This past summer I was an intern at the Champaign County Humane Society and this is where my story begins.
Harley arrived at the shelter around the same time I became an intern. He was severely over weight, with a bad case of skin dermatitis leaving him with crusty bloody skin. His fur was terribly mangled and due to his overweight he had skin folds leaving parts of his skin hidden becoming sweaty and smelly. His behavior was no better. Harley would growl and be extremely territorial. Not many people could approach him, strangely with the exception of me. Unfortunately, there was always work to be done and spending extra time with the dogs was not an option. My internship came to an end and I said my goodbyes to Harley. To no surprise, I was informed that Harley had snapped and would be euthanized for his aggressive behavior. I was given the option of rescuing him. However, I am a full time student athlete with a job, and taking care of a dog was not an option but I decided to take him in. This decision will be the greatest decision I have ever made. Harley is now a puppy at heart with a love for his mommy and still his food! He has lost a significant amount of weight and his fur has grown in beautifully. I may have saved his life but he has given me more life than I ever thought possible. He is the true rescuer in my life and I will forever be grateful for him.
Champaign, IL
