddy and all the babies at Rainbow Bridge.
Happy Gotcha Day, Harley! We were so fortunate to have had you in our lives. I’ll never forget holding you at Vero Beach, FL for a “meet and greet.” We miss you terribly, but your mission goes on!
Harley’s story made me cry. How can anyone be so cruel to such innocent sweet babies like Harley .
🎉🎈Happy Gotcha Day, Harley! I was brought to your page when so many messages of worldwide love and grief kept showing themselves in my newsfeed. After reading only a few I could tell that you were a very, very special boy, indeed, so I clicked Follow and have not wavered since. I looked back quite a way, and little one, I cried for days reading about all that you had done, plus all the new messages from your mommy about how shattered she and your daddy were without you. I knew how they felt because the loss of my boy, my Zack, was still devastating to me 6 months later (and even now, still, at over 5.5 years later). I had to leave comments. I just HAD to. And do you know what, Harley! My comments were being answered! I was literally welcomed and continually acknowledged. That takes a special mommy to take the time to do that. You inspire your mom and dad to tirelessly continue on with your message. If only you could be here to roll in the grass with all the sweet and incredible pups that were given another chance for a happy life, all in your name. Harley and Teddy. I am so thankful I was brought to your pages, thankful for your mom and dad and all the people who help them, thankful for the 🤗precious souls I get to see every day because of yours and Teddy’s dream, thankful for Teddy, and I am so very thankful for you, little Harley. I didn’t know you before, yet I miss you so. 💝I love you.🎆
Happy Gotcha Day Harley! Love you!
I think we all miss him. I will never forget him. He was so special He was a little dog angel sent to teach people and help other poor dogs from suffering.