Harley’s Dream: Rescuing Senior Dogs from Cruelty in Colorado

They say, "Every dog is a hero," but for Colorado's Berthoud, they really mean it. Harley's tragic yet heroic life came to an end in 2016; in 2023, Berthoud put a statue of Harley in one of their parks.

Not just in Berthoud, not just in Colorado, but dog lovers worldwide have become familiar with Harley and the organization that bears his name: Harley's Dream.

It was in 2011 that Rudi Taylor of Berthoud found out about this poor, little Chihuahua that had finally been rescued from a puppy mill.

While at the mill for his 10 years of life, he'd lost an eye from a power washer, had his legs mangled, and had other ailments afflict him.

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Rudi adopted Harley, brought him back to Colorado, and began the process of becoming a loved and loving dog once again. Berthoud supported the little Chihuahua, and soon the news spread of Harley.

Harley became an ambassador, spreading the word about what happens to dogs in puppy mills. He was also an inspiration to many about overcoming "your imperfections." For the five years that Harley lived after that puppy mill, he helped to save over 700 dogs/puppies from mills.

Though Harley passed in 2016, Harley's Dream continues on in his honor.

Harley’s Dream was established in 2016 in honor of Harley, a senior one-eyed puppy mill survivor who became the face and voice of the puppy mill dogs, earning the distinction of being the 2015 American Hero Dog for his work. Our mission is to create awareness and educate the public about the cruel commercial dog breeding industry (also known as puppy mills) and to rescue and rehome senior dogs in need.

 

Today, a small bronze sculpture of Harley stands in Berthoud's Fickel Park.

You'll find Harley among several other sculptures on the park's southern side.

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According to the Reporter-Herald, the bronze sculpture was digitally re-created and enlarged from a much smaller original piece by Helen Violet in 2016.

WHERE IS THE STATUE OF HARLEY IN BERTHOUD, COLORADO?

Fickel Park lies between 6th and 7th Street along Mountain Avenue in Berthoud.