Puppy mill survivor wins 2015 Hero Dog Award

[BuelahWitch]

"Harley spent 10 years living in a small cage in a puppy mill before he was rescued and found a loving home. His journey of physical and emotional healing inspired a campaign called “Harley to the Rescue” which has raised the funds to save (and provide medical care for) more than 500 dogs from puppy mills over the past two years. Harley personally goes on these rescue missions; and there is no doubt that Harley is keenly aware of what is happening!"
<snip>
"Harley’s grizzled appearance is a testament to the care and nurturing that he had never received. He had issues: a diseased heart, a mouth filled with rot, a fused spine, a broken tail, gnarled toes, and legs that were deformed. And then there is the missing eye – the result of his cage being power-washed with him in it (an all too common practice in puppy mills). All of these conditions were the result of years of horrendous neglect and abuse. Harley is a voice for the thousands of breeding dogs still living in puppy mills, and by winning the “Emerging Hero” award it will draw attention to help further his mission."

http://www.herodogawards.org/hda2015vote-harley

I "met" Harley through Facebook. He was saved by an organization called National Mill Dog Rescue. I am so proud that this little guy won Hero Dog of 2015. He and his family have done so much to educate people about the horror of puppy mills, including me.

[brer cat]

1. Reading these stories of horrid abuse

of animals is so hard and depressing, but at the same time they are heartwarming. To see a little guy like Harley receive the care and love that he deserves renews my faith in my fellow humans. Hats off to National Mill Dog Rescue.

[BuelahWitch]

3. His family adopted three other chi's besides Harley

All rescues from puppy mills. His story is so inspiring, I had to pass it on to animal lovers at DU!

[shenmue]

2. Oh my

What a wonderful dog.

[rusty quoin]

4. It is horrible. We humans are good and bad. I don't know what to say, but I am sad.

[GGJohn]

5. I just don't understand how some humans can be soooooooo cruel towards animals.

They suffer pain, emotional distress, stress, etc. just like humans, so why the inhumane treatment?
I guess I don't understand it because it's something I would NEVER even contemplate.

[roody]

6. Please stop buying puppy mill dogs.

This cruelty exists because people buy the dogs. It should be illegal.

[BuelahWitch]

7. Harley and his "Mom" made their local news tonight

http://www.krdo.com/news/former-mill-dog-from-colorado-named-2015-american-hero-dog/35403304