Harper
On August 31st, 2011 we received a phone call from a local central Florida Animal Control shelter about a small puppy diagnosed with “swimmer puppy syndrome.” This “syndrome” caused the puppy to splay out like a turtle, almost in a rigor mortis state and it was suggested that we euthanize her. We decided to take a chance and rescue her. We named her Harper and the rest is history…
-To read Harper’s entire story from the eyes of her rescuer, read our blog HERE
Harper on September 1st 2011 Harper at 8 months old
Harper story touched so many people’s hearts, it made national news!
We even flew to New York City for the Today Show! Check us out on the Today Show and Today.com HERE and her updated version- HERE.
Harper made Animal Planet’s Top 10 Most Awesome Dogs of 2011- see it HERE.
Harper made MSNBC’s Top Animal Stories of 2011- read it HERE.
Petfinder.com covered Harper’s story- read it HERE.
The Huffington Post story- HERE.
Daily Mail story- HERE.
Animal Planet story- HERE.
American Dog Magazine story- HERE.
Cesar’s Way Magazine story- HERE.
People.com story- HERE.
Buzzfeed.com story- HERE.
9News in Colorado story- HERE.
KSN TV in Kansas story- HERE.
TreasureCoast.com story- HERE.
Seattle Dog Spot story- HERE.
Is Harper going to be available for adoption???
She is beautiful and precious little blue pitbull. I’m so happy that the woman and Erica rescued this little baby from such a tragic end. Now little Harper is doing better than ever. I saw the news here in El Salvador covering the story of little Harper and I felt so happy to see her doing better. It makes me appreciate all the more my little Sofy who is a 4 month old pitbull.
She is such a beautiful little angel! What an amazing story.I have a beautiful daughter that has overcome some major disabilities and could relate very well to Harper. Will she go up for adoption?
Everyone loves a puppy, but I think I actually got cavities from looking at the photos of baby Harper. And the worst part is I can’t stop looking at them….I am completely in love with this little girl and I’ve never even met her. How lucky are you Erica? I know you technically rescued her (with the help of the initial angel at the Save A Lot) but Harper will surely pay you back tenfold….i just know it!
Look at that happy little face, I heard about Harper in Australia. The inspiration of determined animals like her amazes me every day <3
Harper is a beautiful, happy puppy! Thank you for giving her a chance and a wonderful home.
Oh…what a truly wonderful story of love. Thank you so much for your desire to love these animals and show them that they matter to us. So grateful to God that He had you pass that man selling pitbulls at just the right time so you could rescue Harper and give him a chance to live…and run & play!
I know God has us where we need to be in our life for a reason and seeing that horrible man with the garbage bag on that day was where that woman needed to be.
To see Harper in that last picture running with a smile on her face is pure joy and made me smile with joy.
I agree with Brandi. I just cant stop looking at her happy face. She actually has a smile. I think she knows how lucky she is. God love her.
Harper is one lucky little dog, and she looks so happy now! Her story (and the stories of other dogs helped by Dolly’s Foundation) have inspired me to make a donation. Please keep up the good work!!
what wonderful and beautiful ending for this pup! <3
Such an amazing little pup! Thank goodness for people who wanted to love her one last time. That gave her her new life.
Love this!!!!
Hate she was thrown in the trash!!!
Thank God for you! What an amazing story of cruelty turned miracle. That person who would have thrown Harper out needs to be IN JAIL!
Hello from Michigan! I have a boxer and a pitbull and I would like to know if Harper is going to go up for adoption?
No, I’m sorry Harper is not available for adoption. Thank you for your support though!
There are a LOT of puppies like Harper who are homeless — many who are in kill shelters. Please, please go look at them and save a life!
My Gloria was horribly beaten by a dog fighter and suffered severe brain damage as a result. It did not impair the quality of her life. She did not know she was different, only that she was loved. Never hesitate to rescue a special needs dog, they will pay you back in a thousand ways every day.
You know a human being by the way (he) she treats animals. Thank you for such a beautiful gesture and lesson about unconditional love, persistence and faith.
What goes around comes around and you will be abundantly blessed.
Thank you….
When I saw this story on one of the morning shows, I was in tears. Such an amazing story. Harper is the cutest! Love and kisses to her…
Am wondering the same thing everyone else is…is Harper up for adoption? If so, has she been adopted already? I can’t stop reading about this story!
Yep, Harper has been adopted. We update pictures and stories of her on our FB page. http://www.facebook.com/dollysfoundation
This story really touched me. I am a huge pit bull advocate and appreciate all the hard work and dedication of your organization. Thank you for creating awareness!
I raised an Old English Sheepdog with puppy swimmer syndrome. He lived a very wonderful life. He did have difficulties as he got older with severe arthritis, but he was the best dog I ever owned. I think his problem made him more special. Good luck to whoever chooses to adopt this little puppy. They will not regret it!!! By the way, two additional exercises which helped are walking diagnally up and down hills and “wheelbarrowing” the dog…lifting the back legs and having them walk on the front legs.