RIP Sweet Harley Taylor! I can hardly believe I am writing this. I have been an animal lover since I was a child when I was a little girl living in the UK I would go for walks in my pram and talk to every animal we passed from sheep to cows in the field I wanted them to be my friend and I theirs. Dogs, cats, horses, farm animals it didn’t matter. There are no words to describe the utter sadness I feel in my heart as I sit and write this tribute to a beautiful sweet little dog named Harley. Tears are flowing but love and light are glowing in heaven today.

I started the journey of following my friend Rudi and Dan Taylors adventures with Harley 2 years ago. Such an amazing little one-eyed dog who spent most of his life in a cage living among filth, no blankets for warmth, no toys, not free to roam the great outdoors just stuck in a small tiny cage in darkness. He lost his eye after having been power washed in his cage can you imagine the cruelty of that I can’t. Harley was a WARRIOR he survived 10 brutal years in a puppy mill and survived he fought to survive so one day he could tell his story and boy did he ever.

He was adopted by Dan and Rudi Taylor of Berthoud, Colorado and for the last 5 years of his life this little 6 pound, Chihuahua was given the best medical attention, so much love, and was finally free. Free to explore, to love, to eat, be warm, have toys and share with the world his disdain for puppy mills and those that still exist. Harley indeed was lucky because a woman who worked for the puppy mill took him away and turned him over to a rescue and then he met the Taylors. He was their gift but they were Harleys biggest blessing. From the time he was set free he never wanted for anything. This little guy could not have been more loved but the love he gave back was unmeasurable.

I am grateful to the Taylors for not only rescuing him but for allowing the public to follow and fall in love with him that is why his loss is so hard everyday they would have a post on his facebook page and end his day with an update on what was happening. They just returned recently from another rescue Super Harley to the Rescue with his daring sidekick and best buddy Teddy along with National Mill Dog Rescue were able to rescue many more puppies and dogs.

Over the years, Harley was educating children and adults about puppy mills. His campaign, ‘Harley to the Rescue,’ has raised more than $500,000 and Harley has personally participated in the freeing of more than 500 dogs from puppy mills across the Midwest. In spite of his medical challenges, he never gave up or stopped trying.

In September, he was honored with the American Hero Dog’ award at the 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards their definition of a Hero fits Harley to a T. “Heroes are not judged merely by their size but by the size of their hearts. Harley beat out 170 other amazing HERO dogs and was always so humble and gracious to everyone. 

Harley had special needs just like many of our kids but he never let that stop him he inspired me, got me involved in the advocacy against puppy mills but most of all he had me at hello. That beautiful sweet face just melted my heart the first time I saw his picture. He became an instant social media sensation and was well known around the world. Everyone knew Harley Taylor everyone loved Harley Taylor from children to adults wherever he went crowds showed up to support his mission and children in school couldn’t wait to pet and love on him. He inspires, gives people and children with special needs hope and the confidence that people of all ages and in all walks of life who are able to relate to his beautiful imperfections can see past his appearance and see him for what he truly is a loving compassionate soul.  

He’s been featured on the cover of popular magazines, on television, and radio. These last few days Harley started suffering seizures yes animals like humans can develop seizures. Harley had his first one just recently and it scared him the same way it does our kids and the parents but with Harley being Harley he was confident he would fight those seizures too. He was put on Keppra and although I do not know if seizures were the cause of his passing what I do know is that Harleys legacy is something I plan on continuing through involvement with National Mill Dog Rescue as a monthly donor in his memory. 

Harley just turned 15 years old this past Friday it was also his GOTCHA DAY the day that two beautiful people set him free. Harley is running free and chasing his friends that went before him, free from seizures, free from heart problems, seeing with both eyes again and shining his light down on each of us. Harley Freight Train Taylor I will never forget you, I will help your family and friends with your mission and know you will be guiding us from above. GOD BLESS YOU little buddy your job here on earth is done you did great and although we cry and are sad the brightest star in Heaven is knowing your mission will always be carried out. We will make you proud as you have made each of us proud. 

Goodnight Sweet Harley A Little Dog With a Big Dream we will love and miss you forever little buddy rest well you have earned those beautiful wings. Harley is survived by his Parents, Dan and Rudi Taylor, his two beautiful children Harley Jr. and Zoie, lots of nieces, nephews and friends.

For more information Harley

For Information on National Mill Dog Rescue 

Harley’s Facebook Page