03/17/2025
On August 14th, 2010, you were born, one of eight pups, to a mama in the shelter during a distemper outbreak. Kathryn Sharp asked me to be a puppy foster to protect them from the disease. Your siblings were all adopted, yet you stayed behind with me. Every person who came to meet you witnessed the high-drive, bitey, flying pup and walked away—except me. I saw you, I understood you, and I swore to love you. It was the best foster win ever.
We traveled all over the US together, searching for lost souls—dogs and people, 140 searches in your life. Some ended in celebration, most not so much. But we had each other to lean on after each, no matter the outcome. We battled storms; I carried you over scorching hot rocks mid-Texas summer; we camped by tornados, played ball at ocean camps, and froze together in the snow after a wild ski lift ride.
You helped me teach countless people how to understand dogs, befriended some dogs that no one thought could have friends, helped raise 60 orphans (dogs, chickens, kittens), stood by my side for 150 community outreach trainings, and way too many failed relationships. You helped countless school children learn not to bully or be bullied and countless more dogs to do the same.
You were my soulmate, partner, shadow, and shoulder to cry on for 14 yrs. We both fought hard to win your cancer battle and even today, though you could not stand, you wagged your tail while I cried and said my last goodbye.
Mama Harley, you take a giant piece of my heart and soul with you. I hope I have given you the best life a dog could want and that you know how much I love you. Rest easy; there will be no more pain, just tennis balls, and grass to roll in. I love you forever
K9 Workingmind is dedicated to teaching humans how to communicate with their dogs.
